Amavi Integrative Mental Health

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OVERVIEW

Amavi Integrative Mental Wellness offers personalized mental health care centered around the needs of patients throughout the Front Range. Their services include medication management and psychotherapy for a variety of conditions including anxiety disorders, OCD, insomnia, ADHD, depression, bipolar disorder, and dementia-related cognitive and behavioral symptoms. They emphasize a holistic approach to treatment, incorporating traditional psychiatric medications, complementary therapies, and innovative treatments like compounded ketamine. Pharmacogenomic testing is also available to tailor medication choices and dosages based on individual genetic profiles. Additionally, Amavi features a board-certified neuropsychologist who conducts neuropsychological testing to aid in diagnosing and planning treatment for conditions such as dementia, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder.

SERVICES

  1. Medication Management: Amavi Integrative Mental Wellness offers comprehensive medication management services aimed at enhancing mental health and wellness. Their skilled providers assess each patient's medical history, diagnosis, and symptoms to tailor a personalized medication regimen. Utilizing advanced pharmacogenomic testing, they guide medication selection and dosing, optimizing treatment efficacy while minimizing potential side effects. Continuous monitoring of patient progress allows for adjustments to the medication plan as needed. Amavi's approach includes thorough patient education about medications, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their mental health care.
  2. Psychotherapy: At Amavi Integrative Mental Wellness, psychotherapy serves as a crucial tool in addressing a wide range of mental illnesses and emotional challenges. Their therapists utilize various effective modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectic Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and EMDR, tailoring treatments to individual needs and goals. Psychotherapy can alleviate symptoms, enhance coping mechanisms, and improve overall well-being by exploring and understanding personal thoughts, behaviors, and underlying causes. Whether used alone or in conjunction with medication or other therapies, psychotherapy at Amavi is personalized to each person's unique circumstances, offering a supportive environment for healing and growth.
  3. Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy: Amavi Integrative Mental Wellness offers Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) as an innovative treatment for individuals struggling with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain. Utilizing ketamine's dual impact through biochemical modulation and its dissociative, psychedelic effects, KAP aims to disrupt entrenched negative thought patterns and enhance neuroplasticity, facilitating emotional healing and cognitive restructuring. Each session, conducted in a calming environment under the guidance of trained therapists, involves ketamine administered via intramuscular injection, troches, or intranasal spray. A typical session lasts approximately ninety minutes, with patients encouraged to undergo a series of five to six closely spaced sessions for optimal results. Before starting treatment, patients undergo comprehensive evaluations to determine suitability, set treatment goals, and ensure personalized care throughout the therapy journey at Amavi.
  4. Neuropsychological Assessments:Amavi Integrative Mental Wellness offers comprehensive neuropsychological assessments to diagnose and guide treatment for a variety of mental health conditions and cognitive impairments. These data-driven tests evaluate functions such as language, attention, memory, reasoning, and mood, providing valuable insights into cognitive strengths and weaknesses. Assessments are recommended for individuals experiencing memory decline, attention deficits, confusion, personality changes, or difficulties with daily functioning. Through a thorough review of medical and mental health history and various tests administered by trained technicians, these assessments help inform personalized treatment plans and rehabilitation strategies. Amavi’s approach ensures that assessment results are used to address specific diagnostic questions, guide therapy and medication management, and assist with prognosis and planning for individuals and their families. For those considering a neuropsychological assessment, contacting Amavi Integrative Mental Wellness allows for consultation and scheduling to determine the appropriate next steps in care.
  5. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBTi) offered at Amavi Integrative Mental Wellness is a highly effective, first-line treatment for chronic sleep disorders. Unlike sleep medications, CBTi focuses on identifying and altering the thoughts and behaviors that contribute to sleep disturbances, promoting lasting improvements in sleep quality. The cognitive component helps individuals recognize and change negative beliefs that disrupt sleep, while the behavioral component encourages the development of healthy sleep habits and discourages behaviors that hinder restfulness. While sleep medications can provide short-term relief, CBTi is preferred for long-term insomnia management due to its ability to address underlying causes without the risk of dependence or side effects associated with medications. Amavi's approach ensures personalized treatment plans that may include a combination of CBTi and medication when appropriate, tailored to meet each individual's specific needs and goals for better sleep health.
  6. Geriatric Psychiatry: Amavi Integrative Mental Wellness specializes in geriatric psychiatry, offering compassionate and tailored care to meet the unique mental health needs of older adults. Their experienced team provides comprehensive assessments, accurate diagnoses, and personalized treatment plans for conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, Parkinson’s disease dementia, and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Services include cognitive evaluations, medication management, and supportive therapies like cognitive rehabilitation and psychotherapy to optimize cognitive functioning and manage neuropsychiatric symptoms. They emphasize lifestyle modifications, including exercise and social engagement, to promote cognitive health. Amavi also addresses depression, isolation, and loneliness in older adults through thorough assessments, antidepressant medications, psychotherapy, and strategies for social interaction and community involvement. Their holistic approach ensures that older patients receive integrated care to improve mental well-being and overall quality of life.

CONDITIONS TREATED

  1. ADD & ADHD: Amavi Integrative Mental Wellness offers specialized services for Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder impacting focus, impulse control, and attention, often persisting from childhood into adulthood. Adults experiencing ADHD symptoms can benefit from diagnosis and treatment at Amavi, which includes personalized treatment plans incorporating medication to alleviate symptoms and improve daily functioning. Services include comprehensive intake assessments to identify symptoms and potential co-occurring conditions like anxiety, ensuring tailored care that enhances confidence, social interactions, and overall quality of life. Treatment aims to mitigate impulsivity, enhance time management, and foster better relationships, equipping individuals with skills to manage challenges effectively.
  2. Anxiety Disorders: Occasional anxiety is a common experience, but anxiety disorders represent a more persistent and debilitating condition where anxiety doesn't dissipate and may worsen over time, affecting daily functioning such as work, school, and relationships. Types of anxiety disorders include Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), characterized by chronic worry, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating; Panic Disorder, marked by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks accompanied by physical symptoms like rapid heart rate and chest pain; Social Anxiety Disorder, involving intense fear of scrutiny in social settings, often leading to avoidance behaviors; and Phobia-related Disorders, where irrational fears of specific objects or situations provoke intense anxiety and avoidance tactics. These disorders significantly impair quality of life and often require tailored treatments including therapy and, in some cases, medication to manage symptoms effectively.
  3. Bipolar Disorders: Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic-depressive illness, is a mental health condition characterized by extreme shifts in mood, energy levels, and activity that affect daily functioning. There are three main types: Bipolar I involves severe manic episodes lasting at least 7 days, often accompanied by depressive episodes lasting at least 2 weeks or episodes with mixed features. Bipolar II features depressive episodes and less severe hypomanic episodes. Cyclothymic disorder entails recurring periods of hypomanic and depressive symptoms that don't meet the full criteria for episodes. Diagnosis typically occurs in late adolescence or early adulthood, though symptoms can manifest in children. Treatment usually involves lifelong management with medication and therapy to stabilize mood and improve quality of life during mood episodes, which can last days to weeks.
  4. Depression: Amavi offers comprehensive depression services recognizing depression (major depressive disorder) as a pervasive mood disorder that affects millions nationwide. Symptoms include persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in once-enjoyable activities, alongside changes in appetite, energy levels, and concentration. Depression may stem from various factors such as genetics, brain chemistry imbalances, trauma, or medical conditions. Treatment at Amavi involves personalized plans combining antidepressant medications and psychotherapy to alleviate symptoms and enhance overall well-being, aiming to restore functionality and improve quality of life for individuals affected by depression and related mood disorders.
  5. Memory Disorders: Amavi Integrative Mental Wellness provides specialized memory disorder services. Memory disorders encompass conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia, each affecting cognition, reasoning, and communication abilities. Symptoms can include memory loss, confusion, and difficulties with daily tasks. Treatment options offered by Amavi include psychotherapy, medications, and coordinated care with other healthcare providers to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Whether it’s mild cognitive impairment or advanced dementia, Amavi’s experienced team offers comprehensive support tailored to each individual's needs.
  6. Mood Disorders: Amavi Integrative Mental Wellness offers specialized mood disorder services, addressing conditions such as major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and related anxiety disorders. Major depressive disorder involves persistent feelings of sadness impacting mood, behavior, and daily life, often treated with a combination of medications, psychotherapy, and lifestyle adjustments. Bipolar disorders are characterized by alternating manic and depressive episodes, affecting energy levels and decision-making abilities. Treatment at Amavi emphasizes comprehensive care tailored to enhance quality of life, utilizing medication management, psychotherapy, and holistic approaches to manage symptoms and promote overall well-being for individuals experiencing mood disorders.
  7. Obsessive Compulsive Disorders: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic and often debilitating condition characterized by uncontrollable, recurring thoughts (obsessions) and/or behaviors (compulsions). These obsessions can trigger anxiety and include fears of contamination, taboo thoughts, or a need for symmetry. Compulsions are repetitive actions performed to alleviate anxiety, such as excessive cleaning, checking, or counting. People with OCD spend significant time each day on these rituals, which interfere with daily life despite providing little relief or pleasure. OCD symptoms can impact work, school, and personal relationships, necessitating specialized treatment that may involve therapy, medication, and behavioral interventions to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
  8. PTSD: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that can develop after experiencing a terrifying or life-threatening event. It often manifests with symptoms such as re-experiencing the trauma through flashbacks or nightmares, avoiding reminders of the event, heightened arousal like difficulty sleeping or being easily startled, and negative changes in mood or thinking. While most people recover from initial trauma reactions naturally, those with PTSD continue to experience distressing symptoms that persist for more than a month and significantly disrupt daily life. Symptoms can arise shortly after the trauma or even years later, and the course of PTSD varies, with some recovering within months while others experience chronic symptoms. Effective treatment typically involves psychotherapy, medication, or a combination tailored to the individual's needs, aiming to alleviate symptoms and improve overall well-being.

TEAM

  1. Dr. Elliot Good: Dr. Elliot Good is a highly qualified Nurse Practitioner specializing in geriatric mental health. With dual board certifications in Psychiatric Mental Health and Adult Geriatric Primary Care, she brings a comprehensive approach to patient care. Dr. Good holds multiple advanced degrees, including a Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Colorado. Her extensive experience spans home-based primary care, dementia assessment, hospice management, and outpatient psychiatric care. In 2020, she founded Amavi Integrative Mental Wellness, applying her expertise in complex medical and psychiatric conditions among older adults. Dr. Good's commitment to advancing geriatric mental health is evident in her research, particularly her work on telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a guest lecturer and adjunct professor at the University of Colorado, she continues to contribute to the field's knowledge base. Beyond her professional pursuits, Dr. Good maintains an active personal life, enjoying outdoor activities, music, and travel.
  2. Jamie McCartney Herbert: Dr. McCartney Herbert, DNP, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner renowned for her patient-centered approach and commitment to evidence-based practice. She earned her Doctorate and Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Colorado, complementing earlier studies in Nursing, Psychology, and Studio Art. Dr. Herbert integrates precision medicine techniques, including genetic and blood work analyses, with personalized patient perspectives to optimize mental health outcomes. Her compassionate, non-judgmental demeanor empowers patients to actively engage in their treatment, viewing psychiatry as a blend of scientific rigor and empathetic artistry aimed at achieving holistic wellness.
  3. Dr. Sherissa Sebastian: Dr. Sherissa Sebastian is a highly educated mental health professional, holding a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from the University of Tennessee and board certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Her academic background also includes degrees in nursing and psychology. Dr. Sebastian's approach to patient care is characterized by compassion and openness, emphasizing evidence-based practices to develop personalized treatment plans. She focuses on creating an empowering environment for her patients, fostering collaboration and a holistic view of wellness. Dr. Sebastian's treatment methodology integrates various aspects of mental health care, including social support, psychotherapy, medication management, and alternative interventions. Her practice is built on the principles of transparency and sincerity, aiming to address each patient's unique needs and mental health objectives effectively.
  4. Kristin Wingfield: A board-certified nurse practitioner in both psychiatric mental health and family practice, Kristin Wingfield is known for her empathetic approach and dedication to building strong patient relationships. She integrates the mind-body connection into her practice to promote mental wellness, offering comprehensive care through counseling, mental health education, and medication management when appropriate. Kristin earned her Master of Science in family practice from the University of Colorado and completed her psychiatric training at the University of Cincinnati. Currently, she is expanding her expertise in integrative psychiatry by pursuing additional certification.
  5. Tamara Bockman: Ms. Bockman is a dual board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Adult and Geriatric Clinical Nurse Specialist with nearly thirty years of experience in mental health care. She is known for her holistic approach, integrating mind, body, and spirit to treat each patient as a unique individual. Her expertise encompasses acute and maintenance psychiatric treatment, new treatment plans, medication management, and psychiatric diagnostics for both adults and geriatric patients. With a deep background in acute care across medical, surgical, cardiac, neurology, and psychiatric settings, Ms. Bockman blends Eastern and Western Medicine practices. She emphasizes a collaborative, evidence-based approach to partnering with patients to enhance their mental health and overall well-being.
  6. Monique Rees: Monique Rees is a highly qualified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a unique background in psychotherapy and integrative psychiatry. Holding a Master of Science from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and a Master of Arts in Transpersonal Psychology from Naropa University, she combines clinical expertise with a holistic approach to mental health care. Monique specializes in developing personalized treatment plans that encompass lifestyle adjustments, counseling, medication management, and non-pharmacological therapies, aiming to address both symptoms and underlying causes of mental health conditions for comprehensive patient care.
  7. Michael Garza: Michael Garza has a diverse educational background that includes nursing, psychology, and theology. He is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. His professional experience is rooted in acute adult inpatient psychiatry, where he has worked at Denver Health's Adult Inpatient Medical/Psychiatric Unit since 2014. Garza's approach to mental health care is characterized by a client-focused, collaborative, and non-judgmental philosophy. He emphasizes the importance of each client's unique life story and strives to create personalized, holistic treatment plans that incorporate individual narratives, social support systems, and personal values. Garza's evidence-based methodology integrates psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications, and medication management to provide comprehensive care. His educational credentials include a degree from the University of Colorado's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Regis University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Theology from Hardin-Simmons University.
  8. Jennifer Gerardy: Jennifer Gerardy, PMHNP-BC, is a seasoned Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience spanning over 20 years in acute care settings, complemented by dual Bachelor’s degrees in nursing and psychology from the University of Wyoming. A proud veteran of the United States Air Force Nurse Corps, Jennifer graduated from the University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus. Her practice emphasizes the integration of evidence-based medication management, psychotherapies, and holistic approaches tailored to individual mental wellness goals. She brings a compassionate demeanor and a deep understanding of the interplay between physical health, mental well-being, and social determinants to her client-centered care philosophy, fostering trusting partnerships with her clients.
  9. Sean McNamara: Sean McNamara is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who graduated from Regis University. His professional background includes experience working with acute adult psychiatric patients at Denver Health before joining Amavi. McNamara employs a holistic approach in his practice, aiming to address patients' physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual needs comprehensively. He emphasizes patient-centered, culturally-competent, and evidence-based care in his work. McNamara actively encourages patient participation in their treatment, believing this collaboration is crucial for guiding individuals towards mental wellness. His practice philosophy focuses on tailoring care to each patient's unique circumstances and needs, fostering an environment where patients are empowered to engage actively in their mental health journey.
  10. Heide Alexander: A board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Practitioner with a holistic approach to mental wellness, Heide Alexander, earned her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Colorado and is a Fellow with the Integrative Psychiatry Institute, with additional training in Internal Family Systems therapy. Alexander's professional experience includes extensive work in community mental health since 2007, both as a nurse practitioner and nurse. Her treatment philosophy emphasizes client-driven care, focusing on understanding the root causes of symptoms and collaboratively developing treatment plans. Alexander recognizes the importance of spirituality, mind-body connections, and lifestyle practices in mental health care. Before her nursing career, she worked in public policy research. A long-time Colorado resident who briefly lived in New Zealand, Alexander balances her professional life with family time, enjoying various water-related activities with her partner and four children.
  11. Erica Meyer: Erica Meyer is a Licensed Psychologist with a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology in Alameda. Her extensive training includes internships at UC Davis Medical Center, the Sacramento VA, and North Shore University Hospital, along with a postdoctoral fellowship at UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center and the Help Group. Erica has also taught graduate-level courses and served as Adjunct Faculty at UCLA, where she supervised Postdoctoral Fellows in Neuropsychological Assessment. At Amavi, she specializes in Neurocognitive and Diagnostic Assessments across the lifespan, thriving in her role as part of a treatment team to enhance patient care and address diagnostic questions from clients' providers.
  12. Greg Styles: Greg, a licensed clinical social worker with over 25 years of experience, holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Colorado State University and a Master of Social Work from Smith College. His diverse professional background spans various settings, including hospitals, schools, universities, residential programs, community health centers, and the military. Greg is trained in multiple therapeutic approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy and solution-focused therapy, and is a certified grief counselor and life coach. His therapeutic style is characterized by an easy-going yet direct approach, focusing on providing clients with practical tools to achieve their goals. Greg specializes in helping clients navigate life transitions and changes, developing strategies to cope with anxiety, grief, major decisions, anger, and stress. His interactive sessions aim to increase clients' self-awareness and equip them with a range of coping strategies for future challenges.
  13. Tim Wells: Tim Wells, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a background in community mental health and a strong focus on adult and older adult populations. He earned his Master's degree in Social Work from Metropolitan State University following a Bachelor's degree in psychology from Cornell University. Tim's therapeutic approach is characterized by a casual and conversational style aimed at helping clients achieve their goals through mindfulness practices, cognitive behavioral techniques, and motivational interviewing. He emphasizes building strong therapeutic relationships based on trust to facilitate personal growth, self-worth, and effective decision-making skills in his clients.
  14. Carol Calkins: Carol Calkins earned her Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Nebraska Wesleyan University and her Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a lifelong dedication to helping individuals navigate challenging experiences and achieve meaningful change. Her extensive experience spans various settings, including agencies, hospitals, public institutions, and addiction treatment centers. Carol is known for her expertise in consulting with caregivers and professionals, providing strength-based services, and addressing issues such as major mental illness, trauma, assault, and dual-diagnosis. She is deeply committed to honoring the trust placed in her by clients through the therapeutic relationship.
  15. Shari Hardies: Shari Hardies, LCSW, brings over 16 years of experience in clinical social work to her practice. With a strong foundation from St. John’s University in Psychology and a Master's degree from Colorado State University School of Social Work, she is dedicated to fostering personal growth and healthy relationships among individuals, couples, and families. Shari’s approach combines cultural competency, empathy, and humor to create therapeutic connections that facilitate profound transformations. Her commitment to building trust with her clients underscores her belief that lasting change and a high quality of life begin with a supportive therapeutic relationship.
  16. Candice Finn: Candice Finn is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Regis University and a Bachelor of Arts from Pennsylvania State University. Her varied background includes experience as a public school teacher, communications manager for a local non-profit, and extensive work as a group and individual therapist. Specializing in trauma-informed care and existential therapy, Candice approaches therapy with profound respect for human resilience. She works closely with clients to address past traumas and build healthier relationships, fostering a safe and compassionate environment for exploring deep emotions. Her therapeutic approach focuses on helping clients find meaning in their experiences and align their values and choices to create a fulfilling life, offering collaborative and empathetic support to drive lasting positive change.
  17. Emily McKay: Emily is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 20 years of experience, holding a Master’s degree in Psychology from Naropa University. Certified in Psychedelic Assisted Therapy and Hakomi Mindful Somatic Therapy, Emily embraces the belief that individuals possess an innate capacity for healing and are fundamentally good. She also serves as faculty at the Integrative Psychiatry Institute, where she trains mental health professionals in Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy. Emily's therapeutic approach, which integrates mind and body, focuses on resilience and self-compassion, helping clients tap into their inner wisdom and navigate their challenges beyond mere diagnoses. Described as practical yet deeply insightful and compassionate, Emily enjoys exploring music, art, and spending time with animals in her personal life.
  18. Emily Geiger: Emily, a Licensed Professional Counselor since 2021, brings a trauma-informed and culturally competent approach to her practice. With a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Oklahoma State University and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of North Texas, she has developed expertise in working with diverse adult populations. Her professional background includes significant experience at a non-profit clinic in Dallas, TX, focusing on rehabilitating trafficked and sexually exploited women and teens. Emily's therapeutic style is characterized by straightforwardness, compassion, and humor, emphasizing a relational, strength-based, and holistic approach. She is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and incorporates various modalities including dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), attachment therapy, and mindfulness practices. Emily's primary goal is to empower clients to process trauma, develop effective coping skills, and find meaning in their lives through tailored, evidence-based interventions. She values creating a safe, comfortable environment for clients and believes that trust, motivation, and communication are crucial to successful therapy outcomes.
  19. Denise Powell: Denise Powell, M.S., M.A. Candidate, is an intern at Amavi and a student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master’s Program at Adams State University. With a background in health and wellness, nonprofit work, education, and educational technology, she holds an M.S. in Creative Technologies and Design from CU Boulder, focusing on Social Impact. Denise is passionate about building strong therapeutic relationships and understanding each individual’s unique needs to support them in achieving their goals. She specializes in using mindfulness and other therapeutic techniques to address anxiety, information overload, and depression. Based in Boulder, CO, Denise enjoys traveling and outdoor activities like skiing and hiking with her daughters.


LOCATIONS

BOULDER


STREET ADDRESS: 6897 Paiute Ave Suite 5

CITY: Niwot

STATE: Colorado

POSTAL CODE: 80503

COUNTRY: United States of America

LATITUDE/LONGITUDE: 40.0996135,-105.1420681

PHONE NUMBER: 303-652-4196

WESTMINSTER

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STREET ADDRESS: 12041 Tejon St

CITY: Westminster

STATE: Colorado

POSTAL CODE: 80234

COUNTRY: United States of America

LATITUDE/LONGITUDE: 39.9150381,-105.0120474

PHONE NUMBER: 303-993-7356

EXTERNAL LINKS

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ONTOLOGY

mental health psychotherapy anxiety disorders ADHD depression bipolar disorder dementia- ketamine Pharmacogenomic autism