Initial consultations generally take place over several (2-4) sessions. Before our first session, I will send you intake paperwork though my secure patient portal. When we meet, we will review your paperwork, discuss your current concerns and life circumstances in depth, explore your personal medical/psychiatric history and family history, and clarify your treatment goals. I will then likely recommend additional diagnostic testing (which may include blood, urine, saliva, genetic, and/or stool testing.) I will share my initial thoughts, and once diagnostic testing has been completed, be able to provide a comprehensive treatment plan that is aligned with your strengths and your goals.

Precision psychiatry is an emerging field of precision medicine, which aims to improve the accuracy and effectiveness of mental health diagnosis and treatment. It recognizes that mental health conditions are intricate and there's no single solution that works for everyone. This personalized approach marks a significant shift in how we view psychiatry, with the potential to revolutionize the way we diagnose and treat mental illness.

What this means for you: We may utilize metabolic testing to understand where your body needs extra support in synthesizing or clearing nutrients, neurotransmitters or hormones, as examples. If a medication trial is appropriate, instead of going through a Rolodex of different meds, hoping we may eventually find the right one, we may utilize DNA analysis to understand how you metabolize medications, which may cause side effects, and which may be more or less effective for your unique biochemistry.

This depends on your needs. Generally I meet with patients weekly or biweekly initially, and then less frequently as you are feeling better. During the initial consultation, or if there is an acute need, we may even meet more frequently, several times weekly, if your schedule allows. If you are seeing someone else for psychotherapy, we may meet less frequently. In that case, I do like to collaborate with your psychotherapist, if you agree.

This is very individual. In some cases, symptom resolution may occur swiftly. I understand the desire for a quick solution, though true healing often takes time, resources, and a collaborative approach. We will be continuously assessing progress and goals and I will be transparent with you about expected timeframe.

I am currently seeing patients located in California virtually by tele-psychiatry only. I may soon begin offering limited in-person visits in San Francisco again, so please inquire if this is of interest.

Yes, when clinically indicated and desired.

I see individuals aged 18 and above.

I greatly value your privacy and confidentiality and go to great lengths to protect your data. We use a secure patient portal for communication.

Limitations to this include suspected child, elder, or dependent abuse, as I am a mandated reporter. I am also required to take protective action if you are at risk of suicide or of causing serious bodily harm to another. There are also some situations in which a judge may order me to share certain aspects of your treatment.

Yes, I offer second opinion consultations if you are already working with a psychiatrist or psychotherapist.