Sungeun Melanie Lee, MD, PhD
Board-Certified Adult Psychiatrist

Sungeun Melanie Lee

M.D., Ph.D.

Thoughtful psychiatric care that combines clinical expertise, scientific curiosity, and individualized treatment.
Dr. Sungeun Melanie Lee is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who takes a holistic and personalized approach to mental health care. She combines evidence-based medication management, psychotherapy, and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to help patients navigate a wide range of psychiatric concerns while supporting long-term wellness and personal growth. Dr. Lee believes effective psychiatric care requires understanding the unique experiences, challenges, and goals that shape each person’s life and treatment journey.

About Dr. Lee

Dr. Sungeun Melanie Lee is a board-certified adult psychiatrist at Adelpha Psychiatric Group in Encino, California

Her background combines advanced medical training with extensive scientific research, providing a unique perspective on the biological, psychological, and social factors that influence mental health. She works collaboratively with patients to develop individualized treatment plans that are grounded in evidence-based care while remaining responsive to each person’s unique needs and goals.

Dr. Lee believes psychiatric treatment works best when it addresses the whole person rather than focusing solely on symptoms. Her approach integrates medication management, psychotherapy, and advanced treatment options when clinically appropriate.

Conditions Treated

Areas of Clinical Interest

Dr. Lee has experience treating:

  • Depression and Mood Disorders
  • Anxiety Disorders
  • ADHD
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders
  • Psychotic Disorders
  • Sleep-Related Disorders
  • Psychosomatic Disorders
  • Stress and Life Transitions
  • Complex Psychiatric Conditions

Treatment recommendations are individualized and developed collaboratively with each patient based on their needs, goals, and circumstances.

In-Depth Training

Specialized Expertise

Psychotherapy

Dr. Lee incorporates multiple evidence-based psychotherapeutic approaches into treatment and tailors therapy to the unique needs of each patient. She believes psychotherapy can be an important tool for building insight, strengthening coping skills, improving relationships, and creating meaningful change.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

Dr. Lee is experienced in the use of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), an FDA-cleared, non-invasive treatment that may be appropriate for certain patients with depression, anxious depression, or OCD. She incorporates TMS as part of a broader treatment strategy when clinically appropriate.

Psychiatric Research

Dr. Lee’s research background contributes to her thoughtful and evidence-based approach to patient care. Her work has explored the relationship between the gut microbiome and neuropsychiatric conditions, reflecting her interest in understanding the complex biological systems that influence mental health.

Approach to Care

Treatment Philosophy

Dr. Lee believes psychiatric care works best when it is collaborative, evidence-based, and tailored to the individual.

She recognizes that every patient’s experiences, symptoms, and goals are different. Her treatment philosophy emphasizes understanding the broader context of a person’s life while integrating scientific evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preferences into the treatment process.

By combining medication management, psychotherapy, and advanced treatment approaches when appropriate, she strives to help patients build resilience, improve functioning, and achieve lasting improvements in their quality of life.

Academic Background

Therapeutic Approaches

Dr. Lee utilizes a variety of evidence-based treatment approaches, including:
Her integrative approach allows treatment to be tailored to each patient’s unique circumstances and goals.

Approach to Care

Education & Training

Academic Background

Research & Academic Contributions

Following residency, Dr. Lee completed a year of research fellowship at UCLA focused on studying the relationship between the gut microbiota and neuropsychiatric conditions with inflammatory components.

Her continued interest in psychiatric research reflects a commitment to advancing the understanding of mental health conditions and incorporating emerging scientific knowledge into clinical care.

Patient Experience

Why Patients Choose Dr. Lee

Patients often appreciate Dr. Lee’s:

No need to decide alone.

Finding the Right Fit

Choosing a psychiatric provider is an important decision, and many patients are unsure where to begin.

You do not need to select the “perfect” provider before contacting Adelpha.

Our team can help determine which physician or therapist may be the best fit based on:

The goal is to connect you with the provider who is most appropriate for your situation.

If you are unsure where to begin, reaching out is a reasonable first step.

Adelpha provides thoughtful, comprehensive psychiatric care for patients and families who want clear guidance, qualified support, and care that sees the whole person.

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