Initial Psychiatric Evaluation
Your 60 minute initial evaluation appointment is designed to help you share your questions and concerns in a confidential, supportive and professional environment. Dr Crooks will guide you through a comprehensive and thorough evaluation, asking questions and listening carefully to you. At the end of the evaluation, Dr Crooks and you will collaborate in designing a treatment plan that will help you address your concerns and get you on the path to mental health and well-being. Various treatment approaches will be discussed, including effective and targeted therapy, evidence-based medication (if indicated) as well as many of the time-proven, health promoting principles and practices essential to feeling and functioning well. Please be sure to complete and return the new patient evaluation paperwork prior to meeting with Dr Crooks.
Therapy and Medication Management
This 45-50 minute therapy and medication management appointment is designed to both evaluate medication efficacy as well as dedicate time to the important work of psychotherapy in supporting you in achieving your therapy goals. Dr Crooks is trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic psychotherapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Additionally, Dr Crooks has been trained and certified through the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis to practice medical/clinical hypnosis as an adjunct approach to standard therapy. Therapy is a place like no other in the world. There is no judgement, no criticism and no agendas (unlike what may be found in talking with family and friends). Therapy sessions are about you getting clarity about the life that you want to live and to discover the many ways we humans can innocently and unwittingly get in our own way, at times even feeling stuck. Psychotherapy offers an opportunity for increasing self-knowledge and self-growth. Dr Crooks would say that therapy doesn’t happen in the office, it happens out in your life. By taking time to reflect, discuss and learn helpful psychological flexibility principles and processes, you are empowered to go out into your world to create the life you really want. During this visit, you will also be able to discuss medication options, as well as review the risks and benefits of the mutually agreed upon treatment plan.
Medication Management
This 20 minute appointment is an opportunity for you and Dr Crooks to focus on medication as it relates to your health and well-being. You will be able to provide your observations regarding efficacy, safety and tolerability of your medication (if prescribed) as well as answer any questions regarding your care with Dr Crooks. In the course of his medical and psychiatric residency education, Dr Crooks received specialized training in psychiatric psychopharmacology and will be able to address any questions regarding medication with you at this visit. Should additional testing need to be done, such as laboratory testing, neuropsychological testing or other consultation with another physician, Dr Crooks will be mindful of the costs of health care and will explain the reason why he is ordering the testing.