Substance Abuse & Other Treatment
There are various evaluation and treatment options to consider. Our therapies range from mood disorder and obsessive-compulsive treatments to substance abuse treatment.
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, 2-3 of the 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 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.