Juliana Lockman MD
Meet Juliana Lockman, MD
Dr. Juliana Lockman directs the Functional Neurologic Symptom Disorder (FND) track at La Selva. She works in collaboration with the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at Stanford, where she is Clinical Associate Professor in Neuropsychiatry. She completed residencies in both Neurology at the University of Virginia and Psychiatry at Stanford Hospital & Clinics. Her professional goals include developing effective therapies and improving access to care for clients with FND and related disorders.
The Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) Track is a specialized treatment track within La Selva’s state-of-the-art residential, partial hospitalization (PHP) and intensive outpatient programs (IOP). Residential clients live in the La Selva house in Palo Alto while attending the program. PHP/IOP clients attend on an outpatient basis, 3-5 days per week, averaging 8-10 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is FND?
Also known as conversion disorder, FND is characterized by neurologic symptoms incompatible with an established neurologic or medical illness. Symptoms may include psychogenic non-epileptic seizures, abnormal movements, paralysis and speech changes. The diagnosis of FND is typically made by a neurologist by way of clinical exam, neuroimaging and/or neurophysiological testing.
What services are available?
La Selva’s specially trained multidisciplinary team collaborates with each client to design a tailored treatment plan. The program relies on evidence-based treatment, including cognitive and dialectical behavior therapy (CBT and DBT). Didactic and interactive-style groups address topics such as wellness recovery, anger management, codependency, effective communication, family dynamics and more. Clients participate in weekly one-on-one sessions with the FND Track director. We also have a physical therapist on staff who is specialized in FND.
How do I refer someone to the program?
For residential admissions, contact Michelle Ly, LCSW: by phone at 650-323-1401 (fax 650-323-1720) or through email at MLy@momentumforhealth.org. For PHP/IOP, contact Meremy Needham: by phone at (650) 617-8349 or through email at mneedham@momentumforhealth.org (preferred). All programs require prior Neurology evaluation with documentation indicating diagnosis of FND/conversion disorder, client demographics, psychiatry/clinical notes, medication list and insurance information.
What is the turnaround time for admission?
For residential, the turnaround time typically depends on how quickly the clinical paperwork is complete (including cleared TB and physician’s report) and the census at the time of packet receipt. For PHP/IOP, we try to accommodate new clients within 3-5 days.
Does my client need to be ambulatory?
For residential, clients must be ambulatory. La Selva house is not ADA accessible, so wheelchairs are not permitted. The PHP/IOP facility is ADA accessible. Clients may have wheelchairs or walkers but must be independent without staff’s help to walk or transfer.
What types of insurance are accepted?
La Selva contracts with many commercial insurance companies and accepts private pay. Programs are unable to accommodate Medicare and Medicaid.