Lisa Clement-DeFalco
About
Many years of providing mental health care to families, children and adults in community health centers, outpatient clinics and inpatient mental health units have given me vast experience with a variety of mental health diagnosis and treatment modalities. I have appreciated working with clients with depression, anxiety/trauma, Bipolar and Schizophrenia. I also appreciate the struggles that people diagnosed with personality disorders (truly a relational experience) especially Borderline and Antisocial Personality Disorders. Further, the influences of mind altering substances on mental health always must be considered and addressed. The relationship between a psychiatric provider and a client can be a powerful tool in combatting mental illness. Psychiatry allows for clients to discuss symptoms and how they interfere with aspects of their lives and offer medications that can bring balance back to their neurological system. This is a process that permits a client to be prepared for counseling or therapy to further their progress.
I also appreciate the struggles that people diagnosed with personality disorders (truly a relational experience) especially Borderline and Antisocial Personality Disorders.
Every person that meets with me is unique and their experience requires exploration and options for care need to be considered. As a former therapist and a psychiatric provider I bring both skills to meetings with clients. Bringing the science of psychiatry and the art of therapy to meetings the client's goal are determined, review and amended as the client needs. It is the client's life thus they determine the goal; provide guidance, support and medications.
First session
We will discuss the basics of psychiatric/mental health, the client's goals, symptoms, history, and background data. We will discuss a variety of treatment options with medication, coping skills, and modifiable risk factors.
Strengths
I am a dedicated team member that provides support and encouragement for achieving life goals. I provide a forum for clients to address the issues that interrupt the path to their whole lives. In some settings symptoms can be well controlled and in others they are held at bay. The most important factor is developing coping skills to navigate their lives with as much joy as possible. The therapeutic relationship is most important to building a healthy lifestyle. Medications can bring balance into mental health issues that divert clients from full lives. As a team, you will find we are equal members that are equally necessary to build your goals. You, the client, is the director of your life; my role is to assess, support, build and encourage you to get to your true path.
Ideal clients
PTSD, OCD, Major Depressive Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, co-occurring alcoholism/addiction
Treatment methods
Person-centered (Rogerian)
Every person comes to psychiatric care with needs, and they need to be evaluated in the context of that human being. We all have strengths and vulnerabilities; they each need to be respected.
Location
Virtual sessions