I am a Christian psychiatrist, new to the area, and wanted to introduce myself to you as a resource for anyone who may need mental health treatment. Unlike a psychologist, I am a medical doctor and can prescribe medications if necessary. I have attempted to answer some questions about who I am and my perspective on faith in the mental health field below.

Any patient that I see would receive compassionate and empathic care. They would be evaluated in a confidential setting for their current symptoms, including a review of their medical and psychiatric history. They would receive, not only options for counseling and treatment with appropriate medications if necessary, but also an open dialogue about God’s role in the process of healing and recovery. In addition to the medical treatment of their mental disorders, their beliefs would be supported and encouraged in my office. I am well equipped to treat a wide variety of mental illnesses including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders, substance abuse, and dementia.

I look forward to meeting with you and answering any questions about who I am, what I do, and how I would be available to support you through mental health care

Sincerely,

Janet Fischer, MD

What is a psychiatrist?

Psychiatrists are physicians (M.D. or D.O.) who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental illnesses. They complete medical school and pass the same courses and licensing exams as other physicians. As part of their evaluation of patients, psychiatrists the only mental health professionals who may prescribe psychiatric medications, conduct physical examinations, order and interpret laboratory tests and may order brain imaging studies such as MRI and CT scans. Psychiatrists have the medical background to explain the risks and benefits of medications as well as potential interactions with other medications one may already be taking.

Why are Christians often reluctant to get mental health care?

Christians understandably are skeptical of psychiatry due in part to its historic beginnings in the work of Freud and other atheistic founders. A 2003 national survey found that psychiatrists were the least religious of all physicians. Fortunately, however, psychiatrists are becoming more interested in faith issues as empirical evidence is revealing the crucial role spirituality plays in healing. As a Christian myself, I take into account the truth of the Christian world-view, God’s relationship with the people He created, the fallen world we live in, and biological susceptibility of the human brain for disease just like any other organ in the body. This is psychiatry with a very different perspective, in which God and Christ are at the center, and the mind and soul are truly integrated by His creative work.

Many people take medications for physical ailments such as high blood pressure or diabetes without feeling guilty or conflicted between their faith and medical treatment. However, Christians often avoid medications that would assist them in recovering or coping with the suffering involved in the many illnesses listed on the previous page due to a variety of possible reasons. The negative stigma attached to mental illness, the fear that tampering with the mind is a sin, the reluctance to accept help outside the church in matters of the mind, the lack of understanding about the nature of mental illness, the biology of the brain, and field of psychiatry are just some of the barriers to seeking treatment. This is a sad affair because often these mental illnesses are debilitating and impair a person from being able to participate in the fruitful life God intends for each of His children. I believe that Jesus desires to heal the whole person and hope to be an instrument for that purpose.

Who am I?

I became a whole hearted follower of Jesus Christ at the age of 13 and since my teens knew that God was calling me into service through medicine. Having obtained my undergraduate degree at Azusa Pacific University, I was blessed to have a well-rounded education that included religious and scientific academics, spiritual growth, and an emphasis on ministry. After this, I attended medical school at Loma Linda University where my training in whole-person care, with particular emphasis on Christian beliefs, was continued. I then completed my psychiatry residency at University of California Irvine Medical Center and have recently moved to San Diego after marrying a man from this area. I have accepted a position at PsyCare, a behavioral health private group, and am eager to explore my calling to practice Christian-based psychiatry.

How can we work together?

As a physician, I am held to high ethical standards, and will always respect a patient’s personal religious and spiritual beliefs. My role would be to provide support and medical care, but for ongoing therapy and spiritual issues, refer patients to professional counselors, the church, and the Lord.