About
I received my graduate degree at the University of Michigan in 2006. Afterwards, I received training as a fellow post grad resident at the University of Michigan Depression center and Psychiatry Child and Adolescent Clinic. During my fellowship, I conducted research under the Anxiety and Tick Disorder Clinic which entailed finding neuroanatomical differences among children and adolescents with anxiety disorders utilizing fMRI technology and psychological testing.
I then pursued specialized training in the clinical evidence-based practices for anxiety, impulse control disorders, and tics through the Anxiety and Tic Disorder clinic under the guidance of Melissa Webster, LMSW, Dr. Kate Fitzgerald, Dr. Gregory Hanna, Dan Fisher, LMSW and Aileen Prout, LMSW. Through this training I learned detailed application of cognitive-behavioral strategies, habit-reversal therapy and exposure-response prevention therapy for children and adolescents as well as adults.
Post fellowship, I pursued practice training and supervision from very established renowned psychologists, psychiatrists, and prestigious institutions well versed in psychoanalytic psychodynamic therapies.
Given my diverse training, I utilize an eclectic, multi-therapeutic strategic approach with my patients. I use strategies that are realistic, feasible and fit patients’ unique needs, striving to create successful therapy plans designed for each unique individual. I understand that every person and family has different situations that are sometimes very complicated. Sometimes individuals need a multifactorial approach to healing, changing behaviors, and having a better more fulfilled life. I do not over diagnose, am very conservative about recommending medication first, and provide a humanistic approach to my patients.
The primary focus of my private practice is the treatment of children and adolescents, and college students who have anxiety, such as fears and sadness. I also provide extensive parent guidance and help them implement behavioral strategies for children with anxiety, attention deficit disorder as well as oppositional disorder ailments.
I also often do school consultations to advise parents, teachers, and school social workers about implementation of individual educational and 504 plans, as well as unique behavioral strategies for my patients. Sometimes accommodations through the school can be accomplished without individual educational plan and 504 evaluation.
Presentations:
Bright Nights Community Forum: Identification and Treatment of Anxiety Disorders in Children and Adolescents
Bright Nights Community Forum: Pediatric Anxiety and Tic Disorders Clinic
Public Library forum: Anxiety Disorders among youth, Ypsilanti public Library, Huron High school Forum
Featured in
My biggest critic’: Navigating the adult daughter-mother relationship, today.com
Memberships:
National Association of Social Workers
Obsessive Compulsive Foundation
American Psychological Association
Mental Health Networker
Publications:
Biol. Psychiatry
Biol Psychiatry 2010 Dec 14;68(11):1039-47. Epub 2010 Oct 14.
Kate Dimond Fitzgerald, Emily R Stern, Mike Angstadt, Karen C Nicholson-Muth, McKenzie R Maynor, Robert C Welsh, Gregory L Hanna, Stephan F Taylor
Resume provided upon request
References provided upon request