Question 1

What is a psychiatrist?

Accepted Answer

Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MD) who specialize in mental health. As physicians, they have completed the rigors of medical school and a four-year residency in psychiatry in order to develop the expertise to diagnose and treat mental health conditions through medications and psychotherapy. Residency training involves rotations through internal medicine, neurology, the inpatient psychiatric unit, the psychiatric emergency department and more.

Because of our comprehensive and time-intensive medical training, psychiatrists consider the full picture when treating an individual: hormones, medical co-morbidities, neural circuitry and social conditions, when creating a treatment plan.

Question 2

What conditions do you treat?

Accepted Answer

I specialize in women’s mental health and reproductive psychiatry.

This includes support for anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder, women who are pregnant and are interested in using psychiatric medications, women who are breastfeeding and are interested in using psychiatric medications, postpartum challenges, mental health changes associated with menopause, insomnia and any other questions related to mental health across the reproductive life cycle.

Question 3

Are you able to manage psychiatric medications for me while I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

Yes - this is what I specialize in. The approach to treatment during this time period is nuanced and needs to be individualized. I will work with you to create the most comprehensive treatment plan that is in line with your goals.

However, as this is care provided in an outpatient setting - I am unable to provide psychiatric care needed during a crisis. This would be most appropriately managed through evaluation in the emergency room setting.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 911, go to the nearest emergency room or contact the Hawai’i Crisis Line at 808-832-3100 or 1-800-753-6879 (neighbor islands).

Question 4

What postpartum challenges do you provide support for?

Accepted Answer

The postpartum period is a difficult one, marked by the necessity of maternal healing, abrupt hormone changes and a change in normalcy. Sometimes women will describe that they feel sad, worried, irritable or angry. Sleep can also be difficult. I can provide support for all of the above and any other ways in which you do not feel like yourself.

Question 5

I'm new to this: why would I see a psychiatrist?

Accepted Answer

Psychiatrists are one additional support person to have on your care team. I am able to hold space for you and provide recommendations on whether or not a medication would be appropriate given the experience that you are describing to me. I am also able to make suggestions as to other methods in which you can find support. Psychiatric medications can make a world of difference and help you to lead the life you want to live. “With help, you will be well.” - PSI International

Question 6

What if I don’t know if a medication is right for me?

Accepted Answer

Choosing to start a medication is a shared decision that should involve a well-rounded discussion between the two of us.

It is OK to not know if this is the step you want to take. We can discuss the risks and benefits of both decisions: starting or not starting a medication.

Question 7

What services do you NOT provide?

Accepted Answer

I am unable to provide evaluations for legal/custody-related matters, disability services, housing or other social services, firearm permit, workers compensation, injury or accident matters, letters for emotional support animals, couples, family or group therapy.

As an outpatient clinic, I am not equipped to handle active suicidal or homicidal ideation, acute psychosis with dangerous behavior, severe mania or agitation that requires rapid stabilization, involuntary or court-ordered care, substance intoxication or withdrawal. These conditions are most appropriately handled at a psychiatric emergency department or an inpatient psychiatric facility.

Question 8

Do you do evaluations for ADHD?

Accepted Answer

At this time, I do not do evaluations for ADHD in adults. Continuation of treatment from a childhood diagnosis of ADHD is done on a case by case basis.

Question 9

Do you accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

I currently work with HMSA PPO/HMO and UHA.

Aetna/MDX Hawai’i will be coming soon.

Private pay is available for those who are out-of-network or who do not wish to not use their insurance. Fees are below:

Initial comprehensive appointment (90 minutes): $515

Medication management follow-up (25 minutes): $265.

Question 10

What can I expect?

Accepted Answer

After our initial phone call where I learn more about the services you are looking for - if I feel that I can provide them in a sustainable fashion - we will schedule an initial appointment together. Forms and questionnaires that will be sent electronically are requested to be completed prior to this comprehensive evaluation.

All initial appointments take place in person. In-person appointments are available on Wednesdays and Saturday mornings. We will have 90 minutes together, and I will ask questions for diagnostic and treatment purposes. My goal is to create the most comprehensive plan for you based on your priorities. Medications, supplements, lab work and lifestyle modifications may all be included in your treatment plan if that is important to you.

If - after additional information is gathered at our intake appointment - I feel that you need a higher level of care than what I can accommodate, I may recommend a referral as the next best step.

Follow-up appointments will occur at a cadence that is appropriate for the individual. We can meet via telehealth or in-person depending on your preference. Follow-up appointments are scheduled for Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays and range from 25 minutes to 50 minutes.

Question 11

How can I schedule an appointment?

Accepted Answer

Please call 808-491-6484 and leave a brief message with your name, contact information and why you are seeking care.