Attention to men's Lives

Mental wellness focused on understanding men's emotional lives. Making space for you to decompress and time for you to be heard. Examining how societal expectations, hormonal changes, and cultural pressures impact mental health throughout the male lifespan. Addressing the intersection of boyhood, masculinity, relationships, and career in a rapidly changing social landscape. 

Male Depression and Emotional Expression

Depression in men often presents differently than in women, frequently masked by anger, irritability, or withdrawal rather than traditional sadness. The reasons for this begin in boyhood from messaging young boys receive from culture around them as well as from the impact of hormones on the body and brain. Men may exhibit increased risk-taking behaviors, substance use, or workaholism as ways of coping with underlying depression. The cultural expectation that men are less emotionally literate prevents men from recognizing their own mental health needs; when the reality is that men hold a deep well of emotion that is not often tapped into or expressed. Dr. Lerner understands these unique presentations and works collaboratively with male patients to identify and treat depression in its various forms, helping men develop healthy emotional expression and coping strategies.

MAsculinity and Relationships

Traditional masculine ideals can create significant challenges in intimate relationships, often beginning in boyhood when boys wait to receive acceptance, love, care, and support without experiencing the attunement they need. Gaps in being seen and missed opportunities to be held by caregivers who were not attuned to their emotional needs can lead to a quieting of the young boy self and communication difficulties, emotional disconnect, and relationship conflict. These early attachment disruptions can create lasting patterns that cause men to struggle with expressing vulnerability, asking for help, and engaging in emotional connection—skills that are essential for healthy partnerships. Parenthood can afford a healing opportunity to re-connect with your own young self and offer a different experience to your own growing children. The pressure to be the "provider" or "protector" can create additional stress, particularly during life transitions such as job loss, illness, or family changes. Divorce and separation can be particularly challenging for men who may have limited emotional support systems. Dr. Lerner helps men develop the connection to themselves necessary for healthy relationships while upholding clear communication and the boundaries their authentic selves need in the context of partnership and family life.

Men’s Hormonal Health and Mental Wellness

Hormonal changes significantly impact men's mental health throughout their lifespan, yet this connection is often overlooked in traditional mental health treatment. Testosterone fluctuations, particularly during andropause (male menopause), can contribute to depression, anxiety, irritability, and cognitive changes. Low testosterone levels have been linked to increased rates of depression and decreased motivation. Dr. Lerner's expertise in reproductive psychiatry provides a unique perspective on the intricate relationship between hormonal health and mental wellness in men, offering integrated treatment approaches that address both biological and psychological components.

Male Loneliness and social connection

The epidemic of male loneliness has become a significant public health concern, with research showing that men are less likely to maintain close friendships and social support networks as they age. The struggle to balance work and family leaves little time for cultivating friendships. Opportunities to find rapport with other guys outside of athletics and professional settings are few and far between. Challenges in emotional intelligence and communication skills can make it difficult to build and maintain meaningful bonds with male friends. We can address the psychological barriers to male friendship and familiarity, and work on developing the skills needed to build authentic, supportive relationships that enhance both mental health and overall life satisfaction.

Men in the Workplace

The modern workplace presents unique mental health challenges, from the pressure to constantly perform and compete in a changing technologic and economic future, to managing work-life balance while maintaining career advancement. Executive burnout, imposter syndrome, and the pressure of performance reviews can significantly impact mental health. Career transitions, job loss, or retirement can trigger identity crises. The changing nature of work and evolving workplace cultures, requires new coping strategies. Dr. Lerner provides specialized support for professional men, helping them develop sustainable approaches to career success that prioritize both performance and mental wellness.

Clinical Approach

Dr. Lerner utilizes a combination of cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, and psychodynamic techniques in addition to medication management.

Academic Focus

Dr. Lerner is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco Medical School, where she teaches and supervises medical students and psychiatry residents.

Dr. Lerner specializes in male depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, workplace stress, relationship challenges, life transitions, grief and loss.

She has expertise in the unique presentations of mental health conditions in men, male communication patterns, the intersection of masculinity and emotional wellness, and integrated approaches to men's hormonal and psychological health. 

Diplomate

American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology

Assistant Clinical Professor

University of California
San Francisco

Past Chair

Department of Psychiatry
Marin General Hospital