Iranian Doctor in New York
About the Doctor
Dr. Shahnaz Malekan is a highly trained and compassionate Iranian-American physician based in New York. Her medical practice is dedicated to the mental health and emotional well-being of children, adolescents, and adults. With a focus on personalized and evidence-based care, Dr. Malekan integrates both psychotherapy and psychopharmacology to offer a holistic approach to treatment.
She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), followed by graduate studies at the UCLA School of Public Health. Her early academic focus laid the foundation for a lifelong commitment to understanding both the science and human experience behind mental health.
Dr. Malekan’s clinical research journey led her to work with the renowned Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk at the Boston Trauma Center, affiliated with the University of Massachusetts. There, she was involved in groundbreaking studies on the effects of SSRIs in patients suffering from PTSD — an experience that deepened her understanding of trauma and resilience.
She went on to earn her Medical Degree from the Sackler School of Medicine at Tel Aviv University. Her dedication to pediatric care was exemplified through her training in the prestigious Triple Board Program at Tufts Medical Center, where she received combined training in pediatrics, adult psychiatry, and child & adolescent psychiatry.
Dr. Malekan then completed her Psychiatry residency at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, New York — further refining her clinical expertise and deepening her connection to the New York medical community.
Fluent in both English and Farsi, Dr. Malekan creates a welcoming and inclusive environment for Persian-speaking patients. She prioritizes cultural sensitivity and ensures her patients feel seen, heard, and supported in whichever language they feel most comfortable.
Specialties & Services
- Psychiatric care for children, adolescents, and adults
- Play therapy and talk therapy for children ages 3–18
- Psychopharmacology for patients aged 3 and up
- Psychoanalytic and psychodynamic psychotherapy for youth and teens
- Supportive, collaborative, and culturally informed care
Therapeutic Philosophy
Dr. Malekan believes that the most effective care begins with a strong therapeutic alliance. She works collaboratively with patients to explore the connection between past experiences and current challenges, using insight-oriented therapy to build individualized strategies for long-term emotional resilience. Her goal is to empower each patient with tools that lead to clarity, confidence, and healing.
