Sean Kim, is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) who provides compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care. As a PMHNP, he is licensed to diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe and manage medications, and provide ongoing treatment; with emphasis on whole-person, patient-centered care. He specializes in treating ADHD, depression, anxiety, OCD, and PTSD. Currently, serving patients in Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, Torrance, and throughout Los Angeles County. For those outside the South Bay, He also offers secure tele-health appointments anywhere in California. His approach blends thorough psychiatric evaluation, thoughtful medication management, and integrative strategies to help you feel like yourself again, focused, balanced, and confident in your daily life. He created Lumina Wellness to transform psychiatric care by providing personalized, high-quality treatment that is both accessible and sustainable. He believes patients deserve more than rushed five-minute appointments; they deserve thoughtful, individualized care where their needs are heard and respected. By accepting insurance without compromising quality, we are changing the way medication management is done, making comprehensive mental health care available to everyone while maintaining the highest standards of compassion and clinical excellence.

Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?

I chose this work because I believe mental health is just as important as physical health, if not more. Physical problems can often be treated with straightforward medical solutions, but mental health reaches deeper. It affects how you see yourself, how you connect with others, and the quality of your entire life. Helping someone improve their mental health is not about masking symptoms so they can simply get by. It is about restoring quality of life. With Lumina Wellness, my mission is to do psychiatry differently. I want care to be both accessible and high quality, without forcing people to choose between the two. Every patient deserves time, compassion, and clear explanations so they can make informed decisions about their own care. What motivates me to continue is seeing people who have been dismissed or rushed finally feel heard, understood, and truly cared for. That’s the standard I hold myself to, and that’s what keeps me going.

How do you work with clients with anxiety?

My work with anxiety starts with listening to your unique experience and understanding what situations, thoughts, and feelings drive your symptoms. Anxiety can show up in many forms, and part of my role is to sort through the details carefully so the treatment fits you and not just the label. I am conservative with medications and very deliberate about what I prescribe. If we use medication, I will explain why I am recommending it, what it does, and what to watch for. My goal is for you to understand your treatment as clearly as I do. You will always be encouraged to ask questions, challenge recommendations, and make decisions with me, never feeling like things are hidden or rushed. I want every patient to leave knowing they are heard, understood, and fully informed.

How do you work with clients with bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder requires careful attention and accuracy in diagnosis because it is often misunderstood or misdiagnosed. I take the time to hear your full history and patterns of mood changes before making any decisions. Medication decisions are deliberate and cautious, with a focus on stability and minimizing side effects. I explain the purpose of each medication, the benefits, and the risks so you are never in the dark. I want you to feel empowered to take ownership of your treatment, with me as a guide rather than a director. I always emphasize trust, openness, and education, so that together we can build a plan that balances precision with compassion.

How do you work with clients with ADHD?

When it comes to ADHD, I take time to make sure the diagnosis is correct since symptoms are often confused with anxiety, depression, or trauma. I use stimulant medications as the primary option because they are the most effective and backed by the strongest evidence. I will only consider non stimulant medications if stimulants cause side effects that cannot be managed or if they are not working. I always explain the differences, how each works, and why I am recommending one over another. I never just write a prescription and move on. You will understand what is being prescribed and why, and you will always have the space to ask questions and make the decision yourself. My role is to provide clarity, precision, and a steady guide so you feel confident and supported in your treatment.

How do you work with clients with depression?

I approach depression by first listening carefully and understanding how it has been affecting your life, not just checking off symptoms. My goal is to give you clarity on the diagnosis because depression often overlaps with other conditions that get missed. I am very intentional with medications. If we decide to use them, I explain exactly what the medication is doing, why I am recommending it, and what to expect so that nothing feels hidden or rushed. I always encourage questions and will answer them directly. My role is to make sure you are fully informed so you can make decisions for yourself. Treatment is a partnership, and I will guide you with compassion, attention to detail, and honesty at every step.

How do you work with clients on anger management?

When working with anger, I focus on getting to the root of what is driving it, whether it is stress, trauma, mood shifts, or other underlying conditions. I do not rush to medicate unless it is truly needed, and when I do, I explain exactly what the medication is for and what it is not for. Education and transparency are central to how I practice. I want you to always know why we are doing something and feel comfortable questioning it. My role is to listen deeply, provide clarity on diagnosis, and support you with both clinical expertise and respect for your own decision making. The goal is not just to manage anger but to help you understand yourself better and regain control with tools and treatment tailored precisely to you.

How do you work with clients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

When working with OCD, I take time to separate true obsessive compulsive symptoms from anxiety or perfectionism since they are often confused. I listen carefully to your history and tailor treatment to your exact pattern of symptoms. Medications like SSRIs can be very effective, but I prescribe carefully, explain the science behind them, and make sure you know why I am recommending them. I also emphasize the importance of therapy, since the best outcomes often come from combining both. My role is to educate, guide, and support you with full transparency so you are never left wondering why we are doing something.

How do you work with clients with sleep or insomnia issues?

I start by exploring the full picture of your sleep habits, stress, medical history, and lifestyle, because insomnia is rarely just about sleep itself. I avoid jumping to sleeping pills as a first solution and instead focus on identifying what is driving the problem. When medications are needed, I prescribe very carefully and explain exactly how they work, what risks they carry, and how to use them safely. I also emphasize education around sleep hygiene and behavioral strategies so you are not dependent on medications long term. You will always know why I am recommending something, and you will always have the final say.

How do you work with clients with schizophrenia and psychotic disorders?

With psychotic disorders, precision in diagnosis is critical. I take time to understand the full history and rule out other causes before making treatment decisions. I prescribe antipsychotic medications very carefully, always balancing effectiveness with side effects. I explain the benefits and risks in detail so you can make informed decisions about your care. I encourage openness and questions because trust is essential in this work. My approach is grounded in compassion, education, and a commitment to making sure you feel informed, respected, and supported throughout treatment.

How do you work with clients with dissociative disorders?

Dissociation is complex and often linked to trauma, so I approach it with patience and detailed listening. I focus on understanding your story before considering any diagnosis or treatment. Medications are used cautiously since dissociation often requires more than a prescription, and when medication is helpful, I will always explain why. I keep treatment collaborative, making sure you understand your options and can make informed choices. I want you to feel safe, heard, and fully aware of every step we take.

Interested in talking?

(310) 598-6850

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Office Location

2615 Pacific Coast Highway

Hermosa Beach, California 90254

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Costs and Insurance

$200 - 300 per session

Sliding Scale

Out of Pocket

Aetna