Do you feel stuck ?
Depression, anxiety, self-destructive coping mechanisms during life transitions, difficulties in relationships-- these hurdles can make life pass you by. Let's address these patterns with compassion, together.
About Me
Long-standing patients know me as "Dr. Varma." I am a board-certified psychiatrist and psychoanalyst on the faculty of the Washington Baltimore Psychoanalytic Institute, known for my extensive training in understanding and treating nuances of mood, anxiety, and attachment. My office is in Baltimore, and I see patients in Washington, D.C. and Maryland virtually.
I combine individual psychoanalytic psychotherapy with medication management when indicated. Research shows that this integrative approach produces more impactful, long-term changes than medications alone. I create an atmosphere of safety to facilitate this intensive work. My deep understanding of relationships is also instrumental in my treatment of couples experiencing distress.
I write and present to advocate for mental health outside of the consulting room. I have presented nationally and regionally, and published articles on a range of topics of interest including: the nuances of racial dynamics in psychotherapy, mother-infant attachment, non-addictive anxiety medications for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and climate anxiety amongst young adults. I am the co-author of Psychoanalytic and Relational Understandings of Youth Climate Distress, a chapter in the book Climate Change and Youth Mental Health.
Education and Advanced Training:
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A.B. with honors, Washington University in St Louis
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M.D., Jefferson Medical College
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Psychiatry Residency, University of Maryland/Sheppard Pratt
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Basic Training in Mentalization Based Treatment, McLean Hospital
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Washington Baltimore Psychoanalytic Institute
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Adult Psychoanalyst
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Faculty Member
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Awards:
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Scott Schwartz Award, American Academy of Psychodynamic Psychiatry and Psychoanalysis
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Clarence Shulz Prize, University of Maryland/Sheppard Pratt Psychiatry Residency Program
Treatment
Medication
Medication can be instrumental in reducing distress and maintaining mental equilibrium. I take medication referrals from certain therapists so that we can collaborate as a team on your mental health. Others that I treat with medication also see me for psychotherapy or psychoanalysis for more comprehensive and holistic treatment.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a journey of exploring, understanding, and transforming patterns that no longer serve you. The process of healing is not linear, and will ebb and flow. Through once- or twice-weekly psychodynamic psychotherapy, we will gain insight into the way you relate to others and the world around you, empowering you to bend rigid ways of thinking that contribute to your mood and anxiety symptoms and problematic behaviors in relationships.
Psychoanalysis
Psychoanalysis addresses the obstacles that you unconsciously place in your own way. Bringing these longstanding patterns to your awareness will spearhead change and help you realize your immense potential for creativity and connectedness. Analysis requires a commitment of at least three times a week, the desire to know yourself deeply, and the determination to break the cycle of generational trauma. I recommend this excellent article for an in-depth discussion:
Services for Clinicians
Cultural Consultation
I am committed to diversity and understanding the complexities of identity. I am Indian-American and can provide insight for clinicians seeking to understand Indian culture and its influence on mental health, attitudes and behavior.
Supervision
I supervise clinicians seeking to enhance their abilities in psychodynamic psychotherapy and grow their clinical practice. I can also provide insight into the psychodynamics of prescribing.
Policies and Procedures
Sessions are available in-person in Baltimore or via a secure video conferencing platform. The office location has free on-site parking.
I am an out-of-network provider with insurance. I accept payment for services via credit/debit card or check and will provide a statement for you to submit to your insurance for reimbursement. Private insurance will often cover a significant portion of the fee when your deductible is met. It would be best to familiarize yourself with your out-of-network benefits.
Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hour notice will be charged.
Billing portal
Current patients can securely access billing statements to submit to insurance and pay their balance at the patient portal.
Consultation
To explore how we might work together, please submit the contact form below. This is my preferred method of contact.
For current patients, if you are contacting for a med refill, please include the name and dosage of the medication.