Behavioral Health Practice

I am a psychologist and primary care nurse practitioner with over 30 years experience in behavioral health. I am dedicated to working with individuals who have health issues, acute or chronic illness, or pain or other physical symptoms and work to  assist them in achieving the highest possible quality of life.  Health issues affect mood, concentration, relationships, ability to work and enjoy life, and cope with challenges face everyone. I work with your physician, nurse practitioner, physician's assistant, dentist, audiologist, specialist, or CAM provider to tailor your treatment.    

When health issues take a prominent role, life changes and distressing emotions occur. These may interfere with mood, sleep, appetite, concentration, decision-making, personal relationships and enjoying life.  With complex physical problems, there is often little time to discuss options and less to discuss comfort measures.  Your values, priorities, and concerns need full consideration so you can make the best decisions possible for your health.    

 Working with a psychologist and nurse practitioner ensures that:  

• your questions are answered in a way you understand
• your treatment plan includes your physical and emotional comfort 
• the focus of treatment is on your ability to work & enjoy life again
• you have the opportunity to have a treatment plan that is consistent with your values, beliefs, and need for comfort 

I can assist in helping you with the associated experiences of having a persistent health condition: 

• worry, panic, or chronic anxiety
• low self-esteem or depression
• poor experience with doctors
• fear of dental treatment
• fear of medical treatment
• body image dissatisfaction
• difficulty relaxing or feeling overwhelmed
• chronic stress
• fear of needles

My Treatment Philosophy:    

1. Provide you an opportunity to ask questions and receive answers you understand regarding treatment plan options provided by your clinician including risks, benefits, alternatives, and no treatment.

2. Respect your personal, cultural, and religious health beliefs and the right to make your own decisions.

3. Regard you as a unique individual whose treatment should be tailored to your needs.   

4. Provide competent and compassionate treatment aimed at enhancing your emotional and physical well-being.