The person you are today is a complex process that has been shaped by many factors, including your environment, life events, childhood experiences, and genetic predispositions and coping mechanisms. To me, a psychiatric evaluation ought to be more than just selecting a diagnosis to describe your symptoms; a psychiatric evaluation should help you understand the many biological, psychological and social-cultural factors that have contributed to your experience and consequently, your symptoms.

When we are struggling with psychiatric symptoms, it is useful to understand how we got there so that we may use that knowledge to guide treatment. This sort of evaluation helps us find our way to a healthier place and hopefully stay there. 

The first one or two sessions with me are an opportunity for you to share your symptoms and life story, and a chance for me to ask questions about your life, development, family history, medical history, and any prior mental health treatment experiences. By the end of the evaluation period, we should have an idea of what the problems are. We will then discuss treatment options for your situation, including effective forms of psychotherapy, medications, and lifestyle changes. I have been trained in psychodynamic psychotherapy, existential therapy, cognitive-behavior therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, supportive therapy, family therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and culturally sensitive therapy. When possible, I prefer to provide both the medication (if needed) and the psychotherapy. 

My recommendations are based on current scientific research and my clinical judgement and experience. Together we will discuss your treatment options and decide on the best treatment approach for you. We will periodically revisit the treatment planning process and adjust your treatment as necessary.

In addition to providing careful diagnostic assessments and judicious use of medication, I offer second-opinion consultations to patients and their providers. The conditions I offer treatment for are the following:

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

  • Bipolar Disorder

  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

  • Personality Disorder

  • Emotion Regulation

  • Identity Issues

  • Eating Disorders

I also offer educational consultations and coaching globally.