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)