J. Andrew Huchingson, M.D.

Board Certified adult psychiatrist

Dr. Huchingson graduated from Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, where he was selected as an honorary fellow through the New Orleans Psychoanalytic Center, and as an AMSA Hospice Fellow with training through Horizon Hospice of Chicago.  After completing medical school, he completed his residency in Adult Psychiatry with a focus on psychotherapy at the Medical University of South Carolina.

Since completing his residency, Dr. Huchingson has been an Assistant Professor at MUSC, Medical Director of a 14-bed inpatient psychiatric unit, Clinical Psychiatrist at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, where he worked with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).  

Dr. Huchingson is the only qualified teacher of MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction) in Charleston, having completed the extensive Professional Teacher Training Program through the Center for Mindfulness at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center during the years of 2015-2018. He is active with a local Mindfulness Initiative, as well as a local Psychodynamic Practitioner Collective.  

Choosing and Seeing a Psychiatrist can be Stressful

Dr. Huchingson understands that choosing and seeing a psychiatrist can be stressful.  He strives to provide a welcoming environment where patients can feel free to reflect on and discuss difficult issues in an atmosphere of peace, away from the demands and concerns outside.  His practice is a safe and judgement-free space.

Individualized Method of Treatment

Instead of simple "med checks," Dr. Huchingson's practice focuses on personalized care based on patient needs and goals, and includes a comprehensive approach that takes into account both the psychology and biology of each individual patient when determining the best method of treatment.

Philosophy

Dr Huchingson believes that , whether dealing with relationship difficulties or complex mood disorders, the most successful treatments integrate therapy, mindfulness and medication, when necessary, to provide the most effective solutions for his patients.

The Practice

Each of us is a biologically unique being that has evolved from an equally unique history of our own personal circumstances.  Because of this, there is no one form of treatment that works in the exact same way for everyone.  Dr, Huchingson specializes in three key areas, allowing him to provide customized care to each patient.

Psychotherapy

Simply put, psychotherapy is talk therapy.  According to research, the majority of people who receive psychotherapy report some amount of symptom relief, a number of beneficial changes, and a higher level of functioning in their lives. 

Researchers have used brain imaging techniques to identify significant changes in brain images conducted before and after a person has undergone psychotherapy.  In most cases, the changes seen were similar to those resulting from medication.  

Psychotherapy should be approached with an open mind and viewed as a partnership or a collaborative effort between the patient and the therapist.  Regardless of the psychotherapy technique used (CBT, Psychodynamic, Supportive, etc.) the relationship between the patient and the therapist is the most important factor in determining a patient's likelihood of success in psychotherapy.  With this in mind, it is important to choose a therapist with whom you feel comfortable expressing yourself honestly and openly.

Mindfulness

According to Mindfulness.org, “Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us.”

Some of the benefits that can be attained through a practice of mindfulness are improved self-control, reduced impulsivity, increased objectivity, greater stress tolerance, enhanced mental flexibility, more balance within one's life, improved concentration and mental clarity, increased emotional intelligence, more positive feelings about oneself, and a greater ability to relate to others.

The practice of mindfulness and it's measurable effects on the brain have been studied in depth over the past 40 years, with very encouraging findings.  There is also evidence that mindfulness can enhance psychotherapy, and in many cases, reduce or even eliminate the need for certain medications.

Medication Management

Medication Management is a type of therapy used to ensure that a patient is receiving the best possible outcomes from his or her prescription medications.  

During a Medication Management session, the physician performs an assessment and a comprehensive review of all medications he or she prescribes to the patient in order to determine if medications are effective and being efficiently utilized.  Changes in symptoms, as well as any side-effects, are discussed, and changes may be made to the prescribed medications based on these discussions.  Before the end of the session, the physician will ensure that the patient understands any changes that have been made and how use any newly prescribed medication properly.  

Our Location

720 Magnolia Road, Suite 18, Charleston, SC 29407

Dr. Huchingson's office is located in a white brick building called The Schoolhouse, located at the corner of Magnolia Road and Sycamore Avenue, in the Avondale area of West Ashley, in Charleston, SC.  It sits directly adjacent to the Magnolia Community Gardens.

The location is ideal because of its proximity to Downtown Charleston/the peninsula, all areas of West Ashley, James Island, Johns Island, and Folly Beach.  The building's parking lot provides plenty of off-street parking at no charge.

The entrance to the portion of the building where offices are located is marked by painted signage (pictured here).  After entering the building through this entrance, the door to Dr. Huchingson's waiting room is the first door on the right.  There is no need to knock before entering the waiting room.

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