Psychiatric and Psychotherapy care for Teens, ages 13 and up

Based on the evaluation, I may recommend that the teen see me for psychotherapy. My approach to psychotherapy depends on the individual needs of the patient, but I am largely informed by evidence-based psychodynamic principles (i.e., examining the patient’s relationships, including their relationship with me, to untangle defense mechanisms that are keeping the patient “stuck”). My casual interpersonal style and use of humor allow me to connect with my patients and facilitate a nonjudgmental exploration of their current challenges in life. If a specific modality of psychotherapy is indicated (e.g., DBT, CBT, EMDR) I will refer the patient to a therapist who provides that service.

The parents’ assessment of their teen’s symptoms and response to treatment is vital in adolescent psychiatry. I find that regular but brief (15 min.) phone call check-in’s with parents are usually sufficient for me to get a sense of patient’s progress. Outside of these scheduled phone calls, I maintain an open-door policy with all parents, encouraging them to update me with any new concerns that arise.

Although I do not provide weekly family therapy, dynamics between parents and teen may require a family therapy session to help facilitate healthy communication. For cases with complex family dynamics, I may recommend more frequent family therapy with another provider.

Patients occasionally require letters from their psychiatrist to support various needs, such as school or work accommodations, leave of absence requests, and support letters for medical/surgical transition for some transgender and nonbinary patients. I provide this service to patients who see me for psychotherapy or medication management.