DIAGNOSIS
One of the most important aspects of your successful treatment is a clear diagnosis. We will need to know your problems well before we can go about solving them. I will spend the time and work with you to determine these. I may request to speak with family, friends, and previous physicians to get to know you and your situation better to provide you the best care.
ADDICTION
Facing addiction is a difficult challenge and often requires help from others to manage. The behaviors of addiction are not just limited to drugs or alcohol; activities such as gambling, eating, and shopping can take over our lives. Often there is a co-occurring mental health disorder, which can make it all that much more hard to bear. I will work with you and take the time to come up with a comprehensive treatment plan that will be comfortable for you and your loved ones. I will provide flexible non-judgmental care to help you have the best chance at recovery.
PSYCHOTHERAPY
Sometimes people tell you to “get over it” or “deal with it.” As we all know, it is often not that easy. We may have patterns of behavior in our lives that we notice have caused stress or have been destructive. Medications may not always be the answer and some are understandably concerned about taking them. I have experience working with various psychotherapy treatments and can work to help you recognize and understand problems, figure out ways to cope with them, and make positive changes in your life.
MEDICATION MANAGEMENT
Medication, when used appropriately, can be very effective in mental health and addiction management. There are various medications available to help you with various disorders including depression, anxiety, mania, psychosis, PTSD, and addiction. Understandably, there may be concerns about side-effects and long term management. We can discuss these at length, address all of your questions, and I will make every effort to address your concerns to help you decide if medications are the appropriate treatment option for you.
BUPRENORPHINE TREATMENT
Buprenorphine is an FDA-approved medication for management of opioid addiction. You may have heard of it in different forms as “Suboxone” or "Subutex.” Experience has shown this to be a very effective medication for people struggling with addiction to opiates such as heroin, Vicodin, Percocet, and Oxycontin among others. A special certification is required to prescribe this medication and I can offer this service as part of your treatment plan whether it be detoxification or maintenance.
INJECTABLE NALTREXONE TREATMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
Naltrexone has been shown to help with cravings related to alcohol and opioid use. The injectable form of Naltrexone is available as Vivitrol ®, an extended release formulation. Treatment with Vivitrol ® involves a monthly injection. It can be very helpful to not have to remember to take a daily medication. I can prescribe and perform injections for your convenience.