Sophia Kuo, MD is an ABPN board-certified Adult Psychiatrist, and an ABPN board-certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist

Education:

Williams College, BA 2000

University of Vermont College of Medicine, MD 2009

Harvard South Shore Psychiatry Training Program, General Psychiatry Residency 2012

Oregon Health & Sciences University - Fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 2014

Treatment Philosophy

  As a psychiatrist, I am a physician who specializes in psychotherapy and the medicines that support mental health.  While I have training and experience in a number of treatment modalities, my primary interest is getting to know you, and understanding your unique experience in the world.  Many of the issues that cause mood symptoms are a confluence of factors, influenced by biology, psychology, beliefs, upbringing, and social factors.  Together we can explore what factors lead to your challenges, as well as your successes.

I am most interested in how mentalization-based therapy, and mindfulness can assist people in finding relief and resilience.  I have also studied cognitive-behavioral, family, psychodynamic and trauma therapies.  My patients have given me extensive experience in treating anxiety, depression, substance abuse, intergenerational trauma, and severe mental illness.  I am comfortable discussing issues of race, sexism, and systemic discrimination. 

My background is in medical science.  Together, we will consider and rule out any medical conditions that are affecting your mood.  Often, medications allow people a reprieve - helping to keep your head above water, so to speak.  This can allow room to develop insight, awareness, and skills to choose a different path, and practice navigating there — rather than simply reacting, or becoming overwhelmed.  I believe in discussing the risks and benefits of any treatment, and allowing patients to use their values, priorities and preferences to assist in selecting medications.  Medications are generally prescribed at the lowest dose of the safest medication that helps people feel the most themselves. I often streamline medications to make them as elegant as possible.  Given my emphasis on the holistic treatment of my patients, I do not prescribe medicines outside a therapeutic treatment relationship.  

My expectation is that my patients improve, and end treatment when they are ready.  If you would like to continue medications after therapy has ended, I can help you transition your medications to your primary care provider.  My focus is in supporting your goals — usually improved function, health, and quality of life.  If my training, skills and availability are not the best fit for you, I am always happy to discuss alternate treatment options, or refer you to other providers.