In our first session together, here's what you can expect

1. A Warm, Respectful, and Judgment-Free Introduction Your session starts with something many patients don’t expect from psychiatric care: a real conversation. Derek begins with a brief, friendly introduction—who he is, how his practice works, and what your time together will look like. His communication style is calm, direct, and relatable. He emphasizes collaboration from the start, making it clear that treatment is something you and he build together, not something handed down to you. You are encouraged to ask questions at any point. There is no pressure, no rush, and absolutely no judgment. Whether this is your first time seeking mental-health treatment or you've worked with providers before, Derek meets you exactly where you are. 2. Understanding Your Goals for Treatment* Before discussing symptoms or history, Derek asks one of the most important questions of the entire session: “What brought you here today, and what are you hoping to change or improve?” This helps shape your treatment approach from a patient-centered perspective. Some clients come in with clear goals—such as reducing anxiety, treating depression, managing ADHD symptoms, improving focus, or addressing trauma-related concerns. Others only know that they haven’t felt like themselves lately. Both are completely okay. Together, you’ll outline your priorities for treatment, whether they relate to: * Emotional stability * Daily functioning * Work or school performance * Relationships * Motivation or focus * Sleep * Substance-use concerns * Trauma * Overall quality of life This section of the session sets the foundation for everything that follows. 3. A Comprehensive Review of Your Mental-Health History Once goals are established, Derek guides you through a structured but conversational exploration of your background. This is an essential step for accurate diagnosis and safe, effective treatment planning. He may ask about: * Past or current symptoms * Duration and severity of challenges * Previous therapy or psychiatric treatment * Medication history—what has worked, what hasn’t, and why * Sleep patterns, appetite, and energy * Substance use (asked in a nonjudgmental way) * Stressors in your personal or professional life * Family history of mental-health conditions Derek’s two decades in the field allow him to read between the lines without making assumptions. He listens closely, asks clarifying questions, and ensures you feel in control of what you share. 4. A Clear, Easy-to-Understand Diagnostic Discussion Many clients feel anxious that a provider will use complicated medical terminology or make quick judgments. Derek takes the opposite approach. After hearing your history and symptoms, he walks you through his initial clinical impressions—slowly, clearly, and with full transparency. If a diagnosis is appropriate, he explains what it means, how it's typically treated, and what symptoms must be present to meet criteria. You are always invited to respond, ask questions, or challenge anything that doesn’t feel accurate. Diagnosis is a collaborative, evolving process—not a label placed on you. 5. A Personalized Treatment Plan Built Together Once your concerns and goals are understood, Derek develops a treatment plan tailored to your needs. This typically includes one or both of the following: A. Medication Management (If Appropriate) Medication may be recommended if symptoms are significantly impacting daily life, or if there's a strong clinical history suggesting you'll benefit. Derek provides: * A clear explanation of each medication option * Potential benefits * Possible side effects * Expected timelines for improvement * How dosage changes are handled * What to do if something doesn’t feel right Your comfort level is always the priority. If you're unsure about medication, Derek never pressures you. Many clients take time before deciding, and that is completely valid. B. Therapeutic Techniques and Behavioral Strategies In addition to medication, Derek integrates psychotherapy-informed techniques such as: * Anxiety-reduction tools * Trauma-informed grounding techniques * Sleep hygiene coaching * Motivation and habit-building strategies * Supportive psychotherapy focused on coping, insight, and emotional regulation Your plan may also include lifestyle adjustments, referrals (if needed), support resources, or at-home tools to enhance progress between sessions. 6. Safety, Support, and Crisis Planning (If Needed) If you’re experiencing severe symptoms—such as intense anxiety, depression, panic attacks, or thoughts of self-harm—Derek assesses your safety with compassion and care. His crisis-intervention background means he can guide you through difficult emotions while offering concrete steps to keep you safe. This is done gently, with respect, and without judgment. You are never made to feel like a burden or “too much.” Safety planning, if needed, is a supportive collaboration—not a punishment or lecture. 7. What Follow-Up Care Looks Like Before ending the session, Derek explains how follow-up appointments work. Most patients meet with him every 2–4 weeks at first so progress can be monitored and adjustments can be made. You’ll know: * When your next appointment is * What goals you’ll focus on * Any medication changes or monitoring steps * What improvements or side effects to watch for * How to communicate between sessions if needed Continuity of care is one of Derek’s core values. You will never feel abandoned or left guessing what comes next. 8. The Tone and Feel of Your Session Clients consistently describe their sessions with Derek as: * Calm * Grounding * Empathetic * Practical * Direct but caring * Safe and judgment-free He brings both experience and humanity to each appointment. You’re not just another patient—you’re a person with a story, goals, fears, strengths, and a future that matters. 9. Leaving Your First Session Feeling Understood and Supported By the end of your first appointment, you can expect to walk away with: * A clear understanding of your symptoms * A professional assessment of what may be contributing * An actionable plan for treatment * A sense of partnership and long-term support * New insight and hope Most importantly, Derek’s priority is that you leave your session feeling **heard**—perhaps more deeply heard than you have felt in a long time.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

Choosing the right mental-health provider can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, mood instability, or simply feeling unlike yourself, the quality of your therapeutic relationship can influence everything—from your comfort level to your treatment outcomes. For many patients, finding someone who is not only clinically skilled but also deeply relatable and genuinely invested in their well-being makes all the difference. 1. A Human-First Approach Built on Understanding, Not Judgment I believe effective psychiatric care begins with *listening*, not labeling. Many of my patients arrive feeling misunderstood, dismissed, or rushed through past mental-health encounters. You will not experience that with me. My communication style is calm, direct, and relatable. I make space for your full story, including the parts that don’t always fit neatly into checkboxes or forms. I don’t judge your past, your habits, your fears, or your coping skills. Instead, I help you understand what they mean—and how we can work together to create meaningful, sustainable change. Patients consistently tell me that they feel heard, supported, and respected in a way they haven’t felt before. This connection becomes the foundation for honest collaboration and better therapeutic outcomes. 2. Over 20 Years of Integrated Mental-Health Experience With more than two decades in behavioral health—including outpatient psychiatry, crisis intervention, inpatient care, and telehealth—I bring a well-rounded perspective to every session. This means I’ve seen: * The full spectrum of mental-health conditions * How symptoms evolve over time * How different approaches impact different people * What works—and what doesn’t—in real-world treatment This experience allows me to quickly understand clinical patterns, avoid ineffective trial-and-error treatment, and anticipate challenges before they arise. Patients benefit from faster clarity, more accurate diagnoses, and treatment plans grounded in long-term professional insight. 3. A Balanced Blend of Medication Management & Evidence-Based Therapy Many psychiatric providers focus solely on medication. Others only use talk therapy. My approach blends both. Medication Management If medication is part of your treatment, I use it strategically—with the lowest effective dose, clear education about expectations, and transparent discussions about benefits and side effects. You will never feel pressured or rushed into a decision. Therapeutic Techniques I incorporate therapy-informed approaches such as: * Motivational interviewing * Trauma-sensitive frameworks * Behavioral activation * Emotional regulation skills * Sleep and lifestyle interventions * Supportive therapy This integrative style helps address not just symptoms, but the patterns, stressors, and habits that contribute to them. The result? Stronger, more lasting improvement. 4. Highly Individualized Treatment—No "One Size Fits All" Plans Every patient has a unique story, personality, history, and set of goals. Your treatment should reflect that. I never rely on generic plans or assumptions. Instead, we create a strategy tailored specifically to: * Your biology * Your emotional patterns * Your lifestyle * Your stressors * Your responsibilities * Your long-term goals I take the time to understand how your symptoms impact your daily life—work, school, relationships, motivation, focus, sleep, and energy. This allows us to build a treatment plan that is not only clinically sound but also realistic, sustainable, and aligned with who you are. 5. Clear, Straightforward Explanations—Without Medical Jargon Mental-health concepts can be confusing or even intimidating. I make it a priority to explain every step of diagnosis and treatment in simple, understandable language. Patients often tell me: “This is the first time someone explained my diagnosis in a way that actually made sense.” Clarity reduces anxiety, increases your confidence, and strengthens your ability to participate actively in treatment 6. A Focus on Consistency, Follow-Through, & Real Progress Many patients have experienced providers who schedule infrequent follow-ups, offer vague plans, or make changes without explanation. My approach is the opposite. **Regular Check-Ins** During the early stages of treatment, we meet consistently—usually every 4 weeks—to monitor progress, adjust medications if needed, and build therapeutic rapport. **Measurable Goals** Together, we identify clear markers of improvement, such as: * Reduced anxiety * Improved mood stability * Better focus and productivity * Fewer intrusive thoughts * More consistent sleep * Enhanced motivation * Stronger coping skills **Adjustments Based on Your Experience** Nothing in your treatment is set in stone. If something isn’t working, we pivot—without judgment and without delay. 7. A Trauma-Sensitive Foundation for Every Interaction You don’t have to have “trauma” to benefit from a trauma-informed approach. This simply means: * I never force disclosure. * You are never rushed. * You control the pace and depth of our conversations. * I recognize how past experiences shape emotional responses. This approach helps you feel safe enough to explore difficult topics while staying grounded and supported. 8. An Evidence-Driven but Compassionate Approach to Medication Medication is a tool—not a cure-all and not a last resort. When used correctly, it can dramatically improve stability, clarity, focus, and emotional resilience. What stands out about my medication approach: * I start low and increase gradually. * I regularly review for side effects. * I monitor interactions carefully. My goal is always to help you function at your highest level with the fewest medications necessary. 9. Realistic, Actionable Strategies for Daily Life Treatment isn’t just what happens in our sessions—it’s what happens in your everyday life. I provide actionable strategies you can use immediately, such as: * Grounding techniques for anxiety * Behavioral techniques for depression * Focus and organization strategies for ADHD * Sleep hygiene tools * Stress-reduction frameworks * Communication and boundary-setting skills These tools help you feel more in control between appointments. 10. A Long-Term Partnership, Not a Quick Fix Healing doesn’t happen in one session, and I don’t pretend it does. My approach is built around building a supportive, long-term therapeutic relationship. This includes: * Regular follow-ups * Clear expectations * Honest communication * Respect for your autonomy * A consistent commitment to your emotional well-being Many of my patients stay with me for years—not because they are “dependent,” but because they value stability, continuity, and having a trusted partner in their mental-health journey.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

Every mental-health provider brings a unique combination of experience, clinical insight, personality, and therapeutic style to their work. Over more than twenty years in behavioral health, I’ve learned that the strongest results happen when the right provider meets the right patient—someone whose needs, mindset, history, and goals align with that provider’s strengths. This profile will help you understand exactly who I am best equipped to help, so you can make a confident decision about your care. 1. Adults Seeking Clear, Structured, and Compassionate Guidance I specialize in working with adults who want a mental-health provider who is both clinically grounded and relatable. My style is calm, straightforward, and collaborative. If you value a provider who listens deeply, explains concepts clearly, and works with you—not above you—then my approach is likely a strong fit. Most of my patients appreciate clear direction, steady follow-up, and treatment plans that are realistic for their daily lives. If you’ve ever felt dismissed, rushed, or misunderstood in past treatment, you will find my care intentional, respectful, and centered around your real-world needs. 2. Individuals Struggling with Anxiety & Depression Many of the patients I serve experience: * Chronic worry or racing thoughts * Panic attacks or sudden spikes of fear * Excessive stress * Lack of motivation * Persistent sadness or emptiness * Feeling emotionally “stuck” * Loss of interest in things they used to enjoy These symptoms often affect work performance, relationships, sleep, and overall quality of life. My therapeutic approach blends practical tools with evidence-based medication management (when appropriate) to help patients regain stability, emotional balance, and a renewed sense of control. 3. Adults Trying to Manage ADHD or Executive Dysfunction A significant portion of my practice focuses on adults with ADHD—diagnosed, misdiagnosed, or never diagnosed at all. Many people come to me after years of: * Poor focus or distractibility * Procrastination * Disorganization * Difficulty starting or completing tasks * Time-management problems * Forgetfulness * Inconsistent performance despite strong abilities I help patients understand how ADHD affects their brain, relationships, and work—and together we build a plan using medication (if clinically appropriate), behavioral strategies, and practical tools that improve daily functioning. 4. Individuals Balancing High Stress, High Expectations, and High Responsibility I frequently work with people who carry a lot on their shoulders: professionals, caregivers, entrepreneurs, students, and individuals juggling multiple responsibilities. These clients often describe: * Feeling overwhelmed but unable to slow down * Perfectionism * Burnout * Feeling “on edge” * Difficulty relaxing * Trouble balancing life demands My style resonates with those who need structure, accountability, and straightforward communication without judgment. Together, we work to reduce pressure, build healthier coping strategies, and restore balance. 5. Clients Seeking Support for Trauma, Emotional Wounds, or Difficult Life Transitions While you do not need a formal trauma diagnosis to benefit from trauma-informed care, many of my patients have experienced: * Childhood emotional neglect * Difficult or unhealthy family dynamics * Relationship trauma * Grief or loss * Sudden life changes My approach emphasizes emotional safety, pacing, and a nonjudgmental environment where you maintain control over what you share and when. I help patients process the past while building tools to navigate the present more effectively. 6. Patients Who Want Treatment That Is Both Practical and Evidence-Based I am best suited for patients who want clarity, consistency, and actionable steps. My treatment plans are: * Personalized * Research-driven * Collaborative * Realistic and sustainable If you appreciate a provider who explains the “why” behind every decision and uses a blend of medication management and therapeutic techniques, you will find my approach empowering and easy to follow. 7. Adults Who Value Straightforward Communication and Honest Feedback Many patients seek me out because they want someone who will be: * Kind * Direct * Transparent * Engaged * Thoughtful, but never vague If you want a provider who is genuine, communicates clearly, and gives honest feedback while still being supportive, my style aligns well with those expectations. 8. Individuals New to Mental-Health Treatment or Returning After Previous Negative Experiences I often work with people who: * Have never seen a psychiatric provider * Tried therapy or medication in the past without success * Felt dismissed by previous clinicians * Were given a diagnosis that never fully fit * Want a fresh start with someone who will take the time to understand them My goal is to make your experience feel accessible, respectful, and empowering from day one. 9. Patients Who Want to Understand—Not Just Treat—their Symptoms I am best positioned to serve individuals who want to learn: * Why they feel the way they feel * How their symptoms developed * What strategies can improve their daily life * How medication works (or doesn’t) * What long-term stability looks like for them I emphasize education because understanding your mental health improves your ability to grow, heal, and make informed decisions. 10. People Who Appreciate a Provider Who Is Present, Reliable, and Consistent Consistency matters. Many of my patients stay with me because I: * Follow through * Check in regularly * Keep communication clear * Make thoughtful adjustments * Track progress over time * Care deeply about each client’s long-term outcomes If you value a provider who takes their role seriously and genuinely invests in your well-being, you will find a strong therapeutic fit here. In Summary: Who I’m the Right Fit For You’re likely a strong match for my practice if you are an adult who: * Wants structured, nonjudgmental, emotionally safe care * Struggles with anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, or mood instability * Needs both guidance and collaboration * Values clarity, transparency, and practical strategies * Wants treatment that blends therapy-informed tools with evidence-based medication * Is ready for meaningful, sustainable change—even if you’re unsure where to start If this sounds like you, you’re not alone—and you’re in the right place. I’m here to help you move forward with confidence, stability, and a treatment plan built specifically for your life.