Meet Dr. Sarah McAllister
Board-certified psychiatrist based in Fairfield County
Individual psychotherapy has been the “first love” of my career. I find great satisfaction in helping people through difficult times, encouraging them to change lifelong patterns, using medication if necessary, and seeing the improvements.
I specialize in helping women through the different “hot spots” of life. “Hot spots” are phases in women’s lives that are commonly difficult: societal, environmental and psychological pressures can create heightened stress and emotion. I try to help women understand these heightened feelings can be normal given their particular stage in life. Other times, “hot spots” can trigger anxiety, depression, eating or substance abuse issues. My goal is to help women view the “hot spot” as a catalyst for healing and positive change.
What To Expect
When meeting a client for the first time, I evaluate a person’s phase of life, medical conditions, environmental stressors, diet, family dynamics, genetic history and core beliefs about herself.
While medication has its place in treatment, I am just as likely to see a patient for weekly therapy, recommend nutritional supplements, or suggest significant lifestyle changes (often a combination of the above!)
The aim of my practice is to provide expert psychiatric care in a trusting and empathetic environment. I encourage a collaborative treatment style to help you recover faster and develop the insight, skills, and resilience needed to better handle life challenges.
During treatment, I follow closely with my patients and am available via phone or email.
Professional Background
After graduating Phi Beta Kappa from Vanderbilt University with a Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience, I attended medical school at The University of Texas at San Antonio.
Before specializing in psychiatry, I completed two years of Family Practice Training at The Central Texas Medical Foundation. I then completed my Psychiatry residency at Beth Israel Medical Center in Manhattan.
After residency I became the Medical Director of The Eating Disorders Unit at The Menninger Clinic, affiliated with Baylor Medical Center in Houston, Texas. I also worked in the HOPE Unit at Menninger which specializes in difficult to treat mood, psychotic and personality disorders.
In 2008 I moved to Connecticut and worked as an Attending Psychiatrist at St. Vincent’s Behavioral Health in Westport. I later became Director of the Substance Abuse Detox Unit at St.Vincent’s.
Education
Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience, Vanderbilt University
Honors: Phi Beta Kappa, Magna Cum Laude, College Scholars Program 1990 - 1994, Optimist Scholarship 1990
Nashville, TN
Medical Doctor, University of Texas Medical School at San Antonio Health Science Center
San Antonio, TX
Residency and Postdoctoral Training
Family Practice Training
Central Texas Medical Foundation, Austin, TX
Psychiatry Residency
Beth Israel Medical Center, New York, NY
Professional Experience
Associate Professor of Psychiatry, The Hope Unit
Medical Director, The Eating Disorders Unit
Menninger Clinic, Baylor Medical Center, Houston, TX
Attending Psychiatrist & Director
Substance Abuse Detox Unit
St. Vincent’s Behavioral Health, Westport, CT