Category: Behavioral Health and Counseling Staff

Erin Benesch, DO

Biography

I graduated from Western University of Health Sciences, College of the Pacific.  I completed General Psychiatry residency at Harbor UCLA Medical Center in Torrance, and I completed a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at the same institution.  I am proud to serve the patients of the Hurtt Family Health Clinic.

 

Practice Philosophy

The best health care results are achieved with a multidimensional treatment plan which often includes both therapy and medication management.  I believe in minimizing the amount of medications needed and in whole-person health.

Peter Hung, MD

Biography

I graduated from the Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University, and went on to complete my training in adult psychiatry at the Olive View UCLA Medical Center. I then obtained additional training to work with children and adolescents at the Harbor UCLA Medical Center in Torrance, CA. Since completion of my training I have worked in a wide variety of practice settings.

 

Practice Philosophy

I believe in taking a collaborative and evidence based approach to my practice. My goal is to use the latest available research to guide you towards making a decision for your mental health treatment that fits you best, whether that involve medication or not.

Laurie Mazzei, MSPAS, MPH

Biography

I completed my training at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, CA where I received a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies. I was trained in a dual diagnosis treatment setting where I treated patients with both addiction, and mental health diagnoses. I consider it a privilege to work with this population, and others in need of treatment.

Practice Philosophy

I consider working as a Physician Assistant an opportunity to make a contribution to my community. I believe in a multi faceted approach to treatment that includes medication, therapy, and other modalities that address the whole person.

Esmeralda Lopez, Psychiatric NP

Biography

Originally, from Santa Ana, I am fortunate to be a product of hard working parents who strived to give me the best. I attended UC Riverside, where I studied Psychology and Neuroscience before deciding to pursue Nursing after meeting a Psych nurse who introduced me to the capabilities of Nursing. I later earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from the University of Rochester, School of Nursing. Shortly after graduating with my BSN, I made my way back to California.

Through my 9 years of Nursing, I’ve worked at a county hospital in Labor and Delivery, community/public health, home health, with house and unhoused individuals, and most recently with FQHC’s whom mimicked my ethos for equitable and sustainable healthcare. Now, I come to Hurtt with my Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Western U of Health Services to offer my passion in Nursing, while honing in on Psychiatry – a pillar vital to our overall well-being.

Practice Philosophy

Patient empowerment via identifying SDoH (Social Determinants of Health) and health literacy obstacles without diminishing patient value.

Patient Autonomy; allowing a patient to make the best informed decision with consideration for all possibilities of treatment modalities.

Patient-centered; Being cognizant of culture differences and respecting decisions and choices that coincide with their upbringing.

Collaboration, not simply between the provider and patient, but between clinicians that necessitate joint efforts to increase positive patient outcomes.