Martin H. Leamon, MD – Addiction Psychiatrist

Psychiatrist

Dr. Martin H. Leamon is a board-certified addiction psychiatrist at Yellow Wood Recovery with over 35 years of experience in clinical care, medical education, and research. He is a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at UC Davis and a Distinguished Lifetime Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association—the highest honor in American psychiatry. Recognized as “Top Doctor” in Addiction Medicine for nine consecutive years by peer survey, Dr. Leamon has dedicated his career to advancing the treatment of substance use disorders and training the next generation of physicians in evidence-based addiction medicine.

  • Doctor of Medicine (MD), Boston University School of Medicine
  • Bachelor of Arts, Cum Laude in Biology, Dartmouth College
  • Psychiatric Residency, Letterman Army Medical Center, Presidio of San Francisco
  • Board Certified in Psychiatry, American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology (lifetime certification)
  • Board Certified in Addiction Psychiatry, American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology
  • Fellow, American Society of Addiction Medicine
  • DEA Buprenorphine Waiver for treatment of Opioid Use Disorders
  • Psychiatrist, Yellow Wood Recovery, Rancho Cordova, CA (Present)
  • Addiction Psychiatrist, UC Davis Health (2017–2023)
  • Medical Director, Addiction Recovery Treatment Services, VA Northern California Health Care System (2010–2017)
  • Medical Director, Sacramento County Mental Health Treatment Center (2003–2010)
  • Medical Director, Crisis Residential 34th Street Program, Turning Point Community Programs (2010–2017)
  • Chief, Inpatient Psychiatric Service, U.S. Army Frankfurt Army Regional Medical Center, Germany (1991–1993)
  • Division Psychiatrist, U.S. Army 8th Infantry Division, Germany (1989–1991)
  • Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, UC Davis (1996–Present)
  • Course Director for substance use disorders education for 25+ years
  • Developed required 4-week Addiction Psychiatry rotation for psychiatry residents
  • Harvard Macy Scholar, Harvard Macy International Program for Physician Educators
  • Addiction Psychiatry Subject Matter Expert, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
  • National speaker on buprenorphine training, psychedelic treatment, and addiction psychiatry
  • Distinguished Lifetime Fellow, American Psychiatric Association (2020)
  • “Top Doctor” in Addiction Medicine, Sacramento region—9 consecutive years (2016–2024)
  • Teacher of the Year, Western Region, Association for Academic Psychiatry (2005)
  • Nancy C.A. Roeske, MD Certificate of Recognition for Excellence in Medical Student Education, American Psychiatric Association (2001)
  • Kaiser Hospitals Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence (2006)
  • Substance use disorders (all substances)
  • Co-occurring psychiatric and substance use disorders (dual diagnosis)
  • Medication-assisted treatment (MAT), including buprenorphine
  • Methamphetamine use disorders
  • Alcohol use disorders and withdrawal management
  • Opioid use disorders
  • Crisis intervention and inpatient psychiatry
  • 60+ peer-reviewed publications
  • Principal Investigator on multiple NIDA-funded methamphetamine research studies
  • Developer of the Methamphetamine Experience Questionnaire (MEQ)
  • Research focus: methamphetamine neurotoxicity, substance use disorder treatment, medical education
  • Published in American Journal on Addictions, Biological Psychiatry, Psychiatric Research
  • American Psychiatric Association (Distinguished Lifetime Fellow)
  • American Society of Addiction Medicine (Fellow)
  • American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry (Area VI Director, 2011–2024)
  • UC Davis Department of Psychiatry

Treatment Philosophy

Dr. Leamon brings an evidence-based, compassionate approach to addiction psychiatry, integrating the latest research findings with decades of clinical experience. He emphasizes the importance of treating co-occurring psychiatric disorders alongside substance use disorders, recognizing that comprehensive, integrated care produces the best outcomes. His expertise in medication-assisted treatment reflects his commitment to utilizing all available evidence-based tools to support recovery.

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