A psychiatrist is a medical physician who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illnesses, including substance abuse and addiction. Psychiatrists are uniquely qualified to assess both the mental and physical aspects of psychological disturbance. Their medical education has given them a full working knowledge of the many causes for a patient’s feelings and symptoms. Armed with this understanding, psychiatrists can make a complete, accurate diagnosis and then recommend or provide treatment.
Psychiatric Care
Psychiatric Evaluations
Care at MindTherapy Clinic generally begins with a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, conducted by our psychiatrist, Dr. Mark Schiller, aided at times by our other clinicians. The evaluation consists of a clinical interview, a medical history, review of previous records, and a number of patient self-report measures. At times, the severity and complexity of the problems, may require a number of sessions to complete the evaluation, including sufficient time to review diagnosis, treatment options, and develop a treatment plan.
Our Psychiatrist
Mark Schiller, M.D. is a Board-Certified psychiatrist and former Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at UCSF. Dr. Schiller gives frequent presentations to regional and national professional organizations and has published in well known publications such as the New York Times and Investors Business Daily. He has been featured in national media including NewsWeek and Oprah magazine on subjects related to psychiatry. He received a Doctorate in Medicine from the University of Chicago and completed a Psychiatric Residency at Yale University and a Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Psychiatry at the University of California at San Francisco. His research activities have been focused on the development of EEG-guided medication treatment.
Medication Treatment
Psychiatric medications have become almost ubiquitous in our country. They are often immediately prescribed at the first hint of psychological distress. This is unfortunate, as these are powerful agents that should be avoided if unnecessary or if other, effective, non-medication treatments are available. In addition, effective medication treatment requires care and up-to-date knowledge of the most advanced approaches to medication.
Medical-legal Consultation
Dr. Schiller provides medical-legal psychiatric evaluations and reports. He has lengthy experience in disability, fitness for duty, worker’s compensation, and forensic evaluations. His reports have been used in a variety of state and federal court cases.
Neuropsychological Testing
Neuropsychological testing involves the formal diagnostic assessment of cognitive problems. Such testing is useful in defining the nature and severity of problems in memory, attention, planning, calculations, reading, speech, and other problems. It is also frequently useful in distinguishing between structurally based cognitive problems and problems due to symptoms of mental illness. Neuropsychological testing is not necessary for all patients at Mind Therapy Clinic but in many cases can be an invaluable adjunct to a comprehensive evaluation.
Cognitive Rehabilitation
There is an increasing focus in neuropsychology on cognitive rehabilitation. Such rehabilitative work focuses on restoring cognitive deficits and on developing strategies to compensate for deficits. Such work is a particular interest of Dr. Caroline Racine, the neuropsychologist at Mind Therapy Clinic. In addition, there is evidence within the scientific literature that neurofeedback can be of effective in cognitive rehabilitation as well.
Nutritional Counseling
Proper nutrition is important for physical and mental health. Ensuring that our patients have a proper diet and exercise is a keystone for treatment at Mind Therapy Clinic, which is why our nutritional consultant is available to all of our patients. However, a healthy diet isn’t always enough. Increasingly, research points to various vitamin and mineral surpluses and deficiencies, as well as various food allergies, that may affect mental health. Our nutritionist or psychiatrist will often order a variety of laboratory tests that may identify such problems. When appropriate our staff will also consider use of nutritional supplements and other natural measures.
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