- 3900 N 10th Street, Suite 930, McAllen, TX 78501
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.
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.
Ideally, when a patient has mastered new coping skills and has created a stronger, more stable emotional foundation, medications can be discontinued.
If you have suffered from depression and tried two or more antidepressants in your current episode without adequate relief, you might suffer from treatment-resistant depression.
SPRAVATO® (esketamine) is the first nasal spray medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration, taken along with an oral antidepressant, for adults with treatment-resistant depression, and depressive symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder with acute suicidal ideation or behavior.
My office is a certified SPRAVATO® treatment center and I am very excited to provide this new service to my patients. Please call my office for more information about this effective new medication for treatment-resistant depression and suicidal thoughts and behavior.
Also, more information is available at www.spravato.com
Please note that no direct payment from any insurance company is accepted, although a written invoice will be provided to you, upon request, to submit to your own insurance company if you have benefits.
All appointments require a 24-hour notice of cancellation. Otherwise, there will be billed in full for the late-notice cancellation. If a session is missed entirely, without notification, you will also be billed.
Payment in cash, check, or credit card is required at the time of the office visit unless you have made other arrangements with Dr. Gonzalez.
Health Savings Account (HSA) funds are accepted.
My office practice offers the most discrete and confidential treatment setting since privacy is one of my highest priorities.
I am located on the 9th floor of the BBVA Compass Bank Tower in McAllen, Texas. I specifically chose this location and remodeled the office suite so that confidentiality and privacy would never be a concern for those I treat. I do not have a waiting room filled with other individuals or couples. I do not have a wait time in my office since I will see you exactly at your appointment time. And, you will not be placed in a compromising position of greeting friends or acquaintances in the office suite, since flow has been designed to follow in one direction only.