Integrative Psychiatry Consultations

For Clients

Omani’s Dilemma

At age 25, Omani left South Africa to move to the United States for a job in marketing. Five years later, her work was hugely successful, but she noticed the beginning of slow depression.

Alone in a new country, away from her friends, surrounded by unfamiliar food, sound, and smells, she couldn’t shake the deep sadness.

Knowing that depression ran in her family, she wanted to seek help. But she was afraid to see a doctor who would simply prescribe pills. She knew there was more to mental health treatment than a prescription.

She wanted a doctor who viewed her holistically, including her physical, mental, cultural, social, and spiritual sides. She wanted Whole Person Care.

Omani’s solution

Smiling while gazing at herself in the mirror, Omani felt blessed and hopeful.

She had completed her intake assessment with her new psychiatrist. The doctor had listened keenly to Omani’s description of her cultural loss and her depression.

At the end of the session, the doctor provided Omani a summarized assessment and offered her a comprehensive mental health treatment plan. Omani was amazed!

This plan included wellness practices designed to build support over time for Omani’s ongoing mental well-being. This included discussions about mental health medications, sleep, food, exercise, friendships, and so much more.

An antidepressant was recommended and prescribed for Omani. Although the doctor was comfortable prescribing the medication, she indicated to Omani that such decisions should be made jointly.

The doctor always tried to minimize medications and doses. She assured Omani that when no longer needed, the medication would stop, and Omani would be helped to come off the medicine.

In addition to discussing medication, the doctor recommended nutritional tips and vitamins to enhance Omani’s mental recovery. They also talked together about integrative modalities, such as yoga and meditation. Pottery class, acupuncture, and Reiki were even discussed!

“This was truly holistic care,” thought Omani. This is exactly what she wanted.

Aside from her depression, Omani revealed that in her past she experienced the trauma of racial violence. It turned out that her psychiatrist had expertise in trauma psychotherapy and cross-cultural healing work. The psychiatrist began treatments to address the trauma. Omani couldn’t believe her good fortune.

After a year, Omani’s depression had turned around. The psychiatrist coordinated care with her prescribing provider to guide stopping the antidepressant. The deep trauma psychotherapy work helped heal old wounds without prolonged use of medication.

Having a psychiatrist for therapy and holistic mental health care, who understands these medicines, allowed for increased awareness of mood changes and adjustments of treatments, and optimal coordination with her other doctors.