Robert James Spensley
Psychiatrist | Psychiatry
4217 Winding Woods Way Fair Oaks California, 95628About
Dr. Robert Spensley has been selected as a top doctor and is a published member of The Leading Physicians of the World, being recognized for their experience, compassion and medical contributions. Although he is now retired, for years, Dr. Robert Spensley provided California patients with unsurpassed care and comprehensive treatments. With a passion for medicine and innovation, Dr. Robert Spensley upheld the highest standards in patient care while being a vital resource to local residents and the healthcare community.
Education and Training
University of Michigan
Board Certification
American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology-Psychiatry
Provider Details
Robert James Spensley's Expert Contributions
Does someone's mental health affect their physical health?
Definitely. It would be in your best interest, both emotionally and physically, to receive treatment for your anxiety disorder. READ MORE
How likely is it to develop tolerance to Effexor?
I have seen this develop once. READ MORE
Where should my son go to get tested for ADHD?
Obtain an appointment with either a child psychiatrist or a psychologist with expertise in ADHD. READ MORE
Are there natural treatments for OCD?
Cognitive behavioral therapy is often quite helpful. This involves identifying the issue associated with a compulsion and then finding a behavior to grapple with the issue directly rather than using the compulsive response. This will result in anxiety, but with persistence, the anxiety will gradually diminish. READ MORE
How is geriatric depression treated without antidepressants?
Unless the symptoms appear to be in response to external events, medication would be indicated. External stress can be grappled with most effectively by talking about the stressors and finding better ways of coping with them. READ MORE
When is anger pathological?
When it leads to violence or nasty, hurtful comments. READ MORE
What causes one to focus on negative thoughts?
The most common cause is growing up with doubts about being lovable. This usually results in negative thinking, particularly about yourself. Counseling could help you see yourself more realistically. READ MORE
How can I get my child on a diet?
This can be difficult. Approaching adolescence, your son is going to become more and more focused on independence. At this point, your best hope is to focus on home cooked meals and eliminate any money he has to buy fast food. It will be a struggle at first and you will need the support of the other family members. READ MORE
Do support programs have a lot of success?
Support groups can be helpful. A lot depends on your son's motivation. Support groups for heroin addicts can be very confrontational as well as supportive. If this is not enough, rehab could be the next step. READ MORE
Is it safe for me to conceive if I am on antidepressants?
There are risks with some medications and risks if your depression should reoccur. Cognitive-behavior Therapy might be an option, but your best choice would be a psychiatric evaluation. READ MORE
How common is depression among overweight patients?
It is not real common, but can occur. Since her weight gain is recent, I wonder if over eating is her way of dealing with a feeling of inner emptiness. I would suggest a counseling appointment. READ MORE
What are the best antidepressants for weight loss?
Many antidepressants can cause weight gain. Least likely to do so are buproprion and Prozac. READ MORE
Is yoga helpful in treating sleep disorder?
Any type of exercise can help with sleep. Vigorous exercise is best. Do not exercise for several hours before sleep. READ MORE
What are the long-term effects of adult ADD?
ADD tends to improve over time. An important coping mechanism is working at modifying the thinking and behavioral symptoms that most affect you. Concentration is often a major symptom, so put significant effort into working with this. READ MORE
Why do I feel gloomy and sad during winters?
This sounds like season depression. Light therapy or an antidrepressant might help. READ MORE
Is uncontrolled eating a sign of depression?
Uncontrolled eating that developed recently may have a psychological basis. Overeating can be a primitive way of meeting a strong feeling of neediness. Depression is one possibility but other psychological issues can lead to a powerful feeling of neediness. READ MORE
I have a fear of heights. What can I do about it?
Gradually expose yourself to a bit of height that created anxiety but is not overwhelming. Keep it up until the anxiety decreases a lot; then more height. In a step wise fashion, you can gradually reduce your anxiety to tolerable levels. READ MORE
I am a new mother and I don’t feel too much love for my child. What is wrong with me?
Being a new mother can be very stressful. If you have not had experience taking care of babies, the stress can block feeling warm and affectionate. This is not a rare situation. The worst thing you can do is get wrapped up in guilt and shame. Learning to care for a baby can be a process; Keep working on it. READ MORE
Is excess sex drive a mental health problem?
Sex drive in people is variable, but a part of how one is made. For some it is high, for others low. Most are in between. Therapy could help you learn to manage your drive better, and might reveal underline issues you need to deal with. READ MORE
How can I overcome manic depression?
Yes, I am a strong believer in psychotherapy in conjunction with medication. It works best if you can find a psychiatrist who you are comfortable with who also does psychotherapy. READ MORE
Areas of expertise and specialization
Faculty Titles & Positions
- Associate Professor, UC Davis -
Professional Society Memberships
- American Psychiatric Association, California Medical Association
Articles and Publications
36 Publications
What do you attribute your success to?
Psychiatry is natural for him, as he is comfortable listening to people and helping them develop an increased capacity for intimacy.
Teaching and speaking
Psychotherapy supervision, psychiatry residents, UC Davis Sshool of Medicine
Hobbies / Sports
- Tennis, Woodworking, Gardening
Favorite professional publications
- American Journal of Psychiatry
Robert James Spensley's Practice location
Robert James Spensley's reviews
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