My path into psychiatry started right out of school, when I took a job as a psychiatric care technician on an inpatient unit. In my first week there I worked with a patient who was so unwell she seemed almost absent. Within a few days of starting treatment she was herself again, and you would never have known anything had been wrong.

That stayed with me. I saw how much good psychiatric care can change someone’s life, and I’ve wanted to do this work ever since.

My approach today is collaborative. Medication is often part of the plan, but it is never the whole plan. I’m a strong believer in lifestyle changes, like exercise, nutrition, and sleep, because I’ve seen what they do for both physical and mental health. We’ll find small, realistic steps, often just 10 to 15 minutes a day, that help settle your stress response and improve how you feel day to day. I also provide supportive therapy as part of our visits.

If you’re unsure about medication, that’s okay. We’ll talk through your concerns openly, and nothing moves forward until we agree on it. If medication isn’t right for you right now, I’ll help you find other ways to get support, including connecting you with a therapist.