expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Valerie L. Augustus

Psychiatrist

Christian Psychiatric Services is the private practice of Dr. Valerie Augustus and is located in Germantown, Tennessee, where we proudly serve the greater Memphis metropolitan area, which includes the neighboring cities of Little Rock, Arkansas; West Memphis, Arkansas; Southaven, Mississippi; Olive Branch, Mississippi; and Tupelo, Mississippi. We are committed to providing excellent mental health care and improving patients' quality of life. We were recognized as the #1 Mental Health Practice in Memphis by the Commercial Appeal and Memphis Most in 2017. Additionally, Dr. Augustus has been elected a Top Doctor in 2018, 2019 and 2020. For more about CPS, check out their website at www.christianpsychiatric.com.

Dr. Augustus has over 20 years of experience in adult psychiatry and 18 years in private practice. With a calling to holistically address the emotional, physical, and spiritual needs of people, she emphasizes a healthy diet and regular physical activity, while optionally integrating her spiritual beliefs and principles into each patient's healing process. In 2011, Dr. Augustus began offering TMS as a proven and effective alternative to traditional medication for patients dealing with depression and unfavorable reactions to antidepressants. FDA-cleared in 2008, TMS is a non-medication, outpatient treatment option generally tolerated well by patients; find out more about TMS at www.christianpsychiatric.com/about-tms.
Dr. Valerie Augustus
  • GERMANTOWN, TN
  • Louisiana State University Medical Center/Shreveport
  • Accepting new patients

How do drugs affect cognitive testing results at the hospital?

This is a very complicated situation and it is important to first say that I cannot second guess the decisions of the medical team treating your father. I would suggest that you READ MORE
This is a very complicated situation and it is important to first say that I cannot second guess the decisions of the medical team treating your father. I would suggest that you reach out to those who treated your father. It will be important to get the hospital records that show that your father was impaired after receiving the ativan . It might also be helpful to have your father's cognitive status re-evaluated now that he seems clear, this can rule in or out whether there is really any cognitive impairment. If your father wishes to continue to drive, it is going to be necessary to show documented proof that he is not cognitively impaired.

Can a breakup cause a nervous breakdown?

When there is a disruption in an important relationship, an emotional response is to be expected. The degree of that response will differ from one person to the next. For one READ MORE
When there is a disruption in an important relationship, an emotional response is to be expected. The degree of that response will differ from one person to the next. For one person it may temporarily cause depression, anxiety, low motivation, loss of appetite, etc. For another individual, they may experience similar symptoms but in addition, they may find it hard to function in their usual daily activities. In either case, it is important to reach out to others in your support system or possibly a professional counselor.

What is prescribed for anxiety and depression?

There are multiple medications prescribed for anxiety and depression. A full evaluation by a qualified professional is necessary to determine the best medication for each individual. READ MORE
There are multiple medications prescribed for anxiety and depression. A full evaluation by a qualified professional is necessary to determine the best medication for each individual.

Do I have an eating disorder?

It is not possible to diagnose you without a full assessment. You should seek a mental health professional to do this.

Can stress and anxiety cause sleep problems?

It is very common for people to develop sleep problems due to anxiety.

I get nauseous after meeting a guy I like?

My recommendation would be for you to have a full psychological evaluation and possible counseling to uncover the cause of the symptoms you describe.

What can I take to calm my nerves?

It is not advisable to make medication recommendations to someone that I have not examined. You should seek a medical professional if you believe that your anxiety requires medication. READ MORE
It is not advisable to make medication recommendations to someone that I have not examined. You should seek a medical professional if you believe that your anxiety requires medication.

Is it bad to take antidepressants for many years?

This is a decision that has to be made by the individual taking the medication and their prescribing physician. There are many individuals that take antidepressants for years READ MORE
This is a decision that has to be made by the individual taking the medication and their prescribing physician. There are many individuals that take antidepressants for years without detrimental effects.

Where can I get diagnosed with bipolar disorder?

I would recommend that you seek out help from a qualified mental health professional.

What vitamins help control anger?

I know of no vitamins that have evidence that support their usefulness for controlling anger. Counseling may be more helpful to get at the cause of the anger.

Can I do virtual therapy for anxiety?

Many therapists and other mental health professionals are doing virtual therapy for patients. I know of no reason why you could not do virtual therapy for anxiety.

What foods should you eat to lose weight?

I usually recommend to patients that the goal is to eat a healthy, balanced diet. I recommend eating healthy sources of protein such as fish and chicken and a good variety of READ MORE
I usually recommend to patients that the goal is to eat a healthy, balanced diet. I recommend eating healthy sources of protein such as fish and chicken and a good variety of plant based foods such as kale, spinach, broccoli, beans, etc. I usually also recommend that they add at least thirty minutes of aerobic exercise five days per week and some weight training. It is always helpful to have a good baseline physical exam with your BMI established before embarking on a weight loss program.

How do doctors test for geriatric depression?

Depression can be assessed by questionnaire or by an in person exam by a qualified practitioner. If dementia is suspected there are additional exams necessary to rule this out. READ MORE
Depression can be assessed by questionnaire or by an in person exam by a qualified practitioner. If dementia is suspected there are additional exams necessary to rule this out.

Does high functioning anxiety give you speech issues?

Anxiety can cause many symptoms in individuals affected with it. Some people will find that they become flushed when speaking, their heart may race, they may stutter, they may READ MORE
Anxiety can cause many symptoms in individuals affected with it. Some people will find that they become flushed when speaking, their heart may race, they may stutter, they may lose their train of thought mid-sentence, etc. Public speaking is the most problematic situation for people afflicted with anxiety.

Which antidepressant medication is the least addictive?

Antidepressants as a class are not considered to be addictive. Once a person has taken an antidepressant for a period of time, one month or more, it is best to taper from the READ MORE
Antidepressants as a class are not considered to be addictive. Once a person has taken an antidepressant for a period of time, one month or more, it is best to taper from the drug rather than stopping it abruptly. This is not a sign of being addicted to the medication.

How long does generalized anxiety disorder last?

Anxiety is a disorder that has a waxing and waning course. This means that there are times when the symptoms are fairly mild and there are times when the symptoms cause significant READ MORE
Anxiety is a disorder that has a waxing and waning course. This means that there are times when the symptoms are fairly mild and there are times when the symptoms cause significant difficulty with daily functioning. Generalized anxiety disorder means that a person tends to worry excessively about things that most people worry about to some degree. As a person resolves the problematic situations, the anxiety symptoms tend to abate.

What is talk therapy used for?

Counseling or "talk therapy" is used to assist a person in addressing sources of distress that interfering with daily functioning. The therapist is an objective source of advice READ MORE
Counseling or "talk therapy" is used to assist a person in addressing sources of distress that interfering with daily functioning. The therapist is an objective source of advice and guidance for the patient. The goal is to assist the patient to gain insight into their source of difficulty and to find constructive ways of addressing it.

Can anxiety cause a stroke?

A stroke is caused when the blood supply is cut off or severely limited in an area of the brain. Anxiety can cause a person to feel as if they are having a heart attack and other READ MORE
A stroke is caused when the blood supply is cut off or severely limited in an area of the brain. Anxiety can cause a person to feel as if they are having a heart attack and other serious medical problems. I am not aware of any incidence in which anxiety has caused a stroke.

How does geriatric psychiatry help the elderly?

People continue to have issues that they need to work through regardless of their age. There is therefore still a need to assist older individuals who are struggling with issues READ MORE
People continue to have issues that they need to work through regardless of their age. There is therefore still a need to assist older individuals who are struggling with issues related to aging, losing loved ones, loss of independence, etc.

How do I know if I have bipolar or borderline personality disorder?

The best way to distinguish which disorder you may have is to have a professional evaluation by either a psychologist or psychiatrist.