Dr. Soe Thein, MD

Child & Adult Psychiatrist in Tribeca, NYC

Training and Credentials

Dr. Soe Thein is a double board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist based in Tribeca, New York City. He brings together psychiatric medicine, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and a deep commitment to understanding each patient as a whole person — not just a set of symptoms. Dr. Thein sees children as young as five, adolescents, and adults, and offers appointments for patients in New York, California, and Florida.

Dr. Thein received his medical degree from the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, graduating with distinction. He completed his general psychiatry residency and child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at UC Davis Medical Center, where he developed specialized expertise in the emotional and developmental needs of young people and their families.

He is currently a candidate at the Columbia University Center for Psychoanalytic Training and Research — one of the most rigorous psychoanalytic training programs in the country. He previously completed a two-year psychodynamic psychotherapy training at the San Francisco Center for Psychotherapy.

Dr. Thein is board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in both General Psychiatry and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.

ABOUT ME

A young man in a blue suit and black tie sitting at an office desk, smiling at the camera.

- Soe Thein, MD

I am a child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist. I graduated from Emory University with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology. Following two years of research on brain plasticity at the National Institute of Health, I completed medical school at the University of California–Irvine School of Medicine.

I graduated with distinction in humanities and arts and received awards for promoting LGBTQIA+ health. My training includes a general psychiatry residency and child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at the University of California–Davis Medical Center. Additionally, I completed a 2-year psychodynamic therapy training at the San Francisco Center for Psychotherapy. Fueling my passion for therapy, my partner and I created the popular YouTube channel "Good Enough Psychiatrist," where we discuss psychodynamic concepts in a digestible format.

View Resume/CV

My ApproacH

White closed notebook on a round wooden table with green plant leaves in the background.

Dr. Thein's clinical approach is integrative and psychoanalytically informed. He does not view medication and therapy as separate tracks — he sees them as complementary tools that work best when used together with intention and care.

In practice, this means taking time to understand what is underneath a diagnosis: the developmental history, the relational patterns, the moments that shaped how a person experiences themselves and the world. Whether he is working with a child struggling with anxiety, a teenager navigating identity, or an adult managing depression, Dr. Thein brings the same curiosity and attentiveness to each person's story.

He is an LGBTQIA+-affirming provider and approaches care with particular sensitivity to identity, culture, and the ways both shape mental health. For patients on hormone therapy, he takes a careful, informed approach to medication interactions and monitoring.

Public education & community

Dr. Thein is the co-founder of Good Enough Psychiatrist, a psychoeducation platform with over 82,000 followers on Instagram dedicated to making psychodynamic and psychiatric concepts accessible to the public. Good Enough Psychiatrist is recognized by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) as an official psychotherapy resource — a distinction held by very few public-facing mental health platforms.

The name draws from Donald Winnicott's concept of the "good enough mother" — the idea that imperfect, attuned care is not just acceptable but necessary for healthy development. It reflects the same philosophy Dr. Thein brings to his clinical work.

My Approach

A closed white notebook resting on a round wooden table with a leafed plant in the background.

Come as you are

Life can be challenging, and we all find ourselves navigating through uncertainty. Whether you're feeling stuck in a job, struggling with your relationships, or grappling with issues like depression and anxiety, I'm here to provide a therapeutic environment filled with empathy and understanding. My philosophy centers around the belief that, even in difficult moments, we possess the wisdom and drive to grow and transform in a caring environment.

Stack of books with three wooden dinosaur toys on top: a beige sauropod, an orange and green Stegosaurus, and a brown Triceratops with a red crest.

Integrating medication and therapy

I provide care for individuals aged 13 to 65 years old. My approach is warm, collaborative, and patient-focused, with the ultimate goal of helping you find your North Star. I utilize a combination of medication and therapy.

My approach to integrating therapy and medication management presents a distinct advantage over selecting separate therapists and prescribers. The key benefit lies in the seamless coordination and integration of care. With a single provider overseeing both therapy and medication aspects, there is enhanced communication and collaboration between the therapeutic and pharmacological components of treatment. This integrated approach enables the psychiatrist to have a comprehensive understanding of the patient's progress, ensuring that therapy and medication strategies complement each other.