About
Dr. Richardson grew up in the Lake Norman area. Away for school, she graduated cum laude from Wake Forest University, attended medical school at East Carolina University and completed her psychiatric residency at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia as chief resident in 2014. She is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, and is licensed in both North and South Carolina. She has a decade of outpatient experience in treating a wide range of mental issues from severe and complex psychiatric illness to brief emotional discord. During her career has received multiple accolades and awards for clinical care, teaching and patient satisfaction.
Private, individualized, personal treatment
The small, private, solo psychiatric practice offers the space for thorough assessment, treatment and growth. The treatment isn't hindered by modern healthcare's limitations. With easier access and extended appointment times, it allows for a different psychiatric experience. To be heard.
Approach
My approach is (at least) three tiered.
1. As a psychiatrist and medical doctor, I investigate endogenous/ biological/ chemical sources of psychiatric symptoms through methodical, evidence-based assessment and conservative medication evaluation. Full medical history taking is imperative to evaluate mental suffering.
2. This is almost always in addition to addressing the human side of suffering, often through psychotherapy, for the most successful psychiatric care is combined with psychological approaches. With patients access to longer appointments, often times elements of psychotherapy are included. If a psychotherapist is used in addition to our treatment plan, this coordination of care is integral.
3. The third component is targeting behavioral strategies (those annoying things that doctors tell us to do that are easier said than done). Together we will prioritize what approaches are most valuable and create individualized plans to execute changes.
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These three approaches are always evaluated and considered; however, they certainly are not the only avenues to achieve mental wellbeing. Spiritual, holistic/ naturopathic, social and multiple other avenues might be incorporated into one's individual treatment plan.