Psychiatrist in Encinitas — adult & child psychiatry
Careful, conservative psychiatric care for Encinitas, Cardiff, Leucadia, and Olivenhain — including honest conversations about when medication is not the right answer.
A psychiatrist who will tell you when medication isn’t the answer
Encinitas families often arrive at a psychiatrist’s office with real ambivalence. Many have thought carefully about their health, prefer conservative interventions, and worry that a psychiatric consultation means walking out with a prescription regardless of what is actually going on. That concern is reasonable, and it deserves a direct response rather than reassurance.
Dr. Leila Hariri is double board-certified in Adult Psychiatry and in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. A meaningful portion of her clinical work involves concluding that medication is not indicated — that the more accurate answer is a sleep intervention, a school accommodation, the right therapist, treatment of an underlying medical issue, or simply more time and closer observation. An evaluation is a diagnostic process, not a prescribing appointment.
How care works here
Medication decisions made explicitly, not by default
When medication is worth considering, you will hear the reasoning: what it is expected to do, how long a fair trial takes, what side effects to watch for, what the alternatives are, and what happens if it doesn’t work. When it isn’t warranted, you will hear that instead — along with what to do about the problem in front of you.
Children and teens in the San Dieguito district
Students moving from Encinitas Union elementary schools into San Dieguito Academy or La Costa Canyon often present with anxiety, attention difficulties, or school avoidance. Evaluation includes information from school where useful, because a child who functions differently in the classroom than at home is telling you something diagnostically important.
Coordination with the clinicians you already trust
With your consent, Dr. Hariri works directly with your therapist, pediatrician, or primary care physician. Psychiatric care is one part of a plan, and it works best when everyone involved understands the same plan.
What Dr. Hariri treats
Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and medication management for children, adolescents, and adults. A fuller list is on the conditions treated page.
Adults in Encinitas
- Depression and persistent low mood
- Anxiety, panic, and social anxiety
- Adult ADHD evaluation
- Bipolar spectrum disorders
- OCD and related conditions
- Trauma-related symptoms and PTSD
- Insomnia and burnout
Children & Teens in Encinitas
- ADHD evaluation and treatment
- Childhood and adolescent anxiety
- School refusal and avoidance
- Adolescent depression and irritability
- Mood dysregulation and anger
- Tics and Tourette’s disorder
- Behavioral concerns
How Care Is Delivered
- Extended diagnostic evaluation (60–90 min)
- Psychiatric medication management
- Second-opinion consultations
- Parent guidance sessions
- Collaboration with your therapist
- School and pediatrician coordination
- Secure telehealth statewide
In person or by secure video
Encinitas, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Leucadia, and Olivenhain patients are seen at the North County San Diego office, with secure telehealth available anywhere in California. Telehealth appointments are available to any patient physically located in California, which also covers Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Leucadia, Olivenhain, Solana Beach, and Rancho Santa Fe.
This is a private, out-of-network practice: payment is due at the time of service, and a monthly superbill is provided so you can pursue reimbursement through your plan’s out-of-network mental health benefits. The fees page explains exactly how to check what your plan will cover before you book.
Nearby communities
Dr. Hariri’s practice serves families throughout coastal North County San Diego.
Request a consultation
A brief, confidential conversation to understand what you’re facing and outline sensible next steps.