Part of the New Mexico law governing prescribing psychologists requires that they coordinate care with a patient's primary care physician.  It's also just good practice. Many emotional symptoms can be caused by physical problems, such as thyroid dysfunction or diabetes.  If you haven't had a medical check up in a while, you may have a physical illness that is making your mental health worse. 

I can provide diagnostic assessment and treatment recommendations without you having a primary care doctor. I can also help you locate a new provider. You would need to have a physical with the new doctor before you could receive a prescription from me. 

Lab tests may be ordered before, or during medication treatment. If you have not had general labs within 12 months of your first appointment with me, I may order baseline labs to check your general health, and the status of your kidney and liver. Ongoing labs may be needed during treatment, depending on the types of medication prescribed.  These might measure the blood level of your medication, or check for side effects such as changes in your cholesterol, sugar, or blood count. I will explain what labs might be needed before prescribing a medication. We can then decide together what might be best for you.

I do not provide certifications for medical cannabis.  At this time, there is inadequate research to support the use of medical cannabis for PTSD. In fact, some research suggests that it can have problematic effects for clients with mental illness.  

Much controversy exists, even among medical professionals, about whether cannabis is helpful for those with PTSD. In fact, in 2015 Colorado declined to add PTSD to the list of conditions that could be treated with medical cannabis, citing a lack of supporting research. 

Recent changes authorized by the DEA will allow for expanded research on cannabis.  I look forward to finding out more about the potential for cannabis to assist with psychological problems.  I also hope to hear more about potential risks. Once more information is known about the risks and benefits, I will adjust my practice accordingly. 

Appointments are available Tuesdays, Wednesday, and Friday, between 8 am and 2 pm, and 1 pm and 5 pm.  Email or call to schedule an appointment. 

I accept Medicaid, New Mexico Health Connections, True Health, Presbyterian Commercial, Blue Cross Blue Shield Commercial,  Cigna out of network, and Centennial Care Presbyterian, Blue Cross Blue Shiled, and Western Sky. I do not accept medicare and cannot provide services for medicare-medicaid clients. If you do not have one of these insurances, you can review other payment options on the Services & New Patient Information page.

If you have medicare or another insurance that is not on the above list, you have the option to pay out of pocket.