Frequently Asked Questions

01.

What is Lifestyle Psychiatry?

Lifestyle Medicine is the newest branch of evidence-based medicine, and Lifestyle Psychiatry is the application of the principles of Lifestyle Medicine to the field of Psychiatry, in order to promote not only physical health, but also emotional, social, and cognitive health. Each of the six domains of Lifestyle Medicine has relevance to psychiatry and to the reversal of psychiatric disorders.

For example, in one large randomized controlled study, exercise was shown to be as effective as Zoloft, which is an SSRI-type anti-depressant medication, in reversing mild to moderate depression. I believe that poor habits in one or more domains of lifestyle is actually a root cause of much unnecessary suffering. I also believe that optimization of lifestyle is an integral part of healing and of starting to feel well.

02.

What Does Lifestyle Psychiatry Involve?

Nutrition/diet/supplementation

Exercise/movement

Sleep/rest

Stress reduction/relaxation

Emotional, social, and spiritual (for those who are spiritually inclined) wellness

Detoxification from common pathogenic substances

03.

Do You Prescribe Medications?

Yes. I prescribe a wide variety of medications and supplements. I also de-prescribe, by gradually tapering a patient off of some or all of his or her medications as the body and mind heal and no longer need them. I also like to streamline medication regimens, when possible, in order to reduce the total amount of medication a patient is taking. I do not generally prescribe opioids or benzodiazepines. This is because of their addictive potential and harmful effects long term.

04.

Do You Do Therapy?

Yes. I do supportive therapy, cognitive therapy, behavioral therapy, and lifestyle coaching, depending upon the patient’s needs and preferences. I do a limited number of other types of therapy, such as interpersonal therapy, ADHD coaching, family therapy, and others, when important for a given patient.

05.

What Is Your Primary Patient Focus?

Women, adolescent girls, and young girls. However, I see patients of all ages and genders.

06.

Do You Do ADHD Evaluations For Children, Adolescents, And Adults?

Yes.

07.

What Other Disorders Do You Treat?

Mood Disorders: Major Depressive Disorder, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD), Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), and Bipolar Disorders I and II

Anxiety Disorders: Generalized Anxiety, Social Anxiety, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Trauma: Post-traumatic Stress and PTSD

Developmental and Behavioral Disorders: Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (as noted), Autism Spectrum Disorder, Reactive Attachment Disorder, and Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Eating Disorders: Anorexia, Atypical Anorexia, and Bulimia

Gender Issues: Gender Confusion, Gender Dysphoria, emergent issues around Trans identification

Personality Disorders: Borderline, Avoidant, Dependent, Obsessive-Compulsive, and others

08.

Do You Take Insurance?

No. However, I provide receipts that you can give to your insurance company for reimbursement.

09.

Do You Do Workers Compensation And Disability Evaluations?

No.

10.

How Can I Start?

For the initial visit, you can call me at 323-475-6354 or email me at info@cheryllgreenmd.com. After speaking with me to make the initial appointment, you can sign up on the Valant patient portal through this website. Valant’s software allows you to make your own appointments online.