Our Approach to Women's Mental Health
We provide compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care tailored to the unique mental health needs of women across every stage of life. Our practice focuses on comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and supportive therapy. When specialized psychotherapy is needed, we coordinate referrals to trusted therapists in the community to ensure you receive the most effective, well-rounded care.
Conditions We Treat
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
PMDD is a hormone-sensitive mood disorder that causes severe emotional and physical symptoms in the week or two before your period. It goes far beyond typical PMS — and it is highly treatable.
How we treat PMDD:
- Medication: SSRIs (such as sertraline or fluoxetine) are the gold-standard treatment and can be taken daily or only during the luteal phase (the two weeks before your period). Certain oral contraceptives may also help.
- Supportive therapy: We provide ongoing supportive counseling to help you understand your symptoms, develop coping strategies, and navigate the emotional impact of PMDD.
- Lifestyle guidance: Regular exercise, stress management techniques, and calcium supplementation can complement medication treatment.
- Advanced options: For severe or treatment-resistant cases, additional hormonal therapies may be explored in coordination with your gynecologist.
Perinatal & Postpartum Depression and Anxiety
Pregnancy and the postpartum period bring enormous hormonal, emotional, and life changes. Depression and anxiety during this time are common, affecting up to 1 in 5 women — and effective treatment is available.
How we treat perinatal and postpartum mood disorders:
- Medication: SSRIs such as sertraline are commonly used and are considered compatible with breastfeeding. Medication choices are carefully selected based on your reproductive status and feeding plans.
- Zuranolone (Zurzuvae): This is the first FDA-approved oral medication specifically for postpartum depression — a short 14-day course that can provide rapid symptom relief, sometimes within days.
- Supportive therapy: We provide a safe, nonjudgmental space to process the challenges of new motherhood, validate your experience, and support your recovery.
- Therapy referrals: When more intensive therapy such as CBT or interpersonal therapy is recommended, we refer to therapists who specialize in perinatal mental health.
- Collaborative care: We coordinate closely with your OB/GYN and pediatrician to ensure safe, comprehensive care for you and your baby.
Depression (Major Depressive Disorder)
Depression is more than feeling sad — it affects your energy, sleep, concentration, motivation, and ability to enjoy life. It is one of the most common and treatable mental health conditions.
How we treat depression:
- Medication: SSRIs and SNRIs are first-line options. If initial treatment is not fully effective, we may adjust your dose, switch medications, or add augmentation strategies.
- Supportive therapy: We offer ongoing supportive counseling to help you process emotions, build resilience, and stay on track with your treatment goals.
- Therapy referrals: For patients who would benefit from structured psychotherapy such as CBT, we provide referrals to qualified therapists.
- Ongoing monitoring: We track your progress closely and adjust your treatment plan as needed to help you achieve full remission.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD involves unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental rituals (compulsions) performed to reduce distress. It is often underdiagnosed and undertreated — but responds well to the right care.
How we treat OCD:
- Medication: SSRIs are first-line, often at higher doses than those used for depression. An adequate trial typically requires 8–12 weeks to see full benefit.
- Treatment-resistant OCD: For patients who do not respond to initial treatment, augmentation strategies such as adding a low-dose atypical antipsychotic may be considered.
- Supportive therapy: We provide psychoeducation about OCD, help you understand your symptoms, and offer supportive counseling throughout treatment.
- Therapy referrals: Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the most effective form of therapy for OCD. We refer to therapists specifically trained in ERP to ensure you receive this specialized care.
- Perinatal OCD: Special attention is given to medication safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD in women is frequently missed or misdiagnosed. Symptoms like difficulty focusing, disorganization, emotional dysregulation, and mental restlessness can significantly impact daily life — and often worsen during hormonal transitions.
How we treat ADHD:
- Medication: Stimulant medications (such as methylphenidate and amphetamine-based medications) are first-line and the most effective pharmacologic treatment. Extended-release formulations are preferred for consistent symptom control.
- Non-stimulant options: For patients who cannot tolerate stimulants or have co-occurring anxiety, medications like atomoxetine or viloxazine (Qelbree) are effective alternatives.
- Supportive therapy: We help you understand how ADHD affects your daily life and work with you to develop practical strategies for managing symptoms.
- Therapy referrals: For patients who would benefit from structured skills training, we refer to therapists offering CBT for ADHD or ADHD coaching.
- Whole-person approach: We consider how ADHD interacts with your hormonal cycles, other mental health conditions, and life demands.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Women are twice as likely as men to develop PTSD, and symptoms — including flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and emotional numbness — can be deeply disruptive.
How we treat PTSD:
- Medication: Sertraline and paroxetine are FDA-approved for PTSD and can reduce symptom severity. Venlafaxine is also an effective option.
- Supportive therapy: We provide a safe, stabilizing therapeutic relationship to help you manage symptoms, build coping skills, and process your experiences at a pace that feels right for you.
- Therapy referrals: Trauma-focused therapies — including Prolonged Exposure (PE), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and EMDR — are the most effective treatments for PTSD. We refer to therapists trained in these specialized approaches.
- What we avoid: Benzodiazepines are not recommended for PTSD treatment, as research shows they do not improve outcomes and may cause harm.
- Safety-first approach: We prioritize stabilization and safety, ensuring you feel supported before and during any trauma-focused work.
Our Treatment Philosophy
Every woman's experience is unique. We believe in a collaborative, patient-centered approach that includes:
• Thorough psychiatric evaluation and accurate diagnosis
• Evidence-based medication management
• Supportive therapy and psychoeducation
• Referrals to specialized therapists when structured psychotherapy is recommended
• Coordination with therapists, OB/GYNs, and other providers
• Attention to how hormonal and reproductive life stages affect mental health
• Ongoing monitoring and treatment adjustments to help you feel your best
You don't have to navigate this alone. We are here to provide expert, compassionate care at every stage.