I believe that mental health care should be compassionate, evidence-based, and tailored to each individual’s unique needs. With over a decade of experience in psychiatry, I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, PTSD, and mood disorders, using a holistic, patient-centered approach that considers both the mind and body.
My work integrates cutting-edge neuroscience, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-informed care, and wellness-based strategies to create treatment plans that foster long-term healing. Beyond clinical practice, I am passionate about mental health advocacy, education, and policy reform, striving to make quality care more accessible, reduce stigma, and empower individuals on their journey to wellness.
Each person’s mental health journey is different, and understanding the complexities of specific conditions is key to providing effective care. In the sections that follow, I’ll share more about my areas of specialization, my treatment philosophy, and how I help individuals navigate their path to mental well-being.
Anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety, and phobias. These conditions can cause excessive worry, fear, and physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and restlessness.
Approach to Treatment:
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): I work with patients to identify and challenge negative thought patterns, helping them build healthier coping strategies.
- Mindfulness & Relaxation Techniques: Breathing exercises, guided meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation are used to reduce stress and promote emotional regulation.
- Exposure Therapy: For phobias and social anxiety, gradual exposure to fear-inducing situations helps build resilience and decrease avoidance behaviors.
- Medication Management: When necessary, I prescribe evidence-based medications such as SSRIs or beta-blockers to help manage symptoms.
Overview: Depression can manifest as persistent sadness, loss of interest, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Mood disorders, including bipolar disorder, involve extreme emotional highs and lows that impact daily life.
Approach to Treatment:
- Psychotherapy: I use CBT, interpersonal therapy (IPT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to address negative thinking patterns, emotional dysregulation, and relationship challenges.
- Medication Management: Antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and other treatments are carefully selected based on each patient’s needs.
- Lifestyle Interventions: Exercise, sleep hygiene, and nutrition play a crucial role in mood stability, and I incorporate these into treatment plans.
- Support Systems: Group therapy, peer support, and family involvement can help patients feel connected and supported.
Overview: PTSD can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, leading to flashbacks, hypervigilance, emotional numbness, and avoidance of triggers.
Approach to Treatment:
- Trauma-Informed Care: I prioritize safety, trust, and empowerment, ensuring patients feel supported as they process their trauma.
- Prolonged Exposure Therapy & EMDR: These therapies help reprocess traumatic memories in a safe, structured way to reduce distress.
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): Patients learn to reframe distressing thoughts about their trauma, reducing guilt, shame, and fear.
- Holistic Healing Methods: Yoga, expressive arts, and somatic therapy can help integrate mind-body healing.
Overview: OCD involves intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety. These symptoms can interfere with daily life and cause significant distress.
Approach to Treatment:
- Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP): A structured approach where patients gradually face their fears while refraining from compulsive behaviors.
- Cognitive Therapy: Helps individuals understand and change distorted thinking patterns that fuel OCD symptoms.
- Medication Management: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other treatments are used when necessary.
- Mindfulness & Acceptance Strategies: Helps patients tolerate uncertainty and reduce distress around obsessive thoughts.
Overview: Conditions such as borderline personality disorder (BPD) involve difficulties in emotional regulation, self-image, and relationships.
Approach to Treatment:
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Focuses on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness.
- Schema Therapy: Addresses deep-seated patterns developed from early life experiences.
- Self-Compassion Practices: Helps patients build self-acceptance and reduce self-destructive behaviors.
Overview: Mental health challenges during pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause can affect emotional well-being and daily functioning.
Approach to Treatment:
- Hormonal & Biological Considerations: Understanding the role of hormonal changes in mental health and tailoring treatment accordingly.
- Psychotherapy & Support Groups: Providing a safe space for women to share experiences and develop coping strategies.
- Medication Management: Safe and evidence-based medication use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Holistic Wellness Approaches: Nutrition, exercise, and stress-reduction techniques tailored to women’s unique needs.
Overview: ADHD and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in adults can impact focus, organization, emotional regulation, and social interactions.
Approach to Treatment:
- Behavioral Coaching: Helps patients develop structure, improve executive functioning, and manage impulsivity.
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for ADHD: Addresses procrastination, time management, and self-esteem issues.
- Social Skills Training for ASD: Supports individuals in navigating relationships, communication, and sensory challenges.
- Medication Management: When appropriate, stimulant or non-stimulant medications may be used for ADHD.
I believe that no two individuals are the same, and mental health treatment should be tailored to each person’s unique experiences and needs. My approach is rooted in compassion, evidence-based care, and a commitment to empowering patients to take charge of their mental well-being. Whether through therapy, medication, advocacy, or holistic wellness strategies, my goal is to help each person find healing, resilience, and balance in their life.