Lifestyle Psychiatry in California

Serving the Whole Person

Lifestyle Psychiatry: Caring for the Mind & Body

Do you believe that your mental health is connected to daily routines and behaviors?

Have you noticed a pattern of negative thoughts or behaviors that seem to intensify during periods of stress or when facing challenges?

Are you open to exploring holistic approaches to mental health care that consider the impact of lifestyle factors on your overall well-being?

If you are saying YES to any of these questions then you are in the right place!

What is Lifestyle Psychiatry?

Lifestyle psychiatry is a personalized approach to mental health care that recognizes the intricate interplay between an individual's life experiences, habits, and emotional well-being. It focuses specifically on the 6 pillars of Lifestyle Medicine with a focus on improving your mental health.

At Bloom and Build, we will take time to explore the narratives that have been created that are influencing your thoughts, feelings, and lifestyle choices.  We spend time reflecting and exploring the beliefs that contribute to stress and burnout and assist in cultivating a more holistic understanding of who you are beyond your achievements or challenges. The hope is that you have a greater sense of self and increased compassion that allows for richer social connections throughout your life.

How do the 6 pillars of Lifestyle Medicine impact mental health?

  • Plant-Based Nutrition

    Emphasizing a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, while limiting foods with added sugars, dyes, and unhealthy fats.

    People gathering while eating a plant based diet highlighting the importance of nutrition on mental health

  • Physical Activity

    Promoting regular movement and exercise improves muscle strength, flexibility, cardiovascular health, and mental well-being.

    A woman working out highlighting the importance of physical activity on mental health

  • Restorative Sleep

    Prioritizing sufficient and high-quality sleep to support concentration, attention, memory, mood regulation, immune function, and overall health

    Bed with comfy blankets representing the need for restorative sleep to improve mental health

  • Social Connection

    Cultivating supportive relationships, and meaningful connections with others to enhance emotional health and reduce feelings of loneliness and experiences of isolation.

    Women embracing symbolizing the need for social connection for our psychological and emotional wellness

  • Stress Management

    Building resilience to stress and disrupting unhelpful patterns in your life to build a narrative that is in better alignment with your values and vision.

    Picture of the word "breathe" in neon lights encouraging to relax and manage stress in a healthy way

  • Avoidance of Risky Substances

    Encouraging moderation or avoidance of harmful substances such as tobacco, alcohol, and recreational drugs to prevent addiction and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

    Man jumping in the air highlighting feeling good.

Lifestyle Psychiatry

What’s the role of medication & therapy?

While lifestyle changes play a significant role in promoting mental well-being, medications may be prescribed when necessary to treat and alleviate distressing symptoms due to a mood disorder or other psychological diagnosis. Medications can help you gain clarity, stability, and a sense of control over your own story and allow you to more effectively engage in the therapeutic process to create positive change in your life.

What about medication side effects?

Before medications are prescribed to you, we ensure to thoroughly discuss the most common potential side effects of the recommended medication. Ultimately, the decision to proceed with taking medications rests with you. The primary objective is to equip you with all the necessary information to enable you to make a fully informed decision. Regular meetings are scheduled to assess potential side effects, track symptom progression, and ascertain the ongoing necessity of medication.

At Bloom & Build, we offer a holistic approach that merges conventional psychiatric medications with herbal supplements and nutraceuticals, which are natural products derived from food sources that promote wellness.

How do I get started with Lifestyle Psychiatry in California?

You’ve made it here for a reason. It’s time to get help from a psychiatrist who is interested in treating the whole person. At Bloom & Build, we believe it’s possible for you to feel better and we are ready to help. Book at consult today to get any additional questions you have answered.

Lifestyle Psychiatry Frequently Asked Questions

  • While traditional psychiatry primarily offers psychotherapy and medication management. Lifestyle psychiatry offers a broader approah to treatment that includes lifestyle modifications, and integrative medicine approaches.

  • A wide range of conditions can benefit from this approach including: anxiety, depression, stress related disorders, ADHD, and Bipolar disorder. Please remember that lifestyle psychiatry adds lifestyle choices to the treatment and does not exclude medications or therapy.

  • It can be beneficial for anyone who struggling with a mental health disorder and seeking psychiatric services. It is particularly well-suited for those who are interested in a holistic approach and are motivated to make lifestyle changes.