Psychotherapy & Medication

Therapy and medication from one psychiatrist in Denver, CO

45-minute appointments
Board-certified psychiatrists, start to finish
Depression, anxiety, bipolar, ADHD and more

4.7 from 37 Google reviews

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Initial psychiatric evaluation

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Therapy approaches

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Board-certified psychiatrists

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Treating patients in Denver since

The short version

Psychotherapy & medication, in brief

What it is
Psychotherapy and medication management delivered together by a board-certified psychiatrist.
What happens
A full evaluation, then a plan that combines talking therapy and medication, adjusted as you go.
The difference
The same doctor does both. No splitting your care between a therapist and a separate prescriber.
Approaches
CBT, mindfulness-based strategies, acceptance and commitment therapy, and existential therapy.
Cost
Evaluation $320. Follow-ups $160, or $280 for a 55-minute session with therapy.
Note
We’re moving to private insurance and credentialing is in progress. Ask on your call and we’ll tell you where it stands.

THE APPROACH

Therapy and medication from the same doctor

Most people are sent two ways: a therapist who can’t prescribe, and a prescriber who doesn’t do therapy. The two rarely talk, and you end up carrying your own case between them. Here, one psychiatrist does both - so the medication and the therapy are planned together by someone who knows your whole picture.

Why that matters

When the same doctor prescribes and does the therapy, nothing gets lost in translation. A change in medication is made with the full context of what’s happening in your sessions, and the therapy is informed by how you’re responding to treatment. It’s one relationship, working in both directions.

Suitability

Who can it help

It could be a good fit if:
  • You want therapy and medication handled together, not separately.
  • You’re tired of repeating your story to different providers.
  • Medication alone, or therapy alone, hasn’t been enough.
  • You’d value a doctor who does both.
  • You’re dealing with depression, anxiety, bipolar, or ADHD.
We'd talk through
  • What you’re hoping to change, and what’s realistic.
  • Whether medication, therapy, or both fit best.
  • How often you’d meet, and for how long.

What happens

Your first visit, start to finish

Get in touch


After you provide a few details, a psychiatrist will call you back, usually within 24 hours, to discuss whether we’re the right fit for you.

Comprehensive evaluation


A full assessment of your history from a biological, psychological, social and developmental angle. From that, you and your psychiatrist agree a plan - therapy, medication, or both.

Your sessions


Regular sessions that combine talking therapy with medication management as needed, using approaches matched to you: CBT, mindfulness, acceptance and commitment therapy, or existential work.

Adjusting the plan


Your psychiatrist tracks how you’re doing and adjusts both sides together, because they see both. No waiting on a separate prescriber to catch up.

WHAT WE TREAT

Conditions we work with

Treated with therapy, medication, or both.

Mood disorders

Depression and bipolar disorder, treated with therapy and medication planned together.

Anxiety disorders

Including OCD, panic disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.

ADHD

Assessment and management as part of your wider care, not in isolation.

HOW WE WORK

The therapy we draw on

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Practical work on the patterns of thought and behavior that keep you stuck.

Mindfulness-based strategies

Building awareness and distance from difficult thoughts and feelings.

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)

Making room for what’s hard while moving towards what matters to you.

Existential therapy

Working with the bigger questions of meaning, purpose, and change.

What happens

What it costs

Clear on cost before you commit.

Psychotherapy & medication Price
Comprehensive evaluation (about an hour)
$320
Follow-up visit (25 minutes)
$160
Session with therapy (55 minutes)
$280

Insurance: We’re moving to accept private insurance and credentialing is in progress. Ask on your call, and we’ll tell you exactly where it stands.

Questions

What do people ask before they call

Straight answers to the questions we hear most.

  • Do I have to take medication?

    No. Some people come for therapy alone, some for medication, some for both. What fits is worked out with you at the evaluation - nothing is pushed on you.

  • What’s the advantage of one doctor doing both?

    Your medication and your therapy are planned by the same person, with the full picture. Changes are made in context, nothing gets lost between separate providers, and you don’t have to keep re-explaining yourself.

  • What kind of therapy do you offer?

    Mainly CBT, mindfulness-based strategies, acceptance and commitment therapy and existential therapy. Your psychiatrist draws on what suits you rather than applying one method to everyone.

  • How long are sessions, and how often?

    A full evaluation runs about an hour. Ongoing sessions are typically 25 or 55 minutes, depending on whether therapy is part of that visit. How often you meet is agreed with you.

  • Do you treat ADHD, OCD or PTSD?

    Yes - alongside depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Because it’s one practice, anything that overlaps is treated together rather than referred out.

  • Do you take my insurance?

    We’re moving to private insurance, and credentialing is in progress. Tell us your situation on the call, and we’ll tell you where things stand.

  • Can you help my teenager?

    Yes. Child and adolescent care is led by Dr. Nandakumar, who is fellowship-trained in this specialty. Please note that TMS treatment specifically is available for patients aged 15 and older.

Why us

Real doctors, for whatever you’re facing

Two board-certified psychiatrists and a whole practice behind your care, whichever treatment brings you in.

All ages

Children, adults, and teenagers seen by a specialist.

Physician led

board-certified psychiatrist, not a technician or NP.

Seen quickly

A psychiatrist calls back within 24 hours.

Clear on cost

You'll know the cost before you commit.

Care that adapts

The right treatment for you, from a full range.

Whole-picture care

Depression, anxiety, ADHD and addiction, one practice.

Who treats you

Board-certified psychiatrists. One of them will evaluate you and oversee your course personally.

Dr. Charles Shuman, Founder · Psychiatrist

Dr. Charles Shuman

Founder · Psychiatrist

Trained at Temple University, the University of Florida and the University of Colorado, where he has also taught on the faculty. Founded Confluence in Denver in 2016.

Dr. Shankar Nandakumar, Psychiatrist

Dr. Shankar Nandakumar

Psychiatrist

Fellowship-trained in child and adolescent psychiatry, and leads adolescent care at the practice.

What patients say

The Confluence difference

Where the difference actually shows.

Other clinics
Speaking to a doctor
Before you schedule
After you've booked
Evaluation
Board-certified psychiatrist
Often an NP or PA
Who you see next time
The same psychiatrist
Whoever's available
If it stalls
Your doctor adjusts it
Escalated, if anyone's free