Holistic Psychiatry

What is Holistic Psychiatry?

Holistic psychiatry is the full assessment and treatment of a person from three perspectives:

• Biological (aka medical),
• Psychological,
• Environmental.

Psychiatry was intended to be practiced this way. We assess any medical or biological origins of illness, as well as psychological or environmental contributions to your distress. Each component alone or combined can contribute to mental imbalance.

For example, we might have a patient who is pregnant, experiencing marital problems, and has just lost her job. She has biological, psychological, and environmental factors.

It takes a psychiatrist, as a trained medical doctor, to eliminate any biochemical cause first, while assessing the social aspects of an illness, such as family dynamics, stressors at home or work and physical environment.

The goal of a holistic psychiatrist is to identify and eliminate the root cause of the symptoms and treat the whole patient (mind and body).

The holistic approach permits a multi-pronged strategy to treatment. Where any single mode (e.g. drugs, psychotherapy, supplements, environment, etc.) may have failed, a carefully chosen combination has a much better chance at sustained success.

What is the difference between Psychiatrists and Psychologists?

The main difference is that a psychiatrist is able to prescribe medication, and a psychologist is not.

Both psychiatrists and psychologists are trained in psychotherapy (aka “talk therapy”) but in recent years, most psychiatrists do not practice it (but may delegate it to a another professional).

How can Holistic Psychiatry (and Dr. Mynatt) help me?

Everyone feels distressed from time to time, but if your symptomps are keeping you from functioning effectively, a holistic psychiatrist is the closest to a “one-stop shop” to get help.

These days, it's rare to find a practicing holistic psychiatrist; most doctors today don't offer psychotherapy.

I have always believed in an integrated approach to mental health care, because it produces the best outcomes for my patients.

Do I need a Psychiatrist?

It’s time to see a psychiatrist, if you are having difficulty functioning in your daily life due to feelings of distress (e.g. depression, anxiety, etc.).

The psychiatrist will prioritize ruling out any possible physical illness first, before evaluating any social and environmental concerns.

Did you know that:

• Panic attacks could be a symptom of a heart valve problem?

• Anxiety treatment can be influenced by a genetic factor?

• Bipolar disorder could be caused by an allergy to nitrates in processed meat?

• Blood pressure medication could be causing your depression?

• Certain cholesterol lowering drugs may negatively impact cognition?

• Past treatment with antibiotics may be a factor in anxiety, depression and attention deficit problems?

The above examples are just a small subset illustrating the immense complexity of mental care. A well chosen psychiatrist will help you navigate the mind body landscape and allow you to master your challenge.

Do I need a Referral?

No referral needed. You may simply call and schedule an appointment, or click here.