Dr. Don De Fransisco's Journey
Meet Don De Fransisco
A Lifetime of Listening. A Career of Discovery.
My practice is built on a simple but profound belief: to truly heal, a doctor must address both the biology of the brain and the complexity of the human experience.
I am one of a select few practitioners who is both a Board Certified Psychiatrist (MD) and a Psychoanalyst (PhD). For the patients I see, this dual expertise means I don’t have to choose between brain science and psychology. I am trained to provide the precise medical care you need, while offering the deep, empathetic listening that fosters real change.
My Philosophy
Over the course of my career, I have explored the “why” behind human behavior through writing and academic research. These intellectual pursuits directly shape how I treat patients today:
I treat the whole person.
In my writings on The Experience of Dying and acute illness, I explored the deep emotional intersection between physical sickness and mental health. I understand that you are not just a diagnosis or a set of symptoms, but a person navigating complex physical and emotional challenges.
I look for the root cause.
My extensive work on The Child Dream and the unconscious mind guides my approach to therapy. I help patients understand how early life experiences and hidden patterns influence their adult relationships and self image, moving beyond quick fixes to find lasting resolution.
I see you in context.
Through my development of the Psychosocial Kinship Model, I have long advocated that mental health does not exist in a vacuum. I view your support system—your family, community, and relationships as a vital component of your healing.
I stay curious.
My interests have always been vast, ranging from the clinical treatment of anxiety to analyzing the psychological profiles of historical figures. I bring this same intellectual curiosity to every session, ensuring I am always thinking, analyzing, and looking for unique solutions for you.
What to Expect
A Different Kind of Psychiatry
In today’s medical landscape, appointments are often rushed, and prescriptions are written within minutes. My practice is the antidote to that approach. When you come to see me, you can expect a pace that allows for thoroughness and a setting that prioritizes your privacy and comfort.
Our First Meeting
Your initial consultation is a comprehensive evaluation. Because I view you as a whole person rather than a collection of symptoms, we will discuss more than just your current stressors. We will explore your medical history, your personal background, and the life patterns that have brought you to this point. This “dual lens” approach; combining my medical training with psychoanalytic insight ensures we don’t miss the underlying causes of your distress.
A Collaborative Treatment Plan
There is no “one size fits all” in mental health. At the end of our evaluation, we will decide on a path forward together.
A Welcoming Environment
My office in Newport Beach is designed to be a safe, quiet harbor. Whether you are dealing with a sudden life change, a long standing mood disorder, or the complexities of aging, you will be met with respect, confidentiality, and over 50 years of clinical wisdom.