Naomi Granvold, MD

Bio

Although I have spent most of my adult life in California, I was actually born and raised in Maryland. I still love going back there to visit with family and lifelong friends. I developed an appreciation of the arts from frequent visits to the Smithsonian, attendance at concerts and my own training in playing the violin. My love of the outdoors and active sports developed after leaving home but has been a vital influence in giving me balance in life.

I went to undergraduate college at the University of Rhode Island, majoring in zoology. After graduating and enjoying a great summer in Europe, I came to UC Berkeley to study molecular genetics. I didn't really know at that time what career I wanted, but having a fully-paid traineeship to earn a doctoral degree was the lure to bring me to the West Coast. Genetics was fascinating, but human interaction was more alluring than research. I received my Master's Degree in genetics and then went on to Medical School at UC Irvine. Of course, Medical School and subsequent residency training at San Mateo County Mental Health Services were a challenge, but it seemed to bring together the threads of knowledge from all other areas of study. In the specialty of Psychiatry, I found my focus to be on the whole person, where the physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual aspects of life all intermingle.

I never did return to the East Coast to live, but much of my family has joined me in California. I love living in Santa Rosa which offers many opportunities but has a relatively smaller city feel.

My Medical Specialty

More details about my specialty:

I have been practicing at Kaiser Permanente in Santa Rosa since 1993. I evaluate and treat adults who suffer from a variety of symptoms which express emotional turmoil. These symptoms may have their roots in the stresses of day-to-day life, trauma, individual genetic makeup, physiological imbalances, medical illness or a number of other causes. Examples of common concerns with which people may present are depression, mood swings, anxiety, panic attacks, eating disorders, thinking disorders and sleep problems.

In my evaluation of you as a new patient, I will ask you many questions about your history, current problems and medications you take. I will then discuss various treatment options with you, including the use of medications. When necessary, I coordinate your treatment with other specialists in the Medical Center to ensure an optimal outcome.

Once a treatment plan is mutually agreed upon, I will continue to see you to prescribe and monitor medications, and to coordinate treatment. Over time, I have been privileged to have the opportunity to build trusting relationships with my patients and work with them through many of life's troubles and transitions. I am richly rewarded when I see growth and transformation and an ability to more fully enjoy life's pleasures.

My specialty interests and affiliations within my field:

Within Psychiatry, I have a special interest in trauma. People can develop emotional trauma symptoms after acts of interpersonal violence, motor vehicle accidents, serving in war zones in the military, terrorist attacks, natural disasters and other situations where someone may feel their life has been threatened. Often someone may have been traumatized in childhood and developed disabling symptoms which have persisted into adulthood. People with symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder can be helped with psychiatric treatment and progress to a healthy and fulfilling life.

Interests

Hobby Photos & Links:

My pal - especially for fast traveling on the beach!

Family & Friends

People in my life:

I place the highest value on family and friendships, which offer support, caring and love throughout life. By far, the most wonderful, challenging and rewarding experience in my life is being a mother to two daughters, even with both of them being teenagers. I thoroughly enjoy my time with my girls, and I know they'll be grown all too soon.

Travel

An adventure I've had:

Travel is such an important and enjoyable part of life; experiencing different cultures expands my sensitivity to and understanding of other people and helps me to develop a more balanced perspective. I especially love the fun and adventure of travel.

Travel Photos:

Always look up!

View from the Eiffel Tower