For clincial providers

Collaborative Care
& Referrals

Dr. Alana regularly collaborates with gastroenterologists, primary care physicians, pelvic floor physical therapists, and other medical specialists to support patients whose conditions involve the interaction between the nervous system and physical health.

Her work focuses on evidence-based treatments for gut–brain disorders, chronic illness, chronic pain, and sexual health concerns. Care is coordinated with patients' medical teams whenever appropriate to ensure treatment is integrated rather than siloed.

Medical providers are welcome to refer patients directly or reach out to discuss potential collaboration.

Gut-Brain DisordersSexual HealthChronic Illness & Pain
Collaborative care between Dr. Alana and referring physicians

Partnership

Why Refer to Dr. Alana?

A referral to Dr. Alana means your patient receives specialized, evidence-based psychological care from a clinician who understands their medical context.

Medically Informed

Dr. Alana trained alongside gastroenterologists, gynecologists, and pain specialists. She understands your patient's medical context and communicates in clinical language.

Collaborative Communication

With patient consent, Dr. Alana provides written summaries and is available for brief consultations to coordinate care and share clinical observations.

Evidence-Based Only

Every treatment modality used is grounded in peer-reviewed research. No wellness trends — only interventions with demonstrated clinical efficacy.

Prompt Intake

Referrals are typically seen within 1–2 weeks. Dr. Alana prioritizes timely access for patients referred by medical providers.

Telehealth Accessibility

Secure HIPAA-compliant telehealth across NY, IL, WI, and all PSYPACT states — removing geographic barriers for your patients.

Integrated Care Model

Dr. Alana functions as a true member of the care team, not a siloed referral. She actively supports treatment adherence and medical engagement.

Scope of Practice

Example Referral Diagnoses

Dr. Alana specializes in conditions where psychological factors significantly influence symptom severity, treatment adherence, and quality of life.

Psychogastroenterology

  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) — Crohn's & Colitis
  • Functional Dyspepsia
  • Gastroparesis
  • Chronic Nausea & Vomiting
  • Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)
  • Functional Constipation
  • Fecal Incontinence
  • Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome
  • Rumination Syndrome
  • Globus Sensation
  • Non-Cardiac Chest Pain (esophageal origin)
  • Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
  • Post-infectious IBS
  • Bathroom Anxiety
  • Food Avoidance

Sexual Health & Medicine

  • Genito-Pelvic Pain / Penetration Disorder
  • Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder
  • Sexual Dysfunction (all genders)
  • Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (psychological component)
  • Endometriosis-related sexual concerns
  • Post-surgical sexual adjustment
  • Vaginismus & Vulvodynia
  • Dyspareunia
  • Erectile Dysfunction (psychogenic)
  • Delayed or Absent Orgasm
  • Sexual Concerns Related to Chronic Illness
  • Body Image & Sexual Self-Esteem
  • Intimacy Concerns in Couples
  • Post-Cancer Sexual Rehabilitation

Chronic Illness & Pain

  • Chronic Pain Management
  • Chronic Pelvic Pain
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / ME-CFS
  • Medically Unexplained Symptoms
  • Adjustment to Chronic Illness
  • Health Anxiety & Illness Behavior
  • Interstitial Cystitis / Bladder Pain Syndrome
  • Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
  • Chronic Headache & Migraine (behavioral component)
  • Illness Anxiety Disorder
  • Post-COVID Syndrome (Long COVID)
  • Treatment Non-Adherence in Chronic Disease
  • Diabetes & Lifestyle Management

Clinical Methods

Evidence-Based Treatment Modalities

Every intervention Dr. Alana uses is supported by peer-reviewed clinical research. She does not offer wellness coaching or unvalidated approaches — only treatments with demonstrated efficacy for the conditions she treats.

Gut-Brain Behavioral Therapy

First-line psychological treatment for disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBIs)

Clinical Hypnotherapy

Palsson Protocol — evidence-based for IBS with strong RCT support

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Adapted for chronic illness, pain, and health anxiety

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy

Values-based approach for chronic pain and illness adjustment

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction

Structured protocol for pain, stress, and somatic symptoms

Sex Therapy

Evidence-based treatment for sexual dysfunction, pain, and intimacy concerns across all genders

Collaborative Model

How We Work Together

01

Referral Received

Submit a referral via the form below or have your patient contact the practice directly. A brief clinical note is welcome but not required.

02

Intake & Assessment

Dr. Alana conducts a comprehensive biopsychosocial intake, reviewing medical history, symptom patterns, and treatment goals.

03

Treatment Planning

An individualized treatment plan is developed, drawing on evidence-based modalities matched to the patient's specific presentation.

04

Coordinated Care

With patient consent, Dr. Alana shares clinical summaries and remains available for provider-to-provider consultation throughout treatment.

Telehealth Across Multiple States

Dr. Alana practices via telehealth in NY, IL, WI, and all PSYPACT participating states — making it easy to refer patients regardless of their location within these jurisdictions.

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Get in Touch

Ready to Refer a Patient?

Dr. Alana welcomes referrals and provider consultations. Reach out directly — she looks forward to collaborating with your team.

Alana Friedlander, PsyD

Clinical Health Psychologist

Where Psychology and Medicine Meet

Telehealth — NY, IL, WI & PSYPACT States

In-person — Chicago, IL

Specializing in gut-brain disorders, chronic illness & pain, and sexual health psychology.

Specialties

  • Gastropsychology
  • Sexual Health & Sex Therapy
  • Chronic Illness & Pain

Telehealth Services

New York • Illinois • Wisconsin

PSYPACT States

Contact

© 2026 Alana Friedlander, PsyD. All rights reserved.

Insurance: Aetna • BCBS (NY, IL, WI)

This practice is HIPAA compliant. All personal health information is kept strictly confidential and protected in accordance with federal privacy regulations. Your privacy is our priority.