Hospital Psychiatry

Dr. Bates focused much of her career in psychiatry in inpatient hospital psychiatry (1998-2015). Prior to primarily working in the hospital setting, Dr. Bates worked as a Community Psychiatrist.

She has experience serving in many roles and settings within a hospital from covering weekend psychiatrist to doctor-head of the hospital to surveyor-regulator. These roles included Unit Program Director, Medical Director (two hospitals), and Field Surveyor with The Joint Commission. Being able to help the most profoundly mentally ill patients kept her working many hours, for many years, in the 24 hour/7 day a week setting. The excitement and continued action drew her into administrative service.

During her tenure as Medical Director, Kaweah Delta Health Care District Mental Health Hospital, the UC Irvine - Visalia Psychiatry Residency Program was established.

While serving as Medical Director for a large multi-county mental health agency, Turning Point Community Programs, she worked with UC Davis and Sacramento County for Turning Point Northgate Point Clinic to be established.

During her hospital career, she also served as Medical Director of Development with Traditions Behavioral Health. This medical group is made up of about 150 psychiatrists.

Currently, Dr. Bates actively treats patients in two specialized settings.