Building lifestyle and behavioral strategies as first line intervention. This is the real foundation of sustainable change.

Customizing a medication regimen (if warranted) that is unique to your needs. My goal is to help you optimize your functioning on as few medications as possible.‍ ‍This is at the core of my practice.

Benefits

• you minimize your risk of weight gain, mental/physical slowing, falls, and over-sedation

• you avoid problematic drug to drug interactions (polypharmacy)

• you minimize possible interactions between mental health medications and medical conditions

• you decrease costs and avoid the confusion of a multi-drug regimen

• Baylor Scott & White, Greater Austin Region, TX. Geropsychiatrist in Outpatient Department of Mental Health. Medical consults on inpatient unit; Lecturer to Family Medicine Residents; Speaker at senior community events; Clinician at Baylor Scott & White Sun City clinic, serving a community of 17,000 adults ages 55 and older

• Abington Jefferson Hospital, Abington, PA. Geropsychiatrist in Outpatient Department of Mental Health. Medical consults on inpatient unit; Speaker at senior community events; Clinician at The WillowBrooke Court at Spring House Estates - a skilled nursing facility ranking in the top 5% of all facilities nationwide, and has earned a 5 star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

• University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Fellowship in Geriatric Psychiatry. Evaluation and treatment of patients at The Memory Center, a premier National Institute on Aging-designated Alzheimer's Disease Center; Clinician at the Veteran’s Administration Nursing Home/VA home visits

• Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. Psychiatry residency program. Evaluation/treatment of patients in the Crisis Response Center, the busiest psychiatric emergency service in Philadelphia, treating over 12,000 patients annually

• New York College of Osteopathic Medicine, Long Island, NY. Degree in Osteopathic Medicine

• Barnard College of Columbia University, Manhattan, NY. Bachelors of Arts Degree in Spanish Literature

• Double Board Certified in Adult and Geriatric Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology

• Published author in The Journal of Psychiatry and Law and The Journal of American Medical Directors Association

“As I approach my 82nd birthday, I have had a number of psychiatric appointments. Dr. Valdez is definitely the best and most thorough psychiatrist I have ever used. I feel honored to have her assisting me.”

“Dr Valdez changed my life for the better. She was able to do what no doctor in the past 40 years has ever been able to do: properly diagnose and treat me. In the past 5 months my life has radically improved for the better. I can only imagine what my life could have been if I had been properly diagnosed earlier in my life.”

“Dr. Valdez has always been caring and listens to anything I have about my mental issues. A lot of the issues are due to certain prescriptions, and she always addresses those issues I feel I can't and don't want to deal with anymore. I'm very happy with her services and caring manner.”

“During my visit, she was incredibly attentive and caring. She truly understood my concerns and offered practical advice that I could easily implement. Above all, she paid careful attention to the medication she prescribed for my treatment.”