My background in mental health includes the use of Psychedelic medications, treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, ADHD, and women’s mental health care. I received my PMHNP from SUNY in 2018 but have been in medical practice for over 12 years. I am also a mom of twins who are now in their twenties, which gives me unique insight and empathy into how parenting challenges can contribute to mental wellness. Also, I am passionate about animals. I currently have a senior disabled Chihuahua that has her own wheelchair. I have a blind Shih Tzu as well. I am passionate about justice.
My holistic psychiatry philosophy is that mental health and physical health are tightly connected and we can go at the speed you're comfortable with. I am a humanistic provider who listens to your concerns, collaborates with you to create a treatment plan that will work with you and for you, and a psychopharmacologist who can explain in simple language how different medication classes work. We will go low and slow and make one modification at a time to ensure we tailor an effective plan.
Even though other people ask me for help all of the time and I am thrilled when they do, asking for help for myself is something I have struggled with. It's truly a skill that I had to learn as a single mother of twins and I'm so glad I did. Once you accept help, it can be life-changing.
While much attention is given to the acute treatment of mental health disorders like major depressive disorder, there is a significant lack of research focused on preventative and maintenance care – the ongoing management and support for individuals with chronic mental health conditions. For instance, many people actually have Persistent Depressive Disorder (previously known as Dysthymia) earlier on, which is far easier to treat with antidepressants, than Major Depressive Disorder, which may require in-patient treatment. If more research was done on high-functioning depression conditions like persistent depressive disorder and more awareness existed, we may be able to prevent more acute forms of mental health disorders and the suffering that comes with it for patients and their loved ones.
I buy myself flowers and watch unique animal friendship videos on Facebook. If a lion and a gazelle, or a dog and a duck can be friends, it gives me hope for humanity.
It's easy to believe that depression and anxiety would never get better. However, working in a holistic psychiatry framework along with the additional tools we have at Axis Integrated Mental Health like Spravato and TMS have transformed so many people's lives.
Put yourself first. It's hard, especially for anyone who is a parent, but doing so isn't just therapeutic for you, but for your children. Also, take us up on on some of the other ways we deliver holistic psychiatry either through the nutritional psychiatry advice we provide during your intakes and follow-ups or the social prescribing resources we provide for free for our patients.
I once defined success as society defined it. A nice car, a nice house, designer clothes. Today my idea of success is inner calmness, being present, and doing what I need to take care of myself. I have challenges like everyone else, it is part of the human existence. The difference is I do not have to be perfect.
I make my mental health a priority. This includes taking care of myself over my kids at times.
Spotify
The Gift of Therapy by Irving Yalom MD, How to Change your Mind by Michael Pollan. Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur.
