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 …
Get Your Insurance to Pay for Your Care
Let’s face it: dealing with insurance companies is a drag. Because it can be tedious and sometimes involve hours of phone calls with (often unhelpful) insurance agents, the task of getting the reinubursemed for out-of-network claims often falls to the bottom of the to-do list. If this is a familiar story, you may want to take a look at the …
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 …
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 …
Embracing Nature’s Wisdom: Four Seasons of Mindfulness Class Highlights
In a recent mindfulness class led by certified mindfulness meditation teacher Andrea Starn, participants embarked on a transformative journey through the Four Seasons of Mindfulness. Andrea, a licensed psychotherapist and a graduate of the intensive two-year Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program led by Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield, offered insights and practices that transcended traditional meditation, inviting participants to uncover …
Gateway Psychiatric Fee Update: Effective February 1, 2024
At Gateway Psychiatric, we strive to provide the highest quality mental healthcare services while ensuring our practice remains financially sustainable. To achieve this, we regularly review and adjust our fees to reflect the rising costs of healthcare and ensure we can continue to attract and retain experienced, compassionate clinicians. Our annual fee revisions are based on a comprehensive analysis of …
Genetic Testing Could Revolutionize Depression Treatment
Depression is a debilitating mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While there are a variety of effective treatments available, many patients do not respond to the first antidepressant they are prescribed. This can lead to frustration, discouragement, and even worsening symptoms. A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) suggests that genetic testing could …
Loneliness: A Silent Epidemic Plaguing the Nation
In a groundbreaking move, the United States Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, has issued a Surgeon General Advisory declaring loneliness, isolation, and lack of connection a public health crisis in the United States. This alarming announcement highlights the pervasive nature of loneliness in American society and its detrimental impact on our mental, physical, and societal well-being. The Magnitude of the …