Services
The current standard diagnostic processes utilizing the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) are worthwhile, but are inherently constrained by reductionism and can fail to fully capture the complexity of human suffering and condition. Also, the DSM approach focuses on problems, not strengths, and often overlooks cultural or other causal factors. Nonetheless, the DSM can provide common language to describe the presenting problems; an important beginning in one’s journey towards exceptional mental health.
The first step in determining medication needs is diagnostic interviews. This process includes self-administered validated instruments, structured and unstructured psychiatric interviews with you and possibly your loved ones, medical examinations, lab draws, and the gathering of medical records from past and present providers. With your permission, we can include your chosen loved ones and treatment team in the ongoing conversation. For diagnostic purposes, I can order or refer you for sleep studies (polysomnography), electrocardiogram (EKG), or other diagnostic tests.
I will listen to you and work with you to determine your specific treatment goals and customize measurements to track our progress throughout.
Diagnostic Evaluations & Treatment Goal Setting
Medication Management
Judicious use of prescription medications may be an important component of your treatment plan. The focus of my practice is medication management. As a licensed nurse practitioner with DEA and XDEA licenses, I have full prescriptive ability in Oregon and California.
I will listen to you and work with you to determine if medications are a reasonable and potentially effective option for you. I will provide information about medications and options in ways that you can understand, and answer any questions you may have. We will discuss alternatives to medications, including naturopathics, psychotherapeutic and interventional modalities, and medication-free treatment. The end goal is that you understand your treatment choices and that you truly feel confident you are making informed decisions.
Lab Work & Genetic Test
I can order necessary lab work, including those necessitated by medications such as clozapine, lithium, valproate acid, and antipsychotic agents. If clinically indicated, I can order genetic testing to further individualize your treatment choices.
Professional Referrals
I believe that medications alone are rarely sufficient to propel you to your best life. The scope and variety available through mental health service offerings can be confusing and appear contradictory, even for some mental health professionals. This is why I am passionate about helping clients understand the limitations of medication, and I can provide information on non-medication based services that may augment individual care. These services include psychotherapy, (es)ketamine treatment, repetitive transmagnetic stimulation (rTMS), psychedelic assisted therapy, neuropsychological testing, clinical trials, primary care and specialist care, and Prescription Digital Therapeutics (PDTs).
Life Journey Guide & Companion
I see myself as a guide and travel companion in a client’s journey towards exceptional mental health. I am honored and humbled to be allowed to walk by a client's side, and be their chosen guide for a segment of their journey. I am grateful everyday for the ability and opportunity to do this work. To this end, in addition to medication evaluation and management, I may provide brief coaching, psychoeducation, psychotherapy, and some case management.
Some Problems I Address
Alcohol/Substance use issues
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD)
Anxiety (panics, social anxiety)
Binge eating disorder
Depression or dysphoria
Insomnia, sleep disturbance
Obsessive compulsive disorder (incl. skin picking, hair pulling)
PTSD, dealing with traumatic stress
Side effects of medications, and/or problems with withdrawals