Survey Response: Alicia B. Batson, MD

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This survey was last updated in January 2018.

Degrees/Licenses Held: MD, Combined Internal Medicine and Psychiatry, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics

Contact Information:
Alicia B. Batson MD
Centerstone
230 Venture Circle
Nashville, Tn 37228
615-788-3557
alicia.bond.batson@gmail.com
Website: http://aliciabatsonmd.com/

Number of years in practice helping people with TMS: Since 2014

Number of clients you have seen who have had TMS: 100+ clients.

What is your association to the TMS community?
After having experienced TMS symptoms for 10 years and healed with the help of TMS practitioners, I am now helping others in their journey as they recover their lives.

Have you ever suffered from TMS? If so, how did you recover? (optional)
Yes, I suffered with debilitating symptoms for 10 years. I recovered under the guidance of Dr. Howard Schubiner and Alan T. Gordon.

What insurance plans do you currently accept? I take most forms of medical insurance.

Do you have a sliding scale of payment for people who are not covered by insurance? No, but Centerstone can help you obtain medical insurance.

Are you able to conduct sessions over the phone and/or via internet video services (i.e. Skype or FaceTime)? No.

What have you done to educate yourself about TMS, and what plans do you have for further education about TMS?
My TMS journey which has taken me from experiencing over 20 symptoms resulting in tremendous disability to placing first in my age group in my first triathlon following recovery has blessed me with first hand experience of all that my patients go through. Beyond my direct experience, I have shadowed Dr. Howard Schubiner, an internationally renowned TMS physician, learning from his patient care. I have also attended an educational conference for TMS therapists sponsored by the Psychophysiologic Disorders Association.

What mindbody books do you recommend to your patients? In particular do you recommend Dr. Sarno's books?
There are many helpful TMS books which have been published and also some online programs. I don’t think one could go wrong with any of them. See my website at www.aliciabatsonmd.com for a list of recommended educational resources and recovery programs, including those available in audio and spanish.

As we are going to post your answers on the TMS Wiki, feel free to write some text to introduce yourself.
I have undergone dual-training in internal medicine and psychiatry at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics and have a long standing personal and professional interest in the effects of emotions, thoughts, health behaviors and the environment on health outcomes and quality of life. Through my service on the local board of public health, farmers market board and environmental sustainability committees, I have worked to improve access to fresh food, active transportation and a cleaner environment, as well as ensuring people live in safe environments with access to quality health care. Having experienced debilitating MBS/TMS symptoms myself for 10 years before finding help, I fully understand what my patients are going through and am able to guide them in their recovery.

Questions Specific to Physicians

What services do you provide your patients after diagnosis?
Following a thorough history and review of prior medical records and once I feel assured that the patient is suffering from TMS, I educate them about what TMS is, how it works in the brain, and we explore why this may have occurred in their life at this time. The patient will learn cognitive behavioral techniques to interact with the pain in a way that doesn’t perpetuate the symptoms and how to better care for themselves so the pain has no reason to exist. We may also explore internal emotional stress which may be causing and perpetuating the symptoms. Not being a fully trained psychotherapist, it may be necessary to refer the patient to a specifically trained TMS psychotherapist if it becomes apparent that such expertise is necessary for full recovery.

DISCLAIMER: The TMS Wiki is for informational and support purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. See Full Disclaimer.