I see individuals of all ages and for many different reasons. I do evaluation and treatment mainly focusing on medication management. Time permitting in my schedule, I can offer brief psychotherapy for individuals, couples, and families. Most patients I see already have a therapist and they should plan to continue with their therapist. Communicating with therapists is very helpful for me. Additionally, I offer second opinions on more complicated diagnostic or medication concerns. I treat individuals for problems related to:
- Mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder
- Generalized anxiety disorder, separation anxiety
- Social anxiety, school phobia and other phobias
- Panic disorder and agoraphobia
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- ADHD of the various types, whether inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive or both
- Alcohol and substance abuse
- Oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder
- Autistic spectrum disorders
- Tourette syndrome
- Eating disorders
- Schizophrenia
- Trichotillomania and other impulse control disorders
Evaluation only:
There are times when all that is needed is an evaluation to clarify a diagnostic question and make recommendations. Some like to use this option because they are only looking for a second opinion or to minimize their cost. For adults this usually requires about two 45 minute sessions and with children and teenagers, two to three 45 minute sessions. If so desired, I would then write a letter addressing my findings and recommendations to the treating psychiatrist, psychotherapist and/or family doctor.
Evaluation and brief treatment:
Regularly, I receive a request from a family doctor to do an evaluation, and if needed, begin treatment with a medication. Since most people who see me are already in psychotherapy, this usually entails the initial diagnostic sessions and then 15 or 30 minute follow-up visits every few weeks or months, depending on how the individual is progressing. Others will want to enter into psychotherapy treatment with me, and in addition, use medication if it is warranted.
Ongoing treatment:
Therapy varies for everyone. Depending on the severity of the situation, a person undergoing substance abuse treatment might require a longer therapy period than someone going through an eating disorder therapy. After the initial evaluation, some will continue for more extended ongoing treatment until they are well and we have decided to discontinue treatment. This might entail ongoing 45 minute psychotherapy visits with a therapist that are weekly or as needed. In some cases, depending on the individual and the problems we are addressing, we may only meet once every few months.
Others will come in for a 30 minute visit at the same frequency. These intermediate time visits are good typically when someone is doing better, but we still need some extra time to address issues more in depth. The 15 minute medication management visits oftentimes are done monthly and as the individual is feeling better can be spaced out to every 3-6 months.