Collaborative Care

My patients and I work together with mutual understanding and shared goals.

Diagnostic Clarification

We explore current symptoms and/or we may reevaluate past diagnosis.  Accurate diagnosis guides treatment so that it can be most effective.

Medications

If you have never been on psychiatric medications and wonder if they might be helpful, we can assess your situation and make a recommendation.

If you have been unable to tolerate medications because of side effects, or have tried several medications without full benefit, we can review the medications and present options.

Consultations

You may not want or need ongoing treatment with a psychiatrist, however, you and your medical provider may want guidance from a specialist before making further medication changes.  You may want a consultation to explore symptoms, ask questions or obtain a second opinion.

Formulation of Multidimensional Treatment Plans

Treatment may include medications, different modalities of therapy or evaluation of medical problems. Often there are concrete behavioral strategies that can be helpful.  For some, alternative medicine makes sense to continue or explore. I give recommendations and suggestions, however, the most important guide to the best treatment paths is what feels right to you, and what you feel would be most helpful.

Ongoing Treatment with Medication and Therapy

I believe that medication treatment is most effective when combined with therapy.  Symptoms occur in the context of relationships and life events and without considering these, it can be difficult to assess medication effectiveness.

Therapy has change a lot since the old image of a "shrink" talking to a person on a couch. Today, therapy is usually short-term and goal-focused. The therapy I provide includes supportive, cognitive behavioral (looking at patterns of thoughts and behaviors) and psychodynamic (understanding the connections between past and present experiences).

Coordination of Care with Medical Providers

Medical conditions or medical medications may complicate the diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric symptoms.  As a physician, I believe that coordination of care between medical providers offers the best and most effective care.

GOALS

Medications … Prescribe medications without side effects, at effective doses, with full remission of symptoms.  With ongoing medications, the goal is to prevent the return of symptoms. 

Therapy … Therapy is viewed as a partnership working together to ultimately help you to improve your life! Together we explore current issues and present difficulties. The primary goal of therapy is to help find the quickest, most accessible route to emotional wellness.