Clinical Services
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The clinicians at Park West Associates provide the below services. Often we combine the different
modalities (except for forensic work) to help the patient move forward in those aspects of his or
her life which are troubled or problematic.
Psychiatric Assessment
A comprehensive assessment of the patient's biological, psychological, and social circumstances
underlies recommendations for therapy, medication, or both. With addiction or serious psychiatric
problems, this initial evaluation results in a set of clear recommendations on urgent issues such as
any need for detoxification, inpatient admission, or rapid medical treatment. This initial
diagnostic evaluation also underlies the longer-term treatment recommendations, and is modified as
the patient progresses.
Individual Therapy
One-on-one therapy can help the patient manage conditions like addiction, depression or anxiety, and
achieve behavior change and insight into longer-term behavior patterns. By focusing on the "here and
now" aspects of the patient's life, the therapist can promote decisive and long-lasting change. If
necessary, the individual therapy serves as a coordinating venue for other modalities, such as
peer-led groups, group therapy, family therapy, and medication management.
Group Therapy
Organized around a central theme, such as coping with a loved one's addiction, managing food
craving, or conquering social anxiety, these groups function as supportive environments for people
with similar concerns. Led by a facilitator, the group members lend each other practical
suggestions, emotional support, and an ongoing forum for sharing the ups-and-downs of their
particular situation.
Couples and Family Therapy
For the stressed couple or family, a therapy experience can lead to positive alterations in
long-held behavior patterns. Whether facing a crisis or simply attempting to smooth out
communication patterns, the motivated couple or family benefits from taking some time out to address
their problems. When one member of a couple or family uses addictive substances, the resulting
difficulties in the family can be best understood by a therapist trained in the field.
Medication Treatment
Psychiatric medications treat depression, anxiety, psychosis, and even addiction. Used together with
therapy, many of these medications offer significant benefits when prescribed judiciously. Although
the initial psychiatric assessment will define any need for immediate use of medications, oftentimes
the person in therapy will learn to recognize emerging symptoms which respond well to medication
treatment.
Forensic Services
Mental health clinicians trained in mental health law provide consultation to lawyers, judges and
juries on the interaction between mental functioning and the law. Mental disability matters, child
custody disputes, employee drug testing and criminal matters with psychiatric or addiction
components are common themes in forensic psychiatry.
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