Dr. Mini Zhang, MD
Education
- Doctor of Medicine degree (M. D.), Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), School of Medicine, Portland, Oregon, 2007-2011
- Master of Music, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
- Bachelor of Music, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
Post-Doctorate Specialty Training
- Child and adolescent psychiatry Fellowship, OHSU, 2014-2016
- Adult Psychiatry Residency, OHSU, 2011-2014
Professional Licensure
- Diplomate of the American Board of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
About ME
As a double board-certified physician who specializes in both adult and child & adolescent psychiatry, Dr. Zhang offers comprehensive care tailored to individuals of all ages. She believes holistic care by looking at the full picture—examining medical history, family dynamics, school or work environment, and relationships.
Dr. Zhang believes that psychiatry is both a science and an art. It is about finding harmony within oneself and with others. She views her role as helping patients grow and thrive by fostering self-confidence, resilience, and grit through guided self-exploration, reflection, and insight. This process, is akin to planting a seed—nurturing it and watching it grow. While she recognizes the important role of medication in treating mental health challenges, she also understands that it is not always the solution. The art of psychiatry, she believes, lies in discerning when medication is necessary and when other approaches may be more beneficial. This is why her approach is inherently comprehensive, incorporating both therapeutic strategies and medical interventions, to ensure that each patient receives care that is uniquely suited to their individual needs.
Her approach to care also emphasizes the importance of cultural competence. Having worked with patients from diverse cultural backgrounds, Dr. Zhang values and respects the unique experiences that shape each person’s mental health journey. She fosters a warm, non-judgmental space, recognizing that cultural differences significantly influence mental health and that they should be considered in the treatment process.
Her practice, Harmony Psychiatry Clinic, embodies her philosophy of care—helping patients find balance and well-being within themselves and in their relationships with others. Dr. Zhang’s dedication to child and adolescent psychiatry has been recognized by Portland Monthly magazine, naming her one of their Top Docs in Child Psychiatry repeatedly.
What to expect
Step 1: Submitting an Inquiry
Please begin by filling out the New Patient Inquiry Form, which helps Dr. Zhang understand your needs and determine whether the level of care you are seeking aligns with the services she provides. After reviewing your form, Dr. Zhang will reach out. She may request additional information and relevant documents to complete before the initial assessment.
Step 2: Initial Evaluation
To gain a thorough understanding of your needs, Dr. Zhang conducts two to three initial visits. These visits are an opportunity for her to understand your concerns within the context of your personal history, values, and circumstances—not just your symptoms. The initial evaluation is a consultation process to determine whether ongoing care is necessary and if it is the right fit.
- First Visit: This visit focuses on discussing your primary concerns and gathering background information, including psychiatric, medical, social, and developmental history.
- For elementary and middle school-aged children, the first visit is typically for parents only.
- Adolescents may choose to attend with their parents if they wish.
- Second Visit: Dr. Zhang will meet one-on-one with the child or adolescent to hear their perspective and explore their symptoms in more detail.
- By the end of this visit, if she has gathered enough information, Dr. Zhang will discuss her clinical impressions and recommendations with both the patient and caregivers.
- Together, you will decide whether to proceed with ongoing care or conclude the service.
- Third Visit (if needed): If the clinical picture is complex, additional information is required, or there isn’t enough time for a thoughtful discussion, a third visit may be scheduled. This ensures that decisions are made carefully and with a full understanding of the patient’s needs.
Step 3: Ongoing Care
If you and Dr. Zhang decide to continue with ongoing care, sessions will typically be scheduled weekly to monthly, depending on your needs. Even when things are going well, regular check-ins help maintain progress and address any challenges in a timely manner.
- For patients on controlled substances, monthly visits are required.
- For patients not on controlled substances, visits may be spaced up to two months apart at most.