Mental Health & Wellness

Women, AFAB, and LGBTQIAS+ individuals may be at a higher risk for anxiety and depression, especially during pregnancy and menopause, when their hormones are unbalanced. At FemForward Health, board-certified OB/GYN Mary Afsari-Howard, DO, provides comprehensive mental health and wellness services for those who need it.. Dr. Mary takes a holistic approach to improving your mental health. She can prescribe medications and supplemental hormones as needed and refer you to a mental health professional who provides specialized therapy or other psychiatric treatments if necessary. Call the Portland, Oregon office to schedule a mental health and wellness evaluation or book an appointment online today. 

Why is mental health and wellness important?

Your mental health plays an essential role in how you think, feel, and act. A variety of life stressors, genetic components, and physical issues can increase your risk for mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

FemForward Health offers personalized mental health and wellness services. Dr. Mary provides mental health evaluations in the office and through the online telemedicine platform.

She also customizes care plans to optimize your mental function and manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.

When should I schedule a mental health and wellness consultation?

You should schedule a mental health and wellness consultation at FemForward Health if you experience persistent symptoms that affect your mental health, such as:

• Hopelessness
• Anxiousness
• Irritability
• Mood swings
• Intrusive thoughts
• Loss of interest in activities

Dr. Mary also recommends that you seek a mental health evaluation if you experience guilt, sadness, or other postpartum depression symptoms that affect your ability to care for yourself or bond with your baby.

Comprehensive evaluations and treatment services are available as well for those who develop mental health issues during their transition to menopause.

What treatments are available to improve mental health and wellness?

FemForward Health provides assessments and resources to address anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. Dr. Mary uses in-office blood work and other diagnostic tests to identify underlying health issues that may contribute to mental health issues.

Based on your test results and the severity of symptoms, Dr. Mary creates a treatment plan to improve your mental wellness and cognitive function. She uses holistic treatment strategies, including:

• Nutrition counseling
• Daily exercise
• Sleep counseling
• Stress management

Dr. Mary provides prescription medications when necessary. She can also determine if you’re a candidate for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) if menopause contributes to anxiety or depression. HRT restores balance in your hormone levels to relieve persistent sadness, low energy, and other side effects of menopause.

You can expect to schedule routine visits, so Dr. Mary can monitor your progress with treatment. She can refer you to other mental health professionals who provide specialized therapy or other psychiatric treatments if needed.

Call the FemForward Health office to schedule a mental health and wellness consultation, or book an appointment online today.