Sharon Houk-Syau, MD , MPH
Compassionate, Thoughtful Care
My Practice Philosophy
Welcome! I am a dual board-certified Orange County psychiatrist dedicated to working with children, adolescents, and young adults. My approach is grounded in compassion, curiosity, and a thoughtful understanding of each person's unique life story.
I believe that wellbeing is more than just feeling “less bad“—it’s about building a more connected and meaningful life. To support my patients in this journey, I aim to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where we can explore challenges, build on strengths, and foster a deeper sense of self-understanding.
A Collaborative & Integrative Approach
My practice is built on collaboration.
For my child and adolescent patients, I work closely with family members because a strong support system is crucial to a young person's success.
For patients already in therapy, I am a strong partner and collaborate closely with their existing providers to ensure comprehensive, coordinated care.
I take a strategic and thoughtful approach to medication, aiming for the lowest effective dose and leaning on therapy as the primary path to building lasting skills.
My Credentials
Dual Board Certifications: Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and Adult Psychiatry — American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
Fellowship: Child & Adolescent Psychiatry — University of California, Irvine
Residency: Adult Psychiatry — Kaiser Permanente, San Jose
Medical School: MD — University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Graduate School: MPH in Community Health — UTHealth School of Public Health
Undergraduate: BA in English — Rice University (summa cum laude)