Women's Mental Health

What is women’s wellness psychiatry?

Gender is an important determinant of mental health. There are differences in the prevalence of particular mental health conditions between genders — depression and anxiety, for instance, are more commonly diagnosed in women. Men and women also respond differently to diseases and psychiatric treatments for biological, social, and psychological reasons. Reproductive, or women’s wellness, psychiatry is a growing specialization that supports women with psychiatric and psychological issues as they relate to times of hormonal and emotional change. Dr. Mitchell has specialty training in this area, working with the OBGYN Service at Touro Hospital, and she is passionate about supporting women in all stages of the reproductive life cycle — from menses through pregnancy and menopause.

What does treatment involve?

Dr. Mitchell takes a holistic, supportive, and effective approach to mental health treatment during the specific phases of a woman’s life. She recognizes that helping women recover successfully from emotional conditions associated with hormonal changes and reproductive life events requires a flexible, supportive approach individualized to each patient. Treatments offered include consultation, short-term psychotherapy, and medication management.

Areas of focus in women’s mental health

• Pre-pregnancy consultations for women with psychiatric conditions requiring treatment, including psychiatric medications
• Psychiatric conditions associated with pregnancy and postpartum (including breastfeeding)
• Miscarriage and pregnancy loss
• Infertility
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Perimenopausal mood and anxiety disorders

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