PTSD Psychiatrists in Montana

I use an integrative approach to health in my psychiatric practice, combining evidence-based concepts in neurobiology with psychological, social, and spiritual/existential worldviews to understand and treat every patient. My primary practice is medication management, and I also integrate elements of psychotherapy into my work, typically within 30-minute follow-up visits. In addition to medication and psychotherapy, I incorporate wellness tools into visits, such as mindfulness exercises and sleep management strategies. If I believe that additional psychotherapy is needed, I will recommend that you add a therapist to your care team. My primary focus is working with adults with mood and anxiety disorders, trauma symptoms, ADHD, and problems with sleep. I enjoy working with people facing life transitions, especially older adults and women who are struggling with mental health challenges related to pregnancy and post-partum health. I have extensive experience working with people from many stages of life, with diverse world views and cultural backgrounds. I have always had an inclusive practice and welcome people who identify as LBGTQIA+.

I am board certified in Adult Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine. I received my medical degree from Weill Cornell Medical School and my PhD in Neurobiology from The Rockefeller University. I completed my Psychiatry residency and Sleep Medicine Fellowship training at the New York University Medical Center. Prior to joining Talkiatry, I was working at Hartford Healthcare with adults in intensive outpatient programs and at Hackensack Meridian Health outpatient clinics. I was the medical director of the Consultation Liaison Service at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and an assistant professor at UMass Medical School.

I have published and presented widely on topics related to Wellness in Psychiatry, Ethics, and Sleep Medicine. I am an advocate for finding your voice in medical decision-making. As part of my own life path, I became an Interfaith Minister and enjoy including spirituality and the supportive role it can play in healing for my patients. I also enjoy using sound healing for relaxation and stress management.

I have additional interests in trauma work; women's mental health, specifically in the peripartum period; and in working with individuals facing progressive diseases or terminal diagnoses.

I am a recent graduate of the psychiatry residency program at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. During my residency, I sought out additional training in psychodynamic therapy and EMDR. I participated in the Psych Scholars track, which provided in-depth education and supervision around therapy and psychoanalytic theory. This allows me to better understand the role of both medication and therapy, to utilize, when to couple them, and what limitations they may have.

I have extensive experience treating various mental health disorders including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and ADHD. My clinical work includes assisting patients who experience mental health disorders with co-occurring substance use problems. I have training in various schools of psychotherapy including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), CBT for insomnia, motivational interviewing, and supportive psychotherapy. I incorporate treatment focusing on the importance of exercise, diet, and good sleep habits as a part of comprehensive mental health care.

I am double board-certified in Adult Psychiatry and Forensic Psychiatry. I graduated summa cum laude from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Medicine/Athletic Training and then attended Drexel University College of Medicine. After medical school, I completed my residency in Adult Psychiatry at the University of Virginia, where I obtained a certificate in additional psychotherapy training. After residency, I completed a fellowship in Forensic Psychiatry at the University of Virginia. During my fellowship, I trained at the prestigious Institute of Law, Psychiatry, and Public Policy (ILPPP) and Western State Psychiatric Hospital, where I performed criminal and civil forensic evaluations. I also provided clinical care at a maximum security prison. Prior to joining Talkiatry, I worked at a healthcare system in Montana providing inpatient and outpatient psychiatric care involving medication management and psychotherapy. Additionally, I operate a private forensic psychiatry practice that conducts mental health evaluations for the legal system.

I am an adult psychiatrist who prioritizes understanding my patients by first listening to their stories. I collaborate with them to develop both pharmacological and non-pharmacological solutions aimed at improving their functionality. I emphasize that functioning better often leads to feeling better. Whenever possible, I approach treatment within the context of the family system surrounding the individual.

Raised in South Carolina, and now a resident of Florida, my wife of 31 years and I have six children. I enjoy outdoor activities and team sports and am an avid fan of Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. I at times incorporate analogies from their works into therapy if appropriate.

I offer a patient-centered approach, working with individuals aged 18–65. I believe in engaging patients in the decision-making process and in educating patients so they are empowered to work together with me to create treatment plans that improve their health and quality of life. My professional interests include treating a wide range of adult psychiatric conditions including depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, OCD, panic, autism, and bipolar disorder. I provide psychiatric assessments and medication management along with brief supportive psychotherapy. I have additional education and experience in cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and motivational enhancement. I can also review if adding a therapist to your care team could improve outcomes.

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and am also dually certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner. I received my master's degree and post-master's certificate from Vanderbilt University. I have 12 years of experience as a nurse and over 7.5 years of experience as a Nurse Practitioner. I am licensed to practice in Montana, Arizona, and New York.