Valerie Kessler, MPAS, PA

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Specializes in: General Internal Medicine, Family Medicine and General Pediatrics

Professional interests include: mental health issues, LGBT issues, women's health issues

18 Old Etna Road
Lebanon, NH 03766

(603) 650-4000

Valerie Kessler, MPAS, PA is in Lebanon, NH specializing in general internal medicine, family medicine and general pediatrics. Valerie Kessler, MPAS, PA is affiliated with Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) and Dartmouth Health.

Office Locations

Address:

18 Old Etna Road
Lebanon, NH 03766

Some issues Valerie Kessler, MPAS, PA can help you with:

LGBT Issues

LGBT stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender, and is indicative of a greater spectrum of different sexualities and genders that some people may identify with. LGBT issues are issues that LGBT people may face in their daily life, affecting children, adolescents, and adults. Adverse experiences and stigmas may contribute to depression, anxiety, and undue stress in LGBT people. Common LGBT issues may include:

Harassment and bullying
Social rejection
Higher risk of suicide

Healthcare providers are working to provide more inclusive care for people of all sexual orientations and identities. Some choose to address LGBT issues through procedures such as chest reconstruction, facial feminization surgery, masculinization surgery, and glottoplasty (surgery to raise the pitch of one's voice). Sensitive OB-GYN care and hormone therapy may also be options for people with LGBT issues.

LGBT therapy can also help people navigate LGBT issues and mental health problems. LGBT affirmative therapy specializes in creating "affirmative" spaces for people who are LGBT. LGBT affirmative therapists use patients' preferred pronouns, address homophobia and social biases, and act as LGBT advocates in their talk therapy sessions.

Mental Health Issues

Mental health issues, also referred to as mental health disorders or mental health illnesses, are a wide variety of conditions that impact behavior, emotion, and cognition. There are many different forms of mental health issues, some of which are acute (short-term), while others are chronic. Common mental health issues include:

Anxiety disorders, such as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, and phobias
Mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder
Eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia
Personality disorders, such as borderline and narcissistic personality disorders
Grief and trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Impulse control and addiction disorders
Psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder

No single cause of mental health issues exists. Multiple factors may increase one's risk for developing mental health issues, including but not limited to:

Genetic history
Chemical imbalances in the brain
Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Substance use
Exposure to viruses, chemicals, or other substances in the womb
Adverse life experiences, such as childhood trauma or recurring stress
Isolation and poor living conditions

Mental health issues are typically diagnosed by a provider like a psychiatrist or a psychologist. These issues are diagnosed through psychological evaluation and talk therapy.

Mental health therapy can be an effective tool in supporting people who are struggling with unwanted feelings, behaviors, or difficult circumstances in their lives. Many forms of therapy are available, including specialized therapies tailored to particular disorders. For many issues, therapists help patients manage their conditions through talk therapy. Other treatments can include medication or stays at a psychiatric facility. Mental health therapy can help people with mental health issues improve their mental and emotional wellbeing.