I Became a Physician to be a Clinician

I have practiced psychiatry in the Philadelphia region for nearly 25 years, using both psychotherapy and psychiatric medications. My therapy practice is focused on who you are. Most of my patients are working in a supportive-expressive or dynamic approach; I will use cognitive therapy approaches as well. 

Who you are and how you are with other people in your life affects how you're doing at home, work, or play as much as 'what disorder you have' does.

The patients who work with me are facing many issues across the life-spectrum: relationships, intimate life, work and professional life. Some are struggling with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and other disorders.
 
I see people suffering from the full spectrum of mood and anxiety disorders, including unipolar depression and bipolar (or manic-depressive) illnesses, with special attention to how those illnesses affect patients in their daily lives and important relationships. I work with people with many other disorders; it is always important to review with you your own concerns and to let you know if I think I'm a good choice or if you could benefit from seeing someone with different expertise than mine. All my training, education, and work (before and during my medical career) has been informed by systemic and relationship-oriented approaches.

The decision to use medication is never a simple one for physician or patient. I always try to be very clear with you about the specific symptoms or disorders at which a medication is targeted, and about the potential therapeutic benefits of a medication as well as its possible downsides. It is always important to consider what taking, or not taking, a medication can mean to you.
 
Prior to forming NewBranches, I was a psychiatrist and therapist at Council for Relationships in southeastern Pennsylvania. I also served there as the Director of Medical Services, then Chief Operating Officer and then Chief Executive Officer, all while maintaining my role as a clinician, too. 

I am a Clinical Associate in the University of Pennsylvania's Department of Psychiatry, where I received my psychiatric training. My MD degree is from the Cornell University Medical College, in New York City.

Prior to my medical career, my work experience includes ten years in consulting and film finance following an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. During that time I also served as the Treasurer and Vice President of the boards of directors of two different New York performing arts organizations.