Our Psychiatry Services
Psychiatric medication services through Lakeshore Therapy occur in conjunction with psychotherapy. This aligns our services to use an evidence based approach to Mental Health treatment. We follow a best practice model, recommended by industry experts, which draws from a large body of evidence and data that Scientists have documented and published in peer reviewed, academic and medical practice journals
Research has shown medication for conditions such as depression and anxiety are most effective when administered alongside current, regular talk therapy. As a result, Lakeshore Therapy provides the support of a qualified therapist to help work through both thinking and behavior patterns in addition to the development of appropriate coping skills alongside the use of medications
Psychiatric Evaluation
A psychiatric evaluation is a first-time meeting with a psychiatrist, physician assistant or nurse practitioner with a psychiatry specialty to help decide if medications are right for you. A current diagnosis and plan of care will be developed with you by one of our qualified psychiatric providers
If you already take medication, this meeting gives you an opportunity to express how your medications have been affecting you and how the doctor can help you work with the symptoms or side effects you could still be dealing with to find the best possible medication for your optimal level of wellness
You can expect this initial meeting to last 45 minutes to one hour. Meeting with your psychiatrist, psychiatric physician assistant or nurse practitioner helps to give a complete picture of your overall mental health plan of care
Medication Management
Medication Management is the follow-up meeting after your psychiatric evaluation. Your psychiatric provider through Lakeshore Therapy will be the same person. You can receive ongoing patient-centered Medication Management that optimizes safe, effective, and appropriate use of Mental Health medications
If you are taking medications for your Mental Health, it is important to receive regular check-ups from a Psychiatric specialist to make sure that your medications are working the best that they possibly can for you. These meetings give you an opportunity to provide feedback about how the medications are working to minimize the side effects and maximize the benefits for your individual medication needs
You can expect these follow up meetings to last 15-25 minutes. Medication Management meetings with your psychiatrist, psychiatric physician assistant or nurse practitioner helps to monitor your ongoing mental health plan of care for your best outcome
GeneSight® Testing
Stop wondering which medication is right for you and start on your road to recovery. Treating mental health disorders can often be a long, frustrating process as you and your doctor spend months trying multiple medications for depression and other conditions at different doses to find the medication that works for you. During this time you could end up missing work, paying for multiple doctor visits, or losing hope that you’ll ever find a medication that can help you. There’s a better way
The GeneSight® test analyzes your DNA and helps your doctor get a better understanding of what medication might work best based on your genetic makeup. Using the GeneSight test report, your doctor can personalize your treatment plan, finding the right medication faster and avoiding medicines that may cause side effects. Find out more by clicking here
Dr. Jafferany is a board certified psychiatrist with the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He completed his adult psychiatry residency at Hennepin County Medical center in Minneapolis, Minnesota and his fellowship training in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Washington/Seattle Children’s hospital in Seattle, Washington. He is a member of several professional organizations such as the American Psychiatric Association, American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry among others. Dr. Jafferany has a research and practice interest in Psychodermatology
Meet Our Psychiatric Providers
Valorie Cook has over 10 years of nursing experience. She received her Bachelors of Science in Nursing degree from Ferris State University and completed her Masters of Science degree in Nursing at Spring Arbor University. She is a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a specialty focus in Psychiatry. Valorie is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association. She is currently pursuing her post graduate certification in Psychiatry from Saginaw Valley State University.
Amber Fritzler has worked in healthcare for more than 20 years in varied roles which informs her perspective. She obtained both her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Michigan-Flint. She is board certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner and a member of the Michigan Council of Nurse Practitioners