Jenna Triana, MD

What is your practice philosophy? I believe it is essential to consider the whole context of a person’s mental health – their family, community, culture, background, and development – it rare that a mental health concern exists in isolation.  Because of this, mental health treatment is a “team sport” that must include an interdisciplinary approach, and engagement of patients’ families or other care givers.  I am a big believer in psychotherapy as an essential part of treatment for nearly all patients.  I strive to truly understand the perspective of patients and their families, and emphasize education about psychiatric illness in my treatment approach.  I aim to always be open in my decision making and recommendations with patients and their families, working to integrate their priorities and needs into a plan we develop together.   

If I wasn’t a provider, I would be a: Teacher! Teaching has always been a big part of my job as a psychiatrist – teaching future doctors, teaching colleagues from other disciplines about psychiatry, and providing education to patients and their families about mental health – and it is probably the part of my job I love the most.  If I couldn’t practice medicine, teaching would be the next best thing.   

Why did you become a provider? When did you know this was the career for you? It took me a while to find my way – first I went to art school, then worked as a graphic designer, then found my way back to science.  I think medicine, psychiatry in particular, is a great way to combine the arts and science.  The part of being a doctor I’ve always liked the most is getting to know people’s stories, and I have always been interested in psychology, so I chose psychiatry as my specialty.  Then, I subspecialized in child and adolescent psychiatry because it’s where I feel I can make the most impact in my work and because I can always find joy and hope working with kids.  I also enjoy working with families, which is an essential piece of practicing child psychiatry – it’s so fulfilling when I am able to help kids and their families understand one another better. 

Something I have learned from my patients is: Everyone is doing the best they can with the hand they were dealt, there is always a reason for symptoms or behaviors that don’t seem to make sense in the moment.  It’s important to be curious about what’s underneath instead of judging what’s on the surface. 

My personal health goal is: To maintain some kind of regular exercise, even if it’s just going for walks most days.  

What is the best thing you’ve done for your health or the best health advice you’ve received? Maintaining good sleep habits, especially getting to bed earlier and staying away from screens close to bed time.