Damien Larkins, MD is a Psychiatrist practicing at our Houston, TX clinic, dedicated to providing comprehensive psychiatric care. He is a trusted local provider on kellysearch.com, registered with The Texas Medical Board and practicing under 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. Larkins serves all ages.
Dr. Damien Larkins, MD is a psychiatrist in Houston, TX and has over 10 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Meharry Medical College in 2011. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. With over 10 years of dedicated experience, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and care to his patients. He is Board Certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology. Dr. Larkins is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. He provides consultations primarily in English. Please call (281) 420-8400 to schedule an appointment.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Larkins is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Larkins provides comprehensive psychiatric care, focusing on building strong, trusting relationships with patients. He employs a collaborative approach, working closely with primary care physicians to ensure holistic care. His practice integrates evidence-based treatments with personalized strategies, addressing the unique needs of each patient to achieve optimal mental well-being.
By working together, you and Dr. Larkins can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- APCN Choice POS II
- Aetna
- Aetna HMO
- Ambetter
- Blue Advantage HMO
- 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
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna HMO
- Cigna PPO
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- Group Health Network
- HMO Premier HMO
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Houston Area HMO-Standard
- Humana
- Humana Health Plan of Texas
- LocalPlus
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
- National POS
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice PPO
- Preferred PPO
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- Prime Health Services
- Signature Administrators PPO
- Superior Health Plan
- SureFit Houston
- Whole Health - Memorial Hermann HMO
As your primary healthcare provider, Dr. Larkins offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Autism: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition affecting communication and social interaction, and a psychiatrist can help manage related challenges like anxiety or depression through medication and therapy.
- Psychosis Due to Mental Illness: Psychosis due to mental illness means a person is experiencing a break from reality, like hallucinations or delusions, caused by a condition like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, and a psychiatrist can help manage this with medication and therapy.
- Schizoaffective Disorder: People with schizoaffective disorder experience periods of psychosis (losing touch with reality) alongside intense mood swings, and a psychiatrist is crucial for diagnosis and treatment through medication, therapy, and monitoring.
- Impulse Control Disorders: If you're struggling with impulsive behaviors that you can't control, a psychiatrist can assess if you have an impulse control disorder and develop a treatment plan, potentially including medication and therapy.
- Binge Eating Disorder: Binge eating disorder involves episodes of consuming excessive food in a short period, often accompanied by feelings of guilt and shame; a psychiatrist can provide comprehensive treatment.
- Drug and Alcohol Dependence: If you struggle with uncontrolled drug or alcohol use, a psychiatrist can assess your situation, prescribe medications to help you stop using, and refer you to additional support services.
- Opioid Dependence: If you're struggling to stop using opioids despite the negative consequences, you might have an opioid dependence.
- Anorexia: People with anorexia have a distorted body image and fear gaining weight, leading to unhealthy eating habits and weight loss; a psychiatrist plays a vital role in assessing and treating the underlying mental health aspects of this disorder and coordinating care with other healthcare providers.
- Mood Disorders (Dysthymia and Cyclothymia): Psychiatrists specialize in treating mood disorders like dysthymia and cyclothymia, offering medication management, therapy options, and other support to help stabilize your mood and improve your quality of life.
- Tobacco Use Disorder: Psychiatrists play a role in treating tobacco use disorder, a form of addiction, by providing evidence-based treatments that might include medication to reduce cravings and behavioral therapies to change smoking habits.
- ADHD and-or ADD: If you suspect ADHD or ADD, a psychiatrist can perform evaluations, provide accurate diagnoses, and create a personalized treatment plan involving medication and/or behavioral strategies.
- Schizophreniform and Schizoaffective Disorder: Schizoaffective and schizophreniform disorders involve a disruption in how your brain functions, leading to difficulty distinguishing reality from fantasy; a psychiatrist can use medication and other therapies to help improve symptoms and overall quality of life.
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. Larkins offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Alcohol or Substance Misuse Screening and Counseling: Counselors will assess your alcohol and substance use to understand its impact on your life and provide support.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of talk therapy that teaches you coping skills to manage stress, anxiety, and depression.
- Dementia or Depression Screening: A dementia or depression screening helps determine if you have symptoms of either condition through a series of questions and assessments.
- Psychiatric Evaluation: Expect to discuss your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors during a psychiatric evaluation so your doctor can properly diagnose and treat any mental health issues.
- Psychological Evaluation: A psychological evaluation is a crucial step in receiving a correct diagnosis for mental health conditions, leading to more effective and personalized care.
- 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.
- Adolescent Counseling: Through counseling, teens can learn effective strategies to navigate difficult life transitions and improve their overall mental health.
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. Larkins 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:
- By working with their provider to develop coping mechanisms and medication strategies, a patient successfully managed their autism-related anxiety, allowing them to thrive in their daily life.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan, the patient gradually regained a sense of stability and control over their symptoms, leading to improved daily functioning and a more fulfilling life.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
5616 Lawndale St Ste A108, Houston, TX, 77023
Phone: (281) 420-8400
View on Map - Practice
5616 Lawndale St Ste A110, Houston, TX, 77023
Phone: (832) 548-5000
View on Map - Practice
5515 South Loop E, Houston, TX, 77033
Phone: (713) 924-5500
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- Meharry Medical College (Medical School) - 2011
- American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology (Psychiatry)
Here are answers to some common questions about receiving Psychiatric care with Dr. Larkins:
- 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 always best to check with your specific insurance plan to confirm coverage details and any referral requirements before scheduling an appointment.
- Do all psychiatrists only prescribe medication? Do you also provide therapy?
- While a psychiatrist's primary expertise is medication management, many, including Dr. Larkins, also incorporate psychotherapy into their sessions or offer therapy-only appointments. The treatment plan is personalized and may involve 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 response to treatment. Some conditions may require short-term medication, while others may benefit from long-term maintenance. We will discuss this with you regularly to determine the best approach for your needs.
- Can a psychiatrist help with ADHD in adults?
- Yes, psychiatrists are experts in diagnosing and treating adult ADHD. Dr. Larkins 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.
- Can you help with addiction or substance use problems?
- Yes, Dr. Larkins is experienced in treating addiction and substance use disorders. Psychiatrists are trained to diagnose and manage these issues. She can perform a comprehensive evaluation, manage withdrawal, and prescribe medications to help reduce cravings and support recovery.
- What is TMS therapy and who is it for?
- TMS is a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. It's an FDA-approved, medication-free option, typically for adults with major depression who haven't responded to antidepressant medications.
- What should I expect during my first psychiatric evaluation?
- Your first appointment with Dr. Larkins will involve a comprehensive discussion of your symptoms, medical history, family history, and life circumstances. This allows Dr. Larkins to gain a complete picture and make an accurate diagnosis. It's a collaborative conversation, the first step toward developing a personalized treatment plan.
5616 Lawndale St Ste A108
Houston TX 77023
Phone: (281) 420-8400
Damien Larkins, 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): 1487940359
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. Damien Larkins 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.