Compassionate & Patient Centered Care
I am providing outpatient psychiatric treatment at my office in Capitol Hill. I also do house calls all over the greater Seattle metro area (including King & neighboring counties). My main focus is on geriatric patients with dementia or cognitive loss. I do also see geriatric patients without cognitive symptoms. I accept a very limited number of adult patients on a case by case basis. Despite my focus on dementia & cognitive disorders, I have extensive experience with adults & geriatric patients from all walks of life. I do not see any children or adolescents.
I meet with patients, families, and staff (when applicable for patients living in residential facilities) to provide a comprehensive evaluation including diagnosis and treatment plan. All care is coordinated with the patient's primary care physician and other providers.
Treatment Philosophy
I believe all patients are unique and have their own wonderful life story to share. They deserve an individualized treatment plan. My emphasis is on holistic, eclectic and modern care with a creative brainstorming approach. I believe in mind body medicine. This includes promoting a healthy, balanced lifestyle comprised of stress management, exercise, nutrition, and various forms of formal relaxation therapy or mindfulness like progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing, meditation, yoga and tai chi.
For my patients with dementia, there are two big parts of my practice: 1) Adjust medications to treat symptoms & provide comfort. This can mean both less meds, or additional ones.
2) Educate & counsel families about the illness, including what to expect over time (both best & worse case scenarios). This includes appropriate multidisciplinary referrals & palliative approaches. We discuss advanced directives. I help explain when patients may need hospice.
Services
1) Geriatric psychiatry focusing on dementia & cognitive disorders
2) House calls (including to long term care facilities)
3) Pharmacogenomic testing (www.genesight.com)
4) Death With Dignity evaluations, including clearance for those wishing to go to Dignitas in Switzerland if they don’t quality for Death With Dignity in the US. I also work with patient trying to pursue VSED (Voluntarily Stopping Eating & Drinking)
5) Urgent weekend or evening evaluations are not available lately, but may resume in the future.
Pet Therapy
I have option pet therapy with Ele. He has big “paws to fill,” as BB (my previous therapy dog) brought joy to our patients for 14 years. She will be always be missed.
Fees & Insurance
I do not bill directly or accept any health insurance. I will be glad to provide receipts for you to collect reimbursement from your private insurance. Regular Medicare will not reimburse you. Please contact me to discuss rates. I bill for all clinical & travel time, which includes phone calls, emails & time for paperwork. Travel fees are based on zip code.
