Hospitalization: 

 My orientation is to avoid psychiatric hospitalization whenever possible, even in the treatment of serious illness.  Hospitalizations tend to be disruptive of people’s lives.  Often outpatient treatment can accomplish what is necessary without the need for hospitalization.  However, there are occasional circumstances when a hospital admission is needed and can be of significant value.  If this might become a possibility with your situation, I will discuss this at length with you.  I am a member of the medical staff at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, and in the past have also been affiliated with Forbes Regional Health System and St. Francis Medical Center.  However, because my schedule does not allow for daily in-hospital contact, if you need to be hospitalized I will refer you whichever hospital in this area can best meet your needs (depending on your particular problem, your preferences, and your insurance coverage).  While you are hospitalized, the attending psychiatrist on that unit will provide daily inpatient treatment, and I will resume seeing you again after discharge.  I will communicate with the hospital treatment team and may also speak with you by phone while you are there.  You can reach me by phone while in the hospital if the need arises.