Andrea Tennison, MD is a Psychiatrist practicing at a clinic in San Antonio, TX. She is a trusted local provider on kellysearch.com, dedicated to providing comprehensive psychiatric care in accordance with the Texas Medical Board and the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Medical Practice Act). Psychiatrists are medical doctors specializing in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders, managing psychiatric medications, and performing advanced treatments like TMS and ECT, often working collaboratively with primary care physicians to provide comprehensive patient care. Dr. Tennison serves all ages.
Dr. Andrea Iken Tennison, MD is a psychiatrist in San Antonio, TX and has over 25 years of experience in the medical field. She graduated from the University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio Long School of Medicine in 1996. With over 25 years of dedicated experience, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and care to her patients. She is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. She is currently welcoming new patients and you can call (210) 261-3800 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Tennison provides consultations primarily in English.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Tennison is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Tennison's comprehensive psychiatric care approach prioritizes a strong patient-physician relationship. She utilizes evidence-based treatments, including medication management and advanced therapies like TMS and ECT, while collaborating with primary care physicians to ensure holistic patient care. Her practice emphasizes clear communication and a personalized treatment plan to help each patient achieve optimal mental well-being.
By working together, you and Dr. Tennison can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN
- Blue Choice
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
- Blue Essentials HMO
- BlueCard PPO
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- Choice Care Network PPO
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice POS
- Cigna
- Cigna HMO
- Cigna PPO
- Community First Health Plans
- HMO Premier HMO
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- LocalPlus
- National POS
- Open Access Plus
- Preferred PPO
- University Community Care Plan TX
As your primary healthcare provider, Dr. Tennison offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Adjustment Disorder: When a major life change leads to overwhelming feelings like sadness, anxiety, or difficulty functioning, it might be adjustment disorder, treatable with therapy and potentially medication from a psychiatrist.
- Alcoholism (Alcohol Dependence): Alcoholism is characterized by uncontrolled alcohol consumption despite its negative effects on your life. A psychiatrist can provide a comprehensive treatment plan to address this serious condition.
- Bipolar Disorder: Bipolar disorder is a mental illness causing extreme mood swings between high (mania) and low (depression) periods, and a psychiatrist can help manage these mood swings with medication and therapy.
- Drug and Alcohol Dependence: A psychiatrist treats drug and alcohol dependence by addressing the underlying brain chemistry imbalances that contribute to addiction and using medication to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
- Nondependent Alcohol Abuse: Someone with nondependent alcohol abuse drinks alcohol to excess, causing problems in their life, but hasn't developed a physical dependence on alcohol; a psychiatrist can help manage these issues through therapy and/or medication.
- Nondependent Drug and Alcohol Abuse: Someone with nondependent drug and alcohol abuse might use substances more often than is considered healthy, experiencing negative consequences as a result.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): If you have OCD, characterized by intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors, a psychiatrist can help by prescribing medication, offering therapy, or suggesting other treatments like TMS to reduce symptoms.
- Personality Disorders: Personality disorders are enduring patterns of thinking and behaving that cause significant distress or problems in relationships and work.
- Schizoaffective Disorder: If you have schizoaffective disorder, you'll experience both psychotic symptoms (like hallucinations) and significant mood changes (like mania or depression); a psychiatrist can help you find the right combination of medication and therapy to improve your symptoms.
- Schizophreniform and Schizoaffective Disorder: Schizophreniform disorder is a short-term version of schizophrenia, while schizoaffective disorder combines schizophrenia symptoms with mood swings; psychiatrists help manage these conditions through medication, therapy, and close monitoring.
This list represents some of the common conditions treated. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional.
To provide comprehensive and patient-centered care, Dr. Tennison offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Alcohol or Substance Misuse Screening and Counseling: This service helps identify and address unhealthy alcohol or substance use patterns through a confidential assessment and guidance.
- Dementia or Depression Screening: A screening for dementia and depression helps your doctor understand your mental state and whether further testing or treatment is necessary.
- Psychiatric Evaluation: This evaluation helps your psychiatrist understand your mental health concerns and develop a personalized treatment plan, including medication if needed.
- Psychological Evaluation: During a psychological evaluation, your psychiatrist will talk with you, possibly administer tests, and review your medical history to understand your mental and emotional state.
- Psychological Evaluations Prior to Bariatric Surgery: Before weight-loss surgery, a psychological evaluation helps assess your mental health and readiness for the significant lifestyle changes involved.
- Geriatric Assessment: A geriatric assessment is a thorough evaluation of an older adult's physical and mental health to identify any issues affecting their well-being.
- PTSD Treatment: If you're struggling with nightmares, flashbacks, or anxiety related to a past trauma, PTSD treatment can provide relief and coping strategies.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for their professional license in Texas.
Dr. Tennison is dedicated to partnering with patients to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how proactive care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan, the patient successfully managed feelings of overwhelming sadness and anxiety, regaining their ability to function and enjoy life. By working with the psychiatrist, they felt empowered to navigate life's challenges with greater resilience.
- By working with their provider to develop a personalized treatment plan, a patient successfully managed their alcoholism, leading to improved relationships and a greater sense of well-being.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
711 E Josephine St, San Antonio, TX, 78208
Phone: (210) 261-3800
View on Map - Practice
6800 Park Ten Blvd Ste 200S, San Antonio, TX, 78213
Phone: (210) 261-1000
View on Map
- University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio Long School of Medicine (Medical School) - 1996
Here are answers to some common questions about receiving Psychiatric care with Dr. Tennison:
- What is the main difference between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist?
- Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MD or DO) who can prescribe medication, while psychologists (PhD or PsyD) specialize in psychotherapy and psychological testing. They often collaborate to provide comprehensive care.
- Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist?
- While a referral from your primary care doctor can be helpful, many insurance plans do not require one. It's best to check with your specific insurance plan to confirm coverage details and any referral requirements before scheduling an appointment with Dr. Tennison.
- Can a psychiatrist help with ADHD in adults?
- Yes, psychiatrists are experts in diagnosing and treating adult ADHD. Dr. Tennison can perform a thorough evaluation to confirm the diagnosis and manage both medication (stimulant and non-stimulant options) and therapeutic strategies to help improve focus and daily functioning.
- What is TMS therapy and who is it for?
- TMS is a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate underactive nerve cells in the brain, often helpful for adults with major depression who haven't responded to antidepressant medications. It's an FDA-approved, medication-free option.
- What is the difference between anxiety and an anxiety disorder?
- Feeling anxious is a normal human response to stress. An anxiety disorder, however, involves excessive and persistent worry that is difficult to control and interferes with daily life. Dr. Tennison can help determine if your symptoms meet the criteria for a disorder and require treatment.
- Do all psychiatrists only prescribe medication? Do you also provide therapy?
- While psychiatrists are experts in medication management, many, including Dr. Tennison, also provide psychotherapy. Treatment plans are personalized and may include medication, therapy, or a combination of both, depending on individual needs.
- Will I have to be on medication forever?
- The duration of medication is highly individualized and depends on your specific condition and progress. For some, medication may be short-term, while for others, long-term maintenance is necessary. We will discuss this with Dr. Tennison regularly to ensure the best approach for you.
- What should I expect during my first psychiatric evaluation?
- Your first appointment with Dr. Tennison will involve a comprehensive discussion of your symptoms, medical and family history, and current life circumstances. This allows Dr. Tennison to gain a thorough understanding and make an accurate diagnosis. It's a collaborative conversation, the first step toward developing a personalized treatment plan.
711 E Josephine St
San Antonio TX 78208
Phone: (210) 261-3800
Andrea Tennison, MD is regulated by the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Medical Practice Act) in Texas and is licensed by The Texas Medical Board.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1972547800
Registration can typically be verified through The Texas Medical Board website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by kellysearch.com, is for informational purposes to help you connect with local healthcare providers. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. Healthcare providers like Dr. Andrea Tennison are trained to manage a wide range of health concerns. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.