Dr. Jacqueline S. Williams PSY.D.

Psychologist

20720 Ventura Blvd Suite 210 Woodland Hills CA, 91364 Show map

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About

Dr. Jacqueline Williams is a psychologist practicing in Woodland Hills, CA. Dr. Williams specializes in the treatment of mental health problems, and helps people to cope with their mental illnesses. As a psychologist, Dr. Williams evaluates and treats patients through a variety of methods, most typically being psychotherapy or talk therapy. Patients usually visit Dr. Williams because they have been experiencing depression, anxiety, stress or anger for a significant period of time and are seeking help. Psychologists may perform a variety of exams and assessments to diagnose a mental condition.

Education and Training

Master Degree and PsyD at the California School of Professional Psychology

Board Certification

American Board of Professional Psychology

Provider Details

MaleEnglish 27 years of experience

Dr. Jacqueline S. Williams PSY.D.

Dr. Jacqueline S. Williams PSY.D.'s Expert Contributions

My Answers

Do psychologists ever have a "time frame" in mind?
No. The first meeting with a psychologist is spent gathering as much information as possible and a brief assessment of depression, anxiety, etc. symptoms as possible within 60 minutes. The information allows the psychologist to determine a primarily/working diagnosis. The additional information obtained during the second, perhaps third session will usually provide enough information to determine a probable time frame of length of the treatment. Keep in mind, some individuals may be shy/hesitant to reveal all pertinent information during the first few sections. Also, the philosophy/research of some types of therapy may also play a role in the duration of treatment (such as psychoanalysis tends to be years and cognitive behavior therapy tends to be shorter). READ MORE
Do therapists lead therapy sessions or do I?
The therapist tends to loosely lead the sessions so there will be some order. cohesiveness of the flow of information that is needed for the therapist to obtain a complete picture (beginning, middle, current; all individuals associated with the problem, etc.) of the problems/issues being presented. The therapist will ask follow-up questions to gain a fuller picture of the problem(s) and the people (past/present) playing a role in the problem. It's a collaborate effort. You may want to ask the therapist how he/she engage in therapy, what to expect, or what is the format since this will be your time engaging in therapy. Good Luck. I hope your experience meets your expectations. If the first try isn't successful, try again until there's a good fit between you and the therapist. READ MORE
How do I know if I have bipolar or borderline personality disorder?
First: BiPolar (1 or 2) Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder are two separate disorders. You can be diagnosed with BiPolar without being diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. Second: Rarely, if ever, is an individual diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder only. I haven't heard or read of this type of situation. Third: I recommend you contact/make an appointment with a Licensed Psychologist (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) and/or Psychiatrist (MD). to obtain information regarding the possibility of a diagnosis of BiPolar Disorder or/and Borderline Personality Disorder. Note: a psychologist engages in 45-50 minute talk therapist; most psychiatrists engage in prescribing medication with very little or any talk therapy except update of symptoms (approximately 15 minutes). READ MORE
Can ADHD be cured?
No, I am not aware of a cure. ADHD or ADD can effectively managed with the "correct" medication. I say "correct" because they are two independent/separate diagnosis (there are a few common symptoms BUT the symptoms that are different will react differently to the prescribed medication. For instance, if your son is ADD (without hyperactivity and impulsivity) and prescribed medication (Ritilan) for ADHD, more likely than not he will begin to exhibit symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity in addition to his inattentiveness. Good Luck. READ MORE
Does anti-anxiety medication change your personality?
The purpose of anti-anxiety medication is to reduce/manage your moderate to severe level of anxiety. For example, when the symptoms are reduced/eliminated/managed, most people are more social/ongoing due to the fear of embarrassing themselves has been reduced/eliminated. Your personality isn't going to change from one extreme to another (i.e., you will change from passive to aggressive; the change will be moderate, perhaps passive to assertive--rendering an opinion about a situation instead of keeping quite fearing making others upset, fearing verbal/physical retaliation). Good Luck READ MORE
What happens when you come off antidepressants?
Talk to the doctor who prescribed the medication. He/she will establish a plan for you to wean off the medication. You don't want to abruptly stop or stop without supervision and possibly experience an adverse reaction. I strongly recommend never stop taking prescribed medication without discussing with the doctor who prescribed the medication. Good Luck. READ MORE
What drugs treat personality disorders?
There are several prescribed medications for the different personality disorders. I strongly recommend you discuss your concerns with your sister and ask to go with her to her next scheduled appointment with her doctor OR obtain written permission to talk to her doctor regarding her medication. The best option is going with your sister so you, your sister, and the doctor can hear and understand your concern; and you can hear the doctor's concerns/recommendations first hand. Good Luck READ MORE
Is anxiety and depression a disability?
Good Afternoon, Both moderate to severe depression and/or anxiety can impair a person's ability to engage in day-to-day activities. may impair your ability function (poor memory, inability to process information effectively/speedily to perform tasks at home/work/school; slow your motor skills/abilities such as walking at your normal pace; interfere with your normal sleeping patterns causing you to sleep too much or experiencing difficulty sleeping; increased irritability; suicidal thinking; decreased sex drive; feelings of hopelessness/worthlessness; increase/decrease appetite (just to name a few impairments). I recommend you seriously concern seeking professional help either with a psychologist (for therapy) and/or psychiatrist (for medication). The best recommended treatment is talk therapy and medication therapy for the most effective treatment. Hopefully, this is helpful. Dr. Willliams READ MORE