Name: Dr. C. R. Amara
Specialty: Psychiatry (Child & Adolescent Psychiatry)
Qualification/Board Certification: Board Certified in Psychiatry; Board Certified in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
Affiliation: Virginia South Psychiatric & Family Services
Locations: Petersburg, Virginia
Languages Spoken: English
Accepting New Patients: Yes
NPI Number: 1942265509
About the Doctor
Dr. C. R. Amara is a board-certified psychiatrist practicing in Petersburg, Virginia, with over 21 years of experience. He earned his medical degree from Kakatiya Medical College NTR and completed his transitional year internship at Detroit Medical Center/Wayne State University (Sinai-Grace), his residency in Psychiatry at The William W. Backus Hospital, and fellowships in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at New York Presbyterian Hospital (Columbia) and the Institute of Living/Hartford Hospital. Dr. Amara is currently accepting new patients (please confirm with office) and is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area, including Poplar Springs Hospital and Bon Secours Richmond Community Hospital.
Patient Awards & Recognition:
Patient Experience Summary:
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Fair (2/5) for thoroughness of examination
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Fair (2/5) for ability to answer questions
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Fair (2/5) for provider’s follow-up
Education & Training
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Medical School: Kakatiya Medical College NTRhttps://www.kmcwgl.com/
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Internship: Transitional Year – Detroit Medical Center/Wayne State University (Sinai-Grace), 1987–1988
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Residency: Psychiatry – The William W. Backus Hospital, 1988–1991
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Fellowship/Additional Training: Child and Adolescent Psychiatry – New York Presbyterian Hospital (Columbia), 1991–1992
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Fellowship/Additional Training: Child and Adolescent Psychiatry – Institute of Living/Hartford Hospital, 1992–1993
Medical Conditions Treated
Dr. Amara specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness in both adults and children/adolescents. His subspecialty is child and adolescent psychiatry.
Common conditions include:
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Psychoses (severe mental disturbances including delusions, hallucinations, impaired reality perception)
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Anxiety and depression (excessive worry, fear, persistent sadness, lack of interest, sleep and appetite changes)
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Schizophrenia
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Bipolar disorder (extreme mood swings between depressive lows and manic highs)
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Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
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Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
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Panic disorder
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Phobias
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Eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia)
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Substance use disorders (alcohol, drug addiction)
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Autism spectrum disorder (co-occurring psychiatric conditions)
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Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)
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Conduct disorder
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Adjustment disorders
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Suicidal ideation and self-harm behaviors
Medical Procedures Performed
Dr. Amara provides psychiatric evaluation and treatment services, focusing on medication management and psychotherapeutic interventions.
Procedures include:
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Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation (diagnostic interview, mental status exam)
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Medication management (antidepressants, mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, anxiolytics, stimulants, etc.)
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Psychotherapy (individual, family, group)
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Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
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Child and adolescent psychiatric assessment
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Risk assessment (suicide, self-harm, harm to others)
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Crisis intervention
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Coordination with inpatient psychiatric hospitalization
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Collaborative care with primary care physicians and therapists
Services Offered
Dr. Amara provides comprehensive psychiatric services for children, adolescents, and adults with mental health disorders. His practice, Virginia South Psychiatric & Family Services, offers thorough diagnostic evaluations, medication management, and psychotherapy. He has particular expertise in treating psychoses, anxiety and depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. His subspecialty training in child and adolescent psychiatry allows him to treat younger patients with conditions such as ADHD, mood disorders, and behavioral issues. Patients have reported fair experiences across multiple metrics, including thoroughness of examination, ability to answer questions, and follow-up care. It is recommended to discuss specific treatment expectations and communication preferences directly with the practice.
Detailed services include:
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Comprehensive psychiatric evaluations – Full psychiatric history, mental status examination, diagnostic assessment, and treatment planning for children, adolescents, and adults
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Medication management – Prescribing, adjusting, and monitoring psychiatric medications (antidepressants, mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, anxiolytics, stimulants for ADHD, etc.)
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Psychotherapy – Individual, family, and group therapy sessions addressing a range of mental health concerns
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Child and adolescent psychiatry – Specialized evaluation and treatment for younger patients with ADHD, anxiety, depression, behavioral disorders, and developmental concerns
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Bipolar disorder management – Mood stabilization, medication optimization, and psychoeducation for patients and families
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Schizophrenia and psychoses treatment – Antipsychotic medication management, symptom monitoring, and coordination with community support services
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Anxiety and depression treatment – Antidepressant medications, CBT, and lifestyle counseling
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ADHD management – Stimulant and non-stimulant medications, behavioral strategies, and school coordination
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Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) treatment – SSRI medications and exposure/response prevention (ERP) therapy
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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment – Trauma-informed care, medication management, and therapy referrals
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Substance use disorder treatment – Medication-assisted treatment, counseling, and referral to addiction services
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Crisis intervention – Assessment and management of acute psychiatric emergencies, including suicidal ideation or psychotic episodes
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Inpatient coordination – Psychiatric hospitalization referrals and aftercare planning
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Coordination of care – Collaboration with primary care physicians, therapists, social workers, and school counselors
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Patient and family education – Diagnosis explanation, treatment options, medication side effects, and coping strategies
Accepted Insurances
Dr. Amara accepts a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicaid. Please contact the office to verify that your specific plan is accepted.
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Aetna (EPO, HMO, Medicaid, Medicare, POS, PPO)
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Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (Medicare, PPO)
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Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (Medicare, POS, PPO)
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Cigna (PPO)
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Elevance (EPO, HMO, Medicaid, Medicare, POS, PPO)
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United Healthcare (HMO, Medicaid, Medicare, POS, PPO)
Practice Locations
Address: 269 Medical Park Blvd, Petersburg, VA 23805
Phone: (804) 861-0700
Hospital Affiliations
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Poplar Springs Hospital – Petersburg, VA
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Bon Secours Richmond Community Hospital – Richmond, VA
Cardiologist
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