My Approach
“Every person deserves to be heard, understood, and treated as a whole human being — not just a list of symptoms. ”
Holistic & Integrative
Mind, body, and spirit — aligned with your personal values
Patient-Centered
Respect, understanding, and encouragement regardless of age
Collaborative
Working with your healthcare team for coordinated care
Empowering
Education-first — you are an active participant in your care
Personalized
No one-size-fits-all — every treatment plan is unique
Transparent
Detailed explanation of decisions and all available options
Non-Coercive
Medication isn't for everyone — I won't prescribe unnecessarily
What Integrative Psychiatry Means for You
Integrative psychiatry combines the best of evidence-based medicine with complementary approaches — this is not "alternative medicine." It means integrating medication, psychotherapy, mindfulness, breathwork, movement, and nutritional support into a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to you.
- Different from traditional medication-only psychiatry — treating the whole person
- We discuss how medications work and why they're recommended — you'll always understand your treatment
- Nutritional support (Omega-3, Vitamin D, probiotics) as evidence-based complements to clinical treatment
- The gut-brain connection is real — physiological health impacts mental health
Treatment Approaches I Use
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Evidence-BasedIdentify and reframe unhelpful thought patterns. The gold standard for anxiety and depression. Practical homework and skill-building between sessions.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Evidence-BasedAccept difficult feelings while committing to actions aligned with your values. Builds psychological flexibility rather than trying to eliminate negative thoughts.
Motivational Interviewing
Evidence-BasedDiscover your own reasons for change in a non-judgmental conversation. Particularly effective for ambivalence about treatment or lifestyle changes.
Mindfulness
Evidence-BasedPresent-moment awareness without judgment. Reduces rumination, improves emotional regulation. Integrated into sessions and as take-home practice.
Positive Psychology
Strengths-FocusedBuild on what's already working. Identify character strengths and use them to address challenges. Growth-oriented, not just problem-fixing.
Hero's Journey
Narrative-BasedFrame your mental health journey as a story of transformation. Meaning-making through narrative helps contextualize struggle as part of growth.
Breathwork & Movement
ComplementaryPhysiological tools that support mental health from the body up. Vagal nerve activation and nervous system regulation through intentional practice.
Spiritual Therapy
Existential/SpiritualFor clients who want to integrate spiritual or existential exploration into care. Aligned with personal values and belief systems.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Before You Arrive
Complete paperwork 48 hours before intake. Bring your insurance card, list of current medications (including supplements), and any prior psychiatric records.
The Evaluation
A comprehensive 60-minute review of your symptoms, mental health history, medical history, family history, lifestyle factors, and your goals for treatment.
For Adolescents
Appointments include both parent/guardian time and private teen time. Building trust with young patients is essential to effective care.
Your Treatment Plan
By the end of your visit, we discuss findings, develop a collaborative treatment plan, and schedule follow-up. You'll understand every recommendation.
Telehealth Option
After your initial in-person appointment, telehealth via Doxy.Me is available if clinically appropriate — providing flexibility while maintaining quality care.
Follow-Up Schedule
Initial follow-ups typically every 2-4 weeks. Once stable, appointments may space to every 1-3 months. Frequency is personalized to your needs.
Collaborative Care — Working as a Team
Mental health care works best when everyone is on the same page. I coordinate with your existing therapist, primary care provider, pediatrician, and school counselors to ensure comprehensive, aligned care.
- Shared decision-making — you are an active partner, not a passive recipient
- Family involvement when appropriate, especially for adolescent patients
- Referral network for specialized needs including neuropsych testing and specialized therapy