About Dr. Rotunda

Training and Credentials

I received a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Human Communications and Psychology, and a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Biological Sciences at Hunter College in New York City. After obtaining my medical degree (M.D.) at Downstate Medical School (State University of New York at Brooklyn), I went on to complete my residency training in Adult Psychiatry and additional subspecialty training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at Harbor-UCLA in Torrance, CA.

During my Psychiatry residency and fellowship, I learned the significance of therapy in the care of my patients. As well, in order to use medications safely and effectively, patients would need to be understood in terms of their lives, not just their symptoms. My training was broadened with the study of psychotherapy; I learned from experienced adult and child psychotherapists. I am fortunate to have developed a deep understanding of family dynamics through my involvement in the family therapy clinic in the Psychology Division at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA).  I was a student for a year, and then, as a volunteer clinician, helped to supervise psychology and child psychiatry fellows for three years. 

Practice Philosophy

I have been blessed with the opportunity to learn from extraordinary teachers and mentors, but even more so, it has been the patients and their families that have taught and inspired me the most. Despite suffering through times when the simplest things can become the most difficult, patients learn to move forward, which can be both humbling and extraordinary to observe and achieve with them. As one of my most memorable teachers, Dr. Milton Miller, said years before he died, “The bumps are part of the road.”

And so those bumps in life symbolically become opportunities to lead a more enriching and healthy life. With advanced research and technology to aid diagnosis and treatment, the field of mental health has never been as promising as it is today. However, despite the most novel of developments, what invariably determines success is whether our work together will enhance your or your loved one’s life. It is my commitment to you and your family that we will work as a team to alleviate your suffering and restore your health.