Initial Consultation
Fluent in English and Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Hedy uses evidence-based practices to treat a wide range of mental health disorders.
Anxiety disorders involve excessive worrying, fearfulness, feeling overwhelmed, nervousness, and tension. Anxiety can contribute to insomnia, low energy, problems with concentration, irritability, restlessness, and muscle tension or tension headaches and panic attacks. Treatment options for anxiety may involve therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and/or psychiatric medication. Relaxation techniques and counseling are also often incorporated into treatment.
PTSD, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, develops as a result of trauma. Traumatic experiences causing PTSD may include combat experiences, natural disasters, acts of violence, accidents, and the loss of loved ones. Symptoms of PTSD include intrusive memories of the trauma, flashbacks, nightmares, irritability, anxiety, and negative alterations in thoughts and mood. People suffering with PTSD experience emotional and physical reactivity at exposure to reminders of the trauma, hypervigilance, exaggerated startle response, and symptoms of avoidance. Medications like SSRIs or SNRIs as well as medications for sleep and/or nightmares can help manage these symptoms. Our providers will carefully evaluate and work with each patient find the most effective regimen and dosage for each patient’s needs. Counseling may also beneficial in addition to medication.
Bipolar disorder is a disorder in which people experience discreet episodes of mania and major depression. Medication management aims to reduce symptoms, stabilize mood, and prevent further episodes. Various medications are FDA approved for mania and/or depression, including lithium, atypical antipsychotics (quetiapine, risperidone, olanzepine, lurasidone, lumateperone, cariprizine), or anticonvulsants (depakote or lamotrigine). Close monitoring is needed to avoid manic or depressive episodes as well as to monitor for medication side effects. Regular follow up appointments and psychotherapy are often an essential part of treatment.
Other conditions we treat in our office include insomnia and ADHD.
