I spend 75-90 minutes obtaining many types of history. I will ask about your past and present situation including information about: symptoms, mental health treatment history, family history, social/family life, medical history, and use of substances, if any.

Based on our dialogue, I make a preliminary diagnosis or diagnoses and we discuss treatment options. These may include starting or altering medication regimens – amongst other recommendations.

I am happy to see patients who are ambivalent about taking psychiatric medications; we will discuss pros and cons, without pressure. I am prepared to see those who are new to psychiatric treatment and those who have taken many different medications over long timespans, including those looking to de-prescribe.

These visits are shorter, anywhere between 20 to 45 minutes, depending on context.

We will review medication changes or other interventions being utilized, make further adjustments if indicated, and discuss next steps.

It is typical to meet every 2 to 4 weeks while we are actively making changes. If symptoms improve or remit, patients sometimes are scheduled for 8 or 12 week follow-up visits, with the understanding that if something changes they are encouraged to request a sooner visit. I generally see patients at a minimum every 3 months.

I carry a small caseload in which I meet with patients for 50-60 minutes allowing for additional time to focus on psychotherapeutic interventions that complement their medication management. I do not see patients for psychotherapy only. I regularly collaborate with community providers seeing mutual patients in order to coordinate care.