Please note, it is common for people to suffer from multiple disorders, such as a depressive disorder and an anxiety disorder.  If you feel you may be suffering from a mental health issue and are ready to get help, or even if you’re unsure if you need help and just want more information, please contact me today.  If you are experiencing a psychiatric emergency, meaning likely to harm yourself or others, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.  

​

Major Depressive Disorder

Major depressive disorder involves experiencing a depressed mood or lack of interest or enjoyment in activities.  Common symptoms include changes in appetite or weight, difficulties with sleep, feeling tired or restless, feeling bad about yourself (e.g., self-critical, ashamed, etc.), having trouble concentrating, having thoughts of death or suicide, or having had a suicide attempt.  I treat major depressive disorder with CBT, which is considered an evidence-based treatment for depression. This treatment involves recognizing and working on changing the thoughts and behaviors that may be keeping you stuck in your depression so you can learn to cope more effectively.   

​

Persistent Depressive Disorder

Persistent depressive disorder, formerly known as dysthymia, occurs when people experience a consistently depressed mood for at least 2 years (1 year in children and adolescents). Symptoms are similar to major depressive disorder and may include changes in appetite or weight, difficulties with sleep, feeling tired, having poor self-esteem, feeling hopeless, or having trouble concentrating. I treat persistent depressive disorder with CBT, which is considered an evidence-based treatment for persistent depressive disorder. This treatment involves recognizing and working on changing the thoughts and behaviors that may be keeping you stuck in your depression so you can learn to cope more effectively.  

​

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) involves a combination of depressive symptoms that occur before the onset of your menstrual cycle, improve after the onset of your cycle, and become nearly absent in the week after your cycle.  Common symptoms include feeling depressed or anxious, having mood swings, feeling irritable or angry, having increased conflicts in your relationships, feeling self-critical, having a lack of interest in activities you typically enjoy, having difficulty concentrating, feeling tired, having changes in appetite or sleep, feeling easily overwhelmed or out of control, or experiencing physical symptoms (e.g., feeling bloated, etc.).  I treat PMDD with CBT, which is considered an evidence-based treatment for PMDD. This treatment involves recognizing and working on changing the thoughts and behaviors that may be making your mood symptoms worse during your cycle so you can learn to cope better, even though there may be medical (i.e., hormonal) reasons for your symptoms.  In these cases, it is often also important to seek medical advice from your medical doctor or a specialist (e.g., Ob/Gyn).  With your permission, psychologists and medical doctors can collaborate regarding your care to facilitate your treatment.