Conditions Treated
This practice addresses a number of concerns, such as:
Mood problems
Sad. Irritable. Numb.
Lost. All over the place.
Mood disruption can have a wide array of causes such as depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, situational stressors, and substance use.
Fortunately, mood-related issues are treatable with a considerate and personalized approach that addresses your unique needs.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a double-edged sword. It can motivate you; it can even give you a performance edge.
Inappropriate or unmanageable levels of anxiety, however, can prevent you from reaching your full potential.
Let's talk about the role anxiety is playing in your life—and the strategies and tools you can use to cope with it.
Trauma, substance use, and other concerns
There are a wide variety of mental health problems– psychological trauma, problems with substance use, eating disorders– far too many to fit here!
What they all have in common is that they warrant individualized assessment and approach, with a single provider or with a collaborative team who can give you the support that you need.
Services
Initial Consultation
(60-75 minutes)
At your initial consultation, we'll review what leads you to seek treatment. This visit is comprehensive and typically involves discussion of topics such as:
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Your symptoms: What's happening? How do symptoms impact you?
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Symptoms of common mental health conditions
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Your sleep, appetite, and the ways you take care of yourself
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History of psychological trauma or adversity as well as your strengths
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Your scores on screening tools in your intake paperwork
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Your development, background, and how things are going in your life
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Previous mental health treatment, if any: what's worked and what hasn't
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Non-judgmental discussion of substance use
- Your current health status, medical history, and current medications
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What you're seeking from treatment, and how I can help.
At the end, we'll discuss initial diagnosis. We may want discuss some areas in more detail and/or explore other areas at a follow-up consultation. We might not discuss treatment at this visit unless: your symptoms are straightforward; we both agree to start treatment; and time is available to do so.
This initial consultation does not, by itself, establish a patient-provider relationship or guarantee treatment. During or after the consultation, we'll discuss whether we think that your needs and my expertise and practice are a good fit. A strong patient-provider relationship is critical to optimizing your recovery!
Follow-Up Visit
(30-50 minutes)
Once the initial consultation is completed and we both agree to ongoing treatment, we'll follow up on a regular basis. Follow-up frequency can range from one to two weeks to as long as three months depending on your needs and symptoms as well as your treatment modalities (e.g. certain symptoms and medications require more frequent follow-up). Areas of focus include:
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How your symptoms have evolved: better, worse, or no different?
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Any new, worsening, or previously unrecognized symptoms
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The broader context of your life: how are things going?
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Ongoing clarification of diagnosis when necessary
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If medications have been prescribed, any side effects or other issues
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If medications have not been prescribed, further considerations
which might warrant starting medication and/or referral for psychotherapy -
If you are working with a therapist, how your treatment is progressing
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Evaluating and/or modifying our collaborative treatment plan
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Your physical health: overall status, changes, and needs
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Any lab work that might be helpful, important, or necessary.
Our goal is to ensure that your treatment remains effective and that you're making progress towards your goals. We don't want you merely to manage your symptoms so that you can tread water, but so that you can grow, thrive, and lead a physically and emotionally healthy life.
Insurance
I am in network with the following insurers:
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Regence Blue Shield
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Regence Group Administrators
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Premera Blue Cross
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Out-of-state Blue Cross/Blue Shield
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LifeWise
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First Choice Health Network
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Kaiser PPO (First Choice)
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HMA
Private pay patients are also welcome. If you have out-of-network insurance benefits, I can provide a superbill. Reimbursement is subject to your agreement with your insurer.
Unfortunately, I cannot accept clients who have Medicare or Apple Health (Medicaid) coverage.