Minds That Matter | 14221 Metcalf Avenue, Overland Park, KS 66223 | 913-912-7054

Dr. Khanna Spotlight

As seen in HERLIFE:

Spotlight on Minds That Matter with Dr. Poonam Khanna

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Finding Peace of Mind for Families & Children

If only the emotions and issues of our children were written on their foreheads. Sometimes kids are hesitant to share concerns because of how they may be perceived or they do not want to worry others. If your intuition is telling you that something is up with your child or even an adult in your life, reach out to Dr. Poonam Khanna at Minds that Matter. Dr. Khanna will work with you and your family to figure out what is going on.

“If you have a gut feeling that someone is struggling, err on the side of caution and get them evaluated. Because of the stigma still associated with mental health, there can still be apprehension, but seeking assistance can be a freeing experience because you’re not holding things in. Eventually, you can get better and be successful in your life,” noted Dr. Khanna. “When it comes to your children, it’s very important that they see a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist because we have specialized training that is beyond that of General Psychiatry.”

 

Credentials and Experience

Dr. Khanna is board certified in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Adult Psychiatry. She is a member of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She founded Minds that Matter to help those in the Kansas City community who face emotional and behavioral changes. The office at 14221 Metcalf Avenue in Overland Park, Kansas, is warm and welcoming for kids, teenagers, families and adults; it’s a comfortable space where you will receive personalized attention. Peace of mind can be just a phone call away by working with Dr. Khanna and Minds that Matter.

Dr. Khanna’s medical background is impressive, which begins with her medical degree from The Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. She completed her internship at Michigan State University and went on to Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals for her General Psychiatry degree. Then she finished a two-year fellowship at The Menninger Clinic in Topeka, Kansas, and The University of Kansas Medical Center.

Her extensive medical background has made her very knowledgeable about medication treatment for the different disorders. Dr. Khanna will work with you to determine the diagnosis and best course of treatment. For all cases, she begins with a detailed and comprehensive assessment to discover the issues. Her knowledge in Psychopharmacology enables her to use medications appropriately, when warranted. Dr. Khanna also endorses the use of therapy, in conjunction with medication management, and will give the appropriate referral for therapy if needed.

 

Intuitive and Caring Approach

When patients meet with Dr. Khanna for the first time, they will discuss experiences and the timeline of their life, talking about school, family, friends and other issues. They’ll discuss aspects of how they got to where they are now and how these are impacting the life they are currently living. For children, 18 years of age and younger, the initial appointment normally begins with the child to increase their comfort level with the assessment and release their fears.

“Then I invite the parents in for a discussion so I hear from them what they see about the child,” she commented. “Many times there are patterns of behaviors that parents and children don’t recognize until these discussions. It is important is to acquire a timeline of biological, psychological and social factors that are impacting their lives. The comprehensive diagnostic exam that I complete is absolutely critical to diagnosing the issue and establishing a medication treatment regimen.”

 

Creating Comfort for Persons Seeking Help

“For some, it is the stigma in general of mental health that keeps people from getting the help they deserve,” stated Dr. Khanna. “At times, just making the phone call can make you feel better. When patients come in, my office is very comfortable, and the process is a lot easier than they thought it would be. I see a lot of successful endings to many different stories, and often patients will wonder why they didn’t seek help sooner.”

When it comes to mental health, Dr. Khanna reminds us that there is a process to diagnosis and treatment that requires time and patience. “We have to ensure that people aren’t afraid to talk about mental health. With the proper modalities, people can experience quality lives,” remarked Dr. Khanna. “At Minds that Matter, I deal with more than the mind, and I offer a hopeful and positive outcome for my patients. I know that a healthy mind leads to peace of mind.” HLM