Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

I work with adults experiencing a range of mental health concerns, including:

• ADHD (adult and late-identified)

• Autism spectrum traits and late-identified autism

• Complex PTSD (cPTSD) and trauma-related symptoms

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

• Anxiety, depression, burnout, and emotional regulation difficulties

Many people I work with don’t fit neatly into one diagnosis, or have overlapping experiences (for example, ADHD and trauma, or autism and OCD). We focus on understanding your nervous system and symptoms, not forcing you into a box.

Yes. I regularly work with neurodivergent adults, including people with ADHD, autistic traits, or both — especially those who were diagnosed later in life or who spent years masking their needs.

Care is neurodiversity-affirming, meaning the goal is not to make you “normal,” but to help reduce suffering, increase support, and work with how your brain actually functions.

Yes. Many people I work with have experienced developmental trauma, medical trauma, or other long-term stressors.

My approach is trauma-informed and emphasizes safety, consent, collaboration, and a pace that feels manageable.

You are never required to share details of trauma before you are ready, and medication decisions are made thoughtfully, with attention to how trauma can affect the nervous system.

The first appointment is a conversation.

We’ll talk about what’s bringing you in now, your current symptoms and goals, and any relevant medical and mental health history.

You are welcome to

• take your time

• pause or redirect the conversation

• ask questions

• say if something feels uncomfortable

You do not need to share everything all at once, and there is no pressure to disclose trauma details.

Not at all. You do not need a prior diagnosis to schedule an appointment.

Some people come in knowing exactly what they’re seeking help with; others feel unsure and want help sorting things out. Diagnosis is collaborative and meant to be useful. It is not a label and does not define you. It is meant to help guide treatment based on research and what works for certain groups of people. It can also help you understand yourself better and seek out supports for brain types that are similar to yours.

Medication decisions are made collaboratively.

That means:

• discussing potential benefits and risks

• starting with the lowest effective dose when appropriate

• moving slowly and thoughtfully

• adjusting or stopping medication if it isn’t helpful

Medication is one possible tool — not a requirement, and not a replacement for your autonomy or lived experience.

Unfortunately, this is very common.

If you’ve felt dismissed, rushed, overmedicated, misdiagnosed, or not listened to in the past, that matters. You’re welcome to share as much or as little about those experiences as you want. Concerns and hesitations about psychiatric care are taken seriously and can be revisited at any time.

Yes. I offer telepsychiatry to adults throughout Washington State.

Many people find telehealth more accessible, especially if they:

• have sensory sensitivities

• experience medical or institutional anxiety

• feel more regulated at home

• have limited energy or transportation

If video calls are challenging due to sensory, cognitive, or trauma-related reasons, we can talk about what accommodations might help. You are welcome to discuss preferences around pacing, communication style, and environment so we can make appointments as workable as possible.

Yes. In-person appointments are available in Bellingham, Washington. If sensory or accessibility needs are relevant, you’re welcome to ask questions in advance.

Non-urgent communication is handled through the patient portal.

Clear boundaries around communication help maintain predictability and safety. Response times and appropriate use of messaging are reviewed during the intake process so expectations are clear.

That’s okay.

You are encouraged to ask questions, express concerns, and disagree. Psychiatric care works best when it is collaborative. You always have the right to say no, to change your mind, or to revisit decisions.

I do not. The practice is private pay and does not bill insurance directly.

Some patients choose private pay to reduce administrative barriers and allow more flexibility in care. If you have out-of-network benefits, a superbill may be provided upon request.

Current fees, session lengths, and cancellation policies are listed on the Services & Fees page. If you have questions about cost or want to understand what ongoing care might look like financially, you’re welcome to ask before scheduling.

Frequency varies depending on your needs.

Some people meet more often at the beginning, then space appointments out once things feel more stable. Scheduling is collaborative and adjusted over time.

I have chosen not to use an AI scribe during appointments. I have some concerns about data retention, privacy, security, and its use of significant amounts of water and energy.

These experiences can overlap significantly, and it’s common for people to be misdiagnosed or partially understood.

Rather than relying on a single checklist, we will look at your developmental history, current patterns, nervous system responses, and what has and hasn’t helped in the past.

That’s an important question.

Reading this page should help you get a sense of whether the approach feels aligned with your values and needs. If you’re unsure, it’s okay to take time, ask questions, or consult with other providers. Finding the right fit matters.