EXPERT
Dr. Valerie L. Augustus
Psychiatrist
Christian Psychiatric Services is the private practice of Dr. Valerie Augustus and is located in Germantown, Tennessee, where we proudly serve the greater Memphis metropolitan area, which includes the neighboring cities of Little Rock, Arkansas; West Memphis, Arkansas; Southaven, Mississippi; Olive Branch, Mississippi; and Tupelo, Mississippi. We are committed to providing excellent mental health care and improving patients' quality of life. We were recognized as the #1 Mental Health Practice in Memphis by the Commercial Appeal and Memphis Most in 2017. Additionally, Dr. Augustus has been elected a Top Doctor in 2018, 2019 and 2020. For more about CPS, check out their website at www.christianpsychiatric.com.
Dr. Augustus has over 20 years of experience in adult psychiatry and 18 years in private practice. With a calling to holistically address the emotional, physical, and spiritual needs of people, she emphasizes a healthy diet and regular physical activity, while optionally integrating her spiritual beliefs and principles into each patient's healing process. In 2011, Dr. Augustus began offering TMS as a proven and effective alternative to traditional medication for patients dealing with depression and unfavorable reactions to antidepressants. FDA-cleared in 2008, TMS is a non-medication, outpatient treatment option generally tolerated well by patients; find out more about TMS at www.christianpsychiatric.com/about-tms.
Dr. Augustus has over 20 years of experience in adult psychiatry and 18 years in private practice. With a calling to holistically address the emotional, physical, and spiritual needs of people, she emphasizes a healthy diet and regular physical activity, while optionally integrating her spiritual beliefs and principles into each patient's healing process. In 2011, Dr. Augustus began offering TMS as a proven and effective alternative to traditional medication for patients dealing with depression and unfavorable reactions to antidepressants. FDA-cleared in 2008, TMS is a non-medication, outpatient treatment option generally tolerated well by patients; find out more about TMS at www.christianpsychiatric.com/about-tms.
Dr. Valerie Augustus
- GERMANTOWN, TN
- Louisiana State University Medical Center/Shreveport
- Accepting new patients
No results found
Which antidepressants help with pain?
Duloxetine or Cymbalta is one antidepressant that has been shown to be helpful in reducing pain in some individuals.
How can I lower my social anxiety?
Systematic desensitization is a therapy technique in which a person exposes themselves to problematic situations until they become comfortable with them. When done with a therapist, READ MORE
Systematic desensitization is a therapy technique in which a person exposes themselves to problematic situations until they become comfortable with them. When done with a therapist, the person is challenged to place themselves in situations that cause anxiety, starting with a mildly uncomfortable situation and over time placing themselves in more challenging situations. This therapy is best done with the assistance of a therapist.
What are the symptoms of a manic depression?
I will give a very broad, general answer. Classic bipolar I disorder is a disorder of extremes of mood. One extreme is very serious depression in which the individual can become READ MORE
I will give a very broad, general answer. Classic bipolar I disorder is a disorder of extremes of mood. One extreme is very serious depression in which the individual can become suicidal and will pose a danger to themselves. The other extreme is called mania. When manic a person can be very irritable, happy, grandiose about their abilities, they may overspend or engage in other high risk behavior that is not characteristic for them. This behavior can lead to some very serious consequences for the individual as well. If you suspect that your father has this illness, he should be evaluated by a mental health professional and receive appropriate treatment.
Can certain foods help with depression?
I am unaware of a specific food that helps with depression. In general good nutrition is important to mental health overall. The Mediterranean diet is a good diet for most individuals. READ MORE
I am unaware of a specific food that helps with depression. In general good nutrition is important to mental health overall. The Mediterranean diet is a good diet for most individuals. In general I recommend to my patients that they consume a more plant based diet consisting of fruit and vegetables, low in animal protein, and high in salmon and other fish that are high in omega 3 fatty acids. For diabetic patients, it is important that they consume fruit that is low in sugar, ex. blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries. Along with a healthy diet, I suggest regular exercise as tolerated by their health. I usually suggest thirty minutes per day of something aerobic, outdoors when possible to take advantage of getting vitamin D.
Why does a person become aggressive?
Since I do not know any specifics about your friend, my answer is a general one. For most people aggression is an unhealthy avenue for expressing anger or frustration. When a READ MORE
Since I do not know any specifics about your friend, my answer is a general one. For most people aggression is an unhealthy avenue for expressing anger or frustration. When a person does not acknowledge that something or someone is bothering them appropriately, it will show itself in some form. Counseling is a good way for a person to learn healthy ways to express their emotions in the right context and to the right person in a way that is not destructive.
What is best medication for anxiety?
Anxiety is common to some degree in many people. Some people worry more than others. Anxiety that interferes with daily functioning in work and interpersonal relationships should READ MORE
Anxiety is common to some degree in many people. Some people worry more than others. Anxiety that interferes with daily functioning in work and interpersonal relationships should be addressed by a professional. Counseling may be the first avenue to pursue . There are several medications available to treat anxiety as well. The class most commonly used as a first line is called SSRI, (selective, serotonin, re-uptake inhibitor).
How long does a psychologist appointment last?
In general an initial appointment can last one hour or longer. Follow up appointments can last 45 minutes to one hour.
What is the difference between manic depression and bipolar disorder?
These are two names for the same disorder.
How can I help someone with manic depression?
Most people are able to accept help from someone that they know loves and cares about them. It is important that you share your concerns with your sister in a loving way and reassure READ MORE
Most people are able to accept help from someone that they know loves and cares about them. It is important that you share your concerns with your sister in a loving way and reassure her that you will be there to support her in any way that you can. If your sister truly is bipolar, she should be seen by a professional to substantiate this diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options.
Is anxiety disorder curable?
Anxiety is a very treatable disorder but it is chronic in nature. Appropriate treatment can help individuals live full lives without being unduly burdened by symptoms of anxiety. READ MORE
Anxiety is a very treatable disorder but it is chronic in nature. Appropriate treatment can help individuals live full lives without being unduly burdened by symptoms of anxiety.
What are the best anti-anxiety medications?
There are many medications that are used to treat anxiety. One primary class of medications are known as selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors. Medications in this class include READ MORE
There are many medications that are used to treat anxiety. One primary class of medications are known as selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors. Medications in this class include Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft. There are others as well. A type of counseling that is also helpful is cognitive behavioral therapy.
Is generalized anxiety disorder different from just anxiety?
Generalized Anxiety Disorder is the formal name used by professionals for what a layperson would possibly call just regular anxiety.
What are the treatment options for schizophrenia?
Medications known as antipsychotics are the primary choice for treating schizophrenia. Latuda, Geodon, and Quetiapine are members of this class of medication.
How do you treat major depressive disorder?
Counseling combined with medication is often recommended for the treatment of major depressive disorder.
Is obsessive-compulsive disorder curable?
Obsessive compulsive disorder is a chronic condition. Medication can be helpful along with a type of therapy called Exposure and Response Prevention. It is important to find a READ MORE
Obsessive compulsive disorder is a chronic condition. Medication can be helpful along with a type of therapy called Exposure and Response Prevention. It is important to find a trained therapist if you have been diagnosed with this condition.
What causes manic depression?
I would suggest you seek out a complete evaluation by a qualified mental health professional if you think you may have bipolar illness. The only way to know with certainty what READ MORE
I would suggest you seek out a complete evaluation by a qualified mental health professional if you think you may have bipolar illness. The only way to know with certainty what is causing the symptoms you've shared is to have someone do an evaluation, which will include but not be limited to: looking closely at all of your symptoms, your family history of mental illness, as well as current stressors affecting you. I would reach out to someone as soon as possible.
