All clients receive a very thorough psychiatric assessment to fully understand both the symptoms that are present and to rule out other conditions. It is an opportunity to be seen and also to receive a second opinion if there are concerns that something has been missed in the past.

Traditional psychopharmacotherapy treatment is available. If a client would prefer alternatives, these will be discussed and recommended when alternatives to conventional care are appropriate.

Most of us feel better when we eat nutrient dense foods and many - not all - psychiatric conditions can be improved or treated with nutrition. If you are open to this method, we can incorporate it into treatment.

Many clients rightly would like to avoid psychiatric medications and are hopeful for alternative options rooted in science. Integrative and functional psychiatry can offer a different path for treatment for those interested.

Either in conjunction with conventional treatment or as an alternative, specialized testing allows us to look at the contributing factors to mental illness on a personal level and determine evidence-based treatment options. See more here

After a period of stability, or when a medication is poorly tolerated, many clients would like to get off of a medication. Unfortunately, sometimes a prescriber will start a psychiatric medication and later not know how to help someone get off of the medication comfortably. Medications like citalopram, venlafaxine, and escitalopram commonly cause discontinuation syndrome and may require special care to discontinue.

In other cases, clients would like to get off of medications but want to ensure that the process will be successful and that nonpharmaceutical interventions are working.

Ideally, we want to feel well as a whole person. Often what helps us feel good physically, supports our mental health but sometimes there are injuries or chronic conditions that need care and attention. Together we will look at your goals and discuss a variety of treatment options from talk therapy; eco therapy; mindfulness or meditation; exercise; sleep hygiene; nutritional psychiatry; and as well as other modalities or specialty care referrals when needed. You will be the decider of what feels like the right fit for you and what the priorities are.

NP Collins offers benzodiazepine depnedency treatment to clients in Virginia, Colorado, and California. Find more information here.