Specialized Expertise

I treat a wide range of mental health conditions across the lifespan, from children ages 8 and up through older adults. My clinical training at Johns Hopkins, Sheppard Pratt, and specialized internships gives me depth in complex, co-occurring conditions — not just textbook cases.

Conditions I Treat

ADHD

Comprehensive assessment using QbTest objective testing, combined with medication management and behavioral strategies. I work with children, adolescents, and adults to develop practical tools that improve focus, organization, and daily functioning.

Progeny Psychiatric Clinic — managed ADHD across ages 8-70

Anxiety Disorders

Generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and panic disorder treated with evidence-based CBT and medication when needed. I integrate mindfulness and ACT approaches to build lasting distress tolerance skills.

Bates College BA in Emotion & Cognition — foundational research in anxiety

Depression (MDD)

Depression isn't just sadness — it has biological, psychological, and social dimensions. I combine medication management with psychotherapy to address the whole picture, not just the symptoms.

Anchored practice philosophy — treating root causes, not just symptoms

Treatment-Resistant Depression

When standard treatments haven't worked, I explore pharmacogenetic testing, medication optimization, and advanced options. I have clinical experience with TMS, ECT, and ketamine therapy.

Johns Hopkins inpatient psychiatry — acute TRD management

Bipolar & Mood Disorders

Mood stabilization requires careful medication monitoring, psychoeducation for patients and families, and a long-term management perspective. I help you understand your cycles and build stability.

Progeny Psychiatric Clinic — bipolar disorder across the lifespan

Eating Disorders

I completed specialized internship training under an eating disorder specialist. My integrative approach addresses both the psychological and nutritional factors that drive disordered eating.

Harbor Psychiatry internship — preceptor Dr. Olivia DeFilippo, eating disorder specialist

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Comprehensive evaluation, management of co-occurring conditions (anxiety, ADHD, mood disorders), and family education and support. I work with patients and their support systems to build understanding.

Progeny Psychiatric Clinic — ASD assessment and treatment across ages

Personality Disorders

Evidence-based approaches including DBT skills training, building a consistent therapeutic relationship, and long-term collaborative care. I understand that these conditions require patience and genuine connection.

Sheppard Pratt — floated to personality disorder and co-occurring units

OCD & PTSD/Trauma

CBT-based protocols including exposure and response prevention for OCD, and trauma-informed care approaches. Safety, trust, and pacing are central to how I work with trauma.

Johns Hopkins Hospital — acute inpatient psychiatric rotations

Psychosis

Medication management, crisis stabilization experience, and ongoing monitoring. I've worked with acute presentations in inpatient settings and support stable outpatient management.

Sheppard Pratt psychotic disorder unit; Johns Hopkins inpatient

Adolescent Mental Health — A Distinct Specialty

Adolescent mental health isn't just "smaller adult care." The prefrontal cortex doesn't fully mature until the mid-20s, which means treatment approaches designed for adults need significant adaptation for teens. Depression in adolescents often presents as irritability rather than sadness — a critical distinction that can lead to missed diagnoses.

Family involvement and school coordination (IEPs, 504 plans) are integral to treatment, not add-ons
At Sheppard Pratt, I led therapeutic groups for adolescents in crisis — covering life transitions, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and anger management
I founded the Johns Hopkins Mental Health Grad Network, promoting wellbeing for nursing students — leadership born from understanding young people's mental health needs
As a Villa Park High School graduate and Orange County native, I understand the local community, school systems, and the specific pressures adolescents face in this area

Advanced Treatment Experience

TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)

Non-invasive brain stimulation for depression — targeted magnetic pulses to improve mood regulation

ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy)

For severe, treatment-resistant cases — safe, effective, and closely monitored

Ketamine Therapy

Emerging evidence-based approach for treatment-resistant depression with rapid-acting effects

Pharmacogenetic Testing (TEMPUS)

Genetic analysis to guide medication selection — reducing trial-and-error in prescribing

Training & Clinical Background

Johns Hopkins Hospital

Inpatient Psychiatry

Acute mania, psychosis, treatment-resistant depression

Sheppard Pratt

Female Adolescent Crisis Stabilization

De-escalation, restraint protocols, therapeutic group leadership, MHW supervision

Harbor Psychiatry, Newport Beach

Eating Disorder Specialist Internship

Preceptor: Olivia DeFilippo, PMHNP-BC — children and adolescents

Progeny Psychiatric Clinic, Irvine

Full Patient Management

Ages 8-70 — evaluations, medication, psychoeducation, psychotherapy

Bates College

BA Psychology (Emotion & Cognition)

Research in healing practices and animal-assisted interventions