Melissa McCormick, LMFT
Melissa McCormick—Endometriosis Mental Health Therapist
Summary: Melissa McCormick, MA, LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist and owner of Alignment Mental Health, based in San Diego, specializing in endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain, and trauma-informed mental health care. Melissa McCormick provides compassionate, evidence-based therapy grounded in somatic and nervous system–focused approaches, helping individuals with endometriosis regulate chronic hypervigilance, reduce anxiety and depression, and reconnect with a sense of safety in their bodies. Her clinical philosophy integrates Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, and Internal Family Systems (IFS), with advanced training through organizations including EMDRIA and The Embody Lab. Melissa McCormick earned her Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Bethel Seminary San Diego and her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from San Diego State University. Licensed in California, Colorado, and Indiana, she offers therapy that honors the mind-body connection and supports clients in reducing trauma-related symptoms, improving emotional resilience, and enhancing overall quality of life. Her person-centered, trauma-informed approach empowers individuals with endometriosis to move from survival mode toward greater regulation, healing, and long-term well-being through both in-person and virtual care.
City: San Diego, CA
Visit types: Virtual
Spoken languages: English
Interpreting services for other languages: No
Philosophy of Endometriosis Care: I use a somatic and trauma informed approach to care. I lean on somatic experiencing, EMDR, and IFS as my theoretical orientation. With clients with endometriosis, a significant aspect of our work is nervous system regulation. Through somatic and other body based interventions, we work to decrease the pattern of chronic hyper vigilance and flight or flight responses. Through this, the client is able to access more safety in their body which creates a feedback loop to help decrease symptoms such as anxiety and depression.
What else should be known about your practice: I also have specialized training and a decade of experience in disordered eating. Adding this speciality can be of benefit to chronic illness clients because the connection between disordered eating and illness is often missed. Offering grounded support for managing endo while keeping in mind the increased risk of body dysmorphia and other anxiety related coping strategies related to food can help clients avoid additional struggles and diagnoses.
Melissa Goode, MPH, RDN
Melissa Goode, MPH, RDN
Melissa Goode—Endometriosis Dietitian
Summary: Melissa Goode is a compassionate endometriosis dietitian and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) practicing at Goode Nutrition LLC in Sacramento, California. Melissa Goode provides client-centered, non-diet nutrition care for people living with endometriosis, grounded in both evidence-based practice and lived experience — as she also lives with endometriosis herself. Her approach prioritizes individualized strategies over one-size-fits-all diets, focusing on inflammation support, blood sugar regulation, gastrointestinal health, eating enough across all food groups, and sustainable symptom management. Melissa Goode works collaboratively with patients and other healthcare providers to advocate for comprehensive, whole-person care. She helps clients improve quality of life, build body trust, and feel more connected to their bodies through flexible nutrition approaches that honor each person’s unique experience. Licensed in CA, AZ, CO, TX, NY, NJ, MI, CT, VA, and AK, Melissa Goode offers supportive endometriosis nutrition care designed to empower patients and integrate seamlessly into a broader endometriosis treatment plan.
Visit Type: Office
City: Sacramento, CA
Spoken languages: English
Interpreting services for other languages: No
Dr. Salman Okour
Dr. Salman Okour, MD
Dr. Salman Okour, MD, Endometriosis Specialist
Summary:
Dr. Salman Okour, is a trusted endometriosis specialist in Newport Beach, California, affiliated with the Southern California Center for Advanced Gynecology / Coast OBGYN. He provides comprehensive, patient-centered care for individuals with complex pelvic pain and endometriosis, combining advanced diagnostics with individualized treatment plans focused on long-term symptom relief, quality of life, and reproductive goals.
Dr. Okour’s philosophy of endometriosis care recognizes the multifactorial nature of the disease, including retrograde menstruation, coelomic metaplasia, and metastatic theories. He specializes in excision surgery for endometriosis, emphasizing precise and complete removal of disease. For patients who prefer non-surgical options or require adjunctive therapy, he utilizes progesterone, combined oral contraceptives, oral GnRH antagonists, and selective use of Lupron, particularly after endometrioma surgery, in adenomyosis prior to embryo transfer, and in select postoperative cases.
For patients experiencing persistent pain after endometriosis surgery, Dr. Okour employs a multidisciplinary approach that may include pelvic floor physical therapy, pain management strategies, hormonal suppression, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and gabapentin. His integrative, evidence-based approach makes him a leading provider of advanced endometriosis care in Southern California.
Dr. Salman Okour, MD is a trusted Endometriosis Specialist in Newport Beach, California, affiliated with the Southern California Center for Advanced Gynecology / Coast OBGYN. He provides comprehensive, patient-centered care for individuals with complex pelvic pain and endometriosis, combining advanced diagnostics with individualized treatment plans focused on long-term symptom relief, quality of life, and reproductive goals.
Dr. Okour’s philosophy of endometriosis care recognizes the multifactorial nature of the disease, including retrograde menstruation, coelomic metaplasia, and metastatic theories. He specializes in excision surgery for endometriosis, emphasizing precise and complete removal of disease. For patients who prefer non-surgical options or require adjunctive therapy, he utilizes progesterone, combined oral contraceptives, oral GnRH antagonists, and selective use of Lupron, particularly after endometrioma surgery, in adenomyosis prior to embryo transfer, and in select postoperative cases.
For patients experiencing persistent pain after endometriosis surgery, Dr. Okour employs a multidisciplinary approach that may include pelvic floor physical therapy, pain management strategies, hormonal suppression, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and gabapentin. His integrative, evidence-based approach makes him a leading provider of advanced endometriosis care in Southern California.
City: Newport Beach, California, USA
Philosophy of Endometriosis Care: Possibly multiple etiologies, retrograde menstruation may play a role in addition to coelomic metaplasia ,metastatic theory also explains some lesions.
What type of surgery do you perform for endometriosis: Excision & Ablation. Excision is preferred standard approach, ablation may have a role in managing endometriomas in younger patients seeking fertility to minimize a significant drop in DOR,
Medication: I do use progesterone, combined Birth control pills, oral GnRH Antagonists, and rarely lupron. I use them in patients who decline or prefer to avoid surgery, also after endometrioma surgery, in adenomyosis preparing for embryo transfer, also in some postoperative patients.
Approach to Persistent Pain After Surgery: Pelvic floor therapy, pain management, hormonal suppressions, TCA, Gabapentin.
Emily Klein, LAc
Emily Klein, LAc
Emily Klein—Endometriosis Acupuncturist
Summary: Emily Klein, LAc, is a skilled endometriosis acupuncturist offering care at Glow Natural Wellness in Seattle, Washington. Emily Klein takes a compassionate, patient-centered approach to supporting individuals with endometriosis and pelvic pain. She offers flexible evaluation pathways: one focused on symptom management, and another providing a comprehensive review of health, lifestyle, and contributing factors within her scope of practice. With extensive training in integrative medicine and evidence-informed acupuncture, Emily tailors each treatment to the unique needs of the individual, aiming not only to relieve pain and inflammation but also to restore balance, resilience, and a sense of agency in the body. She empowers patients through thoughtful, personalized care plans that address both immediate symptoms and underlying imbalances, creating a safe, nurturing space where individuals feel heard, supported, and actively involved in their healing journey.
City: Seattle Washington, USA
Spoken languages: English and Spanish
Interpreting services for other languages: No
Dr. Mallory Stuparich
Dr. Mallory Stuparich
Dr Mallory Stuparich – Endometriosis Specialist
Summary: Dr Mallory Stuparich is a leading endometriosis specialist based in Los Alamitos, California, USA. Her care philosophy is grounded in multiple scientific theories, including neuroimmunological origins, coelomic metaplasia, hematogenous and lymphatic spread, and genetic predisposition. While retrograde menstruation may play a role, Dr Mallory Stuparich emphasizes that the theory of retrograde menstruation clearly has limitations, and Dr Mallory Stuparich emphasizes that it does not fully explain cases in premenarchal girls, cisgender men, or post-hysterectomy patients.
Dr Mallory Stuparich performs excision surgery, the gold standard for removing endometriosis lesions. She provides honest, thorough discussions about treatment options, especially the limitations of hormone therapy and medications like birth control and GnRH agonists/antagonists. These therapies are palliative and symptom-focused, not curative, and often come with side effects that limit long-term use.
Post-surgery, Dr Mallory Stuparich discusses hormone therapy in three key scenarios: reducing the recurrence of endometriomas, managing symptoms from coexisting adenomyosis, or supporting patients seeking additional symptomatic management of presumed occult disease. Each treatment plan is customized based on the patient’s needs and goals.
Dr Stuparich also prioritizes comprehensive pain management using a multimodal, non-opioid-first approach. She utilizes NSAIDs, acetaminophen, gabapentin, SNRIs, muscle relaxants, and suzetrigine, prescribing opioids only for short-term postoperative relief.
Persistent pain is addressed proactively. Starting at the first consultation, Dr Mallory Stuparich evaluates all pain sources, not just endometriosis. She creates individualized plans and revisits them if symptoms persist beyond six months post-surgery, coordinating care with other specialists when needed.
Trained at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dr Mallory Stuparich offers compassionate, evidence-based endometriosis care, helping patients regain control over their health and quality of life.
What type of surgery do you perform for endometriosis: Excision
Medication: Medications for endometriosis (e.g., hormone therapy like birth control as well as GnRH agonists/antagonists) are palliative, meaning that they are aimed at symptom management. There is no guarantee that medications will directly affect the disease itself. It is crucial to discuss this very significant limitation in a fully informed consent discussion with each patient. Additionally, for GnRH agonists and antagonists, their side effect profile and regulatory guidelines associated with the medications preclude their use for extended periods of time, so in many cases, risks quickly outweigh benefits for the patients. Postoperatively, I discuss the role of hormone therapy in three circumstances:
1. Patients who have endometriomas may benefit from ovulation suppression through the use of hormone therapy in an effort to reduce the formation of future endometriomas
2. Patients who still have a uterus affected by adenomyosis may experience symptomatic improvement
3. Patients who have undergone excision, understanding that no surgeon can guarantee a complete excision, and want to exhaust every resource in symptomatically managing any presumed occult disease. The decision to use hormone therapy postoperatively is always an individual decision, and I assist in guiding my patients to the best decision for them.
Pain management, and especially pain management after surgery, is critical. I prioritize the use of non-opioid pain medications and approach pain management in a multi-modal fashion. Medications that I have used for pain management for patients include, but are not limited to, NSAIDs, acetaminophen, gabapentin, SNRIs, muscle relaxants, and Journavx (suzetrigine, a sodium channel blocker). I prescribe opioids for postoperative pain management. I do not prescribe long-term opioids in my practice.
Approach to Persistent Pain After Surgery: My approach starts at the initial consultation, where I take a detailed history and physical examination, perform the in-office ultrasound, and provide the patient with a comprehensive assessment of all of their pain generators (not just endometriosis). The patient and I decide on a plan for each pain generator, which the patient mainly executes, and I am available to provide any assistance or support that is within my scope. This anticipatory approach drastically reduces the occurrence of persistent symptoms in many cases. If a patient has persistent symptoms, then usually these symptoms are still present at 6 months after surgery, which tends to be the earliest point at which patients will know what their new “normal” is postoperatively. If this is the case, then I will revisit the specific issues and concerns they have, as well as investigate how well the initial plan we put in place was executed. This is also a time to gather a symptom inventory from the patient and determine if additional specialists need to be involved in the patient’s care for a work-up of a specific symptom or set of symptoms.
Shohre Mehvar, OMD, LAC
Shohre Mehvar, OMD, LAC
Shohre Mehvar—Endometriosis Acupuncturist
Summary: Shohre Mehvar, OMD, LAC, is a compassionate endometriosis acupuncturist based in Newport Beach, California, offering integrative, whole-person care at Newport Wellness Group. Shohre Mehvar blends traditional Chinese Medicine with modern functional nutrition and mind-body therapies to support patients navigating the physical, emotional, and metabolic challenges of endometriosis. Her philosophy is rooted in the belief that each person’s path to healing is unique, and she tailors every treatment plan to meet the individual’s specific needs. By fostering the body’s innate ability to heal, Shohre Mehvar addresses both symptoms and root causes—helping patients manage pain, regulate hormones, and restore balance in body and mind. Her warm, patient-focused approach empowers individuals with endometriosis to take an active role in their wellness journey.
City: Newport Beach, California, USA
Visit types: Virtual and In-person
Spoken languages: English
Interpreting services for other languages: No
Dr. Reza Askari
Dr. Reza Askari, Endometriosis Specialist
City: Los Angeles, California, USA
Philosophy of Endometriosis Care: Current scientific evidence most strongly supports the coelomic metaplasia theory as the primary explanation for the development of endometriosis.
Our knowledge of endometriosis is growing every day, and I believe epigenetics and immune system factors will become key areas of focus moving forward.
What type of surgery do you perform for endometriosis: Excision
Medication: Effective care for endometriosis requires a comprehensive view of each patient’s health, recognizing that other conditions may contribute to symptoms. While there is no medical therapy that cures endometriosis, complete surgical excision remains the foundation of treatment. After surgery, when necessary, I often recommend hormonal therapy—typically progestins, either orally or through an intrauterine device (IUD)—to help manage bleeding or adenomyosis-related symptoms when present. I generally avoid GnRH agonists and antagonists, as their risk profiles and clinical outcomes do not, in my experience, offer meaningful advantages over progestin-based
Approach to Persistent Pain After Surgery: My goal is always to walk alongside patients through their recovery, not just for the surgery itself, but until they truly feel better
I believe that recovery does not end in the operating room. I stay closely involved with every patient’s care, providing follow-up and support for as long as needed to help them achieve meaningful, lasting improvement.
Every patient leaves surgery with a personalized recovery plan, shaped by their history, examination, and lab findings, with particular attention to any additional pain contributors. I routinely recommend pelvic physical therapy and collaborate with a trusted network of physiatrists to ensure each patient receives truly comprehensive care throughout their healing journey.
Shabnam Pourhassani, DACM, LAc, QME, FABORM
Shabnam Pourhassani, DACM, LAc, QME, FABORM
Shabnam Pourhassani—Endometriosis Acupuncturist
Summary: Shabnam Pourhassani, DACM, LAc, QME, FABORM, is a skilled endometriosis acupuncturist offering care at Newport Wellness Group in Newport Beach, California. Shabnam Pourhassani takes a patient-centered, flexible approach, offering two evaluation pathways: one focused on symptom management for endometriosis and another that includes a comprehensive review of health, lifestyle, and other contributing factors within her scope of practice. With extensive training in integrative medicine, she tailors each treatment to the unique needs of the individual, aiming to relieve pain and improve quality of life through personalized acupuncture and wellness strategies. She empowers her patients by creating thoughtful, compassionate care plans that address both immediate symptoms and underlying imbalances, helping them feel more supported and in control of their healing journey.
City: Newport Beach, California, USA
Visit types: Virtual and in-person
Spoken languages: English
Interpreting services for other languages: No
Stephanie Martin, LAC, DAIM, FABORM
Stephanie Martin, LAC, DAIM, FABORM
Stephanie Martin—Endometriosis Acupuncturist
Summary: Stephanie Martin, LAC, DAIM, FABORM, is a dedicated endometriosis acupuncturist based in San Diego, California. At San Diego Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture, she offers personalized care using an integrative, whole-body approach that combines acupuncture, nutrition, targeted supplements, and functional lab testing. Her treatment philosophy focuses on managing endometriosis-related pain while addressing deeper issues such as gut health, estrogen metabolism, immune function, and chronic stress. Stephanie Martin is passionate about helping patients regain balance and improve their overall well-being by creating customized care plans that target both symptoms and root causes. Her supportive and holistic methods are designed to empower patients through education and long-term healing strategies, helping them find lasting relief and a better quality of life.
City: San Diego, California, USA
Visit types: Virtual and In-person
Spoken languages: English
Interpreting services for other languages: No
Robin Sheared, LAc, FABORM, MS
Robin Sheared, LAc, FABORM, MS
Robin Sheared—Endometriosis Acupuncturist
Summary: Robin Sheared, LAc, FABORM, MS, is a compassionate endometriosis acupuncturist based in San Francisco, California. At Blue Ova Health, Robin Sheared offers personalized acupuncture care tailored to each individual’s symptoms and reproductive health goals. Her approach is rooted in understanding your unique experience with endometriosis and designing a customized treatment plan that helps reduce pain and support fertility. With a strong focus on collaborative care, Robin Sheared works closely with patients to move beyond chronic discomfort and toward long-term wellness. Whether you’re managing endometriosis symptoms or hoping to optimize fertility, her treatments aim to restore balance and empower your healing journey. Patients appreciate her thoughtful, individualized care and commitment to improving quality of life through integrative, evidence-informed therapies.
City: San Francisco, California, USA
Visit types: In person and virtual
Spoken languages: English
Interpreting services for other languages: No
Rachel Hemphill, DACM, L.Ac., FABORM
Rachel Hemphill, DACM, L.Ac., FABORM
Rachel Hemphill—Endometriosis Acupuncturist
Summary: Rachel Hemphill, DACM, L.Ac., FABORM, is a dedicated endometriosis acupuncturist based in Oakland, California. At City Pulse Acupuncture, She provides personalized care using Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to support patients living with endometriosis. Her treatment philosophy is rooted in the understanding that every person’s experience with this condition is different. By carefully identifying individual patterns and symptoms, Rachel Hemphill crafts holistic treatment plans that address the root causes of pain and imbalance. Through acupuncture and herbal therapies, she aims to reduce inflammation, regulate hormonal function, and support overall well-being. Her warm and thoughtful approach helps patients feel heard, empowered, and actively involved in their care journey. Rachel Hemphill is committed to helping people manage endometriosis with compassion and evidence-informed care that promotes healing from the inside out.
City: Oakland, California, USA
Visit types: In person
Spoken languages: English
Interpreting services for other languages: No
Erin Sandoval, LAC, DACM, MS, FABORM
Erin Sadoval, LAC, DACM, MS, FABORM
Erin Sadoval—Endometriosis Acupuncturist
Summary: Erin Sandoval, LAC, DACM, MS, FABORM, is a dedicated endometriosis acupuncturist based in San Diego, California, offering integrative care at Natural Harmony Reproductive Health. Erin Sandoval understands that endometriosis is a complex condition affecting multiple body systems, including the immune, circulatory, musculoskeletal, and nervous systems. Her approach focuses on holistic healing to support long-lasting vitality and symptom relief. By combining acupuncture with personalized treatment plans, Erin Sandoval helps patients manage pain, reduce inflammation, and improve overall well-being. She emphasizes a patient-centered philosophy that addresses the whole body and mind, ensuring care is tailored to each individual’s unique experience with endometriosis. Patients value Erin Sandoval’s compassionate, professional care aimed at improving quality of life through natural and integrative therapies.
City: San Diego, California, USA
Visit types: Virtual and in-person
Spoken languages: English
Interpreting services for other languages: No
