Welcome from Southwest Behavioral Health Consultants PLLC

from Dr. Steven Herron

Welcome, and thank you for considering entrusting your mental health care with me. I have been working in the Tucson area for almost my entire career, and while I have treated individuals in many locations, my main contact with patients has been in outpatient settings for at least the past decade. It is vital for anyone considering establishing their care with me to understand my philosophy about mental health care and prescription medications.

• I strongly believe in the connection between physical and mental health and recognize that when we are physically unhealthy, it directly effects our cognition and emotional well-being. As a result, I encourage individuals to work with a primary care physician to address any physical issues which are likely to be contributing to emotional problems. I am happy to collaborate with your primary care provider to insure we are all on the same page regarding how to best address your physical and psychological needs. I have worked in integrated health care settings and was the Medical Director of the first clinic with an Integrated Care license in the State of Arizona, so I am comfortable working with others on your health care team to create a solid plan tailored specifically to you.

• While psychiatric medications can be useful and are an important part of the treatment plan for many individuals, I do not believe they are necessary in every case. Additionally, I believe making behavioral changes in your life (exercise, healthy diet, strong social connections, restorative sleep, limited exposure to social media, etc.) can have a significant impact on mental health. In some cases, these changes alone can result in more positive outcomes and symptom reduction. If you do not need medications (any medication), you should not take it. If you do require medications to augment behavioral changes and other interventions, the doses should be as low as possible, and you should take as few medications as possible. I do not take prescribing medications lightly and do not prescribe medications without discussing options first.

• I am very cautious about prescribing stimulants (Adderall, Concerta, Ritalin, etc.) and benzodiazepines (Ativan, Klonopin, Valium, Xanax, etc.) for many reasons, including their abuse potential and long-term side effect profiles. However, under certain circumstances, I will prescribe them, as they can be effective for treating some mental health disorders. It is very likely that you will be offered other options first, so do not be surprised if this is a discussion we have.

• I believe individuals are responsible for their own healthcare. Individuals must advocate for themselves. For this reason, appointments with me are a collaborative process. We will work together deciding how to proceed with treatment, and you will choose which medications you wish to take of the options provided individually for you. If you decide not to take any medications, I am willing to follow you over time to see if any adjustment to this plan is required. I will not make the decision about what medication you will use. You are ultimately in control of your healthcare.

• I believe in using various modalities or methods of treatment to more thoroughly treat mental health problems. These could involve individual therapy, group therapy, couples or family therapy, substance use treatment, transcranial magnetic stimulation, electroconvulsive therapy, Ketamine, or many other options. If indicated, I can assist with referrals to these services.

Ultimately, my goal is the same as yours – to assist you in improving your mental health and well-being. Together, using a collaborative model of care, I hope to help you improve and achieve your short-term and long-term goals. I consider you the driver on your specific journey, while I am merely in the passenger’s seat providing navigation advice and any additional tools you may need to get you closer to your desired destination.

I hope to see you soon