Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation
What If Your Depression Isn't Just Depression?
Before prescribing medication, we investigate why you feel this way. Because symptoms are clues—not final diagnoses.
Sustained improvement in 2-3 months
Have undiagnosed medical causes
Minute initial evaluation
Days to first appointment
Recognition
Is This You?
The patients who benefit most from diagnostic psychiatry share common experiences
The Treatment-Resistant
You've tried 3+ medications over years. Nothing works—or everything helps briefly then stops. You're starting to wonder if you're just 'broken.'
40% of 'treatment-resistant' cases have undiagnosed medical conditions driving symptoms.
The Functioning Struggler
You perform at work and meet obligations, but it takes everything you have. You know you're capable of more, but something's holding you back.
Subclinical thyroid, iron, or B12 issues often explain that 'something's off' feeling.
The New Symptom
Something changed. Anxiety hit in your 40s. Focus crashed postpartum. Depression appeared after medical treatment. This isn't who you've always been.
New-onset symptoms often have identifiable triggers—hormonal, metabolic, or medical.
The Skeptical Seeker
You've read about the gut-brain connection, inflammation, and hormones. You want someone who investigates causes, not just prescribes.
You're right to be skeptical. Symptoms are clues, not final diagnoses.
"After years of trial and error, finally getting answers."
The Question Standard Psychiatry Doesn't Ask
"You have depression. Here's an antidepressant."
But why do you have depression? Is it your thyroid? Iron deficiency? Sleep apnea? Hormone imbalance? Vitamin D? Or is it truly a primary psychiatric condition?
The treatment that works depends on the answer to that question.
"19 years of ICU experience taught me that symptoms rarely tell the whole story. The body is interconnected—and so is the diagnosis."
— Canybec Sulayman, APRN, PMHNP-BC, CCRN-CSC
Comprehensive Investigation
What We Investigate
A 75-90 minute evaluation that systematically examines physiological factors most psychiatric visits miss.
Thyroid & Hormones
- Complete thyroid panel (TSH, free T3/T4, reverse T3, antibodies)
- Reproductive hormones (testosterone, estrogen, progesterone)
- Cortisol patterns and adrenal function
- Perimenopause/menopause assessment
Nutritional Status
- B12, folate, and methylation (affects neurotransmitter synthesis)
- Complete iron studies including ferritin
- Vitamin D (immune and neurological function)
- Magnesium and essential minerals
Sleep Architecture
- Sleep quality and circadian rhythm assessment
- Sleep apnea screening (80% of psych patients undiagnosed)
- Restless leg syndrome evaluation
- Impact of fragmentation on mood/cognition
Systemic Health
- Blood pressure optimization (affects mental health)
- Inflammatory markers (CRP, homocysteine)
- Medication interactions across all prescriptions
- Chronic conditions affecting psychiatric symptoms
The Difference
Standard Psychiatry vs. Diagnostic Approach
| Standard Approach | Our Approach | |
|---|---|---|
| Appointment length | 15-30 minutes | 75-90 minute initial evaluation |
| Assessment approach | Symptom checklist → medication | Systematic investigation → root cause → targeted treatment |
| Lab work | Basic or none | Comprehensive panels (thyroid, iron, vitamins, hormones) |
| Treatment philosophy | Manage symptoms with medication | Identify and treat underlying causes |
| Follow-up | Monthly check-ins indefinitely | Intensive → Optimization → Quarterly maintenance |
| Success metric | Symptom reduction | Lasting stability without indefinite intensive care |
Your Path Forward
The Three-Phase Treatment Model
Designed for lasting stability—not indefinite intensive care
Intensive Diagnosis
Months 1-3 • Weekly or biweekly
Comprehensive assessment, lab investigation, and treatment initiation. We identify all contributing factors and adjust treatment for optimal response.
- Complete diagnostic workup
- Lab results analyzed
- Initial treatment started
- Response monitored closely
Optimization
Months 4-6 • Monthly visits
Most patients feel significantly better by end of Month 3. Fine-tuning treatment, addressing remaining symptoms, ensuring stability.
- Treatment refined
- Remaining issues addressed
- Stability confirmed
- Maintenance prep begins
Maintenance
Month 7+ • Quarterly check-ins
Once stable, brief quarterly visits maintain wellness long-term. Root cause treatment means minimal ongoing care.
- 15-30 minute appointments
- Long-term monitoring
- Minimal life disruption
- Sustained wellness
Sustained Improvement
within 2-3 months of treatment
Real Results, Not Empty Promises
Based on 19 years of ICU diagnostic experience applied to psychiatric care, 78% of patients achieve significant sustained improvement within 2-3 months—because we identify and treat root causes rather than managing symptoms alone.
"Treatment-resistant depression" is often a misdiagnosis. When systematic investigation reveals thyroid dysfunction, nutritional deficiencies, sleep apnea, or hormonal imbalances—and these are treated—many patients experience dramatic improvement, sometimes without psychiatric medications.
What to Expect
Your First Appointment
Your 75-90 minute initial evaluation is thorough and unhurried. We review your complete history—psychiatric, medical, medications, sleep, stress, and lifestyle factors that standard visits don't have time to explore.
Based on our discussion, we'll order targeted lab work to investigate potential medical contributors. This isn't a "screen everything" approach—it's strategic investigation based on your specific presentation and history.
Most patients leave their first appointment with a clear understanding of what we're investigating, why, and what the next steps look like.
Initial Evaluation
- Initial Evaluation 75-90 minutes
- Format In-person or telehealth
- Insurance Most major plans accepted
- New Patients Seen within 3-5 days
- Location Chandler, AZ + Telehealth
What to Bring
- Recent lab work (if available)
- Current medication list with dosages
- Medical history summary
- Previous psychiatric treatment records
- List of supplements you take
Not Sure If This Is Right?
Free 15-minute consultation to discuss your situation and determine if our approach fits your needs.
Call (310) 955-1041Ready for Answers, Not Just Prescriptions?
New patients typically seen within 3-5 days. Most major insurance accepted.
Schedule Your Evaluation