Meet Leetal Kirshenberg at Psychiatry of the Palm Beaches in Florida

Leetal grew up in South Florida, where the vibrant and diverse community shaped both her perspective and values. From a young age, she felt drawn to a career in healthcare because of her interest in people’s stories and her desire to help others through meaningful challenges. She attended Florida Atlantic University for her undergraduate studies, where she built a strong foundation in the sciences, and later pursued her graduate degree at Nova Southeastern University, where she deepened her knowledge and clinical skills in psychiatry and mental health.

Her decision to enter this field stemmed from a genuine passion for supporting individuals in achieving their best mental health and overall well-being. Growing up in such a diverse area highlighted the importance of compassion, open-mindedness, and individualized care. She carries these principles into every interaction with her patients. She is committed to creating a supportive environment where patients feel understood, empowered, and equipped to thrive.

Leetal chose to pursue psychiatry after spending over a decade working in the emergency room, where she had the privilege of caring for people at some of the most vulnerable and defining moments in their lives. Those experiences shaped her understanding that healing is not only physical, but is emotional, mental, and spiritual as well. Leetal found herself wanting to do more than treat a crisis. She wanted to truly connect with patients, to sit with them in their pain, and to help them find strength and meaning in the midst of struggle. Psychiatry allows her to do exactly that; combining medical knowledge with compassion to walk alongside individuals as they navigate life’s challenges.

What inspires Leetal the most about this field, is the opportunity to empower people to recognize their own resilience and discover the tools within themselves to grow. Her passion is helping patients not only manage symptoms, but also build confidence, restore balance, and reach their fullest potential becoming the best version of themselves and living their healthiest, most fulfilling life. To Leetal, psychiatry is about honoring each person’s unique story, creating a safe and supportive space for healing, and guiding people toward a future filled with resilience, hope, and possibility.

Leetal believes every individual has within them the capacity to heal, grow, and create meaningful change. Her philosophy of care is rooted in compassion, presence, and respect, with an emphasis on creating a welcoming and nurturing space where patients feel truly seen and heard. She recognizes that each person’s journey is unique, and she approaches care with both curiosity and openness, honoring the individuality of every person. Patients often share that they experience Leetal as understanding, approachable, and supportive. They appreciate her ability to offer perspective and guidance in a clear and gentle manner. She believes that her role is to guide patients in finding the right treatment plan and help them reconnect with their strengths, gain clarity, and align with what feels authentic and meaningful in their lives.

Leetal patient care is centered in empathy, patience, and active listening. She creates a space where people feel truly seen, heard, and valued. She prioritizes understanding each person’s unique perspective and experiences, recognizing that everyone’s journey is different and requires a tailored approach. She believes in helping patients connect with their own inner strengths and resilience, encouraging them to focus on the aspects of their lives they can influence. She helps each person cultivate a mindset of self-compassion and personal growth. Leetal emphasizes clear and open communication, ensuring that patients understand their treatment options and feel empowered to make decisions about their care. Beyond symptom management, she strives to support patients in building emotional awareness, coping strategies, and a sense of alignment in their daily lives, guiding them toward not only improved mental health but also greater clarity, confidence, and overall well-being. By fostering trust, collaboration, and a positive, forward-focused perspective, she aims to help patients feel capable, supported, and inspired to move toward their goals with intention and optimism.

Patients often share that they experience Leetal’s care as gentle yet empowering, with a focus on fostering growth, cultivating hope, and supporting overall well-being. Leetal believes healing extends beyond symptom relief; it is also about fostering self-discovery, building inner strength, and creating a life that feels balanced, fulfilling, and aligned.

Leetal’s friends and family often describe her as compassionate, uplifting, and grounded, with a calming presence that brings a sense of peace and clarity. She believes in the importance of meeting people where they are and encouraging them to see the possibilities within themselves. She enjoys activities that help her stay grounded, creative, and connected with others. Meditation, daily walking, and regular exercise are important parts of her routine, helping her stay centered, energized, and mindful in all aspects of life. She enjoys spending time with her pets, who bring joy, comfort, and companionship to her days, reminding her of the healing power of animals. She is passionate about lifelong learning, often spending time reading about psychology, wellness, and personal growth. She enjoys going to the movies and watching stand-up comedy. These hobbies and practices not only help Leetal recharge but also remind her of the importance of balance, curiosity, and self-care. She brings these values into her patient care.