Initial Evaluation
The initial evaluation lasts 90 to 120 minutes. In this visit, we gather detailed background information to understand what is causing distress and how distress impacts your life.
The evaluation includes speaking to a therapist, filling out questionnaires, and completing a personality assessment. Our therapists then create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Treatment plans may include any of the following treatment options.
Psychotherapy
Our highly trained therapists offer short-term (12 to 16 sessions) or moderate-length (16 to 24 sessions) psychotherapy. In some cases, therapy may last longer. Sessions are usually 45 minutes to an hour. Although specific types of therapy vary, most involve teaching healthy coping skills and changing patterns of thinking, behavior, and relationships that cause distress.
Our therapists are all expertly trained in several types of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). We have special expertise in the following:
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
- Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT)
- Prolonged exposure (PE)
- Cognitive processing therapy (CPT)
Psychiatric Evaluation
The initial evaluation with a psychiatric provider lasts 90 minutes. This evaluation has a special focus on information related to women’s health issues, like obstetrical/gynecological history, psychiatric symptoms relating to the menstrual cycle, current or past pregnancies, the postpartum period or the perimenopausal period, etc.
At the end of the visit, the team will discuss their findings with you and works together on a treatment plan that may include medications and/or a recommendation for therapy.
Management of Psychiatric Medications During Pregnancy
You may have questions about taking medications while pregnant or breastfeeding, and we are here to help answer these questions.
Mental health problems during pregnancy can be serious and may lead to health risks for both the mother and her child. Stopping medication during pregnancy without the help of a physician or nurse is not always the safest option.
Our providers will discuss the risks and benefits of medications during pregnancy. We consider the risks of the baby being exposed to a medication as well as the risks of untreated mental health problems in the mother. We consider your personal history with mental health care, the severity of symptoms, and your specific needs and preferences.
Referrals and Coordination With Women’s Health Care
We work together with OB/GYNs and other specialists including urogynecologists, pelvic and abdominal health providers, and reproductive endocrinologists. When needed, we can provide helpful referrals to providers we know and trust.
If you have mental health concerns not specifically related to women’s reproductive or sexual health, our psychiatry and psychology team can help.