Dr. Szachtel's Approach to Treatment
Dr. Szachtel approaches patient care using a biopsychosocial model, which takes into account each person's unique life circumstances. Through this lens, Dr. Szachtel focuses on understanding how early life development, family dynamics, social connectedness, school or work environment, and temperament are interacting with current stressors and symptoms. Dr. Szachtel then works collaboratively with you to develop treatment goals and an individually-tailored treatment plan, which often includes medication management and/or individual psychotherapy. Across all services offered, Dr. Szachtel creates a supportive and safe environment to work towards enhancing your quality of life. He also aims to promote a team-based approach to patient care and frequently collaborates closely with other providers who may be involved your care, such as psychotherapists, neuropsychologists, primary care physicians, pediatricians, and teachers.
Medication Management
After meeting to discuss your symptoms, Dr. Szachtel will review treatment options with you. If medication is appropriate for your care, Dr. Szachtel will discuss how the medication works, why it might be the right choice in your case, and help you weigh the benefits and possible risks. Dr. Szachtel takes the time to hear your questions and concerns to ensure that you are comfortable with any medication prescribed. Dr. Szachtel also offers a collaborative approach and will work together with your therapist to ensure that your treatment is progressing smoothly.
Individual Psychotherapy
For people who want to receive psychotherapy and medication management with one provider, Dr. Szachtel also offers individual psychotherapy services for children, adolescents, and adults across the lifespan. Dr. Szachtel has extensively studied and utilizes several psychotherapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Parent Management Training (PMT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Psychodynamic Therapy to inform his treatment approach. He will work with you to develop treatment goals and utilize evidence-based interventions to help you achieve them. When working with children and adolescents, Dr. Szachtel believes that parents are experts on their children and that working together leads to the best possible outcomes.
Parent Management Training
Dr. Szachtel is passionate about empowering parents and caregivers and offers specialized therapy services in Parent Management Training (PMT). PMT is designed to address problematic behaviors in children, including speaking disrespectfully to adults, difficulty following directions and accepting redirection, tantrums, difficulty following routines, and other externalizing behaviors. Dr. Szachtel will work collaboratively with you and your child to implement PMT gradually and effectively in your home. Dr. Szachtel has also given lectures about PMT at hospitals and schools and is available to provide community education about PMT at your institution.
Consultations
If you are unsure of your diagnosis or current treatment plan, it can be helpful to get a second opinion. Maybe you feel like you're taking too many medications, or you're not sure if you've been given the correct diagnosis. Dr. Szachtel offers consultations so that you can gain clarity on your diagnosis and treatment options. You are welcome to seek a one-time consultation with us, even if you wish to receive ongoing care somewhere else.
Community Education
Dr. Szachtel believes in strengthening the communities he serves by providing educational lectures about relevant mental health topics. He is passionate about teaching and believes that building up your community's knowledge and understanding of mental health is another way to support you in your personal mental health journey. To this end, Dr. Szachtel has provided informational lectures to hospitals, clinics, synagogues, and schools. If you are interested in bringing insightful discussion about mental health to your community, please reach out so that we can discuss further.
For those who have difficulty financing psychiatric care, Dr. Szachtel will work closely with your primary care physician to continue treatment once he has found the best medication and dosage for you.