MY SPECIALTIES
PSYCHIATRIC ASSESSMENT
Quality care starts with the right diagnosis. I value seeing new patients for a longer period of time than average. This extra time allows me time to meet with the child/adolescent and parents. At a new patient visit, a thorough clinical interview is done as well as use of standardized rating scales to complement the assessment. I work with the patients and family to formulate a treatment plan, which gets tailored over time to best meet the current needs.
PSYCHOTHERAPY
Psychotherapy is an important part of treatment. Many patients are already established with a psychotherapist, in which case I will partner with their therapist for care. I may use supportive therapy or behavior based therapy alone or along with medication as a part of the treatment plan. I am also trained in SPACE (supportive parenting for anxious childhood emotions). Using SPACE I work directly with parents to help their children with OCD and/or anxiety.
ANXIETY
MEDICATION MANAGEMENT
After a thorough assessment, I may or may not recommend medication. Psychiatric medication can be a helpful part of treatment for many disorders. I generally recommend medication when it is expected to be of benefit, but also work closely with the patient and parents to consider their preferences.
DEPRESSION
Teen depression is on the rise. Untreated depression can lead to other (sometimes more serious) concerns. The good news is that treatment helps. Treatment for depression may include medication, therapy or a combination of both.
STRESS & COPING
It's not easy being a teen. Pressure from friends, parents, school, sports, and social media are just some stressors that can be challenging. Healthy coping skills to navigate through stressors are key to developing healthy habits into adulthood. Psychotherapy can target these areas and support healthy development.
Anxiety is the most common psychiatric concern in youth. Anxiety can come in many forms (separation, social, generalized, panic), and range in severity. Treatment is generally very effective and may include medication, therapy, or a combination of both.
ADHD
ADHD can have a negative impact at school, but can also interfere in many other areas of life. Depending on the severity of the ADHD, medication may be needed. Medication for the treatment of ADHD is a core part of my role as a Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist.
Parenting
Kids don't come with an instruction book. Some kids are more challenging to parent than others and may need a more "advanced" set of skills. That's where psychotherapy can be of help.
Kids don't come with an instruction book. Some kids are more challenging to parent than others and may need a more "advanced" set of skills. That's where psychotherapy can be of help.
BEHAVIOR CONCERNS
Behavior challenges can include verbal outbursts or even physical. In many cases, there is an underlying factor in need of addressing (ADHD, depression, anxiety, substance use, stressor, etc). A thorough assessment and the right treatment is key to getting on the right path.
OCD
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder or OCD often goes unrecognized. When present, it can interfere with one's everyday functioning at home, school, or work. Treatment outcomes are best when both the therapist and psychiatrist are trained to specifically treat OCD. I have worked with many youth who struggle with OCD, and can help.
Autism
Caring for a child or teen with Autism takes a team. Medication is often not the first approach, but may be a helpful part of treatment when other treatments do not fully resolve concerns. The Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist can also be a helpful part of the treatment team when Autism exists with another behavioral health disorder more commonly treated with medication .