WHAT IS A PSYCHIATRIST?

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has undergone specialized training in mental health. According to the American Psychiatric Association, psychiatry is the branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. A psychiatrist is able to evaluate physical and mental aspects of psychological problems, evaluate for medical conditions that may influence psychological symptoms, and offer treatment. Psychiatrists use a variety of treatments, including psychotherapy, medication, education, and psychosocial interventions.

DO YOU OFFER PSYCHOTHERAPY OR JUST MEDICATIONS?

To me, the practice of psychiatry is inextricably linked to the practice of psychotherapy and while I delight in working to find medication that can ease a patient’s suffering, I definitely am not one to “just prescribe medication.” A therapist is one who provides therapy services, and as such, my practice of psychiatry also includes the practice of psychotherapy. The goals of psychotherapy can range from achieving a better understanding of oneself, to eliminating or controlling troubling symptoms so that one can function better. Depending on the problem and the goal, the duration of psychotherapy can range from brief to several years. My psychotherapy style is eclectic, melding elements of psychodynamic and psychoanalytic psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, mentalization based therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, supportive therapy, and a whole lot of other things I’ve picked up along the way.

AS A CHILD PSYCHIATRIST, DO YOU SEE ADULTS TOO?

Early in my medical career, I read that “the child & adolescent psychiatrist is the true general psychiatrist.” That line has stuck with me all these years, mostly because I have found it to be true. Before completing my fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry, I completed a four-year residency in adult psychiatry and became board certified in adult psychiatry. Thus, I am board certified both in child & adolescent psychiatry and adult psychiatry. I find that having experience in treating children and teenagers actually promotes a richer understanding of the issues that plague adults. Child & adolescent training allows me to better appreciate maturation across the lifecycle, a developmental perspective, and a sense of how a person fits in the greater context of their family and community. Because medication is often not first-line with children, I have learned to integrate biomedical, psychological, and social perspectives into a holistic approach to patient care. I am a firm believer that child training has made me a better psychiatrist for persons of all ages.

HOW LONG ARE SESSIONS?

My first session with a new patient is two to three hours, which allows me time to develop an initial understanding of the problems that brings someone into my office, as well as gather some sense of what their life is like outside of their mental health struggles. The exact length varies based on age of patient and individual needs. Following a full medical and psychiatric evaluation, we will discuss my impressions and recommendations, and develop a plan for going forward. For new child and adolescent intakes, I like to meet the child and all parents initially together then split up and meet with parents and child separately thereafter. For young adults, I do like to meet parents either in the intake or thereafter, but depending on patient preferences.

Follow-up sessions are fifty minutes or twenty-five minutes. It is hard to generalize the length and number of sessions that will be needed, as each person presents with a unique set of circumstances. However, I generally recommend fifty minute sessions for psychotherapy or combined psychotherapy and medication management. For pure medication management, we may start with fifty minute sessions initially as we work out a plan, then switch to twenty-five minute sessions once we agree that we are on a good path towards feeling better, and then do longer sessions on an as-needed basis.

When working with children and adolescents, the majority of the time is spent with the child or adolescent. However, I like to meet with parents as well. Depending on the individual situation, I will either schedule additional sessions with parents as needed, or allot time at the end of sessions to meet with parents.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR OUR VISIT?

While many who come and see me are coming out of their own volition, many also are coming because they are brought by parents. For children and teenagers, there is no right way to explain why they are seeing me. It depends on your child’s general style of relating and your own style of parenting. Much of the information above may be helpful. I often say that I’m the kind of doctor that talks about thoughts and feelings to help kids feel better and in addition to talking i sometimes give medication. I tend towards explanations of what it is that needs help rather than naming conditions

DO YOU OFFER CONSULTATIONS?

I provide second opinion consultations for individuals who have questions or concerns about their current treatment. I do require the agreement of your therapist and/or psychiatrist. I also provide ongoing and one-time consultation to other clinicians, including psychiatrists and other mental health professionals.

HOW DO YOU MANAGE CONFIDENTIALITY?

I keep our work entirely private and confidential, and I am the only person who can access my email and voicemail.

DO YOU TAKE INSURANCE?

I am an “out of network provider” which means that I am not contracted with any health insurance companies and I am not on any insurance panels. Payment arrangements are exclusively between myself and my patients. However, many of my patients do use their health insurance to help them with our charges. If you have questions about whether insurance will cover my services, I recommend that you call the insurance company directly. A superbill will be provided on a monthly basis. You can submit the superbill directly to your insurance company for any reimbursement.

HOW DO YOU TAKE PAYMENT?

Fees are due at time of service. I accept payment by cash, check, Zelle, credit card, or debit card.

ARE YOU ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS?

This answer changes based on my shifting availability. Please contact me to learn if I am accepting new patients at this time.