About Me – Rizwan Ali, PMHNP-BC Hello, I’m Rizwan Ali, a Board-Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and the owner of Present Psychiatry. With years of experience in both clinical and telepsychiatry settings, I am dedicated to helping individuals of all ages navigate their mental health challenges with compassionate, evidence-based care. At Present Psychiatry, I work closely with patients to develop personalized treatment plans that address a wide range of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, trauma, and mood disorders. I specialize in utilizing approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and biofeedback to help individuals gain control over their thoughts and emotions. Additionally, I offer Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) to support young children and their caregivers in overcoming trauma and strengthening their bond. In my practice, I take a holistic and collaborative approach, often combining therapy with medication management when appropriate. My goal is to empower my patients with the tools they need to improve their well-being and lead more fulfilling lives. I’m passionate about providing accessible, high-quality care, particularly to underserved communities, and I’m excited to offer telepsychiatry services to reach patients wherever they are.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session, my goal is to create a comfortable and supportive environment where you feel safe sharing your concerns and experiences. This session will focus on understanding your background, current challenges, and what brings you to therapy. We’ll have an open conversation where I ask questions to get a clear picture of your mental health, medical history, and life circumstances. You can expect a collaborative approach from the start. I will work with you to identify your primary concerns, whether it’s anxiety, depression, ADHD, or managing mood swings. Together, we’ll set goals and discuss potential treatment options that suit your needs, which may include therapy, medication management, or a combination of both. By the end of the first session, you’ll have a better understanding of the steps we’ll take moving forward. I aim to provide you with some initial strategies or coping techniques that can help alleviate distress right away. This first meeting is just the beginning of our work together, and it’s a chance for you to ask any questions, share your expectations, and start building a strong therapeutic relationship.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My Greatest Strengths as a Provider As a provider, my greatest strengths lie in my compassionate approach, evidence-based care, and ability to create a strong therapeutic connection with my patients. I believe in treating each individual holistically, considering not only their mental health but also their emotional and physical well-being. This allows me to develop personalized treatment plans that address the whole person, not just the symptoms. One of my key strengths is my ability to work with clients of all ages, particularly young children and young adults, by making therapy approachable and engaging. I have a deep understanding of the challenges associated with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and bipolar disorder, and I bring patience, empathy, and clinical expertise to help individuals navigate these issues. Additionally, my integration of various therapeutic techniques—such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), biofeedback, and Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP)—allows me to tailor my approach to each client’s unique needs. I am also skilled in balancing therapy with medication management, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive care. Above all, I prioritize creating a safe and non-judgmental space where my clients feel heard, respected, and empowered to take control of their mental health journey.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
Who I Work With I specialize in working with clients of all ages, but I have a particular focus on young children and young adults who are navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, and bipolar disorder. My approach is tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual, providing a safe, supportive environment to explore emotions and develop healthy coping strategies. Whether helping young children manage ADHD or guiding young adults through the complexities of mood disorders, I am dedicated to offering compassionate, effective care to promote mental well-being and growth.
About Rizwan Ali
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5600 Northwest Central Drive, Houston, TX 77092, 280Appointments
Virtual & in-personMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
In my practice, I utilize CBT to address various mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and stress-related disorders. The beauty of CBT is that it empowers patients by teaching them practical skills they can use in their daily lives to manage symptoms and improve their mental well-being. My Approach to CBT: Personalized Treatment Plans: I start by working closely with each patient to understand their specific challenges, goals, and thought patterns. CBT is then tailored to meet their unique needs, whether it's reducing anxiety, managing mood disorders, or overcoming trauma-related symptoms. Collaborative and Active Participation: CBT is very much a collaborative process. I guide patients in actively identifying the thoughts and behaviors that are contributing to their distress. Together, we work on reframing those thoughts and learning healthier coping mechanisms. Homework and Practical Application: An essential component of CBT is the practical application of the skills learned in therapy sessions. I assign homework between sessions to help patients practice techniques like cognitive restructuring, mindfulness, and relaxation strategies in real-world situations. This reinforces the skills and ensures sustainable progress. Short-Term and Goal-Oriented: CBT is typically short-term and focused on helping patients achieve specific outcomes, such as reducing the frequency of panic attacks or improving daily functioning. In my practice, I set clear objectives with patients and regularly assess progress to ensure they are moving towards their goals. Combining Therapy and Medication Management: In many cases, I combine CBT with medication management when clinically appropriate. For patients with conditions like severe depression or anxiety, the combination of medication and therapy can enhance treatment outcomes. This holistic approach allows for a more comprehensive treatment plan tailored to each individual’s needs. Overall, the integration of CBT into my practice not only helps patients develop coping strategies but also empowers them to take control of their mental health long-term. It’s an approach that fosters independence and resilience, equipping individuals to handle challenges long after therapy has ended.
Biofeedback
Biofeedback in My Therapy Sessions At Present Psychiatry, I incorporate biofeedback into therapy sessions to help patients gain greater control over physiological responses linked to their mental health. Biofeedback is a therapeutic tool that measures bodily functions—such as heart rate, muscle tension, and breathing patterns—and teaches patients how to influence these processes. It’s especially helpful for managing stress, anxiety, chronic pain, and related conditions. How I Use Biofeedback with Patients: Identifying Physiological Stress Responses: In my practice, I often use biofeedback with patients who struggle with anxiety, panic attacks, or stress-related disorders. During sessions, I use specialized equipment to monitor physiological responses such as heart rate variability (HRV), skin temperature, or muscle tension. This helps patients understand how their body reacts to stress or negative emotions. Teaching Self-Regulation: Once patients can see how their body responds to stress in real-time, I work with them to develop self-regulation techniques. For example, if a patient’s heart rate increases when they feel anxious, I might teach them deep breathing exercises or progressive muscle relaxation to lower their heart rate. They can see the immediate effect on the biofeedback monitor, reinforcing the connection between their mental state and physical response. Integration with CBT and Mindfulness: I often integrate biofeedback with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based approaches. For instance, during biofeedback training, I might have patients practice CBT techniques, such as challenging negative thoughts, while observing how their physiological stress levels change. This combination helps them understand how mental and physical reactions are interlinked and empowers them to manage both more effectively. Chronic Pain and Physical Symptoms: For patients dealing with chronic pain, headaches, or other physical symptoms linked to stress, biofeedback is especially valuable. By learning how to relax muscles or control their breathing, patients can alleviate some of the physical discomfort they experience. Over time, this leads to better pain management and a reduction in the intensity of symptoms. Long-Term Skill Building: Biofeedback is not just a tool for in-session work. I encourage patients to practice the relaxation and self-regulation techniques they learn in everyday situations. Over time, they develop the ability to manage their stress responses without needing the biofeedback equipment, leading to lasting improvements in their mental and physical well-being. Benefits for My Patients: Biofeedback is a powerful addition to therapy because it gives patients immediate, tangible feedback on how their body responds to different stressors and coping strategies. This accelerates learning and fosters greater self-awareness. Many of my patients have found that using biofeedback, in combination with therapy and medication management, significantly reduces their symptoms and helps them regain control over their lives.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
How I Use DBT in My Practice as a Nurse Practitioner: Skill-Building and Structured Approach: DBT is structured around four key skill areas: Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotional Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness. I guide patients through learning and applying these skills to their daily lives. In sessions, we focus on teaching and practicing these skills, often using worksheets, real-life examples, and homework to reinforce the concepts. Mindfulness: I help patients develop the ability to stay present in the moment without judgment. This is especially beneficial for those with anxiety, depression, or trauma-related conditions. Distress Tolerance: I teach patients how to cope with distressing emotions and situations without resorting to harmful behaviors like self-harm or substance use. Emotional Regulation: Patients learn strategies to manage intense emotions and reduce emotional vulnerability, which is crucial for those struggling with mood instability. Interpersonal Effectiveness: I work with patients to improve communication skills, helping them develop healthier relationships and assertive communication in difficult situations. Individualized Treatment Plans: I customize DBT to each patient’s unique needs and challenges. Whether working with someone who struggles with impulsivity or emotional dysregulation, I use DBT techniques to help them develop skills that are directly applicable to their everyday experiences. The modular nature of DBT allows me to emphasize certain areas, such as distress tolerance for patients dealing with chronic pain or emotional regulation for those with mood disorders. Integration with Medication Management: As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I often combine DBT with medication management when clinically appropriate. Many patients benefit from this combination, as medication can stabilize mood or anxiety symptoms, while DBT provides them with practical skills to manage their emotional responses and improve functioning. I continuously monitor and adjust the treatment plan, ensuring that both the pharmacological and therapeutic components are working in harmony. Mindfulness and Self-Compassion: Mindfulness is a core element of DBT, and I integrate mindfulness exercises into many of my sessions. These practices help patients become more aware of their thoughts and feelings without becoming overwhelmed by them. I often teach patients to observe their emotional experiences without reacting impulsively, which reduces emotional reactivity and fosters self-compassion. Behavior Chain Analysis: For patients dealing with harmful behaviors like self-harm or substance use, I often use a DBT technique called “behavior chain analysis.” This involves breaking down the sequence of events, emotions, and thoughts that lead to problematic behaviors. Through this process, patients gain insights into their triggers and patterns, allowing them to develop healthier coping strategies and make more positive choices in future situations. Ongoing Support and Reinforcement: DBT is most effective when practiced consistently. In my sessions, I ensure patients have ongoing support in learning and reinforcing these skills. I also assign homework that allows patients to practice their DBT techniques in real-life situations, promoting self-awareness and growth between sessions. Results for My Patients: DBT has been transformative for many of my patients, especially those struggling with emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and self-destructive behaviors. By teaching patients practical skills in emotional management and mindfulness, DBT empowers them to handle difficult emotions, build healthier relationships, and develop a more balanced, resilient approach to life.
Child Parent Psychotherapy
Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) in My Practice At Present Psychiatry, I use Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) to address the emotional and behavioral challenges that arise from trauma or stressful experiences in children and their caregivers. CPP is an evidence-based therapy designed to support children (typically ages 0-5) and their parents or caregivers, helping to heal attachment disruptions caused by trauma, domestic violence, or other stressors. The therapy focuses on strengthening the child-caregiver relationship as the key to the child’s emotional recovery and development. How I Use CPP in My Practice: Relationship-Centered Approach: CPP is grounded in the belief that a secure attachment between child and caregiver is essential for emotional healing. In my sessions, I focus on fostering a healthy, supportive relationship between the child and their caregiver. By working together, I help caregivers understand the child’s emotions, behaviors, and needs, and how trauma may be affecting their interactions. This strengthens their bond and promotes emotional resilience in the child. Trauma-Informed Therapy: Many of the children I work with in CPP have experienced trauma, whether from domestic violence, neglect, or separation from a parent. I help both the child and caregiver process these traumatic experiences in a developmentally appropriate way. I often use play therapy techniques with the child, allowing them to express their feelings and experiences through play, which is their natural language. With the caregiver, I provide psychoeducation about trauma and its impact on young children, helping them to better understand and respond to the child's needs. Joint Sessions with Child and Caregiver: My CPP sessions typically involve both the child and the caregiver. During these sessions, I observe and intervene in real-time interactions between the child and caregiver, helping them communicate more effectively and respond sensitively to each other’s emotions. I guide the caregiver in using nurturing, supportive behaviors that reassure the child and promote emotional safety. Addressing Behavioral and Emotional Challenges: CPP is particularly effective for children who exhibit behavioral problems, anxiety, or emotional dysregulation due to early trauma. In sessions, I work with the caregiver to identify the root causes of the child’s behaviors, whether it's fear, anxiety, or frustration, and teach them strategies to respond in ways that calm and reassure the child. I also help the child learn to manage and express their emotions more effectively through age-appropriate techniques like play and storytelling. Caregiver Support and Empowerment: A key part of CPP is supporting the caregiver, as their well-being is closely tied to the child’s recovery. I provide emotional support and guidance to caregivers, helping them cope with their own feelings of stress, guilt, or helplessness that may arise from their child’s trauma. By empowering caregivers with knowledge and skills, they become more confident in their ability to support their child’s healing. Creating a Safe and Predictable Environment: One of the core goals of CPP is to restore a sense of safety and predictability in the child’s world, both within their relationship with the caregiver and in their daily environment. I work with caregivers to create routines and consistent responses to the child’s needs, which helps the child feel secure and supported as they navigate their emotional recovery. Results for My Patients: Through CPP, I’ve seen significant improvements in children’s emotional well-being, behavior, and their relationship with their caregivers. As the child begins to feel safe and understood, they often show reductions in anxiety, behavioral outbursts, and emotional distress. Caregivers also feel more empowered and connected, which in turn enhances their ability to support their child’s healing process.