Highland Medical Group's mission is to provide personalized, high-quality care. We have created a practice that we believe in.

This practice was started in year 2000 by Dr. Riffat S. Ashai, MD with a vision to providing patients with first-rate care, a care so good that we would offer it to our own family members and friends. We are a psychiatric practice of dedicated, experienced physicians who believe in working with our patients to maintain and improve their health. We work together to serve you and your entire family for all of your mental health needs in all stages of life. Our physicians believe in providing comprehensive health care services to our patients in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. We also believe in educating our patients as we work with them to achieve the best results possible. Both physicians are members of American Medical Association and have years of experience in psychiatry. Dr. Ashai and Dr. Zakriya are both Board Certified Physicians. Both are members of American Psychiatric Society and Maryland Psychiatric Society.

Complete Psychiatric Evaluation

To be able to address a psychiatric issue that a person may have, we have to assess thoroughly what is the diagnosis as precisely and as comprehensively as possible.To start: a good history of most concerns and symptoms that bring you to the treatment. Are you able to function at school, at home , or at work? Can you enjoy your leisure time? Is it harder to get along with people than before?

We start asking about your psychiatric history, your history of school, work, and relationship with others, a complete physical history of any existing medical problems and all the medications you are currently taking. Sometimes we may need to conduct psychological and laboratory testing. We also ask about your history of substance abuse. A family history is frequently helpful since the same illness can occur in multiple family members. The same illness may manifest itself with different variations. It is important when treating adolescents to involve family members. Even when treating adults, involving significant others help to define various problems and help to reach a satisfactory and effective treatment,

Medication Management

Our medication management depends on individual needs and desires. Fortunately, we have many non-habit forming anti-anxiety medications, anti-depressant medications, mood stabilizers available to treat psychiatric condition. There is a great deal of individual response and side effects. We try to start from a lower dose and increase it to the point that necessary therapeutic effect is obtained. Customizing the prescription to individual needs is imperative. We have extensive knowledge of psychotropic medications and their side effects.

Duration of Medication Treatment

One frequently asked question is about the duration of treatment. The duration of the treatment depends on the individual. If a crisis triggers the symptoms, the treatment may be time limited. When the the symptoms have been present for a long time, the treatment may take much longer. Some conditions require maintenance requirement of medication similar to diabetes.

Highland Medical Group's mission is to provide personalized, high-quality care. We have created a practice that we ​believe in.

Highland Medical Group's mission is to provide personalized, high-quality care. We have created a practice that we believe in.