Conditions We Treat

Addiction

Drug and alcohol addiction are often correlated with emotional symptoms. Not only can addiction cause depression and other conditions, but also untreated psychiatric illness may contribute to the addiction. Psychiatric and psychological treatment can facilitate success in addiction recovery. Twelve-step  (AA/NA) and other support programs (Celebrate Recovery) are often critical to effective addiction recovery. We are very familiar with these programs.

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ADHD

Scientific studies indicate that up to 10% of the general population may have symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD, also sometime called ADD.) Core features of this problem are excessive impulsivity, distractibility and inattention, and hyperactivity, although hyperactivity is not always  present. ADHD can cause significant social, educational, familial, and vocational impairment.  Treatment is often simple and quickly effective.

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Anxiety

Many people have normal fears and worries. Anxiety is problematic when it is so severe that it interferes with daily functioning or causes intense emotional distress. Treatment can significantly reduce the negative impact anxiety can have on daily life.

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Autism  

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that may be diagnosed as early as age18 months. The core features of autism include impairments in social interactions, communication, and behavior or interests. Children with autism require a multidisciplinary treatment approach. The team may include a behavioral therapist, speech and occupational therapists, and specialized teachers or learning environments. Often a psychiatrist is involved to facilitate the treatment team and to address specific behavioral symptoms.

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Developmental Delays

Some children are slow to develop physically, socially, or cognitively. This may be associated with emotional and behavioral difficulties. We see many developmentally delayed children and adults. Treatment often facilitates a child’s developmental trajectories.

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Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder is manifest by severe mood swings. While sometimes evident in childhood, it often becomes clearly expressed in late adolescence  and early adulthood. Bipolar Disorder is a chronic condition.  Medication is important for treatment of  this illness,  and therapy helps a patient to understand the illness. We can help with this!

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Depression

Everyone has emotional lows at times. Clinically significant depression is much more severe than a simple depressed mood, and sometimes results in suicidal thought or actions.  There are many treatment options. We  will individualize  treatment to best fit your needs.

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Family and Marital Problems

We provide family therapy and marital or couples therapy for those experiencing short term or longer term conflict. Stressors such as marriage, separation, divorce, illness or death of a family member, changes in the family structure, moves to a new home, having a new baby, an older child leaving the home, and changes in school or work location can contribute to family or relationship conflict. Therapy may resolve the conflict and improve the relationships, sometimes more  quickly than you might expect.

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Fears and Phobias

Most children have brief periods of irrational fears, and most parents find ways to help a child overcome these fears without mental health treatment.  Occasionally a child or an adult experiences an irrational fear that is so severe that it interferes with normal functioning. This is when mental health treatment becomes necessary.

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Learning Disabilities

Some children learn very differently than the average child. This can cause problems and frustration with progress at school. A psychiatrist or therapist can help a family arrange appropriate testing to recognize each child’s particular learning strengths. A professional  can also facilitate educational accommodations such as a 504 plan or Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or placement in a particular type of class or school to maximize the child’s progress.

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OCD

Obsessions are repetitive thoughts and compulsions are actions someone might complete in response to the repetitive thoughts. Patients with OCD often recognize that their thoughts and behaviors are irrational, but feel compelled to repeat them anyway. Treatment for this condition reduces the intensity of the thoughts and compulsions.

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Panic Disorder

Panic attacks involve acute episodes of intense anxiety with physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, tremulousness, and a sense of impending doom. Without treatment, panic attacks often escalate in frequency and intensity, and may cause extreme fearfulness of public environments. Mental health professionals offer routine treatment to reduce and extinguish these attacks.

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Psychosis

Some people hear things or see things that others do not, or have fixed false delusions. These patients typically can not rationalize their thinking. Psychiatric treatment, including medications, helps dramatically, and usually requires the active involvement of the family or support system.

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Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a serious, chronic psychotic disorder, that if not treated, results in a steady downward spiral in functioning. It can have devastating effects on the affected individual. Early detection and intervention is critical and virtually always involves a psychiatric team.

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Stress and Worry

Everyone experiences some stress and worry. Some individuals become overwhelmed with worry. Chronic severe stress can affect physical health, educational progress, social, familial, and vocational functioning. Let us talk with you about how to better manage stress and worry.

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Tics and Tourettes

Some patients perform repetitive, stereotypical movements or make sounds over which they have little control. While at times this is barely perceptible, if the symptoms are prominent, an affected individual may experience social impairment and emotional distress. Psychiatrists and neurologists are familiar with treatments for this problem.

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