Dr. Andrew Walker

Psychiatric medications are very helpful for conditions such as Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder, which are highly-organic in nature and for which prognosis is very poor without the assistance of medication(s). Conditions such as depression and anxiety also benefit from pharmacotherapy, especially when utilized in conjunction with psychotherapy.

The role of medication is not to "cure" or eliminate your symptoms, but, rather, to make them more manageable and allow you enough breathing room to work on your goals in psychotherapy; there is no magic pill. Some people may be able to come off their medication(s) after some time once they are stabilized, while others find, often through trial-and-error, that it's in their best interest to remain on medications long-term.

Psychiatric medications are but one tool among many that can help you achieve and maintain your mental wellness. Other strategies include maintaining routine and structure in your life, which provides predictability and reliability, especially when things seem to be chaotic without end. Not skipping meals, being physically active, getting enough sunlight (Vitamin D), avoiding psychoactive substances, getting enough quality sleep, and maintaining social connections with family, friends, and others go a long way in buffering your mental state. You may also wish to pursue other modalities, such as massage therapy, acupuncture, yoga, tai chi, neurofeedback, mind-body bridging, and spiritually-informed approaches to sustain your mental wellness.

We deliver treatment exclusively via telehealth and do not offer face-to-face appointments. While telehealth is convenient for both the patient and provider, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) prohibits the prescribing of controlled substances via telehealth without an initial face-to-face appointment.

Additionally, due to a number of barriers, I do not currently offer ketamine (Spravato), ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP), or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulaton (TMS).

"We don't need something to go wrong in order to change." - Mark Nepo

Nearly everyone is a good candidate for psychotherapeutic treatment! Whatever it is that's troubling you--from relationship issues to traumatic experiences to simply understanding yourself more fully--it can be talked about! Ultimately, the goal is to increase your awareness, insight, and ability to navigate these troubled waters more intentionally and mindfully.

Our psychotherapeutic specialties include navigating healing from PTSD/complex trauma, sexual abuse/assault, and grief/loss. We can also help you combat intrusive thoughts; address and change problematic behaviors/patterns; learn how to determine, set, and maintain boundaries; reunite with your inner child and learn how to parent yourself; increase your tolerance of anxiety and the unknown; navigate life transitions (e.g., changing jobs, moving/relocating, "adulting"); improve your social skills; explore your identity and accept/integrate split-off parts of yourself; and navigate the "coming out" process.

Psychotherapy generally occurs in phases. In the beginning (sessions 1-6), we'll start getting to know each other and determine if our therapeutic relationship will be a good fit, or one that feels safe and comfortable for you as we prepare to explore more vulnerable parts of yourself. If you plan to discuss traumatic experiences, we'll first address your coping skills in preparation for the disorientation and mixed feelings that can come with discussing your trauma(s). During treatment, we'll explore your concerns at a pace that feels comfortable to you; ideally, this pace will not overwhelm you, but will also keep you moving forward. When and how to terminate your psychotherapeutic treatment is an ongoing and collaborative discussion that, if handled with care, can ensure that the improvements you've worked so hard for are retained long-term.

Psychotherapy tends to have the best results for those who are motivated (e.g., attend sessions regularly), insightful, and curious about themselves, others, and the world around them.

We've found that a combination of psychotherapeutic approaches is most helpful in addressing the myriad of concerns that bring people to therapy. Regardless of the approach used at any given time, the most important component of successful and meaningful therapy is the quality of the relationship between the patient and their therapist. Safety, trust, and unconditional positive regard are the three most important ingredients.

While we view our patients and their presenting issues primarily through a Psychodynamic/Object Relations lens, we also employ aspects of:

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Attachment-based approaches

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

• Existential-Humanistic Therapy

• Family Systems Therapy

• Feminist-Multicultural Therapy

• Interpersonal Neurobiology

• Mindfulness-based Self-Compassion (MBSC)

• Motivational Interviewing (MI)

• Rogerian (Person-Centered) Therapy

• Self-Psychology

• Trauma-Informed approaches

We are keenly aware of the unique mental health needs of men, LGB individuals, and military veterans, and we are mindful of striving to provide care that is culturally-sensitive and strengths-based.

Information disclosed by you or someone authorized by you is confidential and will not be released to an outside agency or individual without your verbal and/or written consent. Lagom Psychiatry abides by Utah laws regarding the right to privacy for all patients. Only in instances where it is required by law to disclose information will we do so. We are required by law to report suspected abuse or neglect of minors and vulnerable adults; homicidal threats against others; or active and acute suicidal ideations that render you a danger to yourself. If you have any questions or concerns about this, we can discuss them during your intake appointment.

I accept the following forms of payment:

• self-pay (credit or debit card)

• Aetna

• Public Employees Health Plan (PEHP) (Advantage, Advantage State, Summit, Summit Exclusive, Preferred, & Capital plans)

• Regence / Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)

• Select Health (Choice, Care, Med, & Value plans)

• United Healthcare (UHC/UHB)

• I am an out-of-network provider for other insurances.

Self-pay rates range from $160-$315 and may count toward your OON insurance benefits; I can provide a superbill to facilitate reimbursement from your insurance company.

Telehealth is a modern modality of treatment delivery that allows you and your provider to connect through secure, HIPAA-compliant online video/audio. When an appointment is scheduled, you will receive an email and/or text with a link to the virtual room where your appointment will take place.

We currently use Google Meet, a HIPAA-compliant platform that is easily accessible to most people. In the event you are unable to use Google Meet, we use IntakeQ, another HIPAA-compliant platform.

You may request an appointment by clicking here. Please note that a credit card is required to hold your appointment; you will not be charged until after your service on the day of your appointment. Once we receive your completed intake packet, we will review it to make sure we can meet your current needs. If so, we will confirm your appointment request. If not, you will receive an email from us with referral resources.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Dr. Andrew Walker at 385-464-4325 or andrew@lagompsychiatry.com. We look forward to working with you!