What is your telehealth policy?

First appointments must be in person.  Exceptions would need to be discussed with me by the referrer before the referral is made.  The answer is almost always "no" because your local supports are almost certainly more valuable to you than I can be.

For subsequent appointments, this needs to be discussed before the appointment is made.  If your circumstances change and you will no longer be able to attend in person, I will likely discharge you from care.

Telehealth is a possibility for some people only.  In my opinion, telehealth is generally against your interests if you have persistent somatic symptoms (such as fatigue or chronic pain), substance use disorders, and many other situations. 

Why don't you see people seeking treatment for ADHD?

There are lots of psychiatrists better at managing ADHD than me.  For conditions where I have better training and expertise (eating disorders, pain problems and addictions), I see ADHD as usually a low clinical priority and a distraction.   If I see a person for another reason and it becomes apparent that ADHD should be treated, then I am willing.

What are the parameters for email contact?

If you are emailing me or my reception, please keep in mind that I am unable to provide comprehensive clinical care by email.  This is mostly useful for clarifying simple issues.  Please don't send emails that could be construed as social, as I won't be responding to them.  I cannot help in emergencies by email.

Why don't you do medicolegal work?

My interest is to help people recover from their mental illness.  Other psychiatrists specialise in assembling evidence of legal liability of psychological injuries, or legal implications of psychiatric illness.

Sometimes I get referrals apparently for treatment of a mental illness, but the main issue is actually a medicolegal problem. This may mean that I am unable to treat the mental illness, and it is better to find another psychiatrist.

Why don't you see Work Cover patients?

I used to, and enjoyed it because some people had really good results. Unfortunately the political narrative around psychiatric workplace injuries has changed, and insurers seem to have developed a pattern of treating people in a cruel way. I generally don't want to be part of that.  

Therefore I occasionally see Work Cover patients for "opinion and advice" and rarely for treatment. I do not see people who experienced an injury while working for the NSW Department of Education.  

Would you see a family member or close friend? (of a current or previous patient)

Almost certainly not as this causes problems. An example of a problem is that psychiatric illnesses are exacerbated by tensions in close relationships, and this might draw me into taking sides.  My training is to help an individual build skills for managing their close relationships for themselves.

Why don't you see patients managed by other psychiatrists?

Your current psychiatrist is responsible for management of all aspects of your psychiatric care.  If there are areas that are outside their expertise, then you should discuss this with them and consider whether a second opinion or joint management would be useful.