Gateway psychotherapist Andrea Starn, LMFT will be offering an introductory class on mindfulness starting March 7th that is available to Gateway patients. This class will be accessed via Zoom. Andrea Starn is currently completing certification as a Mindfulness Meditation Teacher after a 2-year intensive training program sponsored by Gateway Psychiatric. The program is the most widely recognized certification program in …
February 2022: COVID-19 or Coronavirus and GPS
The current projections for COVID-19 coronavirus infections in California look hopeful. We track this using the IHME model. As of mid-February 2022, it appears that infections are likely to be back to the levels seen in the fall of 2021 by mid to late March 2022. Other sources of information mirror this prediction. For example, Covid in sewage tends to …
Telepsychiatry Presentation by Dr. Peter Forster
Dr. Forster will be presenting an update on “Telehealth and Psychiatry in an Era of COVID-19,” as part of the Seventh Annual Mood Disorders Summit webcast. Those interested in signing up for this free Continuing Medical Education event visit the Global Medical Education site. The program will include many presentations including… Program Agenda *All times listed are ET Day 1 …
When We Can’t Accept New Patients
We are truly sorry. We are a small clinic and so at times we are not able to accept new patients. We don’t believe in waiting lists. We think that people should be seen when they need the help rather than being told to wait for a future appointment. Whenever we can accept new patients we are committed to offering …
Refills
“Why do you only give me a month’s supply of medication when you approve refills?” This is a pretty common question and I thought a blog post might be a good way of discussing the issues. After all a refill is a quick thing to handle, right? You call a number and press a few numbers, go onto your iPhone …
Sleep Trackers Reviewed
One of our patients recommended that we look at a YouTube video that summarized the scientific literature on fitness watches and rings as sleep trackers. We think that it is a pretty good place to start if you are considering buying a device and sleep is an important part of what you want to track. Before diving into the details, …
Congratulations, Naomi Muzac, on Completing Your CBT-I Training!
We’re thrilled to congratulate Naomi Muzac on successfully completing the 3-Day Intensive Training: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I). This accomplishment demonstrates Naomi’s dedication to providing the highest quality of care to her clients, especially those struggling with sleep disorders. CBT-I is a proven and effective treatment for insomnia, and Naomi’s new skills will undoubtedly benefit her patients. By incorporating …
Quest Mobile™: Bringing Lab Testing to Your Doorstep
In today’s fast-paced world, convenience matters more than ever. Whether you’re juggling work, family, or other commitments, finding time for essential health services can be challenging. That’s where Quest Mobile™ comes in. With Quest Mobile™, you can get the laboratory testing you need without leaving the comfort of your home. Let’s explore how this innovative service works and why it’s …
Parity is a Long Way Away – Why We Can’t Accept Insurance
The Research Triangle Institute just updated their analysis of the state of parity 16 years after providing equal benefits for mental health care and medical care became the law in the United States. In short, parity is a LONG way away still. For the same services, psychiatric physicians are paid substantially less than any other physicians. In fact, psychiatric physicians …
Prolon’s Fasting-Mimicking Diet Shows Promise in Reducing Biological Age and Disease Risk
We have previously discussed Prolon, a modified fasting regimen created by a University of Southern California longevity study specialist. A scientific breakthrough study was disclosed and published on February 20, 2024 in Nature Communications, a highly respected scientific journal, suggesting that Prolon’s Fasting-Mimicking Diet (FMD) may hold significant potential in promoting longevity and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. The …
Lithium Orotate
One of our patients had some interesting questions about lithium orotate. He said he had come across a couple of research papers that suggested that lithium orotate might have a unique pharmacologic profile, one that reduces adverse effects from lithium while preserving its therapeutic benefit. Lithium orotate is a compound formed from lithium and orotic acid. It is available for …
Brain Activity and Bipolar Disorder
The exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown, but it is thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Brain imaging studies have shown that people with bipolar disorder have differences in the structure and function of certain brain areas, including the frontal lobe, temporal lobe, and limbic system. A review of articles (a meta-analysis) published in the …
Navigating Drug Shortages: Tips for Finding the Medication You Need
Facing a shortage of your essential medication can be stressful. But with planning and proactive steps, you can increase your chances of getting the medication you need. Here’s a short guide based on an article from Vox.com. 1. Plan Ahead and Stay Informed: 2. Explore Independent Pharmacies: 3. Communicate with Your Doctor and Insurance: 4. Exhaust Pharmacy Options: 5. Seek …
Finding Relief Beyond the Pill: Mindfulness Shows Promise for Military with Chronic Pain
Chronic pain and opioid dependence can be a debilitating double whammy for military personnel and veterans. But a recent study offers a beacon of hope: mindfulness training, coupled with therapy techniques, can significantly reduce both pain symptoms and opioid use in this population. The research, published in The American Journal of Psychiatry, compared two approaches to treating chronic pain in …
Breakthrough Hope for Bipolar Depression: Stanford Study Seeks Clinical Trial Participants
Are you struggling with treatment-resistant bipolar depression? Stanford University’s Brain Stimulation Lab (BSL) is offering a unique opportunity to participate in a groundbreaking research study aimed at bringing relief to individuals like you. The study, titled “Accelerated Intermittent Theta-Burst Stimulation (aiTBS) in Treatment-resistant Bipolar Depression,” explores the potential of a novel therapy called Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy (SAINT), also …