FAQ's

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Frequently Asked Questions

Coming to a psychiatrist is often a new and difficult experience for people.Some of the questions below may help in that process.

What should I bring to the evaluation?

  • Bring a list of all medications you are taking and any medical records you think may beimportant for the evaulation.
  • For children and adolescents please bringany copies of psycho-educational testing done with in the past five years anda listmedications your child is taking

Should my family come with me to the appointment?

  • Most adults come to their appointments by themselves. Sometimes itis more comfortable to bring a supportive family member along. This is up to you. Individualexams are fine for most problems that bring you to the office.Sometimes, however, it is helpful or even necessary to talk to someone who knows you well. We will arrange that if needed.

What is a psychiatric exam?

  • A psychiatric exam is basically an interview between you and thepsychiatristwho sees you as a patient. Your concerns, current symptoms, medical and psychiatric history, medication, past and present and family/social historyare discussed.

What kinds of tests do you order?

  • There are no definitive blood tests, X-rays, CT Scans, MRI Scans orPET/SPECT Scans to confirm or rule out a psychiatric diagnosis. However,tests are sometimes ordered to eliminateothercauses of yoursymptoms. Many medical conditions have symptoms that mimicpsychiatric conditions, so some tests may be ordered to ru
  • Some medication treatment for psychiatric conditions require periodicmonitoring through blood tests EKGs, blood pressure and weightmeasurements. This will be discussed before treatment begins.

How will my child be evaluated?

  • Your child’s evaluation begins with an interview with you. It is best tohave both parents present when ever possible. Separate interviewscan be arranged if necessary.This interview covers your the same topics as in a general psychiatric interview as well as preganacy and development.
  • Next, your child or adolescent will beseen in the office without you present. The nature of this interviewvaries,depending upon the age of the patient. Children under twelve oftenfeel more comfortable drawing or playing games when talking while teenagers usually preferto talk more directly.
  • After this we will meet again to discuss the directionof treatment which may include any combination ofpsychotherapy and/or medications,educational testing and/or laboratory tests or referrals when appropriate. Older children sometimes like involved in the decisions, too. Inthose cases they meet with us.

Contact Me

Location

Bethesda Oaks Office Complex

Appointments

Monday & Tuesday: Telepsychiatry Wednesday: In Office

Primary

Monday:

9:00 am-4:30 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-4:30 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-4:30 pm

Thursday:

Closed

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Appointments: Mon/Tues: Telepsych; Wed: In Office

Monday:

9:00 am-4:30 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-4:30 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-4:30 pm

Thursday:

Closed

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed