My Approach

My goal is for your child to be seen, heard and understood. I avoid rushing to labels or medication. If a diagnosis fits, we will use it as a guide to inform treatment. If medication is indicated, we’ll take the time to ensure you and your child feel comfortable and informed. It’s important that you and your child understand why a medication is being prescribed, how it helps and what side effects to watch for.

The First Appointment

During the first visit, I take the time to get to know each child or adolescent and to understand the challenges they are facing with a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation.

Once the evaluation is complete, we’ll schedule a follow-up appointment to review the findings together. This is a collaborative discussion to ensure that nothing has been overlooked or misunderstood.

From there, we’ll develop a personalized treatment plan that feels right for your family. There is no single “right way” to be well—only the approach that makes sense to each individual and family. The treatment plan may include medications, therapy, holistic strategies, lab work and referrals for additional evaluations, such as neuropsychological testing or autism testing or a sleep medicine consultation.

Continued Care

If medication is prescribed, it is important to follow up to monitor for efficacy and side effects. You can expect monthly follow-up appointments when a medication is prescribed or the dose is changed.

If your child is having success and psychiatric symptoms have stablized, we can push appointments out up to three months. If your child has not been seen within three months, your care is considered inactive in the clinic.

Please review my No show/Late Cancellation and After Hours policies carefully.

Safety First

Your child’s safety and well-being are my top priorities. If you or your child are experiencing a psychiatric emergency, please go to the nearest emergency room, call 911, or contact your county’s crisis mobile team for immediate support.

Kalamazoo crisis mobile: 269-373-6000

Suicide hotline: call or text 988 or call (269) 381-HELP (4357)