Clinical Patient Care

Privacy.

Time.

Confidentiality.

Evidence-based practice.

These are some of the qualities most individuals and couples expect from the doctor who is helping them understand the internal driving conflicts that are invading their ability to resolve current or chronic struggles. I am a psychiatrist who specializes in individual psychotherapy, couples therapy, the treatment of alcohol and drug addiction, and medication management for patients of all ages.  My goal is to establish an enduring and respectful relationship with you that exceeds your expectations and helps you achieve your full potential.

I am a practical, interactive, and solution-focused psychotherapist. I assist each individual and couple in gaining insight to help them find personal truths, emotional health, and solutions to a wide range of life challenges and psychological issues.

For some patients a combination of medication management with psychotherapy provides the most effective outcomes. If indicated I will prescribe medications that will provide the most benefit, keeping in mind the risk and side effects. Many patients, however, do not require medications. As a physician, I complete full evaluations of my patients to assess whether or not medications should be included in their treatment plans.

At the first few appointments, I conduct an initial assessment that will assist me in understanding the biological, psychological, and social influences on your current mental struggles. These influences have equal value on the potential harm they cause on a person’s ability to function, or on a couple’s ability to communicate and grow. Understanding the bio-psycho-social formulation of the issues or problems allows for a strong foundation for the treatment plan.

Subsequent to the initial evaluation, those followed for psychotherapy will be scheduled in 60 minute intervals and usually weekly, but visits can be structured to fit different schedules.  My psychotherapeutic approach includes aspects of Freudian, psychodynamic, interpersonal, and somatic techniques.  I also use concrete therapeutic techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and relaxation exercises.

Medication management visits are normally scheduled in 30 minute intervals and are used to discuss response to medications, side effects and other relevant issues.

Medications are very useful and clinically proven tools to ameliorate physical and psychological symptoms of mental illness.  While they have multiple benefits, they can also cause uncomfortable or disruptive side effects.  The focus of medication treatment is to maximize positive response while minimizing unwanted side effects.

My approach to prescribing medications is framed by the guidelines recommended by the American Psychiatric Association.  I reserve the use of medications for instances in which the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Unfortunately, some mental symptoms are so severe and persistent that they interfere with attempts at healing and can produce serious negative consequences for the patient and family if untreated.

Depending on the clinical scenario and the wishes of the patient, medications can be an integral part of a healing journey. Sometimes they are used on a long-term basis and sometimes for brief periods of time, which will be determined by the individualized course of treatment. For moderate to severe symptoms, a course of 9-12 months of medication treatment is a standard recommendation. Most commonly, medications are used to address the most prominent and disruptive symptoms, freeing up the patient to learn cognitive, behavioral, and physical tools that will form the foundation for healing and remaining symptom-free.

Ideally, when a patient has mastered new coping skills and has created a stronger, more stable emotional foundation, medications can be discontinued.