Bridging Psychiatry and the Menopause Transition: Meet Our Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, Heather Dunford

Navigating midlife comes with a unique set of physical and emotional shifts, and for many women, the intersection of menopause and mental health is profoundly overlooked. At Summit Psychiatry Associates, we believe in treating the whole person. That is why we are thrilled to announce that our Co-Founder Heather Dunford, PA-C, DMSc, CAQ-Psych, has officially earned her Menopause Society Practitioner Certification (MSCP).

This specialized credential bridges a critical gap in women’s healthcare, allowing Heather to bring a deeply informed, comprehensive approach to psychiatric care for women in midlife.

The Hidden Mental Health Impacts of Menopause

When we think of perimenopause and menopause, physical symptoms like hot flashes often come to mind first. However, the hormonal fluctuations during this transition can take a significant toll on mental health and cognitive function.

Heather pursued this rigorous certification specifically to better serve her perimenopausal and menopausal patients who are navigating disruptive, often frightening symptoms, including:

• New or worsening anxiety and depression: Mood shifts that seem to come out of nowhere or exacerbate existing mental health conditions.

• Insomnia: Difficulty falling or staying asleep, compounding on daytime exhaustion.

• Vasomotor symptoms: Hot flashes and night sweats that disrupt daily life and sleep cycles.

• Cognitive changes: Worsening attention, memory issues, and the frustration sensation commonly known as “brain fog.”

  
  

Too often, women are told that these symptoms are just a normal part of aging, or their mental health struggles are treated in isolation without considering the underlying hormonal shifts. Heather seeks to change that narrative for her patients. 

Hormonal and Non-Hormonal Solutions

Treating midlife mental health requires a nuanced understanding of all available interventions. With her advanced psychiatric training and her MSCP credential, Heather is highly knowledgeable about both hormonal and non-hormonal treatment pathways. She works collaboratively with her patients to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and mental health benefits of each route.

Midlife women deserve access to information, meaningful conversations, and the knowledge to make informed choices about this stage of life.

- Heather Dunford

Whether it means adjusting psychiatric medications, exploring non-hormonal therapies to target hot flashes and anxiety, or coordinating care regarding hormone replacement therapy (HRT), Heather ensures her patients are fully educated and empowered to choose the path that aligns with their health goals and personal preferences. 

Take Control of Your Menopause Experience

You don't have to navigate your way through perimenopause or menopause alone. If you are experiencing new anxiety, disrupted sleep, persistent brain fog, or mood shifts that are impacting your quality of life, specialized care makes all the difference. Ready to find a treatment plan that works for you? Click the Schedule Now button to book your consultation with Heather at Summit Psychiatry Associates today.