More about
my approach to care
My approach is comprehensive, holistic, and individualized.
I work with each client to identify the type and range of services and approaches that she or he feels best meets her or his needs and preferences. I have worked with individuals, couples, and families for short and more long term treatment, using different psychotherapies including supportive, cognitive behavioral, and more insight-oriented or analytic approaches.
Although I prescribe medications, I am conservative in off-label usage. I do not automatically promote a new drug
the moment that it is released onto the market and I do not believe that pharmacological interventions are always necessary or appropriate.
I have knowledge and experience with alternative treatments and consider lifestyle and quality of life factors to be critical in mental health and sustained recovery from illness. Important quality of life issues may involve physical health, regular exercise and fitness, healthy diet, regenerative sleep, meaningful work, financial security, residential stability, satisfying interpersonal relationships, recreational pursuits, creative expression, and spiritual practices.
I have a lifetime of experience as a family member.
My mother suffered from untreated Bipolar Disorder and my sister was disabled by Schizophrenia. Both died prematurely and neither was well served by either the public or private mental health system. I have also personally suffered from depression and anxiety throughout my life. I believe these experiences have made me a better person, physician, and healer.
While I currently work in private practice, one of main goals is to establish a multidisciplinary center for mental health and wellness in the San Francisco Bay area, one that is driven by principles of recovery and provides integrated mental health, substance use and primary care; a variety of healthcare approaches; and a range of residential, rehabilitative and vocational services including self-help, fitness, and peer support programs for individuals and families.
Resources & Links
Articles by dr. cohen
Presentations by dr. cohen
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Diagnoses, Risk and Protective Factors Among Transitional Aged Youth (TAY) with Psychiatric, Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities Diagnoses
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Beyond Fort Bragg: Ensuring a Brighter Future for Youth and Young Adults in the United States
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International Professional Exchange - Conference on Domestic Violence in Peru - English Version
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Conferencia Violencia Familiar en el Peru - Intercambio Profesional - Spanish Version
Clinical and Educational materials on Mental Health
Bipolar Disorder and Mood Disorder Resources
Mental Health Fact Sheets, Research and Evidence Based Recovery Programs and Interventions
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Mental Health America of Los Angeles - Village Integrated Service Agency
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SAMHSA - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Antipsychotic Medications and Treatment - Articles, Studies, Monitoring Guidelines and Decision Aids
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Ho et al.: Long-term Antipsychotic Treatment and Brain Volumes, Archives of General Psychiatry
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Gareri et al.: Conventional and Atypical Antipsychotics in the Elderly
Cognitive Therapy and Skills Training for people with Psychosis and Schizophrenia
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Manual for CBT for psychosis in Kingdon and Turkington (2004) Cognitive Therapy for Schizophrenia
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Manual for CBT for psychosis in French and Morrison (2004) Early Detection and Cognitive Therapy for People at High Risk of Developing Psychosis
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Research and Practice in Social Skills Training [Hardcover], by Alan S. Bellack and Michel Hersen
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Social Skills Training for Schizophrenia, Second Edition: A Step-by-Step Guide (TREATMENT MANUALS FOR PRACTITIONERS) [Paperback], by Alan S. Bellack, Kim T. Mueser, Susan Gingerich, and Julie Agresta
Overview Outcomes for People with Severe and Chronic Mental Illnesses / Guides for Comprehensive Education, Evaluation and Recovery-Based Treatment
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Morbidity and Mortality for People with Serious Mental Illness 2006
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1999 Towards Best Practices: Ohio Department of Mental Health
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The First Episode of Schizophrenia: A Guide for Patients and Their Families, Michael T. Compton, M.D., M.P.H. and Beth Broussard, M.P.H., C.H.E.S.
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Recovery from Schizophrenia: Psychiatry and Political Economy, Third Edition, by Robert Warner
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Recovery from Schizophrenia: An International Perspective - A Report from the WHO Collaborative Project, The International Study of Schizophrenia, edited by Kim Hopper, Glynn Harrison, Aleksandar Janca, and Norman Sartorious
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Psychological and Social Aspects of Psychiatric Disability, edited by LeRoy Spaniol, Cheryl Gagne and Martin Koehler
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Mad in America, by Robert Whitaker
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Madness in the Streets, by Rael Jean Isaac and Virginia C. Armat