Berkeley Parents Network: Psychiatrists

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Psychiatrists

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Psychiatrist who works with adults with ADD

Sept 2005

I am looking for a recommendation for a psychiatrist or other doctor who can help an adult with ADD (both through counseling and prescribing appropriate medications). Thanks. can't focus

I have been working with Dr. John R. Rostkowski in Walnut Creek and found him to be a big help, especially compared to the previous M.D. I was visiting.

I have had tremendous success with Neurotherapy as a method to reduce the effects of adult ADD. There are a few practicioners in the Bay Area: www.eegspectrum.com is a web site where there are listings. I can recommend Carolyn Robertson at Advanced Neurotherapy in Walnut Creek (925) 906-0420.

Sept 2003

I have checked the website and did not find current referrals for a good local psychiatrist who would give a medication consultation for an adult who suspects ADHD and is currently on an antidepressant (and is already in ongoing therapy). Thanks!

Dr. Steven Baskin, a psychiatrist in Berkeley, specializes in Adult ADD. Linda Lawton

I am a classic ADHD -- and I think it is often an advantage, not a disease!

You may be depressed and medication or therapy might help (or not). Have you tried regular exercise? I swear, it will work wonders. So many things you could do that are fun, like Swing Dancing, cycling, or swimming... I personally feel better if I do a really punishing workout when I am particularly energetic, mad, frustrated, or stressed out in some way. I like to run hard. I have a friend who bought a punching bag ( a female) and beat on that whenever she was pissed.

Exercise may not be a total cure, but you will be surprised how much it will help.

Also, you know being hyper and distractible is a real advantage in certain professions. Maybe you need a career change or some other life change (like stop hanging out with negative/ dysfunctional people). Best of luck!

Feb 2003

I Believe my husband has ADD and would like to find a psychiatrist in the east Bay that is good with diagnosing adult ADD and with treatment. He have HEALTHNET insurance so would love to fine a doctor that takes this, but it's not imperative.

I'm a psychotherapist myself, and have talked with quite a few people who specialize in ADD. Stan Yantis is the only psychiatrist I know with this specialty, and I don't know him well, but he seems friendly, warm, respectful, and definitely an expert in ADD. Psychiatrists are not all so personable, so I think he's a great choice. He's in SF. Cynthia

Psychiatrist who returns phone calls

Sept 2005

I really need a psychiatrist who can manage my meds (I am currently taking Prozac and Klonopin)because my PCP seems extremely apprehensive about tailoring these to my needs. Also I read on the insert that a rash is evidence of a fairly serious side effect. I have been having an unexplained reoccuring rash on my neck and the doctor just gave me some cream to clear it up. I have also recently starting having extreme leg pain and the doctor doesn't seem to know what it but guesses it is sciatica. I'm not so sure because I feel pain in the calf area as well--the entire leg really. I'm wondering if this could be a side effect as well. I would also like to investigate the possibility of talk therapy in addition to medication. Can anyone recommend a good psychiatrist (to manage meds and possible talk therapy) as well as someone that can do Adult ADD management and meds if necessary. I have Healthnet with MHN for mental health services. Someone please steer me to a good person because my frustration level is increasing and I really need my existing meds managed at least.

When I was in your situation, I was so frustrated by the number of psychiatrists who wouldn't return phone calls. I found it really unprofessional, but I'm told that this is not uncommon. They aren't in a hurry to get bakc to potential new patients. I also have Healthnet with MHN. I didn't see my psychiatrist's name on your list, but he takes the insurance. His name is Donald Stanford and he's on Carleton in Berkeley. He returns phone calls. His medication management is very skillful. I've been amazed by his ability to make good adjustments and deal with side effects. I wouldn't see him for talk therapy, but you really want someone who's more of a technical for the pharmaceutical part of this. There are probably docs who do both well, but I couldn't wait that long for a response. I don't have anyone to suggest for the talk therapy. Good luck with your quest. anon

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