Sarah Pai, MSN, PMHNP-BC

Sarah Pai, MSN, is a board certified family psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who has broad experience working with teens and adults. She has a special interest in treating bipolar, schizophrenia and substance use disorders (addiction). Ms. Pai's experience includes caring for individuals in both inpatient and outpatient settings, as well as community psychiatry.

Her treatment focuses primarily on medication management but she also brings a psychotherapeutic style to her practice. She believes in working with patients to address interpersonal relationships, situational factors and self-esteem issues that may be at the root of many health issues.

Prior to joining UC San Diego Health, Ms. Pai was a psychiatric nurse practitioner with the San Diego American Indian Health Center and Psychiatric Centers at San Diego. She was also a registered nurse in adult inpatient psychiatry at Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital and Palomar Health.

She has won awards for patient satisfaction and clinical mentorship excellence.

Ms. Pai earned her Master of Science in psychiatric nursing and bachelor's degree in nursing at University of Michigan School of Nursing in Ann Arbor. She is a member of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association and the California Association for Nurse Practitioners.

Outside of work, Ms. Pai is an oil painter and avid at-home cook. She believes creativity is part of psychological wellness and healing.

For more information, see Psychiatry.