Services Provided

When one seeks psychiatric services or is referred to a psychiatrist for the first time, he or she may be wondering, “Is there something wrong with me?” or “Am I crazy?”  My first goal for my clients is to dispel the notion they are somehow less of a person or “crazy” for seeking my care.  You are not alone in your suffering and help is available.  Later in this section you will find a list of common psychiatric disorders.  Click on them for a brief description of their symptoms and treatment. It is only a sampling of the conditions I treat.

I also wish to address the myth that psychiatric symptoms are simply a manifestation of a “chemical imbalance.”  While genetics and neurotransmitters do play an important role in your symptoms, your psychological development, and social situation play equally vital roles.  When you come to me for treatment, we will take into account all three of these areas, and integrate them into your therapy.  Taking this bio-psycho-social approach will give you the best chance in achieving your goals.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, or “talk-therapy,” is a powerful technique for the treatment of mild psychiatric symptoms or for an individual who simply wishes to overcome an aspect of their life (social, occupational, marital, sexual etc.) with which they are struggling.  Benefits of therapy include improved interpersonal relationships, stress reduction, improved self-esteem, improved coping skills in dealing with difficult situations, and a deeper insight into your personality, your development, your habits, and relationships.  With that insight, comes the capacity to change.

I offer a few different forms of therapy each with its own style, pace, and structure. 

Psychodynamic Therapy:  In psychodynamic therapy, we explore the origins of your emotional distress.  We do this by means of open discussion of any early traumas you’ve experienced, fantasies, dream interpretation etc. 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):  In cognitive therapy, the aim is to identify the maladaptive negative thoughts that occur when confronted with an emotional situation.  These automatic thoughts may reflect deeper core beliefs about yourself.  Once identified, these thoughts can be examined and changed through the process of practice and homework assignments.  You will also learn relaxation techniques, and identify and modify your behaviors that cause you distress.  These techniques are well suited to the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders

Interpersonal Therapy:  Similar to CBT, interpersonal therapy (IPT) seeks to identify and modify the unhealthy behaviors that affect your relationships.  You will also explore how these relationships contribute to your emotional life. 

Therapists often use a combination of approaches in treating a client.  The most important factor is that you find a therapist with whom you feel comfortable. 

Psychotherapy can last as little as a few months to as long as several years.  This depends on a number of things: 1) quality of the therapeutic relationship, 2) severity of the presenting complaints, 3) client’s capacity for introspection and reflection, 4) motivation to put into practice outside the office, those skills learned in the office.  Sometimes psychotherapy alone will suffice.  Often times, in more complicated cases, a combination of psychotherapy and medication is optimal.  In such a case, I can either treat a client with combination of psychotherapy, and med management, or med management only, while the client receives therapy from another mental health professional.

Medications

Medications may be indicated when your mental symptoms are not responsive to psychotherapy alone.  When a mental illness markedly impacts your ability to work, maintain interpersonal relationships, or properly care for your basic needs, medication may offer much needed relief.  If it is agreed that medications are indicated, I will discuss with you all of the most current medication options that are available to treat your current condition.  I will present information in language that you can understand.  You will learn how the medication works, its dosage, and frequency, its expected benefits, possible side effects, drug interactions, and any withdrawal effects you may experience if you stop taking the medication abruptly.  By the end of the discussion you will have all the information you need to make a rational decision as to which medication is right for you. 

You may already be receiving psychotherapy from another therapist, and are referred to me for medication management.  In this case I will make a strong effort to coordinate care with your therapist (with your consent, of course).  I believe communication between mental health professionals is key to providing effective care. 

Not everyone is a good candidate for medication therapy.  Such therapy requires strict adherence to dosage, and frequency, close follow-up, and sometimes regular blood tests.  Your ability to adhere to medication treatment will be taken into consideration in making the decision to start such therapy.

Common Psychiatric Disorders