Sowega Autism & Psychiatry – Let's Bridge the Gap

“Bridging the gap does not have to be difficult, the next time you feel like your life is in a rut, reach out to SOWEGA Autism & Psychiatry to help you bridge the gap”

About SOWEGA Autism & Psychiatry

Flora is board-certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing from Albany State University and a Master of Arts in Special Education from Arizona State University. She is licensed in Georgia, New York, California, and Texas. She is affiliated with several advanced practice organizations and attends psychiatric conventions and meetings on a regular basis, keeping up to date on new medications & treatments to maintain a high quality of care.

She has been in the medical field since 1997. Her experience includes family medicine, leadership roles, Oncology/Hematology, clinical instructor for bachelor and master prepared students, residential treatment facilities for psychiatric, behavioral and substance abuse and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. During each of these experiences, Flora noticed that many patients had mental health and behavioral needs that went unnoticed, and these unmet needs often affected their medical outcomes and quality of life. This gap in care led her into the field of psychiatry. She combines evidence–based practice with clinical experience, observation and listening in order to meet a patient “where they are” on their mental health journey. She believes that when patients feel heard and respected, they are empowered to view their practitioner as someone who partners with them as they work to improve their mental health. As she helps educate her patients about mental health, she finds that she learns things from her patients as well. This environment of communication and learning helps her find new ways to help others.

Her Journey has included many obstacles along the way, but her passion for what she does and who she serves has never wavered. She still approach every obstacle with the same optimism, positivity, and belief that her patient’s insight is her biggest source of opportunity.

Today, we know that mental health is absolutely foundational to overall health and wellness. Struggling with mental health concerns are 100% normal. But Flora believes every day that she bring her skills, her knowledge, her empathy, and an open mind, she will make a difference in a patient’s life. There is “no health without mental health”.

Flora established SOWEGA Autism & Psychiatry in order to provide person–centered, inclusive, cultural competence and humility, and compassionate psychiatric and behavioral care in the outpatient setting to Bridge the Gaps.

At SOWEGA Autism & Psychiatry, we welcome all patients of all ages.
Contact us…

Services

Led by a highly qualified and caring provider, SOWEGA Autism & Psychiatry offers patients an accommodating approach to mental and behavioral health that utilizes both traditional and cutting-edge approaches to psychiatry. This allows us to better shape your treatment and individualize it for what produces the optimum results.

Medications/Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is often used in combination with medication to treat mental health conditions. In some circumstances medication may be clearly indicated and in others psychotherapy may be the best option. For many people combined medication and psychotherapy treatment can be more beneficial than either alone. Healthy lifestyle improvements, such as healthy nutrition, regular exercise and adequate sleep, can also be valuable in supporting recovery and overall wellness.

Psychiatric clearance for school, military, surgeries, etc.

Assessment of psychiatric symptoms and psychiatric treatment history is by definition a core activity of an initial psychiatric evaluation for clearance. Other core activities include identifying the reason that the patient is presenting for evaluation and understanding the patient’s background, relationships, life circumstances, and strengths and vulnerabilities.

Collaboration with Primary Care Physician/Lab Services

At SOWEGA Autism & Psychiatry, we will ensure coordinated and enhanced communications and connectivity among all health care providers who attend to the patient to reduce instances of overuse or unnecessary testing and improve the patient’s experience of care.

School/Sport Physicals

Many children and adolescents have concerns with emotional health, and athletes are no exception. In fact, pressures seen in sports and performing arts may lead to special mental health demands, such as depression, anxiety, stress, perfectionism and attention deficits. At SOWEGA Autism & Psychiatry , we will ask questions about these sensitive and important issues in a private and safe setting to discover and recommend treatments, if warranted. Whenever you click

Telehealth/Walk-Ins

At SOWEGA Autism & Psychiatry, we know that it can be daunting to seek treatment for a psychiatric disorder. That’s why we try to make the process as smooth as possible so that you can get the help you need without delay. Call to schedule an appointment for a caring, collaborative solution and we will guide you through the steps of setting up your telepsychiatry appointment.

Telehealth is not appropriate for emergencies. If you have an emergency, please dial 911.

ABA Services (coming soon)

In ABA, your child’s day is structured to provide learning opportunities that are both planned and naturally occurring to help promote generalization of skills they will utilize in everyday life. Parent and teacher training (as applicable) will also be provided in order to assist with transferring skills into other environments and to help ensure everyone across settings are on the same page.

LGBQT+

You should have access to expert mental health care regardless of your sexual orientation or gender identity. SOWEGA Autism & Psychiatry provides customized psychiatric care with sensitivity to the prejudices and challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community. We combine psychopharmacology with psychotherapy and lifestyle modification advice to help you develop the tools and techniques you need to lead a healthy and fulfilling life.

Long Acting Injectable (LAI) Antipsychotics

Long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics use is associated with improved adherence which can reduce the rate of relapse, hospitalization, and associated costs in patients with schizophrenia.

SOWEGA Autism & Psychiatry practitioner is board-certified and specializes in the following mental health conditions:

Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Disorders comprise a broad spectrum of conditions that affect a person’s brain and nervous system and are similar in that they present in early development.

Types of Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Intellectual Developmental Disorder
Global Developmental Delay
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Tic Disorders
Tourette’s Disorder

Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders

Disorder characterized by recurrent intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that prompt the performance of neutralizing rituals (compulsions).

Types of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Hoarding Disorder
Trichotillomania (Hair-Pulling Disorder)
Excoriation (Skin-Picking) Disorder

Sleep-Wake Disorders

Circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders occur when the synchronization between circadian rhythms and the external environment is lost or when the circadian system itself is dysfunctional.

Types of Sleep-wake Disorders

Insomnia Disorder
Hypersomnolence Disorder
Narcolepsy

Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders

Disorders are characterized by loss of contact with reality (psychosis), false auditory or visual perceptions (hallucinations), false beliefs (delusions), disorganized speech and behavior, and limited affect.

Types of Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders

Schizotypal (Personality) Disorder
Delusional Disorder Brief Psychotic Disorder
Schizophreniform Disorder
Schizophrenia
Schizoaffective Disorder
Substance/Medication-Induced Psychotic Disorder
Psychotic Disorder Due to Another Medical Condition

Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders

Psychiatric conditions related to exposure to a traumatic or stressful event, resulting in significant psychological distress, social, professional and other relevant areas of the individual’s life.

Types of Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders

Reactive Attachment Disorder
Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Acute Stress Disorder
Adjustment Disorders

Gender Dysphoria

When the perceived mismatch between birth sex and felt gender identity causes significant distress or disability, a diagnosis of gender dysphoria may be appropriate.

Gender Dysphoria

Bipolar and Related Disorders

Bipolar disorder, aka manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.

Types of Bipolar and Related Disorders

Bipolar I Disorder
Bipolar II Disorder
Cyclothymic Disorder
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Tic Disorders
Tourette’s Disorder

Dissociative Disorders

Involve problems with memory, identity, emotion, perception, behavior and sense of self. Dissociative symptoms can potentially disrupt every area of mental functioning.

Types of Dissociative Disorders

Dissociative Identity Disorder
Dissociative Amnesia
Depersonalization /Derealization Disorder

Disruptive, Impulse-Control, and Conduct Disorders

Group of disorders linked by varying difficulties in controlling aggressive behaviors, self-control, and impulses. Typically, the resulting behaviors/actions are considered a threat primarily to others’ safety and/or to societal norms.

Types of Disruptive, Impulse-Control, and Conduct Disorders

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
Intermittent Explosive Disorder
Conduct Disorder
Antisocial Personality Disorder
Pyromania
Kleptomania

Depressive Disorders

A disorder characterized by depressed mood, diminished interests, impaired cognitive function and vegetative symptoms, such as disturbed sleep or appetite.

Types of Depressive Disorders

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
Major Depressive Disorder, Single and Recurrent Episodes
Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

Feeding and Eating Disorders

Mental disorders that involve a persistent disturbance of eating or eating-related behaviors that cause a change in consumption or absorption of food.

Types of Feeding and Eating Disorders

Pica
Rumination Disorder
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
Anorexi a Nervosa
Bulimia Nervosa
Binge-Eating Disorder

Neurocognitive Disorders

Involve impairments in cognitive abilities such as memory, problem solving and perception. Cognitive deficits are acquired rather than developmental.

Types of Neurocognitive Disorders

Delirium
Alzheimer’s Disease
Traumatic Brain Injury

Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety is a distressing, unpleasant emotional state of nervousness and uneasiness; its causes are less clear. Anxiety is less tied to the exact timing of a threat.

Types of Anxiety Disorders

Separation Anxiety Disorder
Phobia Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia)
Panic Disorder
Panic Attack (Specifier)
Agoraphobia
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Elimination Disorders

Involve the inappropriate elimination of urine and feces and are first diagnosed in childhood or adolescence. The nature of this disorder is related to sphincter control.

Types of Elimination Disorders

Enuresis
Encopresis

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

If your child has been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), you are already aware that he or she has some underlying difficulties with social skills.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Resources Parents of Children

Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Neurodevelopmental disorders comprise a broad spectrum of conditions that affect a person’s brain and nervous system and are similar in that they present in early More...

Types of Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Intellectual Developmental Disorder
Global Developmental Delay
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Tic Disorders
Tourette’s Disorder

Depressive Disorders

Depressive disorders are diseases that is characterized by depressed mood, diminished interests, impaired cognitive function and vegetative symptoms More...

Types of Depressive Disorders

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
Major Depressive Disorder, Single and Recurrent Episodes
Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders

Trauma and stressor-related Disorders are psychiatric conditions related to exposure to a traumatic or stressful event, resulting in significant psychological distress More...

Types of Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders

Reactive Attachment Disorder
Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Acute Stress Disorder
Adjustment Disorders

Elimination Disorders

Elimination disorders involve the inappropriate elimination of urine and feces and are first diagnosed in childhood or adolescence. The nature of this disorder is related More...

Types of Elimination Disorders

Enuresis
Encopresis

Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders

These disorders are characterized by loss of contact with reality (psychosis), false auditory or visual perceptions (hallucinations), false beliefs (delusions) More...

Types of Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders

Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety is a distressing, unpleasant emotional state of nervousness and uneasiness; its causes are less clear. Anxiety is less tied to the exact timing of More...

Types of Anxiety Disorders

Phobia Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia)
Panic Disorder
Panic Attack (Specifier)
Agoraphobia
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Dissociative Disorders

Dissociative disorders involve problems with memory, identity, emotion, perception, behavior and sense of self. Dissociative symptoms can potentially disrup More...

Types of Dissociative Disorders

Dissociative Identity Disorder
Dissociative Amnesia
Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder

Sleep-Wake Disorders

Normally, circadian rhythms are in sync with the surrounding environment, which helps people stay awake during the daytime and fall asleep at night. Circadian rhythm More...

Types of Sleep-wake Disorders

Insomnia Disorder
Hypersomnolence Disorder
Narcolepsy

Bipolar and Related Disorders

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry More...

Types of Bipolar and Related Disorders

Bipolar I Disorder
Bipolar II Disorder
Cyclothymic Disorder
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)r
Tic Disordersr
Tourette’s Disorder

Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders

Obsessive-Compulsive and related disorders is a disorder characterized by recurrent intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that prompt the performance of More...

Types of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Hoarding Disorder
Trichotillomania (Hair-Pulling Disorder)
Excoriation (Skin-Picking) Disorder

Feeding and Eating Disorders

Feeding and eating disorders are mental disorders that involve a persistent disturbance of eating or eating-related behaviors that cause a change in consumption or More...

Types of Feeding and Eating Disorders

Pica
Rumination Disorder
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
Anorexia Nervosa
Bulimia Nervosa
Binge-Eating Disorder

Gender Dysphoria

When the perceived mismatch between birth sex and felt gender identity causes someone significant distress or disability, a diagnosis of gender dysphoria may be More...

Gender Dysphoria

Disruptive, Impulse-Control, and Conduct Disorders

Types of Disruptive, Impulse-Control, and Conduct Disorders

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
Intermittent Explosive Disorder
Conduct Disorder
Antisocial Personality Disorder
Pyromania
Kleptomania

Neurocognitive Disorders

Involve impairments in cognitive abilities such as memory, problem solving and perception. Cognitivedeficits are acquired rather than developmental.

Types of Neurocognitive Disorders

Delirium
Alzheimer’s Disease
Traumatic Brain Injury

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

If your child has been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), you are already aware that he or she has some underlying difficulties with social skills.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Resources Parents of Children

Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety is a distressing, unpleasant emotional state of nervousness and uneasiness; its causes are less clear. Anxiety is less tied to the exact timing of a threat.

Types of Anxiety Disorders

Phobia Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia)
Panic Disorder
Panic Attack (Specifier)
Agoraphobia
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Elimination Disorders

Involve the inappropriate elimination of urine and feces and are first diagnosed in childhood or adolescence. The nature of this disorder is related to sphincter control.

Types of Elimination Disorders

Enuresis
Encopresis

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

If your child has been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), you are already aware that he or she has some underlying difficulties with social skills.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Resources Parents of Children

Bipolar and Related Disorders

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry More...

Types of Bipolar and Related Disorders

Bipolar I Disorder
Bipolar II Disorder
Cyclothymic Disorder
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)r
Tic Disordersr
Tourette’s Disorder

Feeding and Eating Disorders

Feeding and eating disorders are mental disorders that involve a persistent disturbance of eating or eating-related behaviors that cause a change in consumption or More...

Types of Feeding and Eating Disorders

Pica
Rumination Disorder
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
Anorexia Nervosa
Bulimia Nervosa
Binge-Eating Disorder

Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders

Obsessive-Compulsive and related disorders is a disorder characterized by recurrent intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that prompt the performance of More...

Types of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Hoarding Disorder
Trichotillomania (Hair-Pulling Disorder)
Excoriation (Skin-Picking) Disorder

Gender Dysphoria

When the perceived mismatch between birth sex and felt gender identity causes someone significant distress or disability, a diagnosis of gender dysphoria may be More...

Gender Dysphoria

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

If your child has been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), you are already aware that he or she has some underlying difficulties with social skills More...

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Testimonials

What our patients have to say about us at SOWEGA Autism & Psychiatry

“We love Flora. I was a scared to death mom with a kid who was struggling bigtime from what we suspected was ADHD. And so fearful of all that comes with that diagnosis of him changing from medication, having to be on medication regularly, the right dosage, etc. She was able to find the perfect fit for our family, my son is doing awesome, he has flexibility of not having to be on medication all the time, and family life has changed back to a happy home.”

Mary Arsinger

"Thank you Flora, you have put me on track for a brighter future! Anyone looking for a psychiatric nurse practitioner that truly understands where you are coming from and has a genuine care for their patients’ recovery you need to go see Flora at SOWEGA Autism & Psychiatry in Albany, GA"

Doneta Mcpherson

"Flora has been helping me for over 4 years now and I must say that she has helped me cope with my depression and anxiety. She moved back to Albany, GA and my family are following her. Yes, she is just that good at what she does, and we are following her. I usually don’t have to wait long in the waiting area. But if I do, she is worth it. I recommend Flora to anyone who has mental health issues. She is patient, understanding, and will help you cope with whatever you’re dealing with"

lvan Dukes

"Flora goes above and beyond . She helped my relative’s child when all hopes were lost. Flora was the one to never give up . She changed that child’s life . I was there to see the worst time of that little child’s life and now that child is thriving . The mom always had prompt replies from her kind and caring office staff, and she never had to wait for Flora to respond back in a crisis situation. I highly recommend Flora!!!!!"

louise Swanson

"SOWEGA Autism & Psychiatry is very responsive. We left another psychiatrist about a year ago due to never being able to get in touch with him in between appointments. We hear from Flora the same day, and often get a response within the same hour! They are knowledgeable and kind, and I am so happy we found them"

Guy Lovaas

Could that be my teen?

It is difficult to look too closely at what baffles and terrifies us until we have to.

Family, Where Life Begins, and Love Never Ends

We are influenced tremendously by our family of origin.

What makes you laugh the hardest?

We’re talking side-splitting, spittle-spraying, I-can’t breathe laughter here.

INSURANCES

We accept most insurance providers. If you have specific questions regarding your coverage, please contact us for additional information.
However, we will reach out to your insurance company about becoming a participating provider or request a single-case approval if warranted; We also work with patients on private pay options.

If you have specific questions regarding your coverage, please contact us for additional information.

What to bring to your appointments:

Insurance card/information
Photo ID
All current medications (prescribed or over the counter)
Completed registration forms or you may complete registration form at your appointment
Payments are due at the time of service

We Will Take You Step-by-Step to Bridge the Gap; How Psychiatry Works:

1 Step

Initial Psychiatric Assessment: New patient evaluations last for approximately 60 minutes. During this initial visit, we review and explore various aspects such as medical history, family history, social and environmental factors, situational variables such as work and school, and how this affects the patient’s thinking and feelings.

2 Step

Diagnosis & Outcome: Based on the information gathered during the initial visit, we determine whether or not a patient meets criteria for a psychiatric diagnosis defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

3 Step

Planning, Implementation & Evaluation: If a diagnosis is made, we discuss our findings with the patient and determine which symptoms are the most bothersome and have a negative life impact. We discuss treatment options such as prescription medications, psychotherapy, or counseling and lifestyle changes that are designed to target these symptoms that are top priority for a patient’s overall quality of life. Follow-up visits are focused on whether or not treatment is helping these symptoms and making changes accordingly or addressing any new or unresolved symptoms as warranted.

What Age groups are served?

Ages 3 and older (across the lifespan).

What kind of treatment will I receive, medication only?

At SOWEGA Autism and
Psychiatry, we will conduct assessments to determine the best treatment plan and will prescribe medications for psychiatric challenges, however, they are not necessary in every situation. We are trained to deal with the psychological and interpersonal aspects of mental challenges in addition to prescription of medications. Often, a change in life situations and/or therapy is an appropriate intervention. We will assist you with referrals if requested.

How Much time should I set aside for my appointments?

New visit, approx. 1 hour;
established visit, approx. 30 minutes. However, the length of your appointment can vary
based on your individualized treatment.

What if I am currently experiencing an emergency?

If you are experiencing a lifethreatening condition or medical emergency, please call 911. If you are experiencing an urgent/crisis situation that is not immediately life-threatening, Call SOWEGA Autism & Psychiatry at (229) 800-5547. The staff will assist you with taking the next steps.

Contact Us

No judgement. No bias. You will receive top quality care in a safe compassionate space.

If you are having thoughts of hurting yourself or anyone else, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. We additionally recommend calling the National Suicide Hotline 988 and the GA Crisis & Access Line, 1-800-715-4225; A CRISIS HAS NO SCHEDULE.