About the Practice

Psychotherapy does not refer to a specific treatment, but rather to a genre of treatments which have different histories, traditions, and methods. What these all have in common is an interaction between the therapist and patient designed to foster improved emotional and behavioral functioning. While I have received training in a variety of different methods, my own style is uniquely focused on the development of a strong interpersonal connection, over a period of time, with the children and adolescents whom I treat. This connection provides the necessary therapeutic attachment, as well as the sense of safety and containment, by which the child can identify and work through what is bothering him or her inside. In facilitating this process, I attempt to build skills in the child or adolescent, which helps them learn improved problem solving abilities and coping skills, leading to a stronger sense of confidence and self-esteem, improved functioning, and strengthened relationships.

I Speak Fluent Kid

My style of psychotherapy includes the use of different modalities of communication. While psychotherapy is most commonly associated with talking, it is quite apparent that some children and adolescents have great difficulty communicating their internal world verbally. In such cases, for therapy to be effective, non-verbal means of relating are essential. I actively make use of play, physical activity, and music in my work with children and adolescents. These avenues often are quite helpful for the child in and of themselves, but also may facilitate the child’s ability to develop the skills to put their thoughts and feelings into words. I strongly believe that a key component of effective therapy is to "speak fluent kid"- to identify and practice the particular and individualized form of communication which creates emotional connection with a child or teenager and become part of their world, rather than rely on a boiler plate, "one-size-fits-all" approach for everyone.

Several children with whom I have worked have commented to me that they found psychotherapy with me much less threatening and much more “normal” in its tone than what they were expecting and that this was a key ingredient to feeling comfortable and for the experience to be helpful and positive. Intuition suggests, and studies have confirmed, that the relationship with their therapist is the most important variable influencing people’s perception of psychotherapy as helpful, regardless of the specific methods used.

This is an important question which generally comes down to a variety of clinical factors and emphasizes the importance of beginning with a thorough evaluation when I first meet a child and his or her family. In general, individual psychotherapy is most effective when the child’s underlying problems predominantly concern mood (e.g. sad, depressed) and/or anxiety (e.g. feeling worried, tense). A general curiosity about thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, a willingness and ability to communicate thoughts and feelings verbally or through activity, or, in the case of younger children, the ability to engage in imaginative play with the therapist, can all predict a good fit for psychotherapy and, possibly, a good response to this treatment. It is also important that the child and family feel comfortable working with the therapist and that, if at all possible, the child (and family) do not perceive that they are being coerced into getting this treatment. Psychotherapy can be an intensive and, at times, upsetting experience, as, by its very nature, it can involve the discussion of highly emotionally-charged topics. The best and longest-lasting results, in my experience, come from psychotherapies that are more intensive in their frequency (i.e. at least weekly) and are long-term. The decision about whether this is the right treatment and whether I am the right treater for your child is one that should ideally be made collaboratively. It is possible that other types of treatment would be more appropriate for a child and his or her family and, if this is the case, I would be happy to facilitate referring the family for such treatment.

As a board-certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, I am a fully qualified and experienced psychopharmacologist and feel that, when indicated and necessary, medications can be very helpful in reducing problematic target symptoms which are causing interference in the child’s ability to function and derive the most benefit from his or her psychotherapy. However, I strongly believe that a psychiatrist’s role should not be limited to providing only psychopharmacology treatments, which is a role into which psychiatrists have been progressively pidgeonholed in this era of managed health care. In my practice, I strive to make medication treatment, when necessary, and, guided by emerging evidence-based practices in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, a part of an overall treatment strategy which is primarily rooted in psychotherapy. This has the added benefit of allowing for closer monitoring of medication efficacy and side effects, given the fact that I have a regular (usually weekly) visit with the child or adolescent. It is my impression that, ultimately, there is no substitute for a supportive and nurturing ongoing human relationship.

Do you do “medication evaluations” and/or see patients for medications only?

Yes, in circumstances in which the child or adolescent is well-engaged in psychotherapy from another therapist who refers them to me for such consultation, and I am able to accommodate this request and work closely with the child, family, and therapist.

I do not participate as a provider for any insurance panels, as of May 2012. This was a very difficult decision, made only after very longstanding and careful consideration. While there were many factors influencing this issue for me, I ultimately decided that not participating with insurance panels was necessary to maximize my clinical time and availability for the children, adolescents, and families with whom I work. I recognize that a course of treatment can be expensive for families, and I make it a point to keep my fees as affordable as possible.

In addition to children and adolescents, I also provide psychotherapy and/or medication management for young and older adults.

I am able to provide clinical supervision and career guidance for residents and fellows in Psychiatry and/or Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and for those in other disciplines who are, or are in training to become, psychotherapists and/or prescribers (e.g. Clinical Nurse Specialists).

I provide clinical consultation to families who are seeking a “fresh look” for their children or adolescents for the purpose of improving their treatment. I also provide consultation to families, attorneys, and Courts who are seeking clinical input concerning children and adolescents who are living in residential care or group homes. I am also happy to offer consultation to schools who are seeking help regarding mental health issues for students.