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Ophidiophobia and the Fear of Snakes

Ophidiophobia or ophiophobia is the fear of snakes. It is possibly the most common subcategory of herpetophobia , the fear of reptiles. Some researchers believe phobias related to reptiles (and snakes specifically) may be evolutionary, developed by our ancestors as a survival mechanism.  

However, this theory would not explain why snake phobias are relatively common, while fears of predatory animals, such as tigers, are rare. Some research shows that while the tendency to pay close attention to snakes may be evolutionary, the actual fear is learned rather than innate.

The fear of snakes can be tricky to diagnose, as symptoms can vary widely between people.   If you have mild ophidiophobia, you may fear only encounters with large or venomous snakes.

If your phobia is more severe, you may be afraid of smaller snakes as well. You may even be unable to look at photographs or videos in which snakes appear. If you are also afraid of lizards, from small geckos to six-foot Komodo dragons, then your phobia is more properly termed herpetophobia.

Your symptoms may include, but are not limited to, shaking, crying, or running away from snakes. You may experience heart palpitations or have difficulty breathing. You may find it difficult or even impossible to remain in the same room as a snake.  

Ophidiophobia can be insidious. Over time, you may begin to fear things that are not directly related to snakes themselves. For example, you may become afraid of pet stores that offer snakes for sale. You may avoid camping or hiking trips, or even zoos and nature preserves. You may also develop a secondary fear of other reptiles.

It is normal to be nervous or unsure around unfamiliar animals. In addition, there are a number of common myths about snakes. If you have never handled one, you may be nervous that it will be slimy or disgusting or afraid that you will be crushed by a constrictor.

These fears are common and can be dispelled simply by gaining more personal knowledge about animals. The symptoms listed above, on the other hand, are out of proportion to normal nervousness and may indicate an actual phobia . Only a mental health professional can make that determination.

The most common treatments for snake phobia are based on cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques.   You may be encouraged to talk about your fear and taught new messages to replace your fearful self-talk.

You may also be slowly exposed to snakes, beginning with photographs and gradually building up to a live encounter with a small snake in a controlled environment. Hypnosis is sometimes used to assist in relaxation.

Fortunately, ophidiophobia has an excellent chance for successful treatment.

It is important, though, to choose a therapist that you feel you can trust to help you through this process. Different treatments work for different people, so don't be afraid to try something out of the ordinary should a normal course of treatment prove ineffective. If you diligently treat your condition, things can gradually get better.

Van Strien JW, Franken IH, Huijding J. Testing the snake-detection hypothesis: larger early posterior negativity in humans to pictures of snakes than to pictures of other reptiles, spiders and slugs . Front Hum Neurosci . 2014;8:691. doi:10.3389/fnhum.2014.00691

Rádlová S, Janovcová M, Sedláčková K, et al. Snakes represent emotionally salient stimuli that may evoke both fear and disgust . Front Psychol . 2019;10:1085. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01085

Harvard Medical School. Coping with anxiety and phobias.

Pennsylvania State University. Ophidiophobia .

• American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th Ed) . Washington DC: Author; 2013.​​

By Lisa Fritscher Lisa Fritscher is a freelance writer and editor with a deep interest in phobias and other mental health topics.

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Fear of Snakes: Understanding Ophidiophobia

Abstract: Fear of snakes, also known as ophidiophobia, is a common and often debilitating phobia. This blog post aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the fear of snakes, its psychological meaning, and ways to overcome it. The post is structured with ten main headings, each with three subheadings, and seven points in each subheading. The headings cover topics such as the origins of the fear of snakes, the symptoms of ophidiophobia, and strategies for overcoming the fear.

What Is Fear Of Snakes

Table of Contents

Snakes have always been a source of fear for humans, dating back to ancient times. The fear of snakes, also known as ophidiophobia, is one of the most common phobias worldwide. This fear can be so intense that it disrupts daily life and limits opportunities. In this blog post, we will explore the origins of the fear of snakes, its psychological meaning, and practical ways to overcome it.

The Origins of the Fear of Snakes

Evolutionary Perspective

• Humans’ ancestral relationship with snakes: Snakes have been a part of the human environment for millions of years, and our ancestors likely encountered them on a regular basis. Evidence suggests that early humans may have even used snakes as a food source. This long history of interaction with snakes may have contributed to the development of ophidiophobia in some individuals.
• Natural selection and the evolution of fear: Natural selection favors traits that increase an organism’s chances of survival and reproduction. Fear is an adaptive response that helps individuals avoid danger and increase their chances of survival. Over time, those individuals who had a healthy fear of snakes may have been more likely to survive and pass on their genes to future generations, leading to the evolution of the fear response.
• Fear of snakes in other animals: The fear of snakes is not unique to humans. Many other animals, including primates, birds, and rodents, also exhibit a fear response to snakes. This suggests that the fear of snakes may have an evolutionary basis that predates the emergence of humans.

Cultural Perspective

• Myths and folklore: Snakes have been an important cultural symbol in many societies throughout history. They have been associated with both good and evil, and many myths and folklore have been developed around them. Some of these stories may have contributed to the development of ophidiophobia in certain cultures.
• Media and pop culture: Snakes are often portrayed as dangerous and menacing in popular media, such as movies and television shows. This constant exposure to negative depictions of snakes can reinforce existing fears or even create new ones.
• Religious beliefs and symbolism: Snakes have played an important role in many religions, including Christianity, Hinduism, and Native American religions. They have been associated with concepts such as wisdom, temptation, and evil, and have been used as religious symbols. These cultural associations may contribute to the development of ophidiophobia in some individuals.

Personal Perspective

• Negative experiences with snakes: Personal experiences with snakes, such as a traumatic encounter or a bite, can contribute to the development of ophidiophobia. These negative experiences can create a strong emotional response that can be difficult to overcome.
• Learning from others: Children may learn to fear snakes from parents or other influential figures in their lives. If a child is taught to fear snakes, they may develop ophidiophobia later in life, even if they have never had a negative experience with a snake themselves.3. Genetic predisposition

The Symptoms of Ophidiophobia

Physical Symptoms

• Increased heart rate and blood pressure: When confronted with a fear of snakes, the body’s natural response is to activate the fight or flight response, which can cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. These physical symptoms can be a sign that the body is preparing to respond to a perceived threat.
• Sweating and trembling: The fight or flight response can also cause sweating and trembling. This physical response is a result of the body’s attempt to regulate body temperature and increase muscle readiness.
• Nausea and dizziness: In some cases, the fear of snakes can cause nausea and dizziness. These symptoms may be a result of the body’s response to stress, which can impact the digestive and nervous systems.

Emotional Symptoms

• Intense anxiety and fear: The fear of snakes can cause intense anxiety and fear, which can be overwhelming and debilitating. This emotional response can be a result of the body’s natural response to perceived danger.
• Avoidance behavior: Some individuals with ophidiophobia may engage in avoidance behavior, such as avoiding outdoor activities or locations where snakes are likely to be present. This behavior can significantly impact daily life and limit opportunities for social interaction and enjoyment.
• Panic attacks: In severe cases, the fear of snakes can lead to panic attacks. Panic attacks are characterized by a sudden onset of intense fear, accompanied by physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, and difficulty breathing.

Cognitive Symptoms

• Obsessive thoughts about snakes: Individuals with ophidiophobia may experience obsessive thoughts about snakes, such as imagining encounters with them or worrying about the possibility of encountering them in the future.
• Exaggerated perception of danger: The fear of snakes can lead to an exaggerated perception of danger, causing individuals to perceive even harmless snakes as a threat.
• Difficulty concentrating: The fear of snakes can also impact cognitive function, making it difficult to concentrate on other tasks or activities. This can be a result of the intense emotional and physical response to the fear of snakes.

The Psychological Meaning of Fear of Snakes

Conditioning and Learning

• Classical conditioning and ophidiophobia: Classical conditioning, the process by which an association is formed between a previously neutral stimulus and an aversive stimulus, may play a role in the development of ophidiophobia. For example, if someone has a negative experience with a snake, such as being bitten, the association between the snake and the pain may lead to a fear response in the future.
• Operant conditioning and avoidance behavior: Operant conditioning, the process by which behavior is strengthened or weakened by its consequences, may also contribute to the development of avoidance behavior in individuals with ophidiophobia. If someone avoids snakes and experiences relief from anxiety, this behavior is likely to be reinforced and repeated in the future.
• Social learning theory and fear of snakes: Social learning theory suggests that individuals can learn fear responses through observation and modeling of others. For example, if someone sees a family member or friend exhibiting fear of snakes, they may learn to associate snakes with danger and develop a fear response themselves.

Evolutionary Psychology

• Preparedness theory and snake fear: Preparedness theory suggests that humans have an innate predisposition to fear certain stimuli that were threats to our evolutionary ancestors, such as snakes. This theory may explain why some individuals develop ophidiophobia more easily than other fears.
• Anxiety sensitivity theory and ophidiophobia: Anxiety sensitivity theory proposes that individuals who are highly sensitive to bodily sensations, such as a racing heart or sweating, may be more likely to develop specific phobias, including ophidiophobia. This is because these bodily sensations can be triggered by the presence of a feared object or situation.
• Cognitive-behavioral model of snake phobia : The cognitive-behavioral model suggests that phobias develop as a result of the interaction between cognitive processes, such as negative thoughts about snakes, and behavioral responses, such as avoidance behavior. This model can inform the development of treatment strategies for ophidiophobia.

Psychoanalytic Theory

• Freudian interpretation of snake phobia: Freudian theory suggests that snake phobia may be linked to unconscious sexual or aggressive impulses. For example, a fear of snakes may represent a fear of the phallus or penis, or a fear of the snake as a symbol of the mother.
• Jungian archetypes and snake symbolism: Jungian theory proposes that snakes may represent a powerful symbol of transformation and renewal, but also of danger and chaos. Snake phobia may therefore reflect a fear of change or a fear of the unknown.
• Object relations theory and ophidiophobia: Object relations theory suggests that phobias may be related to early childhood experiences and the development of internal object relationships. For example, a fear of snakes may reflect an unresolved fear or anxiety related to the mother or other primary caregiver.

Strategies for Overcoming the Fear of Snakes

Exposure Therapy

• Systematic desensitization: Systematic desensitization involves gradually exposing individuals to the feared object or situation in a controlled and safe manner, while simultaneously teaching them relaxation techniques to manage anxiety.
• Flooding: Flooding is a more intense form of exposure therapy that involves exposing individuals to the feared object or situation all at once, rather than gradually. This approach can be effective for some individuals, but may be overwhelming for others.
• Virtual reality exposure: Virtual reality exposure involves using a computer-generated simulation to expose individuals to the feared object or situation. This approach can provide a safe and controlled environment for exposure therapy, and may be especially useful for individuals who are unable or unwilling to engage in in vivo exposure.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

• Cognitive restructuring: Cognitive restructuring involves identifying and challenging negative thoughts and beliefs related to the feared object or situation, and replacing them with more realistic and adaptive thoughts.
• Relaxation techniques: Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation, can be used to reduce anxiety and increase feelings of relaxation during exposure therapy.
• Exposure hierarchy: An exposure hierarchy is a list of situations or stimuli related to the feared object or situation, ranked from least to most anxiety-provoking. This hierarchy is used to guide exposure therapy and gradually increase the level of exposure over time.

Mindfulness-Based Interventions

• Acceptance and commitment therapy: Acceptance and commitment therapy involves helping individuals to accept and tolerate uncomfortable thoughts and feelings, rather than trying to control or eliminate them. This approach can be useful for individuals who struggle with the emotional distress associated with exposure therapy.
• Mindfulness-based stress reduction: Mindfulness-based stress reduction involves teaching individuals mindfulness meditation techniques, which can help them to become more aware of their thoughts and feelings, and develop a more accepting and non-judgmental attitude towards them.
• Mindful exposure and relapse prevention: Mindful exposure involves using mindfulness techniques during exposure therapy to help individuals remain present and aware of their thoughts and feelings, rather than becoming overwhelmed by them. Relapse prevention strategies are also used to help individuals maintain their gains after completing exposure therapy.

In conclusion, the fear of snakes, or ophidiophobia, is a common phobia that can be debilitating. However, with an understanding of the origins of the fear, the symptoms, and the psychological meaning, there are effective strategies for overcoming it. Exposure therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and mindfulness-based interventions are some of the approaches that can help individuals with ophidiophobia live fuller, less-restricted lives.

• Ophidiophobia : Fear of snakes
• Classical Conditioning : A type of learning where an unconditioned stimulus elicits a response, and this response becomes associated with a conditioned stimulus over time.
• Operant Conditioning : A type of learning where behaviors are strengthened or weakened based on their consequences.
• Social Learning Theory: A theory that suggests people learn by observing and imitating others’ behaviors.
• Preparedness Theory: A theory that suggests humans have an innate predisposition to fear certain stimuli, such as snakes, due to their evolutionary significance.
• Anxiety Sensitivity Theory: A theory that suggests people with high anxiety sensitivity are more likely to develop specific phobias.
• Cognitive-Behavioral Model: A model that suggests that fear of snakes is due to a combination of negative thoughts and avoidance behaviors.
• Psychoanalytic Theory: A theory that suggests unconscious conflicts and childhood experiences contribute to phobias development.
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: A therapy that focuses on accepting negative thoughts and feelings while committing to positive behaviors.
• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction: A program that teaches mindfulness meditation and yoga to reduce stress and anxiety.
• Mindful Exposure: A technique that involves observing and accepting fear while engaging in exposure therapy.

Last worded from Author

This blog post has provided valuable insights into the fear of snakes and ways to overcome it. Remember, ophidiophobia is a treatable condition, and seeking help is the first step toward a fear-free life.

The fear of snakes, or ophidiophobia, is one of the most common phobias worldwide, affecting up to 1 in 3 adults.

The fear of snakes can have multiple causes, including evolutionary factors, negative experiences with snakes, cultural beliefs and media influences, genetic predisposition, and learning through others.

Several strategies for overcoming the fear of snakes include exposure therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and mindfulness-based interventions. Seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor is often recommended.

The fear of snakes is treatable, and seeking help from a mental health professional can often lead to significant improvement.

If you encounter a snake and have a fear of snakes, it’s essential to stay calm and move away slowly. Avoid sudden movements or loud noises that could startle the snake. If hiking in a snake-prone area, consider wearing long pants and boots and staying on marked trails.

• “What Causes Ophidiophobia (Fear of Snakes)?” Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/ophidiophobia-2671744
• “Treatments for Specific Phobias: An Overview.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK310652/ .

DR. ASHUTOSH TRIPATHI

Greetings, I am Dr. Ashutosh Tripathi, a psychologist with extensive expertise in criminal behavior and its impact on psychological well-being. I hold a Master of Physics (Honors), a Master of Philosophy, a Master of Psychology, and a PhD in Psychology from BHU in India.Over the past 13 years, I have been privileged to serve more than 3200 patients with unique and varied psychological needs. My clinical work is guided by a deep passion for helping individuals navigate complex psychological issues and live more fulfilling lives.As a recognized contributor to the field of psychology, my articles have been published in esteemed Indian news forums, such as The Hindu, The Times of India, and Punjab Kesari. I am grateful for the opportunity to have been honored by the Government of Israel for my contributions to the Psychological Assistance Program.I remain committed to advancing our understanding of psychology and its applications through my ongoing research, which can be found on leading online libraries such as Science Direct, Wiley, Elsevier, Orcid, Google Scholar, and loop Frontiers. I am also an active contributor to Quora, where I share my insights on various psychological issues.Overall, I see myself as a lifelong student of psychology, constantly learning and growing from my patients, colleagues, and peers. I consider it a great privilege to have the opportunity to serve others in this field and to contribute to our collective understanding of the human mind and behavior.

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Why You Fear Snakes (Ophidiophobia) and What to Do About It

Snake phobia or ophidiophobia is an extreme fear of snakes. Many people are afraid of snakes, but those with ophidiophobia have an extreme and irrational amount of fear. Ophidiophobia is sometimes also called ophiophobia.

Ophidiophobia may occur alone or along with a fear of reptiles, which is called herpetophobia .

In this article, you’ll learn the difference between a general fear of snakes and ophidiophobia. You'll also look at the symptoms and causes of ophidiophobia, how it’s diagnosed, and what treatments are available.

Alpgiray Kelem / Getty Images

Ophidiophobia is considered a specific phobia . Specific phobias are an intense, irrational fear of an object or situation that poses very little actual danger.

For many people, simply thinking about the phobia trigger can bring on severe anxiety.

Ophidiophobia is one of the most common specific phobias. Other common types include arachnophobia (fear of spiders) and acrophobia (fear of heights).

The term "ophidiophobia" comes from the Greek word "ophio" or the modern Latin term "ophidia ," which both mean snake or serpent, and the Greek word "phobia."

Types of Specific Phobia

• Animal type (zoophobia) : Snakes, spiders, dogs, etc.
• Natural environment type : Heights, water, or lightning
• Blood-injection-injury type : Seeing blood, getting a shot, or watching a medical procedure
• Situational type : Airplanes, elevators, or enclosed places ( claustrophobia )
• Other : Fear of illness, fear of certain noises, fear of clowns , and others not covered above

Symptoms of Snake Phobia

A phobia is more than just fear. It’s normal to feel fear when you’re in danger. 

For example, if you’re out in the woods and see a rattlesnake poised to strike , fear is natural and a good thing. It floods your system with adrenaline and speeds up reaction time so you can take quick action to protect yourself. This is called the “fight or flight” response.

Someone with ophidiophobia may have a panic attack from glimpsing a snake on television, from hearing someone talk about a snake, or from seeing one in a cage. They may even be terrified of small, nonvenomous snakes that can’t harm them in any significant way.

Symptoms of ophidiophobia may include:

• Emotional stress, anxiety , or panic
• A sense of immediate danger or doom
• A desire to escape
• Rapid heart rate
• Shortness of breath or feeling that you’re being suffocated or choked
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Fear of losing control
• Fear of death
• Tingling sensations

You may go to great lengths to avoid snakes. although this depends on the severity of your phobia.

It may be impossible for you to go hiking or camping due to your fear of encountering a snake. You may avoid pet stores or refuse to go to a home where someone keeps snakes as pets. You may not be able to watch movie scenes featuring snakes.

Phobias like ophidiophobia are diagnosed based on symptoms. The fifth edition of the " Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" (DSM-5) lays out seven criteria:

• A persistent fear that is excessive or unreasonable occurs when snakes are present or anticipated.
• Exposure to snakes almost always leads to an immediate anxiety response.
• You recognize the fear is excessive or out of proportion to the threat.
• You avoid places where snakes could be or have intense anxiety or distress when one is present.
• Avoidance behaviors, the anticipation of anxiety, or distress when a snake is present significantly interfere with your day-to-day life, or you have marked distress about the phobia itself.
• The fear is persistent, meaning you’ve had it for at least six months.
• No other mental disorder can explain the fear. Other possible diagnoses include obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social phobia , and panic disorder.

You may also be asked to fill out a diagnostic form called the Snake Questionnaire (SNAQ). SNAQ is based on DSM-5 criteria. It contains 30 true or false questions designed to help your healthcare provider assess the severity of your fear. Studies have found that the SNAQ is a fast and reliable way to evaluate someone for ophidiophobia.

Your primary healthcare provider may be comfortable diagnosing a phobia. If not, they may refer you to a mental health specialist.

Experts don’t yet know the exact causes of phobias. They’ve identified a few factors that may contribute to their development, such as: 

• Bad experiences : Traumatic events can stay with you for a long time. If you were bitten or badly frightened by a snake in early childhood, it may contribute to a phobia.
• Learned responses : Seeing others have an extreme reaction to snakes may make you think snakes are more dangerous than they are.
• Genetics : Phobias often run in families. Research suggests some people are more likely to develop phobias than others.
• Long-term stress : Chronic stress can lower your ability to cope with intense situations, leading to a disproportionate fear response that may cause a phobia.
• Brain chemistry : When out of balance, the chemicals (neurotransmitters) serotonin and dopamine can cause anxiety and contribute to phobias.

Some research suggests humans adapted to pay special attention to snakes because of the danger they posed to primitive people. In some, this heightened attention contributes to a phobia’s development.

Not all phobias need to be treated. Your need for treatment depends on how much it impacts your life.

If your ophidiophobia causes distress and limits your activities, you may want to get treatment. Treatment for specific phobias generally includes psychotherapy (talk therapy) and possibly medication.

Psychotherapy

Types of psychotherapy used for phobias include:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) : A type of talk therapy that helps you change harmful thought patterns.
• Exposure therapy : Exposing you to snakes in a gradual way until you’re able to tolerate them. Typically, this starts with a picture and works up to an actual snake.
• Technology-assisted therapy : Exposure therapy may be done using virtual reality or augmented reality.

Medications

Some evidence suggests that medications aren't very effective for treating phobias. However, some are commonly used and may offer some relief.

This can be especially true when combined with psychotherapy. Medications for treating phobias include:

• Antidepressants : Medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors ( SSRIs ) can potentially decrease symptoms associated with phobias by changing brain chemistry over time.
• Antianxiety drugs : Anxiolytics may help decrease or prevent the fear response of phobias.
• Beta-blockers : Typically used for high blood pressure , beta-blockers such as propranolol can decrease some of your body's responses associated with phobias.

You may also benefit from relaxation and deep breathing exercises to calm your anxiety.

Ophidiophobia, or fear of snakes, is a type of specific phobia. Seeing a snake or even thinking about one can trigger symptoms including anxiety, rapid heartbeat, and sweating. Your phobia may limit your activities.

Phobias are diagnosed based on symptoms outlined in the DSM-5. They're believed to be caused by a combination of genetics, brain chemistry, trauma, stress, and learned responses.

Treatment is typically psychotherapy, especially with exposure therapy, and possibly medications.

National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Mental Health. Specific phobia .

Dinh HT, Nishimaru H, Le QV, et al. Preferential neuronal responses to snakes in the monkey medial prefrontal cortex support an evolutionary origin for ophidiophobia . Front Behav Neurosci . 2021;15:653250. doi:10.3389/fnbeh.2021.653250

University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine: Penn Psychiatry. Specific phobias .

Anxiety & Depression Association of America. Symptoms .

Zsido AN. The spider and the snake - A psychometric study of two phobias and insights from the Hungarian validation . Psychiatry Res . 2017;257:61-66. doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2017.07.024

Polák J, Sedláčková K, Nácar D, Landová E, Frynta D. Fear the serpent: A psychometric study of snake phobia . Psychiatry Res . 2016;242:163-168. doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2016.05.024

Johns Hopkins Medicine. Phobias .

Mind. Phobias .

Boston Children’s Hospital. Phobias symptoms & causes .

Thng CEW, Lim-Ashworth NSJ, Poh BZQ, Lim CG. Recent developments in the intervention of specific phobia among adults: a rapid review . F1000Res . 2020;9:F1000 Faculty Rev-195. Published 2020 Mar 19. doi:10.12688/f1000research.20082.1

Kroes MC, Tona KD, den Ouden HE, Vogel S, van Wingen GA, Fernández G. How administration of the beta-blocker propranolol before extinction can prevent the return of fear .  Neuropsychopharmacology . 2016;41(6):1569-1578. doi:10.1038/npp.2015.315

By Adrienne Dellwo Dellwo was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2006 and has over 25 years of experience in health research and writing.

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Ophidiophobia (Fear of Snakes): Symptoms, Treatments, & How to Cope

Author: Hailey Shafir, LCMHCS, LPCS, LCAS, CCS

Hailey Shafir LCMHCS, LPCS, LCAS, CCS

Hailey specializes in adults, children, and families with addiction and mental health disorders.

Kristen Fuller MD

Kristen Fuller, MD is a physician with experience in adult, adolescent, and OB/GYN medicine. She has a focus on mood disorders, eating disorders, substance use disorder, and reducing the stigma associated with mental health.

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