Zehra Erdeve Temiz

My long standing passion for working with children, adolescents and young adults, which allow me to develop and grow long-term relationships with patients and their families. Among the many groups of children with whom I have had the pleasure of working particularly is children/adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder .

My work in child development and psychiatry has provided me with greater insight and success while working with adult patients as well. My goal is to treat current mental health issues in children and youth as well as to provide a deserved care to adults who are in need of understanding how own childhood may have impacted their mental healths and well beings.

My medical knowledge and experiences in medicine have taught me to be well-rounded and detail oriented, which lead me to manage complex psychiatric cases, provide family centered care and thrive together.

My approach is patient-centered, collaborative, and holistic. I believe that effective psychiatric care starts with building a strong, trusting relationship where patients feel heard, respected, and safe.

For both children and adults, I take the time to understand the full picture—emotional, developmental, medical, social, and environmental factors that may be impacting mental health. With children, this often includes working closely with parents, caregivers, and sometimes schools to ensure consistent support across settings.

I use evidence-based treatments, including psychotherapy, medication management when appropriate, and behavioral strategies. I tailor each treatment plan to the individual’s needs, preferences, and goals rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.

I also emphasize education and empowerment. I want patients and families to understand what’s going on and feel actively involved in decisions about their care. My goal is to help patients build skills, resilience, and confidence so they can function well and lead fulfilling lives.

Above all, I strive to provide compassionate, nonjudgmental care and to meet patients where they are in their journey.

During the first session, my primary goal is to create a safe, welcoming, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel comfortable sharing their concerns at their own pace. I understand that starting psychiatric care can feel intimidating, so I focus on helping clients feel heard, respected, and at ease.

The initial visit is typically an in-depth assessment. We’ll talk about what brought you in, your current symptoms, personal and family history, and any past treatments or experiences. For children and adolescents, this often includes time with both the child and their caregiver, as well as gathering information about school, development, and family dynamics.

I also make space for questions—whether about the process, diagnosis, or treatment options—so clients and families feel informed and involved from the beginning.

By the end of the session, we usually work toward a few key outcomes:

• A clearer understanding of the concerns and possible diagnoses
• Identification of immediate needs or priorities
• An initial, collaborative treatment plan (which may include therapy, lifestyle strategies, and/or medication if appropriate)
• Establishing goals for care, both short-term (e.g., improving sleep, reducing anxiety symptoms) and long-term (e.g., better functioning at school, work, or in relationships)

Overall, clients can expect a thoughtful, thorough, and collaborative first visit that sets the foundation for ongoing care and progress.