A thoughtful treatment plan begins with a careful assessment. Initial evaluations may include discussion of current symptoms, psychiatric and medical history, previous treatment response, medications, sleep, substance use, stressors, relationships, daily functioning, and other factors relevant to mental health.

The goal is not simply to identify a diagnosis, but to develop a clearer understanding of what may be contributing to the patient’s concerns and which treatment options are most appropriate.

Psychiatric care should be a collaborative process. I believe patients should understand their treatment options, the potential benefits and risks of those options, and the reasoning behind clinical recommendations.

Treatment decisions are made through shared discussion, with respect for each patient’s preferences, experiences, concerns, and goals. Plans may evolve over time as symptoms, circumstances, and treatment response change.

Medication can be an important part of psychiatric treatment, but it should be prescribed thoughtfully and monitored carefully. When medication is appropriate, I consider symptom patterns, prior treatment response, medical history, possible interactions, side effects, and the patient’s preferences.

Ongoing visits focus on treatment response, tolerability, safety, and whether the current plan continues to support the patient’s goals.

My approach is informed by advanced fellowship training in functional and integrative psychiatry. This perspective considers how physical health, sleep, nutrition, stress, substance use, medication effects, laboratory findings, relationships, and lifestyle patterns may influence mental health.

Functional and integrative psychiatry does not replace evidence-based psychiatric treatment. Instead, it broadens the clinical picture and helps identify factors that may be relevant to symptoms, treatment response, and overall well-being. Recommendations are individualized and incorporated when clinically appropriate.

Sleep and Daily Rhythm

Sleep quality, schedule, energy, and daily routines can strongly affect mood, anxiety, focus, and emotional regulation.

Physical and Medical Health

Medical conditions, hormonal factors, pain, medication effects, and other health concerns may contribute to psychiatric symptoms or treatment response.

Stress, Relationships, and Environment

Work, relationships, trauma, caregiving demands, financial stress, and environmental pressures may all affect mental well-being.

Lifestyle and Substance Use

Nutrition, movement, alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, and other substances may be considered as part of a comprehensive assessment.

• Depression

• Anxiety disorders

• Trauma-related symptoms

• ADHD

• Mood disorders

• Sleep-related concerns

• Co-occurring mental health and substance-use conditions

• Treatment-resistant depression

• Psychiatric medication evaluation and management

Some individuals continue to experience significant depressive symptoms despite trying standard treatments. In these situations, a more detailed review of the diagnosis, prior medication trials, contributing medical or lifestyle factors, and advanced treatment options may be appropriate.

Through Awen Health, eligible patients may have access to additional treatment options for treatment-resistant depression. Each option requires an individualized clinical evaluation to determine whether it is appropriate.