The field of mental health care has evolved greatly. Gone are the days of institutionalizing those who behave differently or keeping them drugged to the point of incoherence. Even the use of the anxiety treatment Valium, once the most-prescribed medication in the 1970s, is going down.
While medications can be very effective tools in the treatment of mental health issues, researchers and practitioners are finding that treating the symptom without treating the cause is like fighting a losing battle.
That’s the guiding premise at SourceMD: Integrated Wellness Solutions, where Dr. David Larson offers a whole new approach to health care for patients at his Encinitas, California, office.
Whether you’re experiencing pain, illness, or mental health issues, he believes there are many potential factors contributing to your condition or conditions. That’s why he’s committed to integrative psychiatry and a holistic approach to your mental health.
The main difference between an integrative approach to mental health versus more conventional methods is that integrative psychiatry broadens the scope of care and embraces both traditional practices (talk therapy and medication) and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) concepts.
In a way, you may have already been dabbling in CAM without even realizing it, as it includes widely popular self-improvement activities such as practicing yoga, healthy eating, and exercising. In fact, 35% of people seeking mental health care try at least one form of CAM — and they’re onto something.
Dr. Larson strongly believes in the interconnectedness of your body and mind, and he knows that both can be affected by external factors. Using integrative psychiatry, he examines all those factors to determine how they relate to one another.
Most people suffering from mild-to-moderate mental health care issues can benefit from Dr. Larson’s approach, which includes nutrition, exercise, relaxation, and guided imagery, among other techniques, all of which are safe and effective.
These techniques are particularly well-suited for those dealing with high levels of stress, relationship problems, depression and anxiety, alcoholism and drug addiction, and grief.
Integrative psychiatry is most successful for those who have tried conventional approaches and haven’t seen an improvement in their symptoms, along with those who are committed to taking control of their own health.
There is evidence that all mental health conditions can benefit from an integrative and holistic treatment approach. However, patients with severe mental illness such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia often need more traditional prescription medications in addition to lifestyle-based treatments.
Dr. Larson has traveled the world serving and working alongside educators and health care professionals. Inspired by what he experienced, he focused his medical education on specific specialties that would allow him to personalize his practice and care for his patients as whole people, rather than victims of a symptom or disease.
After earning his medical degree at the prestigious University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Dr. Larson completed residencies in both family medicine and psychiatry, along with a fellowship in holistic and integrative medicine.
He’s double board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and the American Academy of Family Physicians. Dr. Larson uses those credentials to practice health care differently and help his patients achieve complete and long-lasting wellness.
If you’re experiencing a mood disorder, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, or similar conditions, Dr. Larson can help by getting to the root cause. Whether it’s physical, chemical, genetic, or environmental reasons, he patiently works with you to ensure you get on the road to wellness.
To learn more about Dr. Larson’s unique concierge medical practice or to schedule a consultation, call us or use our New Patient online scheduling tool today!
