Services
"In the end, it is important to remember that we can not become what we need to be by remaining what we are" ~Max De Pree~
Identifying the root cause of your symptoms is critical to achieving optimal mental and physical health. Psychiatric symptoms may be due to a range of factors including conditions such as bipolar disorder, neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD, hormonal imbalance, long term physical conditions, chronic stress, traumatic events, adverse childhood events, social disadvantages as well as experiencing discrimination and stigma.
I believe you are the expert of your life and I am committed to helping you identify the root cause(s) of your symptoms so we can collaboratively develop an effective treatment plan to help you live your best life.
Common Mental Health Conditions
-
Post-Partum Depression
-
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
-
Peri- and Post-Menopausal Mood Disturbances
-
Depressive Disorders
-
Depression and Anxiety in Teens
-
Other Mood Disorders
-
Adjustment and Stress Related Disorders
-
ADHD/ADD
-
PTSD
-
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
-
Eating Disorders
-
Anxiety and Panic Disorders
-
Insomnia
-
Alcohol Use Disorder
Members of the LGBTQI+ community, in particular trans communities, face complex and hostile stressors related to their gender and/or sexual identity. These unique stressors, compounded by the common stressors we all feel, can have a significantly negative impact on one's mental health. I support and encourage authenticity and diversity of expression of gender and sexuality across the entire spectrum. Spectrum Psychiatry provides a safe, non judgmental and inclusive space for all people. In addition to providing comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and medication management for general psychiatric symptoms and conditions, I also provide support for gender specific issues and needs. I provide evaluations as well as referrals for gender-affirming treatments following World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) Standards of Care. I can also assist you in finding a gender-affirming therapist. I strongly believe that increasing self-esteem and confidence is a significant factor in stabilizing an individual’s mental health to avoid negative and unhealthy emotions and behaviors.
Psychiatric Evaluation
During our first meeting, I will compassionately and respectfully explore your inner world including social, environmental, and other life factors. We will explore your hopes and goals of treatment. As part of understanding your story, I will obtain a detailed review of any past psychiatric, medical, social, and family history as well as past treatments (if any). Your presenting symptoms will be examined and understood in the context of both your past and present experiences. Identifying the root cause of your symptoms may be challenging and even a little scary, but I will take the time to get to know you and we will work collaboratively to develop a treatment plan that is consistent with your core beliefs. This first visit is 60 minutes, but may be extended if more time is needed.
Women's Mental Health
Women are often expected to be strong during life altering events such as trauma, loss, divorce, pregnancy, menses, and menopause. Unfortunately, many may feel ashamed or a sense of loneliness when they find themselves experiencing anxiety, depression, or uncomfortable physical changes. This self-stigma is often a result of one's self-image being formed by how others perceive them. I offer compassionate, non-judgmental, respectful, holistic, and evidenced based care to help women work through the complexity of the mental health challenges they face so that they can lead healthy lives.
There are risks that come with mental illness before, during and after pregnancy for both mom and baby. Postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety are real psychiatric illnesses which often go untreated. I provide pre-pregnancy consultation for women who want to get pregnant as well as treatment during the postpartum period. I work in collaboration with other healthcare providers including OBGYNs and primary care providers. I also provide referrals to therapists who specialize in women’s mental health and/or perinatal mental health.
Medication Management
Medication may be used to treat symptoms associated with mental illness. Although medication is a useful tool, it is not the only tool and not everyone needs or desires pharmacological treatment. The decision to start medication is made with respectful recognition of your concerns, beliefs and wishes for medication management. While some medications are intended for short term use, others may be used indefinitely. I practice conservative medication management when possible, so that you use the least number of medications and the lowest effective doses. In addition to medication, lifestyle changes and therapy can further assist in symptom reduction and reduce or possibly eliminate the need for psychotropic medications. These medication management follow up appointments last about 20 to 30 minutes and the frequency of these sessions depends on the type of medication prescribed as well as how you are functioning.
Supplements "Green Pharmacy"
There is a scientific connection between your diet, inflammation, and your mental health (not just physical health). Ideally, we get our nutrients from whole foods we consume, but when our dietary intake is inadequate, supplements may be a good option.
Magnesium is an important mineral necessary for the proper functioning of almost every system in the human body. Evidence has shown it plays a role in anxiety and sleep.
Vitamin D plays an important role in mood regulation, as well as nerve and brain health.
L-Theanine is an amino acid that occurs in green and black tea. Some evidence suggests that it is a mild sedative and anti-anxiety agent.
Omega-3 fats occur in foods such as fish and flaxseed. They play an important role in brain health.
Chamomile is a daisy-like flower that people have used for thousands of years for its calming effects.
Lavender is relaxing. In fact, some evidence suggests that smelling this plant can help ease anxiety.
B vitamins are a group of eight different nutrients that work together to manage many processes in the body, including stress levels.
Lemon balm is an herb that features leaves with a lemon-like aroma. It is related to mint and is a popular calming remedy
Telehealth (virtual appointments)
We understand that it can be difficult to get an appointment due to personal schedule, safety concerns, and other aspects of life. To meet your needs for affordable, convenient, and readily-accessible mental health services, we offer virtual online visits (telepsychiatry) as an alternative option to in person appointments. These appointments are in a virtual setting allowing you to be comfortable in your space. The appointment is conducted via smartphone, tablet, laptop or PC. These appointments are conducted much like a Facetime call, but they are conducted with the use of a private and secure connection to make sure your medical information is always protected. This is done directly from a link provided to you so there are no additional apps to download. All you will need is an Internet-connected device and a private space to conduct your virtual visit.
INSURANCE COVERAGE
We currently accept Self-Pay, BCBS, Cigna, Aetna,
First Health Network, Optum/UHC, TriWest.
Spectrum Psychiatry is not an in-network provider with AHCCCS /Medicaid
We are not contracted with Banner Health (including Banner Aetna HMO) at this time.
Student Health Plan
