MD, 10 years of experience
I am an experienced, board-certified psychiatrist working in private practice and with the Veteran's Administration. I am based in the Asheville area but work with clients anywhere in North Carolina in a small, client-centered telehealth practice that is separate from my work at the VA. I offer both forensic and clinical services in my private practice. In my VA work, I treat patients and offer physician leadership in two multidisciplinary outpatient programs for general mental health and severe mental illness (community-based intensive case management). My training background encompasses a biological approach to the treatment of mental health problems as well as a more integrative approach to treatment. I believe it is important to work with all tools available to us when we are trying to manage mental health issues. This means that when considering treatment I offer evidence-based medication management as well as psychotherapy. I will also prioritize the client's physical health by encouraging other practices such as yoga and meditation, and ensuring other medical concerns are addressed.
The first session will be a 60 minute telehealth evaluation appointment during which I obtain information, offer my impression, and make treatment recommendations. If we both feel we are a good fit for one another I will prescribe treatment, assist with any additional referrals as needed, and schedule a follow-up appointment. It is helpful to make records available to me for review at this appointment (or prior) if possible, and crucial to complete the intake form before this appointment so that we can make the best use of the time we have available.
The biggest difference in my practice compared to the standard treatment model is the level of thoroughness, patience, and consideration I bring to treating clients. Clients will not feel rushed, and all concerns will be addressed. Clients are empowered with autonomy in the decision-making process and thoroughly educated about treatment options. I have been fortunate to experience with clients transformative change by identifying the correct diagnosis, utilizing the most evidence-based and individualized treatment option, and involving the right therapeutic supports, even in some cases after years of stagnation in mental health clinics. I am directly accessible via secure message, and a greater level of privacy can be expected as there are no other entities between the client and the physician (other than the Grow Therapy platform or an insurance company, if the client chooses).
I am seeking to connect with clients who are searching for a higher quality of care than we generally receive in the traditional "medical model". This may be a working professional looking for a flexible and attentive approach to treatment or a long-term client tired of the limitations of the 10-minute med check. With me, a client can expect longer appointments and significantly more thorough and robust evaluations as compared to what is typically offered in many practices. Since I am the only employee of my practice, clients will have more direct access to the physician than is usually the case. In this practice I am best positioned to work with working professionals; students; those with life-stage transition issues; relationship challenges; situational stressors; new or ongoing depression or anxiety; a complex medical history or condition; or any prospective client who is open-minded and ready to embark on a journey of change. I am very experienced working with older clients (60+) who are often navigating complex life stage transitions, relationship issues, existential concerns, and who may have complex medical problems or medication lists that some psychiatric providers are not able to manage.
I utilize a variety of psychotherapy interventions to support medication management. See my profile for examples of the different approaches used in therapy. I do not provide psychotherapy alone, and for complex psychotherapy needs I will assist clients with a referral to a specialist.
My primary approach to psychotherapy is utilizing supportive interventions. The focus of this approach is providing active listening, empathy, emotional support, and practical guidance to help clients navigate less complex issues such as life stage transitions, situational stressors, or relationship challenges.
I will utilize cognitive and behavioral interventions the in the therapeutic process, encouraging clients to view problems from different perspectives. Behavioral interventions are a core element of an integrative approach to treating mental health problems, including strategies to promote positive behaviors while addressing "maladaptive" behaviors that may need changing to help with a particular problem.
Many of our modern diagnoses have a foundational basis in the psychodynamic and psychoanalytic tradition. In many cases there are deep unconscious processes driving behavioral issues or mental health problems and clients may benefit from bringing these factors into conscious awareness in order to change their thinking and behavior. Similarly, there is typically benefit to understanding the link between current issues and an earlier period in psychological development.