As a child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist, I approach the assessment and care of my clients with the depth and breadth of a systems approach, assessing the multidirectional roles of school and work, peers, romantic partners, families, parents, neuropsychological/developmental issues, and medical issues. I am active in communicating with parents and teachers, and I advocate for my patients in and outside the classroom and workplace.
As a therapist, I use a personalized individual approach, rooted in psychodynamic psychotherapy, but incorporating a number of cognitive-behavioral and relaxation techniques, as well as interpersonal and dialectical behavior therapy techniques.
Exercise (e.g., aerobic exercise, walking, weightlifting, yoga, pilates, and martial arts), nutrition and healthy eating habits, and meditation are encouraged as well. Cultural and spiritual factors are integral to one's being and therefore to one's assessment and treatment.
Remaining drug and alcohol-free is critical for the attainment and maintenance of mental health and well-being. If I feel drug and/or alcohol abuse is interfering with the treatment plan, I will recommend a formal consultation with a substance abuse expert.
For parents of child and adolescent patients, it's important to validate the positive, transformative role they play in their child's life, while examining possible complicating roles, and to assess how well they are coping with their child's difficulties. A child or adolescent with psychiatric and/or medical difficulties can fuel parent/family stress. When important, I urge parents to consider individual or couples treatment for themselves and/or family therapy for the family.
When appropriate, I will recommend group therapy, neuropsychological evaluations, medical assessments, school consultations, support groups, or whatever else may be useful for the treatment of the patient.
Finally, I want my clients and their support network to have all the information and support services readily available to them. Therefore, I constantly update my website with information pertinent to a variety of clinical problems.