Coping with COVID-19

The pandemic affects us all. The news is good regarding vaccine availability, but health risks remain, and individuals with compromised immune systems or other risk factors have to negotiate this situation carefully for their health and the health of loved ones.

I have implemented COVID-19 informed treatment protocols for all patients for the duration of the pandemic. This includes:

  • Reviewing individual health risks from pre-existing medical conditions and work/living situation

  • Assessment of personal safety protocols in accordance with CDC and other expert guidelines

  • Assistance in negotiating with friends, family and coworkers to develop and implement COVID-19 management strategies

  • Boundary-setting with others who may have different risk tolerance or health status concerns

Learning from past disasters, the mental health profession is taking center stage in helping patients, family members, first responders, and other health care professionals affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients who have recovered from COVID-19 may also experience a wide range of psychiatric issues, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, insomnia, and anxiety.

I work with a number of groups specifically for those affected by COVID-19, including:

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  • New York State Psychological Association - Disaster Resource Network with COVID-19 Training

  • Give-An-Hour Hospital Heroes program

  • Governors’ COVID-19 Volunteers Provider Registry