Frequently Asked Questions
My Practice
What symptoms or conditions do you treat?
Patients may seek help for trouble with their mood for symptoms like depression or anxiety. I assess for the causes of these symptoms, which can include mood disorders, medical problems, medication or substance side effects, or life events. I treat mood disorders like major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder. There are various types of anxiety, like general anxiety, social anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, among others, that I treat.
Patients may seek help for trouble with emotional stability, irritability or interpersonal problems at home, school or work. I perform a full assessment to determine the causes or contributing factors to these problems, and work with patients to come up with a personalized treatment plan.
Patients may seek help for trouble with attention and focus. I will provide a full evaluation to determine the cause of the attention and focus problems, whether this may be due to situation, depression, or an attentional disorder.
What age ranges do you see?
I treat adults aged 18 and above. I will often treat adolescents aged 14+ after an initial phone discussion with the parental guardian to assess the level of care a patient needs.
Will you collaborate with my therapist?
Yes. I will ask you to provide me their contact information in your intake paperwork and will plan to collaborate with them on your treatment.
Do you perform genetic testing?
Yes. I utilize Genesight testing when appropriate for active patients in my practice.
Do you consider lifestyle factors in your treatment plan?
Yes! We will review diet, exercise, wellness and self care in the course of your treatment. I examine areas for improvement and work to make a long term health plan with each of my patients.
Do you use supplements or vitamins in treatment?
Yes! I will use evidence based treatment for the symptoms my patients are experiencing. Many mood, anxiety, and attention symptoms can be helped to some degree by supplements and I will advise them as appropriate based on the current evidence base.
Telehealth
Are you seeing patients virtually?
I offer telehealth as well as in office visits. Patients must be located in Maryland at the time of the appointment. The virtual visit is HIPAA compliant. If we lose video, I have a backup video method or can complete sessions by audio as appropriate.
Insurance and Payment
Do you accept insurance?
I am out of network with all insurance in this practice. I encourage patients to call their insurance company to determine their “out-of-network benefits.” I am able to provide my patients with an invoice that they can submit to their insurance company for reimbursement after the time of service.
I do accept Maryland Medicaid insurance at Harford Belair Community Health Center. Please note that patients at that location must follow the separate administrative procedures at that center, which include an intake and ongoing treatment with a therapist at the center.
For information please call 410-426-5650.
What payment methods do you accept?
Cash, check, and credit card. I require an active credit card on file for each patient that will be automatically charged for each appointment or for missed appointments.
Mental Health Care in the US
What is a psychiatrist?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in mental health. A psychiatrist has completed at least eight post-undergraduate years of medical education: medical school, an internship year in medicine, and an additional three years specialty training in psychiatry. A psychiatrist evaluates patients for mental health concerns by obtaining a full medical and personal history, and by assessing for medical causes of illness utilizing laboratory tests. Psychiatrists can prescribe medication and perform psychotherapy.
What are other types of mental health professionals?
Psychologists are PhD doctors who can perform evaluations and therapy. Licensed therapists can perform therapy. Psychiatric nurse practitioners can evaluate patients and treat them with medicine in the state of Maryland. A personalized treatment plan for my patients can include working with me/psychiatrist alone, or working with me in collaboration with an outside therapist.