Approach to Treatment
Phase I
This involves the formulation of an accurate diagnosis. Diagnostic rigor is maintained throughout subsequent visits. This allows for confirmation of the initial impression and discovery of co-occurring disorders during follow-up visits that need to be addressed.
Phase II
This involves executing the treatment plan from a medication standpoint. Not all individuals would benefit from medications. However, based on conclusions in Phase I, Dr. Elias provides evidenced-based treatment recommendations that have a high likelihood of improving your condition while minimizing any potential risks. That is how Dr. Elias strives to avoid unnecessary intervention and follows the promise of “primum non nocere” (first, do no harm).
This phase can be as simple as starting a medication and seeing a response within a few weeks. Other times, this can last for several months, especially when there is treatment resistance or when patients come to him after having been placed on complex medication regimens that do not seem to be working. He believes that an educated patient is the best patient, which is why he takes the time to explain expectations and what to look out for during this potentially challenging phase of treatment.
Phase III
This is when an individual patient’s life-goals come into play. Dr. Elias provides his own unique approach to psychotherapy that draws from cognitive behavioral techniques and philosophy. He gets to know each person and helps them understand themselves better in order to achieve their goals. He is also his patient’s biggest cheerleader: he firmly believes that they can improve their lives by aiming up and is always ecstatic when they manifest their potential. He also strongly emphasizes the therapeutic value of a healthy diet, regular exercise, and the pursuit of both creative and challenging endeavors.
South bay psychiatrist