My Approach

My Approach.

Every person deserves to be heard, understood, and treated as a whole human being — not just a list of symptoms.

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

Principles

What I try to keep true, visit to visit.

— I.

Holistic & Integrative

Mind, body, and spirit — aligned with your personal values

— II.

Patient-Centered

Respect, understanding, and encouragement regardless of age

— III.

Collaborative

Working with your healthcare team for coordinated care

— IV.

Empowering

Education-first — you are an active participant in your care

— V.

Personalized

No one-size-fits-all — every treatment plan is unique

— VI.

Transparent

Detailed explanation of decisions and all available options

— VII.

Non-Coercive

Medication isn't for everyone — I won't prescribe unnecessarily

Modalities

Therapeutic approaches I draw from.

Evidence-based and complementary methods, integrated as appropriate to your care.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Identify and reframe unhelpful thought patterns. The gold standard for anxiety and depression. Practical homework and skill-building between sessions.

Evidence-Based

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Accept difficult feelings while committing to actions aligned with your values. Builds psychological flexibility rather than trying to eliminate negative thoughts.

Evidence-Based

Motivational Interviewing

Discover your own reasons for change in a non-judgmental conversation. Particularly effective for ambivalence about treatment or lifestyle changes.

Evidence-Based

Mindfulness

Present-moment awareness without judgment. Reduces rumination, improves emotional regulation. Integrated into sessions and as take-home practice.

Evidence-Based

Positive Psychology

Build on what's already working. Identify character strengths and use them to address challenges. Growth-oriented, not just problem-fixing.

Strengths-Focused

Hero's Journey

Frame your mental health journey as a story of transformation. Meaning-making through narrative helps contextualize struggle as part of growth.

Narrative-Based

Breathwork & Movement

Physiological tools that support mental health from the body up. Vagal nerve activation and nervous system regulation through intentional practice.

Complementary

Spiritual Therapy

For clients who want to integrate spiritual or existential exploration into care. Aligned with personal values and belief systems.

Existential/Spiritual

First visit

What to Expect at Your First Visit

  1. STEP I

    Before You Arrive

    Complete paperwork 48 hours before intake. Bring your insurance card, list of current medications (including supplements), and any prior psychiatric records.

  2. STEP II

    The Evaluation

    A comprehensive 60-minute review of your symptoms, mental health history, medical history, family history, lifestyle factors, and your goals for treatment.

  3. STEP III

    For Adolescents

    Appointments include both parent/guardian time and private teen time. Building trust with young patients is essential to effective care.

  4. STEP IV

    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.

  5. STEP V

    Telehealth Option

    After your initial in-person appointment, telehealth via Doxy.Me is available if clinically appropriate — providing flexibility while maintaining quality care.

  6. STEP VI

    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

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