Treatment Approach

Comprehensive Assessment

Dr. Christensen will actively listen to your concerns and collaboratively work with you to build a comprehensive assessment and diagnosis. We are complex human beings and this often takes time. Over the course of multiple visits, Dr. Christensen will help you formulate a greater understanding of your experience through a comprehensive assessment.

Not interested in a diagnosis? That’s okay! A mental health diagnosis is not for everyone and people don’t always fit into a diagnostic category. Dr. Christensen recognizes this and can work through a diagnostic neutral lens. However, a diagnosis is needed to bill insurance. Dr. Christensen can discuss this process with you during your first visit.

Psychoeducation

Psychoeducation is a process of helping you understand how, why, and what you are feeling. It is often very overwhelming to experience mental health changes and Dr. Christensen can provide a foundation of knowledge to help you to better understand your past and current experiences.

Prescription Medication

If starting or continuing a mental health medication, Dr. Christensen will provide extensive education to you about the risks and benefits of utilizing it. Alternatives are always discussed. Dr. Christensen approaches mental health medication management judiciously, attempting to limit any adverse effects.

Interested in stopping a medication? The process of stopping a prescription, also called de-prescribing or tapering, is a patient-specific process. It is not for everyone, or appropriate for every condition, and Dr. Christensen prioritizes safety above all else. He can address all of this in depth with you during your visit.

Nutritional Medicine

Vitamins, minerals and amino acids are often highly supportive treatments that can easily be incorporated into your treatment plan. They play a key role in helping medications work better, rebalancing function, and correcting for deficits. Nutritional biomarkers can be assessed and evaluated through traditional and specialty labs.

What you eat is important for your mental health! Dr. Christensen can work with you to develop a stronger relationship with nutrition and discuss how to optimize nutritional intake to improve cognitive functioning.

Botanical Medicine

Botanicals are a traditional and foundational treatment option rooted in naturopathic care that can easily be added to your treatment plan. By utilizing evidence-informed decision making, an extensive discussion of a botanical approach to your care can take place.

Traditional and Specialty Labs

Dr. Christensen can order traditional and specialty labs that can lead to a more focused approach to your care. Assessing and treating for nutritional deficiencies, like Iron or Vitamin B12, and metabolic health, like the thyroid, can greatly improve overall well being and help you feel better, faster. Based on your treatment plan, regular lab work may be needed, and can be ordered through Dr. Christensen’s office. Laboratory work may or may not be covered by your insurance and any out of pocket costs will be discussed prior to ordering.

Developing a Care Team

Mental health treatment often involves developing a team of healthcare providers that can address all of your needs. Depending on your current symptoms, a care team may be advised. Dr. Christensen can work with you to develop or strengthen your healthcare team.