In our practice at The Parks Center, which focuses exclusively on women’s mental health, we see strong benefits in offering longer sessions and fostering a deeper understanding between the doctor and the patient. This approach is fundamental to the way we manage care.
Longer sessions allow for a comprehensive evaluation, which is crucial when diagnosing and developing a treatment plan. Mental health issues, especially those intertwined with hormonal changes like those seen in pregnancy or menopause, require a thorough understanding of the patient’s medical history, lifestyle, and symptoms. A 90-minute initial session gives us the time to delve deeply into various aspects of a patient’s life, ensuring that nothing significant is overlooked. These extended sessions help in building a complete picture, allowing us to tailor treatments that are more precise and effective.
This allows you, as a patient, to get to know your doctor—and vice versa—creating a bond of trust, which is paramount in mental health treatment. Mental health issues are deeply personal, and a strong relationship enhances treatment adherence and outcomes. When patients feel understood and supported, they are more likely to be open about their symptoms, struggles, and successes, which in turn allows us to adjust treatment plans more effectively as their needs evolve.
At The Parks Center, we additionally value the continuity of care, which is significantly enhanced by long-term relationships. For example, seeing patients through various life stages—from their college years, through marriage, parenting, and beyond—provides unique insights into how their mental health impacts and is impacted by life’s transitions. This continuity not only enriches the therapeutic relationship but also deepens the psychiatrist’s understanding of how best to support each individual over time.
Overall, we find that longer sessions and the relationship they build allow us to integrate various treatment modalities effectively. The understanding gained through extended interactions supports the integration of other therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or mindfulness practices. This holistic approach is something that rushed, shorter sessions simply cannot accommodate. Thus, the benefits of longer sessions and getting to know your doctor go beyond mere conversation—they are a critical component of effective, personalized mental health care.
–
Dr. Shannon Parks DO is a board certified diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She received her medical school training at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine in Biddeford, Maine and completed her residency in Psychiatry at UMDNJ Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
She lives locally and her practice is located on Gilbert St in Tinton Falls.
