Treatment of Mood and Anxiety Disorders | Psychiatry for Women
I offer evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of anxiety and mood disorders. I have expertise in the treatment of major depression, dysthymia, adjustment disorders, panic, social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, acute trauma reactions, PTSD and generalized anxiety. Difficulty managing stress, unresolved grief and stress-induced behaviors are particular interests of mine. I also have specialized interest and expertise treating a range of emotional symptoms related to the reproductive cycle: premenstrual disorders, symptoms of perimenopause, and psychiatric illness that occurs during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
If you’re unsure whether you can safely conceive a child while on psychiatric medication, or have questions about balancing your wish to breastfeed with the desire to stay on medication, I can help you sort out the myths from the facts. Often, women are given black-and-white answers to these questions, but in fact these are complex topics that have to be individualized to every woman’s unique situation. I was one of the first psychiatrists in the country to address this underserved need, so I have the necessary experience and knowledge to guide you to the right choice for you and your baby. After consultation, you’re welcome to return to your regular psychiatrist with my recommendations.
Psychotherapy (aka counseling, talk therapy) is a treatment that makes use of a safe, healing alliance to provide relief from suffering and to teach vital emotional skills. Research shows that psychotherapy alters neural pathways in the brain, and can be as effective as medication for treating anxiety and depression. Effective therapy builds self-awareness and self-compassion, and gives you tools for managing conflict both within and outside yourself.
Therapy has long been a favorite treatment mode of mine, and I have extensive training and experience in its practice. I use an approach aimed both at resolving here-and-now challenges in your life, as well as uncovering and addressing the deeper roots of what keeps you stuck or struggling.
When face-to-face care isn’t possible or desirable, telehealth is a useful alternative. I can work with you via a secure, HIPAA-compliant videoconferencing platform, or by telephone. Some insurers reimburse for telehealth services and some don’t (in 2020, at least, all insurers are covering telehealth); check with your insurer before deciding this is the best option for you. I can only provide telehealth to patients living in Washington State. If you’re interested in coaching rather than medical treatment, we can work together via phone or videoconference even if you live outside of Washington.
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Coaching has a lot of overlap with psychotherapy but isn’t a medical treatment. It’s a tool to empower you to maximize your personal and professional potential. Having a coaching relationship with me opens the door for you to solve specific problems in your life, resolve patterns of feelings, thoughts, and behaviors that may be limiting you, and develop a strong sense of self and direction. Coaching is a powerful tool when you’re feeling stuck, struggling with life transitions, career issues, relationship uncertainty, and fear of change or failure. I especially enjoy helping women learn how to be comfortable being assertive with loved ones and at work, and how to identify and be free of destructive relationships. Our partnership will help you develop specific goals and strategies for achieving them, so you can live the life you were meant to.
I provide expert witness, IME and forensic consultation services in civil litigation to legal firms across the country. Interested clients who need insightful, evidence-based, clearly articulated and defensible opinions can learn more at LinkedIn or through my dedicated forensic services website at bcfpsychiatry.com.