Services
We offer the following services:
Beyond Medication
Beyond Medication sessions may involve the use of both conventional psychiatric medications and non-medication interventions. Some non-medication interventions are meditation, breathing techniques, lifestyle changes, diet, exercise, herbs, vitamins, and supplements.
Medications are one of the mainstays of psychiatric treatment in the United States today. However, medication is only a part of the story. It is essential to also address the underlying causes of the mental distress. That way, we only use medication when we have to, and in its lowest amount. If long term medications are necessary, that is also an option.
I have spent over ten years prescribing evidence-based psychiatric medications to severely mentally ill clients. My philosophy is to use psychiatric medications to help you stabilize the symptoms of the illness. This would allow you to be able to participate in activities which allow your mind to heal itself.
I avoid prescribing benzodiazepines, which are addictive medications whose use is associated with dementia in the long term.
“A good word is like a good tree, whose roots are firmly grounded, and whose branches reach into the sky.”
—ancient saying
Talk therapy
Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is a term used for treating mental distress by talking to a mental health provider. There are different forms of psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, interpersonal therapy, and others.
The effects of psychotherapy typically take longer than psychiatric medications. However, the positive changes of therapy can be long lasting. Some clients take both medications and engage in psychotherapy.
I have had rigorous training in various forms of psychotherapy, with an emphasis on psychodynamic psychotherapy and spiritually-informed therapeutic methods.
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
Accelerated Resolution Therapy or ART is an evidence-based form of psychotherapy for trauma disorders. It uses rapid eye movements to help alter the ways that distressing memories and images are stored in the brain. This can decrease the strong physical and emotional reactions associated with these memories and images. Results of ART can be seen in shorter periods of time than in usual psychotherapies. Further information about Accelerated Resolution Therapy can be found at https://acceleratedresolutiontherapy.com.
Mindfulness Therapy
Never before has the world seen such an explosion in the field of mindfulness practices. To date, there are numerous studies supporting the use of mindfulness for stress management, insomnia, depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Many mindfulness practices find their origins within the yogic tradition. Though yoga is widely known as physical postures, there are actually multiple branches of Yoga. Asanas (physical postures) come from only one branch. Other elements include meditation or the stilling of the mind, pranayama or breath control, and psychological methods to help maximize the mind’s potential (Raja Yoga).
There have been questions raised about whether yogic principles require one to be of a certain religion or spiritual tradition. Thankfully, this is not the case. Though the practices themselves may have originated from the Yogic spiritual tradition, they are used by people of all walks of life and have been widely accepted into mainstream secular psychological forums. Mindfulness practices have been well researched and found to be effective in individuals of all walks of life.
I, Dr. Rahiem, have trained in mindfulness practices at the Center for Mind Body Medicine in California, where I completed the Advanced Professional Training. I am also a Yoga instructor have almost completed my training in Yoga Therapy. This training includes advanced training in Yogic Psychology and Meditation (Raja Yoga), Yogic Stress Management, the Basics of Ayurveda, Adaptive Yoga, the Foundations of Yoga Therapy, and Therapeutic Yoga.
In addition to the meditative aspects of mindfulness practices, for centuries, the power of sound has also been harnessed to facilitate the healing process. The use of voice in the form of the repetition of phrases has been proven to help improve insomnia and symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (article). In addition, sound healing instruments can be helpful to facilitate relaxation and a sense of calm. I use crystal healing bowls in session, upon request, and when clinically appropriate. I have a Level One Certification as a Sound Healer through the Academy of Sound Healing (website). In order to allow ease of access to sound healing instruments, I also sell sound healing instruments at a discount (website).
Yoga is much more than physical postures
give us a call to discuss how we can assist you
“I was in a bad relationship, and I really didn’t know it. Working with Dr. Rahiem opened my eyes. I’m now in a better relationship. I used to have a lot trouble with my temper too, and that’s gotten much better. She taught me meditation and gave me medication. We would meet for ‘medication appointments,’ but we did a lot more than that. My life is totally different now. She is a wonderful doctor.”
— Client
“When Dr. Rahiem and I first met, she told me she wanted to work on the root of my sleep problem, and we did just that. I didn’t want medications. She helped me change my diet, I started to exercise, and I took herbal supplements. My sleep isn’t perfect, but it’s a lot better than it was. She’s my favorite doctor, and I really appreciate her help. I’m a lot happier.”
— Client
“Dr. Rahiem is the one doctor my daughter will talk to. We’ve seen many psychiatrists, and she couldn’t feel comfortable with any of them. When people ask to know more about my daughter, I tell them to call Dr. Rahiem.”
— Mother of client with severe trauma disorder
What to Expect
Before Your First Session
Prior to your first appointment, please fill out the intake forms that will be emailed to you. These forms will give us information about your condition and they will also provide you information about our clinic policies. They must be signed before treatment can begin. However, please don’t sign anything unless you feel comfortable. If you have questions prior to signing, I can answer them in your first session.
Your First Session
For telemedicine sessions, Please log in for the session about 10 minutes before it is due to start. This will allow you time to address any technical challenges. If, for any reason, you are having technical problems, please contact our clinic. For your safety, I will not hold a session while you are driving. So please pull over to a safe location, if you find yourself on the road at your appointment time.
For in person appointments, please allow sufficient time for traffic and parking. We provide free parking. Upon arrival, please come to our office and have a seat. If you would prefer to wait in your vehicle for the appointment, please call/text and let us know you have arrived.
The initial psychiatric evaluation is approximately varies in length depending on the client’s needs. In general, for adults, initial assessments are one hour and 15 minutes in length and child appointments are one hour and 45 minutes in length.
Your follow up appointment can be made during your first session.
If you miss your first appointment without prior notification (no show), the full fee will be billed to the credit card that you used to reserve the appointment.
General Policies
In order to protect your safety, sessions will not be held when you are driving.
All sessions involving minors below the age of 18, require the presence of a legal guardian. In the case of joint guardianship for medical decisions, both parties would be required to approve before treatment can be offered.
Cancellation and Rescheduling Policies
Appointments may be cancelled or rescheduled up to 48 hours before the appointment time. This may be done by giving us a call or sending a text.
Clients are billed the full cost of the session for all missed appointments (no show) and for all appointments that are not cancelled at least 48 hours before the appointment time. This cost will be billed to the credit or debit card on file.