Psychiatry

Some of us may need more help in coping with mental health challenges. Medication can help treat co-occurring mood, anxiety, and psychotic disorders, but can be complicated by the complexities of other comorbidities and existing medications used to manage your cerebral palsy. Our care team and mental health team aim to establish a helpful relationship with you, to understand how your mental health intersects with cerebral palsy and other related health conditions and interventions.

The first step to psychiatry is a comprehensive evaluation Agnes Whitaker, MD, a psychiatrist with over 20 years of clinical expertise in the mental health care of people with neurodevelopmental disorders. Dr. Whitaker will assess and suggest treatment options for accompanying comorbid conditions. If medication is indicated, close monitoring and management is needed. Some medication used in psychiatry may cause motor side effects if you have CP, that is why it is important for our team to work closely with you to monitor and investigate not only progress but also symptoms. Medication management involves close monitoring for side effects, interactions with existing medication, and adjusted medication titrations.

If you are already on medication for mental health we are also available for consultations to support you.

Learn more about our mental health services here.