If you’ve ever felt stuck in therapy, like you’re talking about the same things but not really getting to the root of it, you’re not alone. Sometimes, trauma and emotional pain are stored deep in the brain in ways we can’t access through words alone. Brainspotting is an innovative, brain-based therapy that often helps people process and release these emotions by focusing on where they look. As an EMDRIA-Approved EMDR Consultant, I’ve worked extensively with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), an innovative and evidence-based trauma therapy. EMDR has helped countless patients reprocess traumatic memories and reduce distressing symptoms, and I’ve trained and consulted with many therapists in its use. But when I first learned about Brainspotting, I was skeptical. I initially thought it was just staring at a fixed point to relax. But once I took the training, I was blown away by how quickly and deeply it often accessed emotions—both for my patients and for myself. I went through a full week of intensive Brainspotting where I personally experienced the therapy for two-and-a-half-hour sessions. I had no expectations, but when my partner guided me to a specific “brain spot”—where my trauma was stored—I felt frozen. Old emotions I hadn’t accessed in years suddenly surfaced, and I was able to process...

Postpartum Depression (PPD) affects 1 in 7 women, leading to significant consequences for mothers, their babies, and families¹. Despite its prevalence, PPD is often underdiagnosed and undertreated, leaving many women without the necessary support during a crucial period. Considering the challenges in accessing effective treatment for PPD, Zurzuvae (Zuranolone), a novel treatment offering rapid relief, could be a key treatment for some women. The Scope of Perinatal Mental Health Issues Perinatal mental health encompasses various conditions, including Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs). These disorders, if untreated, can lead to poor prenatal care, substance abuse, and adverse outcomes for both mother and child². Risks extend to developmental delays and attachment issues in children³. In addition to hormonal changes that may increase the risk of mental-health issues, new mothers are dealing with a lot of potential stressors after giving birth, from changing relations...

I think there’s a lot of misunderstanding about what psychological testing is and what it’s used for. Let me start by sharing a little bit about my journey and how I came to specialize in this field. I didn’t start out in psychology. My career began in business, but as I approached 30, I realized it wasn’t fulfilling for me. Psychology had always been in the back of my mind, so I decided to take the leap and go back to school. I initially planned to become a therapist, but everything changed when I took my first psychological testing class. It was like a light bulb went off—I knew this was what I wanted to do. I dove in, took every opportunity to learn, and now I’m the Regional Testing Director for LifeStance Health, overseeing psychological and neuropsychological testing across Texas, Colorado, and Oklahoma. What is Psychological Testing? So, what is psychological testing, and what is it used for? In general, it’s the assessment of behavior, mood, and personality, as well a...

How to Find an ADHD Psychiatrist Near You Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects millions of people. Finding the right psychiatrist can greatly help in managing symptoms. Psychiatrists play a critical role in ADHD treatment by diagnosing the condition, prescribing medications, and providing therapy. Whether you’re an adult with ADHD or a parent seeking help for your child, this guide will help you find the right psychiatrist to treat ADHD. Why Choose a Psychiatrist for ADHD? Psychiatrists are medical doctors specializing in mental health. They are uniquely qualified to diagnose ADHD and prescribe medication—two key components of effective ADHD treatment. Beyond medication, many psychiatrists also offer therapy to help with time management, organization, and emotional regulation. A good ADHD psychiatrist can also identify and treat coexisting conditions, such as anxiety or depression, which are common in people wit...

A board-certified psychiatrist explains what ketamine therapy is, who can benefit from it, and how to administer it safely in light of the recent, tragic death of Matthew Perry. On August 15, 2024, news broke that five individuals, including two doctors, were charged in connection with actor Matthew Perry’s tragic drug overdose. Among those charged were Perry’s assistant and the doctors who allegedly provided him with the ketamine that led to his accidental overdose in 2023. This incident has sparked a wave of media coverage, with many headlines questioning the safety of ketamine treatments and, in some cases, portraying ketamine as a dangerous recreational drug. Unfortunately, this type of media portrayal can contribute to the stigma surrounding mental health, making it even more challenging for those battling mental health disorders to seek the help they need. Matthew Perry’s death was undeniably tragic, and it is crucial that those responsible are held accountable, but it is equally important to differentiate the irresponsible drug distribution and use that led to his death from the safe, responsible use of ketamine and esketamine (Spravato®) in medical treatment. The FDA has published warnings and guidance discouraging at-home use of compounded oral or injected ketamine. As a psychiatrist who...

Childhood and adolescence can be a rollercoaster ride of emotions and experiences, with normal ups and downs. However, sometimes you might notice changes in your child that seem out of the ordinary. They might exhibit persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety or anger. Perhaps they’re having trouble at school, or their behavior seems drastically different. These signs can indicate that they might benefit from professional help. Like a pediatrician for physical health, a child psychiatrist is important for a child’s mental health. Child and teen psychiatrists have the knowledge and tools to understand and help young minds in their complex world. They can identify, diagnose, and treat Mental Health Conditions, helping your child navigate their feelings and experiences in a healthier way. More importantly, they can empower your child with coping strategies, fostering resilience for their journey ahead. “When a child is experiencing a physical health condition, most caregivers don’t think twice about reaching out to their pediatrician. Yet emotional issues in children can be trickier to spot and, understandably, some parents may not know how or when to involve a mental health professional,” said Dr. Anisha Patel-Dunn. “Mental health should be treated no differently than physical health—they’re incredibly intertwine...

This content has been updated from the previous article on November 23, 2020. Watching your child struggle with a mental health issue is one of the most stressful things a parent can face. Chances are that this is not the teenage years you imagined for your child. An estimated 49.5 percent of adolescents has had a mental health disorder at some point in their lives. For young people who do have mental health disorders, early intervention and treatment can help lessen the impact on their lives. However, there is still plenty of hope. Mental health conditions are treatable, and your teen can live a healthy, happy life. Part of this journey involves choosing psychiatric medication for teens. The guide below can help you make the decision that is right for your family. If you need more personalized guidance, schedule an appointment with one of our compassionate mental health care providers. When Do Teens Need Mental Health Medication? Psychiatric medication is just one of the many...