Dr Yang Xu - Growing Minds Mental Health Services

Dr. Brenda Abarca, MD, MPH

Pay Rate: $350/hour

Insurance accepted:

Anthem

Cigna

Aetna

UHC

VHP

Languages Supported:

English

Spanish

Expert Spanish-Speaking Child and Forensic Psychiatrist in the Bay Area

Finding a highly specialized mental health professional can be challenging. If you are seeking a Spanish-speaking child and forensic psychiatrist in the Bay Area, Dr. Brenda Abarca provides expert, patient-centered virtual care. As a dual board-certified Adult and Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist with specialized forensic experience, she delivers comprehensive evaluations and medication management fluently in both English and Spanish.

  • Ver el perfil de la Dra. Abarca en español.

Clinical Expertise & Forensic Background

Dr. Abarca completed her general psychiatry residency and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry fellowship at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.

Her robust clinical background uniquely positions her to handle complex cases. In addition to her pediatric work, Dr. Abarca has extensive experience providing psychiatric evaluations and care for justice-involved individuals transitioning back into the community. This background in forensic settings allows her to confidently navigate complex clinical, family, and legal dynamics while applying trauma-informed care.

A Collaborative, Patient-Centered Philosophy

Dr. Abarca believes in the power of building a strong therapeutic alliance. She takes the time to understand each patient within the context of their family, relationships, school or work, culture, and life experiences.

Her primary goal is to provide thoughtful, evidence-based, and individualized psychiatric care. By keeping communication clear and practical, Dr. Abarca ensures that patients and their families truly understand their options and feel actively involved in decisions about their care. To support this modern approach, our clinic seamlessly integrates mental health care with AI & technology to optimize communication, secure records, and track treatment progress.

Specialties and Conditions Treated

Dr. Abarca enjoys working with children, adolescents, and adults. She brings a warm, steady presence to patients navigating:

  • Forensic & Complex Evaluations: Psychiatric assessments addressing trauma, behavioral challenges, and justice-involved transitions.
  • ADHD & Executive Functioning: Practical medication management and behavioral strategies.
  • Anxiety & Social Phobia: Compassionate care for school, work, and social stressors.
  • Depression & Mood Disorders: Collaborative treatment plans to restore well-being.
  • Major Life Transitions: Supportive guidance through family, academic, or legal shifts.

Flexible Bay Area Telehealth & Insurance

To accommodate busy families and professionals, Dr. Abarca offers flexible telehealth appointments:

  • Schedule: Tuesdays (throughout the day), Saturday mornings, and select weekday evenings.
  • Fees & Insurance: Dr. Abarca’s private pay rate is $350/hour. She is also proudly in-network with Anthem, Cigna, Aetna, UHC, and VHP.

Outside the Office

When she is not practicing psychiatry, Dr. Abarca loves being outdoors, reading, and spending time with family and friends. Running is a major part of her life; she frequently participates in half marathons and full marathons, using an active lifestyle to maintain personal balance.

Partner with an expert. Dr. Abarca offers Tuesday, Saturday morning, and evening telehealth appointments. We accept Anthem, Cigna, Aetna, UHC, and VHP.

Contact us today to verify your insurance and book your virtual intake.

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