Adults
Why would an adult see an adult AND child/adolescent-trained psychiatrist, instead of an adult-only psychiatrist?
The roots of most mental health difficulties begin in childhood and adolescence. This is not only common sense, but also strongly backed-up by scientific research. Child and adolescent-trained psychiatrists, in addition to completing adult psychiatry training, have worked closely with children, teens and families as they face problems in "real time." This gives us special insight into the roots of what later become adult problems. Understanding these root issues can be immensely useful when helping adults to heal and flourish. When working with adults who are also parents, child and adolescent-trained psychiatrists understand the particular stresses that come with raising a child, and how to reduce those stresses. Finally, child and adolescent-trained psychiatrists understand the centrality of fun and play in mental health, and I bring that attitude into my work with adults as well as children and adolescents. I have always enjoyed working with adults via both psychotherapy and medication management.
Confidentiality of Services
I take your privacy and confidentiality very seriously. I realize the centrality of trust and confidentiality in every patient-doctor relationship. If you have any concerns or questions about confidentiality issues, I'm happy to discuss them with you.
Initial Phone Contact
If you think I can be helpful to you, after reviewing my website, the first step is to give me a call. Following a brief conversation on the phone we can decide together on the best next step.
Assessment
After our initial phone communication, we may decide to move forward with an assessment. Although we will discover more together as I get to know you, it’s extremely useful for us to start with a good biological-psychological-social assessment. It's always surprising to me that we all go through life getting annual physicals, but we rarely take the time to assess our emotional and mental health. I will try to holistically understand your unique strengths and vulnerabilities within the context of work (or school), community, key relationships, leisure, and human development. Many adults have never had a broad and in-depth assessment, and this alone can be therapeutic, because sometimes solutions emerge directly from it. Once we’ve finished the assessment, I’ll discuss treatment planning and options with you. By combining your own insights with my psychiatric expertise -- within the support of a deepening human relationship -- together we will find a path forward to resolve whatever difficulties you face. We’ll revisit the plan regularly to make sure it is up-to-date and working.
Medication
Prescribed medication can be very helpful, but it is only one of many tools that we can use. I find that decisions about medication are best handled as an open discussion between patient and doctor. This involves reviewing the risks, benefits, and alternatives to medication. There are often other options that can be tried first or along-side medication, and at other times no medication is necessary at all.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy, in the broadest sense, is often a vital part of treatment. I am experienced in many modalities of psychotherapy, behavior modification, and psychoeducation, and so I provide what is most useful for the situation. Many adults choose individual psychotherapy, but I can also provide couples therapy. For parents who are stressed by parenting, I'm able to provide parenting guidance. For adults who already have a therapist whom they like, or when it would be most useful to have a separate therapist, I can focus on other tasks such as medication, referrals, and interval assessments. However, my practice is primarily focused on offering integrated psychotherapy and medication services.
Additional Aspects of Treatment
Since I approach your care holistically, there may be other aspects of treatment that are very important, in addition to those mentioned above. At times addressing issues related to nutrition, sleep, medical issues, or exercise can help, and when appropriate I might make referrals for assistance in those areas. Together we will figure out what is the best solution to your situation. Our meetings may be longer or shorter, and more or less frequent, depending on what is needed.
Other Specialized Services
Occasionally adults request specialized services, such as court-related services. I am happy to discuss these services with you.
The roots of most mental health difficulties begin in childhood and adolescence. This is not only common sense, but also strongly backed-up by scientific research. Child and adolescent-trained psychiatrists, in addition to completing adult psychiatry training, have worked closely with children, teens and families as they face problems in "real time." This gives us special insight into the roots of what later become adult problems. Understanding these root issues can be immensely useful when helping adults to heal and flourish. When working with adults who are also parents, child and adolescent-trained psychiatrists understand the particular stresses that come with raising a child, and how to reduce those stresses. Finally, child and adolescent-trained psychiatrists understand the centrality of fun and play in mental health, and I bring that attitude into my work with adults as well as children and adolescents. I have always enjoyed working with adults via both psychotherapy and medication management.
Confidentiality of Services
I take your privacy and confidentiality very seriously. I realize the centrality of trust and confidentiality in every patient-doctor relationship. If you have any concerns or questions about confidentiality issues, I'm happy to discuss them with you.
Initial Phone Contact
If you think I can be helpful to you, after reviewing my website, the first step is to give me a call. Following a brief conversation on the phone we can decide together on the best next step.
Assessment
After our initial phone communication, we may decide to move forward with an assessment. Although we will discover more together as I get to know you, it’s extremely useful for us to start with a good biological-psychological-social assessment. It's always surprising to me that we all go through life getting annual physicals, but we rarely take the time to assess our emotional and mental health. I will try to holistically understand your unique strengths and vulnerabilities within the context of work (or school), community, key relationships, leisure, and human development. Many adults have never had a broad and in-depth assessment, and this alone can be therapeutic, because sometimes solutions emerge directly from it. Once we’ve finished the assessment, I’ll discuss treatment planning and options with you. By combining your own insights with my psychiatric expertise -- within the support of a deepening human relationship -- together we will find a path forward to resolve whatever difficulties you face. We’ll revisit the plan regularly to make sure it is up-to-date and working.
Medication
Prescribed medication can be very helpful, but it is only one of many tools that we can use. I find that decisions about medication are best handled as an open discussion between patient and doctor. This involves reviewing the risks, benefits, and alternatives to medication. There are often other options that can be tried first or along-side medication, and at other times no medication is necessary at all.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy, in the broadest sense, is often a vital part of treatment. I am experienced in many modalities of psychotherapy, behavior modification, and psychoeducation, and so I provide what is most useful for the situation. Many adults choose individual psychotherapy, but I can also provide couples therapy. For parents who are stressed by parenting, I'm able to provide parenting guidance. For adults who already have a therapist whom they like, or when it would be most useful to have a separate therapist, I can focus on other tasks such as medication, referrals, and interval assessments. However, my practice is primarily focused on offering integrated psychotherapy and medication services.
Additional Aspects of Treatment
Since I approach your care holistically, there may be other aspects of treatment that are very important, in addition to those mentioned above. At times addressing issues related to nutrition, sleep, medical issues, or exercise can help, and when appropriate I might make referrals for assistance in those areas. Together we will figure out what is the best solution to your situation. Our meetings may be longer or shorter, and more or less frequent, depending on what is needed.
Other Specialized Services
Occasionally adults request specialized services, such as court-related services. I am happy to discuss these services with you.
Michael Swetye, M.D., P.C. ~ Adult, Adolescent, and Child Psychiatry in San Francisco ~ Phone (415) 942-8589 ~ Fax (415) 715-9555
Copyright © 2019 Michael Swetye, M.D., P.C.~ All Rights Reserved
Copyright © 2019 Michael Swetye, M.D., P.C.~ All Rights Reserved