Dr. Shana Elga is a child and adult psychiatrist who treats toddlers, school-aged children, adolescents, adults, and families. She is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatry. Her areas of expertise include attachment issues, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, ADHD/ADD, behavioral problems, and life transition issues. She also has expertise in women’s mental health and reproductive psychiatry, specializing in the psychiatric issues related to pregnancy and pregnancy planning, ante- and post-partum depression, pregnancy loss, infertility, and menopausal mood changes.

Dr. Elga has been trained in a variety of treatment methods, including individual therapy, family therapy, and play therapy. She is skilled in both psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral approaches to psychotherapy. She is also well trained in psychopharmacology, and employs conservative use of medications as appropriate. She incorporates the biological, psychological, and social issues surrounding each case to best understand her patients and help them with their difficulties. The initial consultation involves a comprehensive evaluation of the psychological, medical, and if needed, neurological components of an individual’s case.  Dr. Elga has a caring manner and believes that the doctor-patient relationship takes utmost importance in creating an environment that will promote positive change. 

Dr. Elga received her BA from Swarthmore College, and her MD from the UCLA School of Medicine, where she was a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. At UCLA, she received honors in psychiatry, pediatrics, and obstetrics/gynecology. She completed her general psychiatry residency at New York Presbyterian Hospital, and her fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at UMNDJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. 

Dr. Elga has a strong interest in education and teaching. Prior to attending medical school, Dr. Elga worked as a middle and high school teacher, where she taught math, biology, and Spanish. She served on the Residency Education Committees at both New York Presbyterian Hospital and Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. She has given lectures at Princeton University on the topic of depression and antidepressants. She is currently a Clinical Assistant Instructor in the Department of Psychiatry at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, where she supervises residents and fellows. She is a member of the American Psychiatric Association and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

Dr. Elga lives in the Princeton area with her husband and daughter. She enjoys painting and is an avid practitioner of yoga.