Dr. Luba Kats is a confident, caring, and compassionate board certified psychiatrist who recognizes the importance of connecting with patients to understand their struggles and goals.

Dr. Kats has experience treating anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, PTSD and ADHD, as well as evaluating for gender affirming care.

Dr. Kats completed her undergraduate education at UW-Madison, then earned her M.S. at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH.

Dr. Kats earned her Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) at West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, then completed her residency in Psychiatry at the Medical College of Wisconsin - Central Wisconsin in Wausau, WI.

After residency, Dr. Kats went on to complete a fellowship in Forensic Psychiatry from the Medical College of Wisconsin in Madison, WI.

I was drawn to psychiatry because it centers around the patient's experience.

There are no laboratory tests or imaging that can assist in reaching the diagnosis. The patient's history is crucial as we're working towards a diagnosis and developing a treatment plan.

I approach my patients with compassion and appreciate that the symptoms they're experiencing are not their personality.

Establishing treatment goals is challenging and rewarding for me. I understand that people can be hesitant to start medications. I explore these options together with my patients and their families, stigmas, past failed trials and any other concerns.

I appreciate and encourage questions from my patients. A medication cannot work if a patient is not taking it, and a patient cannot take a medication if they are not comfortable with the treatment plan.

I'm also aware that the process of finding the correct medication can be laborious and frustrating. I'm confident this process can be made easier by understanding what side-effects a patient cannot tolerate, what symptoms they have, their individual medical history and any previous personal medication experiences.

I'm very persistent, and as long as my patient is willing to continue trying, I am confident improvement will be made.

These are typically 60 minute appointments.

In the initial visit, I establish understanding of my patient's chief concern(s) and how those impact day-to-day functioning, and offer a preliminary diagnosis.

Then the patient and I create a plan which can include psychotropic medications if required. I always emphasize balance of symptoms, side-effects, and patient preference.

My goal is that patients and their families will leave the initial visit feeling optimistic about the plan we developed together.

These are typically 30 minute appointments, about one to two months after the Initial Evaluation and then every few months as needed by the patient.

During these appointments, I work with the patient to understand the impact of any medications (or lack thereof). Adjustments are made at these appointments as needed, and can include increasing or decreasing medication dosages.

Changes to medications, adding, or removing medications can also be managed during these appointments.

At times, patients want or need a second opinion on their current treatment plan developed by a different provider or psychiatrist.

After an Initial Evaluation and intake procedure, I will evaluate the patient's current treatment plan and how it is working for the patient.

I will make recommendations for possible changes, but do not typically prescribe new medications because often times having multiple prescribers results in poor outcomes for patients.

If, after the consult is completed, the patient would like me to become their primary psychiatrist, I can take over the treatment plan and prescribe medications.

I am a firm believer that having a mismatch in sex and gender can result in significant emotional distress.

When considering Gender Affirming Surgery, it is important that patients have the proper understanding of the complexity of the procedure and the aftercare, as well as proper support in place to prevent complications.

Patients undergoing gender affirming surgery must be mentally fit to withstand the pain and discomfort associated with surgical procedures and the possibility of complications.

This evaluation can take a few weeks to complete. It typically consists of an hour long interview, collection of past medical records, and up to a month (depending on complexity of presentation and history) to write the evaluation.

After an Initial Evaluation and intake procedure, therapy options can be discussed. Adding psychotherapy to a patient's treatment plan often yields positive results. Various topics can be addressed in therapy, including the challenges of medication compliance, the stigma associated with psychiatric disorders, and the internalization of symptoms.

I have experience in seeing improvement in individuals participating in psychodynamic therapy who have personality disorders, mood disorders, and psychotic disorders.

I completed my Forensic Fellowship in Psychiatry in 2024. Please inquire for my availability for administering Chapter 51 evaluations and final hearings.

Currently only accepting out-of-pocket payment.

Accepting insurance providers soon.

For appointment scheduling please e-mail: katspsychmsn@gmail.com

Kats Psychiatry Madison LLC
702 N. Blackhawk Ave.
Suite 100
Madison, WI 53705
(6O8) - 663 - 5926