Before embarking on a journey toward a medical career, Dr. Kenneth Ethan Lai was a dedicated student and foodie. After graduating from the University of California, Riverside in 1995 with a dual degree in Biology and Biochemistry he opened, “Monsoon Tropical Delight” a trendy eatery in the heart of Riverside. The eatery was a favorite among the locals and was featured on The Food Channel and televised on local media.

Dedicated to learning, in 1997, Dr. Lai became interested in the Information Technology (IT) industry. This led to the sale of the eatery and the pursuit of a master’s degree in IT, and multiple IT industry certifications. He worked in the IT industry until 2003 when he acknowledged his calling to medicine. At Saint Matthews University School of Medicine, he discovered his life’s passion and graduated in 2007.

Dr. Lai received training in General Psychiatry at Brookdale University Medical Center in New York City and Larkin Community Hospital in Florida from 2010-2012. Fellowship in Child/Adolescent Psychiatry at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas.

Dr. Lai has traveled throughout the states as a general psychiatrist treating psychiatric illnesses in the general adult and child/adolescent population with extensive experience in geriatrics, addiction, consultation/liaison, emergency room, and in a dual diagnosis unit. He has expertise in psychopharmacology and is trained in TMS and ECT. Additionally, he is versatile in psychotherapy and is a Certified Suboxone Prescriber. Patients may receive consultations and treatments through office-based or telemedicine.

Dr. Lai believes that “Psychiatry is more than just a science of medicine, it is an art of medicine”. Patients appreciate his professionalism, patience, empathy, and caring attentive listening skills. Dr. Lai acknowledges that you have many choices in providers and would be honored to be a part of your treatment team here at OPA Behavioral Health.