how i practice

I am a board certified adult psychiatrist in private practice in Scottsdale Arizona.  I have expertise in treating all psychiatric illnesses and addiction including but not limited to ADHD, anxiety, bipolar, depression, OCD, panic, phobias, social anxiety, and schizophrenia.  Common criticisms of psychiatrists are often that they are rushed, detached, and push medications as the only solution.  Medications are often part of the solution, but usually less is more when it comes to medication and I often find one or two medications in a simple regimen is safer, more effective, and is better supported by the evidence. I believe every encounter with a medical provider should involve some amount of therapy and I strive to meet this standard.  I also provide more formal therapy in which more frequent meetings of longer duration complement medical interventions. I incorporate various therapies into my practice including cognitive/behavioral therapy, dynamic therapy, meditation, mindfulness, and positive psychology.  In addition to medication and therapy, lifestyle modifications are very effective in treating mental health problems and I can help you to incorporate such changes to be more healthy and happy.  Examples of this are diet, exercise, sleep phase shifting, life rhythm modifications, interpersonal interventions, and finding balance.

 

education

I graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Minnesota with a BA in psychology, an AS in mechanical engineering, and emphasis in pre-med.  As an undergraduate I did research in mental illness and addiction and their comorbidity and conducted behavioral therapy for children with autism.  These experiences solidified my interest in psychiatry.  I also spent a lot of time abroad as an undergraduate and during my travels became very concerned about international medical issues.  This motivated me to seek medical training in a program devoted to humanitarian medicine and led me to the Medical School for International Health in Collaboration with Columbia University.  My degree is from Ben Gurion University in Israel with training also conducted at Columbia University in New York which provided an unparalleled breadth of exposure to medical issues experienced by populations in the US and internationally.  During medical school I had the privilege of doing a two month rotation in the Peruvian Amazon and did work with local psychiatrists and traditional healers striving to learn from each other's unique approaches which opened my mind to both the advantages and disadvantages of alternatives to western medicine.  I completed my psychiatry residency at the University of Illinois in Chicago.  This program is remarkable for its breadth of training including not only a rigorous biological foundation, but also extensive training in psychotherapy in cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychodynamic therapy through collaboration with the Chicago Institute of Psychoanalysis.  

 

practice setting

I share office space and collaborate with colleagues at Family Behavioral Health in Scottsdale, AZ close to Phoenix, Paradise Valley, Tempe, and the 101.  I also offer telemedicine appointments in which patients can be seen from their homes or offices via videoconference throughout Arizona.   Our office is convenient to Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Flountain Hills, Scottsdale, Ahwatukee, and elsewhere in the valley.  I also provide services at Southwest Behavioral Health at the Erickson Clinic located at 2632 E Thomas Rd in Phoenix.  The Erickson Clinic provides services to under-served populations and is a teaching clinic.  I am an adjunct faculty member at the Arizona State University and teach Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner students and Family Practice Resident Physicians from Abrazo Health at the Erickson Clinic.