A mental illness is a condition that affects a person’s thinking, feeling or mood. Such conditions may affect someone’s ability to relate to others and day-to-day functioning and can impact sleep. Each person will have different experiences, even people with the same diagnosis.
It is a serious and growing problem among adults and our youth. According to statistics in 2020, about 21% of people in the US will experience some sort of mental illness. And on in 15 people will have a combination of mental illness and substance use disorder.
Clinical data and demand for mental health services over the last two years, is that those numbers have probably increase. More people are struggling with mental health challenges, especially anxiety, depression and increased alcohol use.
It is important to know that you are not alone, that this is common and that there is help.
I can help with the following mental health conditions
- Anxiety Disorders
- OCD – Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Panic Attacks
- Social Anxiety
- PTSD
- Trichotillomania and other anxiety related impulses
- Depression
- SAD – Seasonal Affective Disorder or Seasonal Mood Disorder
I have worked with people with Bipolar Disorders and Schizophrenia but always require the work we do is in conjunction and integrated with their psychiatrist.
My approach to helping you if you are struggling with mental health concerns
The goal is to improve your day-to-day quality of life, to be able to function better at home and work. This doesn’t happen overnight, so there are a number of steps.
- I do a deep dive into what may be causing your mental health issues. I conduct a thorough evaluation of present symptoms, medical history, labs, and imaging, and take the time to find out how your mental health issues are showing up and affecting you in the present and past.
- I look at the evaluation and care you have received in the past. I take note of what worked and hasn’t worked.
- With mental health issues, I work with you to make sure you have a team to help. This includes other medical providers if needed, making sure you have social support in general and a plan for urgent social support if you need. I also encourage counseling and/or group support and/or spiritual support systems as well.
- I take a multi-systems approach and look at the genetic, biological, neurological, biochemical, hormonal, environmental, medications, nutritional aspects of what is going on for you and address whether they are contributing to your symptoms.
- I will address both the acute symptoms and the underlying root cause of the symptoms. This way you can get some more short-term relief while uncovering and treating the underlying cause of the problems.
- I integrate the best of both natural and conventional medicine for individualized treatments and care.
- I see you and treat you as a person, not a set of symptoms or a diagnosis!
If you or someone you know is in immediate distress or is thinking about hurting themselves, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline toll-free at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). You also can text the Crisis Text Line (HELLO to 741741) or use the Lifeline Chat on the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline website.
Discuss your health needs, our services and determine whether this is a good fit for you on your health journey
Washington, California and across the US • tel: (425) 457-7799 •
Dr. Lara Litov | Online Doctor | Telehealth | Naturopathic Doctor | Integrative Medicine