Integrative Gay Psychiatrist in Washington DC
for LGBT Patients | Ryan Sheridan, NP
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
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Holistic Treatments that go beyond the surface for
LGBT Patients
Integrative psychiatry for LGBT Patients means treating you as a whole person.
In the context of what makes you unique, we'll uncover root causes and work to find a solution tailored to you.
I'm a gay psychiatrist serving
patients in Washington DC!
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
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The Proactive Approach℠
Holistic Interventions
Holistic treatment empowers highly individualized care. For LGBT patients, embracing what makes you unique is a standard piece of our treatment offering.
Genetic
& Biological Testing
Whatever the struggle, understanding the genetic and biological components increases our chances of success. LGBT patients often have more complex situations given the live trauma - the more reason to investigate and identify roots causes.
Psychotherapy
& Coaching Support
As a part of the LGBT family, I know how important it is to have a support system that understands you. Consider me as a part of your support system. Through talk therapy and coaching we will work to address whatever challenges you're facing and empower you as a person.
Simple Treatment Plans
No matter the condition, implementing simple and effective treatment plans should always be the goal. We will find solutions that celebrate your and foster healthy changes.
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1. What is integrative psychiatry?Integrative psychiatry means focusing on the whole person when selecting treatments or approaches to care. This includes medication, nutrition, exercise, therapy, and other alternative or complementary treatments. I like to think of integrative psychiatry as a smorgasbord - it provides a bit everything. It is important to note that a genuine integrative psychiatry practice always uses evidence-based methods.
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2. What is functional psychiatry?Another term? This one is straightforward - functional means treating the "root cause" of a condition through testing, mapping, and exploration. If we can determine a specific cause to a condition, sometimes treating the root cause yields excellent results. Functional psychiatry is often a part of an integrative approach to care. Key distinction: functional psychiatry means treating the cause, not the symptom. Traditional medicine typically treats symptoms, often ignoring the causes.
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3. Why don't you accept insurance?I get this one a lot. I understand why! The model that works for most psychiatry practices is not something in which I believe. I think it is unfair to see a patient for just a few minutes, scribble a few notes, and send off a prescription. The traditional model is void of connection and often void of quality care. I believe every patient deserves someone who builds a relationship and is a partner in their care - not a mysterious white coat they see a time or two every year. The fees enable me to give you the most personal care available.
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4. What format are the appointments?Most appointments are virtual, as this is what most people prefer. If in-person is something you'd like, we can likely make that happen. Some medications may require us to meet in person on occasion. I typically see patients in person one or two days per month.
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5. Are there any conditions you don't treat?Short answer: no! My primary goal is to work as a team with you. I care less about what a previous provider may have labeled you and more about how we'll work together. One of my biggest issues with the mental health field is the desire to diagnose, label, and otherwise categorize every symptom or condition. When we work together, my goal isn't to diagnose you or give you a label. My goal is to help you achieve, excel, and grow. We'll work to reduce your symptoms, increase your output, or whatever your goals may be. Once we've established a sound working relationship, I'm happy to share with you some of the overarching diagnostic concepts. However, you must commit and come ready to do the work! How does that sound?
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6. I am nervous, what can I expect?Totally normal! Our first meeting will be over the phone. It'll be 15 minutes. Here you can ask questions, share your goals, and learn more about my practice. This is casual. After this, you'll be setup in the patient portal where you'll fill out all the pre-appointment paperwork and schedule your first appointment! (Note: pre-appointment paperwork must be completed at least 24 hours prior to the first appointment to give me plenty of time to review). After you've completed the paperwork, we will have our initial intake appointment. Our initial visit will be 75 minutes. We will dig deep and cover a wide range of topics from your history, relationships, work, family, medical conditions, and more. This is also casual - think of a deep conversation over coffee with someone you trust.
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7. Do you see emergency cases?Unfortunately, no. If you believe your situation is an emergency please call 911 or head to the nearest emergency room. Your life matters! The practice model under which I work is a primary care model. Facilitating emergency care requires a different approach. If your situation is not emergent, but urgent, we may be able to work together to get things back on track.
Book a free 15-minute intro
Patients searching for LGBT friendly integrative psychiatry in the Washington DC area are offered a free 15-minute introductory appointment. During the appointment you can ask questions, get to know Ryan, and find out if this approach is for you.
Improvement can start today.
At Proactive Psychiatry®, my patient philosophy revolves around a holistic approach, addressing the entirety of an individual – mind, body, and spirit. I firmly believe that employing a thoughtful combination of psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and alternative treatments, including meditation, physical activity yoga, and more, can be transformative changes in the lives of individuals grappling with various mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, body image struggles, burnout, and other mental health challenges and life issues.
As an psychiatric nurse practitioner-owned online psychiatry practice, I am proud to serve all parts of Washington DC, including Dupont Circle, Downtown Washington DC, Shaw, Logan Circle, Georgetown, Woodley Park, Friendship Heights, and more.
Additionally, I am licensed to and proud to serve patients in Maryland (including Bethesda and Montgomery County), as well as patients in Missouri (including the Saint Louis area), and patients in Colorado (including Vail, Avon, Beaver Creek, Edwards, and the rest of the Vail Valley and Eagle County).