--- title: "My Session With Santa | Denver Psychiatry Blog" description: "Disclaimer: Santa gave full permission to share his records. Last week by phone I scheduled a patient named “Nick” for a new intake. I saw him this morning and there in my waiting room was Santa Claus..." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": [ "MedicalBusiness", "MedicalOrganization", "LocalBusiness" ], "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#organization", "name": "Denver Psychiatry", "alternateName": "Denver Psychiatry - Dr. Steve Sarche", "description": "Denver Psychiatry is a private psychiatric practice founded by Dr. Steve Sarche in 2004, providing comprehensive mental health services for children, adolescents, and adults in the Denver metropolitan area.", "url": "https://denverpsychiatry.com", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/logo.png" }, "image": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/og-image.png", "telephone": "+1-303-393-8808", "faxNumber": "+1-303-399-6069", "email": "drsteve@denverpsychiatry.com", "foundingDate": "2004", "founder": { "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#physician" }, "priceRange": "$$", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "720 S Colorado Blvd, Suite 910N", "addressLocality": "Denver", "addressRegion": "CO", "postalCode": "80246", "addressCountry": "US" }, "geo": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": 39.7086, "longitude": -104.9567 }, "areaServed": { "@type": "GeoCircle", "geoMidpoint": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": 39.7086, "longitude": -104.9567 }, "geoRadius": "50000" }, "medicalSpecialty": [ "Psychiatry", "Child and Adolescent Psychiatry", "Adult Psychiatry" ], "employee": [ { "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#physician" } ], "availableService": [ { "@type": "MedicalProcedure", "name": "Psychiatric Evaluation", "description": "Comprehensive initial evaluation for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning" }, { "@type": "MedicalProcedure", "name": "Medication Management", "description": "Expert prescription and monitoring of psychiatric medications" }, { "@type": "MedicalProcedure", "name": "Child & Adolescent Psychiatry", "description": "Age-appropriate psychiatric care for children and adolescents (ages 10+)" }, { "@type": "MedicalProcedure", "name": "Anxiety Treatment", "description": "Treatment for generalized anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety, and PTSD" }, { "@type": "MedicalProcedure", "name": "Depression Treatment", "description": "Comprehensive treatment for major depression and mood disorders" }, { "@type": "MedicalProcedure", "name": "ADHD Treatment", "description": "Diagnosis and treatment of attention deficit disorders in all ages" }, { "@type": "MedicalProcedure", "name": "PTSD & Trauma Treatment", "description": "Compassionate, evidence-based care for post-traumatic stress and trauma-related conditions" } ], "openingHoursSpecification": { "@type": "OpeningHoursSpecification", "dayOfWeek": [ "Monday", "Tuesday", "Wednesday", "Thursday", "Friday" ], "opens": "09:00", "closes": "17:00" }, "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": "5", "reviewCount": "50" }, "sameAs": [] }, { "@type": [ "Physician", "Person" ], "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#physician", "name": "Dr. Steve Sarche, D.O.", "alternateName": "Steve Sarche", "description": "Dr. Steve Sarche is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry. He founded Denver Psychiatry in 2004 and has over 20 years of experience in comprehensive mental health care.", "image": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/sarche-2019-headshot-1.jpg", "url": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/", "telephone": "+1-303-393-8808", "jobTitle": "Psychiatrist", "honorificSuffix": "D.O.", "medicalSpecialty": [ "Psychiatry", "Child and Adolescent Psychiatry" ], "worksFor": { "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#organization" }, "affiliation": { "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#organization" }, "alumniOf": [ { "@type": "EducationalOrganization", "name": "University of Colorado" }, { "@type": "EducationalOrganization", "name": "Western University of Health Sciences" }, { "@type": "EducationalOrganization", "name": "University of Colorado Health Sciences Center" } ], "hasCredential": [ { "@type": "EducationalOccupationalCredential", "credentialCategory": "Board Certification", "name": "Board Certified in General Psychiatry" }, { "@type": "EducationalOccupationalCredential", "credentialCategory": "Fellowship", "name": "Fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry" } ], "memberOf": [ { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Colorado Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Society", "roleName": "Past President" } ], "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "720 S Colorado Blvd, Suite 910N", "addressLocality": "Denver", "addressRegion": "CO", "postalCode": "80246", "addressCountry": "US" } }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#website", "url": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/", "name": "Denver Psychiatry", "publisher": { "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#organization" }, "inLanguage": "en-US" }, { "@type": "FAQPage", "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#faq", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "What happens during the initial psychiatric evaluation at Denver Psychiatry?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The initial evaluation is a comprehensive session where Dr. Sarche reviews your medical history, discusses current concerns, and works to understand your unique situation. For children and adolescents, this includes integrated meetings with parents. By the end of 1-2 visits, you'll have a clear clinical formulation and personalized treatment plan." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does Denver Psychiatry treat both children and adults?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, Dr. Steve Sarche is board certified in both general psychiatry and child & adolescent psychiatry. Denver Psychiatry provides comprehensive care for patients ages 10 and older, with age-appropriate treatment approaches." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What mental health conditions does Denver Psychiatry treat?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Denver Psychiatry treats a wide range of mental health conditions including anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD, situational stress, behavioral problems, and relational difficulties. Dr. Sarche takes a comprehensive, holistic approach to diagnosis and treatment." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does Denver Psychiatry offer non-medication treatments?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Absolutely. While medication can be an important part of treatment, Dr. Sarche also emphasizes non-medication modalities including sleep hygiene strategies, lifestyle modifications, stress reduction techniques, and therapeutic approaches. Treatment is tailored to each individual's needs and preferences." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the difference between a D.O. and an M.D. psychiatrist?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Osteopathic physicians (D.O.s) receive the same training as M.D.s but with additional focus on the interconnection between the body's systems. This holistic perspective informs Dr. Sarche's approach to mental health, considering how physical and emotional well-being influence each other." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How do I schedule an appointment with Denver Psychiatry?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "You can schedule an appointment by calling Denver Psychiatry at (303) 393-8808. The staff will help you find a convenient time and answer any questions about your first visit." } } ] }, { "@type": "Blog", "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#blog", "name": "Denver Psychiatry Mental Health Blog", "description": "Expert insights and articles on mental health topics from Dr. Steve Sarche, board-certified psychiatrist in Denver, Colorado.", "url": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/blog", "author": { "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#physician" }, "publisher": { "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#organization" } } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "headline": "My Session With Santa", "description": "Disclaimer: Santa gave full permission to share his records. Last week by phone I scheduled a patient named “Nick” for a new intake. I saw him this morning and there in my waiting room was Santa Claus...", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Dr. Steve Sarche", "jobTitle": "Board Certified Psychiatrist" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Denver Psychiatry", "url": "https://denverpsychiatry.com" }, "datePublished": "2009-12-23T18:31:46+00:00", "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/article/my-session-with-santa" } } ] --- [ Denver Psychiatry Dr. Steve Sarche, D.O. ](#home) [](tel:303-393-8808) [ Denver Psychiatry Dr. Steve Sarche, D.O. ](#home) [Home](#home) Services ### Conditions We Treat [ ADHD Treatment Child & adult ADHD specialist care ](/adhd)[ Anxiety Treatment Generalized anxiety, panic, social anxiety ](/anxiety-treatment)[ Depression Treatment Major depression, bipolar, mood disorders ](/depression-treatment)[ PTSD & Trauma Treatment Trauma recovery focused on full healing ](/ptsd-trauma-treatment) ### Specialty Care [ Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship-trained, ages 10 and up ](/child-adolescent-psychiatry)[ Performance Optimization Precision psychiatry for high performers ](/performance-optimization)[ Medication Management Expert prescription and monitoring ](#services) #### Talk to Dr. Sarche Call to schedule your initial evaluation [Call Now](tel:303-393-8808) About ### About Us [ Dr. Steve Sarche, D.O. Board-certified psychiatrist ](#about)[ Our Approach Patient-centered, evidence-based care ](#approach)[ Osteopathic Medicine Holistic medical philosophy ](#resources) Resources ### Educational Resources [ General Information Learn about psychiatry and mental health ](#resources)[ Sleep & Wellness Tips for better sleep and health ](#resources)[ Nutrition & Mental Health Diet's impact on mood and cognition ](#resources) ### Patient Info [ Blog Articles Latest insights and updates ](#blog)[ FAQs Common questions answered ](#faq) #### New Patient? Learn what to expect at your first visit [Learn More](#services) Contact ### Get In Touch [ Contact Form Send us a message ](#contact)[ Call Us (303) 393-8808 ](tel:303-393-8808)[ Our Location 720 S Colorado Blvd, Suite 910N ](#contact) [Call Dr. Sarche](tel:303-393-8808) [Back to Blog](/blog) Child & Adolescent # My Session With Santa Dr. Steve Sarche Board Certified Psychiatrist • Wednesday, December 23, 2009 • 5 min read Share: [](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fdrsteve.lovable.app%2Farticle%2Fmy-session-with-santa)[](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdrsteve.lovable.app%2Farticle%2Fmy-session-with-santa&text=My%20Session%20With%20Santa)[](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fdrsteve.lovable.app%2Farticle%2Fmy-session-with-santa&title=My%20Session%20With%20Santa)[]() _Disclaimer: Santa gave full permission to share his records._ Last week by phone I scheduled a patient named “Nick” for a new intake. I saw him this morning and there in my waiting room was Santa Claus. Stifling my surprise, acting as if this was as normal a visit as if I’d just finished seeing Elvis, I led him back to my office. “So what name would you like me to use for you?” “In the winter, I am fine with Santa or St. Nick. In the off­season I usually go by Nicky or, to my close friends, Dude. I only gave you my name as Nick because of the reaction I usually get when I tell people I’m Santa.” “OK fine. I’ll call you Santa. By the way, I love the suit. So what brings you in today?” “Well, doc, I’ve started wondering what happens to children when they find out I am not real. Do you think that my story hurts children in any way? This is just something that’s been in my craw and my fictional wife finally convinced me to see somebody.” “Santa, first of all I am proud of you for taking this step. As reported by ‘NorthPoleSantaClaus.com’, you are based on a real person, Saint Nicholas of Myra. On their site, they note that ‘\[Saint Nicholas\] was a fourth century bishop. As a champion of children and the needy, he was legendary for his kindness and generosity.’ I’d say you have some pretty great roots.” “Thank you. It’s nice to hear that but what about the children who think I’m real? What happens when they realize they have been bamboozled, swindled, blind­sided or whatever you want to call it?” “Good question. Let’s look at it through the eyes of Jean Piaget, a psychologist whose theories on cognitive development still help shape modern cognitive theory. Up to around age 6 or 7, children are in the ‘preoperational stage’ of cognitive development. They tend to view the world in an egocentric way, meaning that they believe their viewpoints and feelings are shared by all. They enjoy colorful images and start to learn language. You are always depicted in a colorful and jovial way, surrounded by presents and all kinds of treats with the story that you will soon be delivering those tempting images to all the children. Because of that they love you. It spreads good will and excitement.    It can be used as a way to enhance a child’s creative and imaginative development. What could possibly be wrong with that?” “I see what you mean. So when does all of that change? What happens when they get older?” “As children progress into the ‘concrete operational’ stage of cognitive development, they start to figure the world out. They realize that people may have different ideals and values than they have and others don’t always feel the same way. The ‘magical thinking’ of earlier childhood is replaced by understanding concrete ways in which the world works, for example conservation; the idea that a person remains the same entity despite changing circumstances. It is in these years, age 7 to 11 or so, that children tend to realize you are not real. In other words, the jig is up. Sure some children figure you out sooner than others, but eventually all of them will. Some may get upset, but think of it this way; we introduce our children to fictional images all the time such as Spiderman and Bugs Bunny. Would we want to eliminate all of these wonderful characters and stories for our children? Of course not; and you take the cake. You are the greatest and most popular of all of them.” “Doc, you are too kind. That does make sense. I can feel my beard growing, my cheeks reddening and my belly bouncing already. But what happens after they’ve really got me figured out and know that I do not exist?” “By then, they are basically teenagers. They are in the ‘formal operational’ stage and have learned to think in the abstract and manipulate information.    A lot of people would say you should be happy you aren’t real because you never have to try to parent a teen. They tend to be moody and talk back to their parents and they are real good at that because of their newfound cognitive abilities. They still like you because now you represent the opportunity for them to get cool stuff from their parents.” “OK. I get it. I feel much better and so will the missus. I am ready to fire up Rudolph and the rest of the team. I know that we are almost out of time; do you have any final advice for me?” “Bottom line, Santa: to my knowledge, there is no scientific research that you are harmful to children. One survey of children cited in “Santa Claus: Naughty or Nice” (from Medicinenet.com) found that 2 out of 3 were proud of themselves when they figured out that you are not real and half of the children still liked the idea of you. I believe that parents should talk to their children about you in whatever way they are most comfortable. Either way, I highly doubt that any child would be permanently harmed by finding out you are not real. You provide great joy to the vast majority of children – not to mention adults. So keep sleddin’ Santa. We love you. Oh yes, one more thing… I was good this year.” Share: [](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fdrsteve.lovable.app%2Farticle%2Fmy-session-with-santa)[](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdrsteve.lovable.app%2Farticle%2Fmy-session-with-santa&text=My%20Session%20With%20Santa)[](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fdrsteve.lovable.app%2Farticle%2Fmy-session-with-santa&title=My%20Session%20With%20Santa)[]() ### Need Help With Your Mental Health? Dr. Steve Sarche provides compassionate psychiatric care for children, adolescents, and adults in the Denver area. [Call to Speak With Dr. Sarche](tel:303-393-8808) ### Get new articles from Dr. Sarche We'll only email you when Dr. Sarche publishes a new article. Unsubscribe anytime. Subscribe ## Related Articles [ Child & Adolescent ### The Communication Fix Up Communication Fix Up. This article is inspired by a talk given by Charles Duhigg, a journalist and best-selling author during the Aspen Ideas Festival on June 29th, 2024. The talk is titled, “Super co... Jul 23, 2024 5 min read ](/article/the-communication-fix-up)[ Child & Adolescent ### Recognizing Depression in Teenagers: A Guide for Parents Teen depression often looks different from adult depression. Know the warning signs and how to help. May 20, 2024 1 min read ](/article/teen-depression-warning-signs)[ Child & Adolescent ### My Session With Santa (part 2) (This is a recycling of an article I posted over 11 years ago. It is mostly the same, just some minor changes. I figured it would be nice to post something light). “I stopped believing in Santa Claus ... Dec 18, 2020 5 min read ](/article/my-session-with-santa-part-2) ### Denver Psychiatry Dr. Steve Sarche, D.O. Providing compassionate, comprehensive psychiatric care to children, adolescents, and adults in the Denver area since 2004. [(303) 393-8808](tel:303-393-8808)[Patient Portal](https://www.valant.io/portal/sarche) #### Quick Links - [Home](#home) - [Services](#services) - [About Dr. Sarche](#about) - [Our Approach](#approach) - [Resources](#resources) - [Blog](#blog) - [Contact Us](#contact) #### Contact - The Galleria 720 S Colorado Blvd, Suite 910N Denver, CO 80246 - [(303) 393-8808](tel:303-393-8808) - Fax: (303) 399-6069 © 2026 Denver Psychiatry. All rights reserved. [Privacy Policy](/privacy-policy)[HIPAA Notice](/hipaa-notice)[Accessibility](/accessibility) [Made with by HEARD Digital Marketing](https://heardmarketing.io)