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Sheenie Ambardar, MD is a Los Angeles Psychiatrist, Psychotherapist, and Coach. Dr. Ambardar specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of adult men and women with Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, OCD, Binge-Eating Disorder (BED)/Overweight, and a host of other common mental health concerns.

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‍What is Concierge Psychiatry?

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The term 'concierge' might evoke images of hotel lobbies and travel recommendations, but within the context of medicine, it represents a different idea. Concierge psychiatry (or boutique psychiatry) is a model of psychiatric care that focuses on delivering high-quality, personalized service to patients.

In this model, the patient may pay a membership or retainer fee, which in turn allows the psychiatrist to keep a smaller patient caseload. This translates into longer appointment times, more immediate and flexible scheduling, increased availability of the psychiatrist via phone or email, and even the possibility of home visits.

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The Personalized Concierge Psychiatrist Experience

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The foundation of concierge psychiatry is the ability to cultivate a deep and personalized understanding of each patient. Regular psychiatry often struggles to maintain this level of intimacy due to larger patient volumes, but the concierge model allows us to overcome these barriers. Here's what that means for you:

1. More Time:

In traditional settings, psychiatrists may see dozens of patients a day, limiting their time with each individual. In the concierge model, however, patient appointments are longer and more comprehensive. This gives us the opportunity to delve deeply into your concerns, to explore the nuances of your mental health, and to collaboratively develop a personalized treatment plan.

2. Better Accessibility:

Concierge psychiatrists are available outside of the usual 9-5 clinic hours. The ability to directly reach your psychiatrist via email, phone, or video means your concerns can be addressed promptly. This immediate access can reduce anxiety and promote a smoother path to recovery.

3. Integrated Approach:

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The Concierge Psychiatrist Process

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Initial Assessment:

We start with a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, which typically lasts about 75 minutes. This evaluation is an opportunity to discuss your mental health history, symptoms, and concerns. We also explore your personal and family medical history, lifestyle, stressors, and coping mechanisms.

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Treatment Plan:

After the initial assessment, we work together to develop a personalized treatment plan. This plan could include medication, psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, lab work, or a combination of these. As a concierge psychiatrist, I ensure that you understand the treatment plan and feel completely comfortable with it.‍

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Follow-up Sessions:

Follow-ups are integral to your care. These sessions occur weekly, bi-weekly, or every month and allow us to closely track your progress, make necessary modifications to your treatment plan, and provide ongoing, high-quality support.

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Conclusion

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In summary, concierge psychiatry offers a more personalized and accessible approach to mental healthcare. With longer appointments, immediate access, and personalized treatment plans, this model can facilitate more robust mental health support and a deeper understanding of your unique mental health landscape.

Investing in your mental health is a significant step towards overall wellbeing. As your concierge psychiatrist, I'm committed to walking this journey with you. Together, we can navigate the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead. It's not just about treating symptoms; it's about embracing your full potential.

If you are interested in exploring concierge psychiatry further, I welcome you to reach out. I'm here to answer any questions you might have and to support you on your mental health journey.

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