In the past, psychiatry and spirituality tended to occupy different spaces. In many cases, both spiritual leaders and psychiatrists were at odds with one another. However, as an experienced virtual psychiatrist, I find that there can be a strong connection between spirituality and positive mental health. Let’s explore how psychiatry and spirituality can work in tandem to help individuals achieve holistic well-being, personal growth and emotional resilience.

While there can be drawbacks to practicing any religion, particularly if it inhibits you from seeking mental health care, I have found that faith, spirituality and a belief in God can play significant roles in patient stability, providing individuals with purpose and meaning in life.

Of course, mental health issues are diseases that require treatment to reduce or eliminate symptoms so counseling and medications are still essential tools that can lead you to better health. All things equal, I find that patients who utilize therapy, medication and spirituality often do better than those missing the spiritual component.

In terms of mental health, there are many benefits related to spirituality and religion, including:

• Stress Reduction – Spiritual practices such as meditation, prayer, and mindfulness can reduce stress and promote relaxation. For instance, as an ADHD psychiatrist, I find that concentrated meditation specifically can help reduce the severity of symptoms. Prayer, mindfulness and meditation also can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
• Improved Coping Skills – Spiritual beliefs and practices can provide a sense of purpose and meaning, helping individuals cope with life's challenges and setbacks.
• Enhanced Emotional Resilience – A strong spiritual foundation can increase emotional resilience, helping people recover more quickly from emotional distress. Of course, attending a house of worship also can foster a sense of community and improve socialization which can lessen feelings of loneliness and isolation.
• Greater Life Satisfaction & Wellbeing – Spirituality can enhance overall life satisfaction and well-being by fostering a positive outlook and a sense of inner peace. 
• Better Management of Anxiety and Depression – As a psychiatrist for anxiety and a psychiatrist for depression, I’ve seen firsthand how spiritual practices can help manage symptoms of anxiety and depression by promoting relaxation, providing a sense of hope, and offering comfort during difficult times. 
• Encouragement of Positive Behaviors – Spiritual teachings often promote positive behaviors and ethical values, which can lead to healthier lifestyle choices and improved mental health.
• Increased Self-Awareness & Personal Growth – Spiritual exploration can lead to greater self-awareness and personal growth, helping individuals understand themselves and their emotions better.
• Improved Mindfulness & Present-Moment Awareness – Many spiritual practices encourage mindfulness, which can help individuals stay grounded in the present moment and reduce rumination, which is repetitive, negative thoughts. With many mental health disorders, rumination is a common symptom, and mindfulness can be a helpful tool to help minimize these distressing thoughts.
• Enhanced Compassion & Empathy – Spiritual teachings often emphasize compassion and empathy, fostering better relationships and a deeper understanding of others. Many religions focus on the idea of service and charitable acts and taking time for these actions can improve your mental health. Effectively you can help yourself as you also help others.
• Connection to a Higher Purpose – Spirituality can provide a sense of connection to something greater than oneself, which can be comforting and inspiring, especially during times of crisis.
• Support in Dealing with Grief & Loss – Life is hard for everyone, but it can be especially difficult to navigate loss and grief with a mental illness. Spiritual beliefs and practices can offer comfort and guidance when dealing with grief and loss, helping individuals find meaning and solace.

These benefits highlight the positive impact spirituality can have on mental health, offering tools and perspectives that complement traditional therapeutic approaches. Spirituality can make a huge impact on your mental health, but I still strongly recommend working with professional therapists and psychiatrists to ensure that all of your needs are met.

After all, as a psychiatrist, I have extensive training as both a physician and a mental health professional. This provides me with a unique perspective and allows me to develop treatment plans that target both the mind and body. Spirituality can be a helpful component of your daily life, but medication and talk therapy also help and can be essential parts of your treatment.

How To Add Spirituality To Your Life
This can be as simple as making weekly visits to your preferred house of worship, and I encourage you to search for an option where you feel welcome and accepted, as well as comfortable with the messages being provided by the clergy or worship leaders. However, that’s just one option and you also can consider the following.

Practice Mindfulness & Being Present – Experiment with various practices to see which ones are a good fit for you. This includes trying meditation, prayer, yoga, journaling or even reading (or listening to) spiritual texts.

Connect with Nature – Spending time in nature can foster a sense of peace and connection. Activities like walking in the park, hiking, gardening, or simply sitting outside can help you feel more grounded and in tune with the natural world.

Create a Sacred Space – Designate a space in your home for spiritual practices. This could be a small corner with a comfortable seat, candles, incense, or objects that hold special meaning to you.

Read and Learn – Explore spiritual literature, philosophy, or religious texts that interest you. Reading about different spiritual traditions and teachings can broaden your understanding and inspire new practices.

Engage in Community and Service – Join a spiritual or religious community, if that aligns with your interests. Participating in communal activities or volunteering can provide a sense of belonging and purpose.

Practice Gratitude – Cultivating gratitude can enhance your spiritual life by helping you appreciate the positive aspects of your life. This can be done by keeping a gratitude journal or simply reflecting on what you are thankful for each day.

Seek Guidance – If you’re exploring a specific spiritual path, consider seeking guidance from a mentor, teacher, or spiritual leader. They can provide insights, and support, and help you deepen your practice.

Engage in Creative Expression – Creative activities like painting, writing, music, or dance can be spiritual practices in themselves, allowing you to express your inner self and connect with something greater.

Practice Forgiveness and Compassion – Spirituality often involves cultivating compassion for yourself and others. Practice forgiveness and strive to approach situations with empathy and understanding.

Is Telepsychiatry A Good Fit For You?
Of course, as stated above, working with a psychiatrist also is an essential tool for anyone suffering from a mental illness. I offer services as both an online psychiatrist and an in-person psychiatrist, and many people these days are enjoying the convenience of telepsychiatry. Additionally, the use of online psychiatry services and online mental health services in general has been approved by the American Psychiatric Association.

There are several advantages of using a virtual psychiatrist over opting for in-person care. These advantages make telepsychiatry a valuable option for many patients, offering flexible, accessible, and effective mental health care. Let’s take a look at some of the general advantages of telepsychiatry.

1. Increased Accessibility – Telepsychiatry provides access to mental health care for individuals in remote or underserved areas where psychiatric services may be limited or unavailable.
   
2. Convenience and Flexibility – Patients can attend sessions from the comfort of their own homes, reducing the need for travel and making it easier to fit appointments into their schedules.
   
3. Reduced Wait Times – Telepsychiatry can help reduce wait times for appointments, providing more timely access to care, especially for those in urgent need.
   
4. Enhanced Privacy and Anonymity – Patients may feel more comfortable discussing sensitive issues in a private setting, which can enhance their openness and honesty during sessions.
   
5. Continuity of Care – Working with a virtual psychiatrist allows patients to continue receiving care even if they move to a different location, travel frequently, or have mobility issues.
   
6. Cost-Effectiveness – It can be more cost-effective for both patients and providers, reducing expenses related to travel, office space, and administrative costs. I work as a psychiatrist in Thousand Oaks where gas prices are exorbitant and sitting in traffic is a way of life. Saving gas money (and the stress of driving) is not an inconsiderable factor in my area.
   
7. Improved Access to Specialists – Patients can access a broader range of specialists, including those who may not be available locally, ensuring they receive the most appropriate care for their specific needs.
   
8. Increased Patient Engagement – The convenience of telepsychiatry can increase patient engagement and adherence to treatment plans, as it removes barriers related to travel and scheduling.
   
9. Flexibility in Treatment Settings – Telepsychiatry can be used in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, and correctional facilities, enhancing its reach and applicability.
   
10. Support for Comorbid Conditions – Telepsychiatry can be particularly beneficial for patients with physical health conditions that make traveling difficult, allowing for integrated care that addresses both mental and physical health needs.
    
11. Family Involvement – Family members can more easily participate in sessions if needed, providing support and helping to create a more comprehensive treatment plan.
    
12. Reduced Stigma – Telepsychiatry can help reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental health care, as patients can receive treatment discreetly from their own homes.
    
13. Technological Integration – Modern telepsychiatry platforms often include features such as secure messaging, digital prescribing, and patient portals, enhancing the overall care experience and communication between providers and patients.
    
14. Emergency Support – In situations where immediate psychiatric support is needed, telepsychiatry can provide quick access to a mental health professional, potentially preventing crises.
    

Psychiatry Vs. Psychology
For most people with mental health disorders, you will need to use the services of both psychologists and psychiatrists. There are many helpful medications for mental health conditions that can greatly reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life. While not all patients will need medication, a psychiatrist is the only mental health professional that can prescribe medication.

However, psychiatrists don’t often provide talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, so you will need to find additional mental health services from a psychologist or therapist. This ensures that you have both medication management and therapeutic tools to help you cope with symptoms and daily life in general.

A three-pronged approach that combines spirituality, therapy and possibly medication can be an effective way to manage the symptoms of many mental illnesses, and I encourage you to seek treatment as well as some form of spiritual or mindful action.

If you need the services of a virtual psychiatrist, I am always here to help, and we will get started on a journey to wellness with a comprehensive initial consultation that identifies all of the issues you may be facing, both mentally and physically. I also will develop a treatment plan that includes recommendations for therapy as well as prescribing any necessary medications.

If you prefer in-person treatment rather than a virtual psychiatrist, I do serve as a psychiatrist in Thousand Oaks and am conveniently close to those needing a psychiatrist in Westlake Village, a psychiatrist in Simi Valley or other nearby areas. We also could consider a hybrid option where we meet in person on occasion or utilize online therapy at other times, based upon your convenience.​

 

As a psychiatrist in Thousand Oaks, I meet, in person, with patients throughout Los Angeles and Ventura County. However, if you need to find a psychiatrist, you don’t necessarily have to opt for that “psychiatrist near me.” Telepsychiatry can be another option to consider.

What Is Telepsychiatry?
With telepsychiatry, you simply meet using your phone, tablet or computer using a secure connection. A virtual psychiatrist will have the same training as an in-person psychiatrist. Both types of psychiatrists are medical doctors as well as mental health professionals, which means they can prescribe medications as well as diagnose many mental health conditions and create a treatment plan.

Advantages Of Telepsychiatry
These days, more and more medical visits are being handled either by phone or video visits. This, of course, became more common during the pandemic, but it’s likely to continue for several reasons, including:

1. Convenience & Flexibility
With telepsychiatry, you can meet with your doctor in the comfort of your own home or anywhere you have an internet connection. Even if you are on vacation or away for business or another reason, you can still receive quality care from your psychiatrist.

2. Easier Access To Care
For patients with disabilities or mobility issues, telepsychiatry can be a much easier option than in-person visits. There’s no need to arrange transportation or deal with the typical hassles of finding parking spaces, navigating through medical buildings, etc.

Additionally, for patients with anxiety, being able to receive care at home can reduce the stress related to driving in traffic. For patients with depression that might have a tough time getting out of the house to receive care, meeting with an online psychiatrist can be a great option to consider.

4. Reduced Costs
Let’s face it, these days, gasoline prices are exorbitant and if you can avoid driving back and forth from the psychiatrist’s office, you can save a decent amount of money. Likewise, telepsychiatry may eliminate the need to pay for childcare expenses. However, it can be wise to have someone watch your children during a session so that you can focus entirely on the doctor's visit. Still, without having to drive, you can reduce child-care expenses, which is always a positive.

5. Save Time
Our time is precious, and spending it driving to and from appointments can be difficult. You could save an hour or more of your time by simply meeting with your psychiatrist virtually. Additionally, wait times are reduced, as well, because no one is ever late to an appointment due to traffic or other issues. Telepsychiatry can streamline the entire doctor visit process, saving both you and your psychiatrist some much-needed time.

6. Reduce The Stigma
Too often people avoid getting mental health care because they are ashamed of asking for help or ashamed of their condition. Let’s be clear – mental illness is not a weakness, it’s simply a medical condition that usually can be treated. Still, I know that many people are reluctant to seek help or feel as though asking for psychiatric services makes them “weak.”

While this isn’t true at all, that’s the stigma and while we are beginning to break through that stigma, it is still there for some patients. Being able to meet in the privacy of your home can feel like an easier, safer option. You won’t risk being seen by friends or co-workers leaving the doctor’s office, etc. If this level of privacy pushes you toward seeking help, then by all means, opt for telepsychiatry and telepsychology services. We can help you reduce your symptoms and live a happier, healthier life.

Advantages of Using A Psychiatrist “Near Me”
Of course, not everyone prefers to meet online with their psychiatrist or therapist, and that’s perfectly fine. I am always happy to meet in person with my patients, and some people truly need that one-on-one, face-to-face connection rather than a video visit.

In some cases, such as with severe disorders such as schizophrenia, it can be better to meet in person as these individuals can be at higher risk of self-harm and suicide. Of course, there are certain types of therapy, such as EMDR and ketamine treatments that must be handled in person.

We also can opt for a hybrid approach, where we meet in person initially and eventually move toward virtual visits once a treatment plan is in place. With my practice, I try to be as flexible as possible to meet the needs of a diverse group of patients. Every person is unique, so it’s important to curate a situation that is best for the individual.
How To Find A Psychiatrist
With virtual psychiatry, you can move beyond your immediate locality and search for professionals that seem to be a good match for your personality and your mental health needs. In some cases, you might need to find doctors that fit within your insurance plan, but, if possible, it can be good to extend your search to private practices as well, to find a good fit for your unique needs.

I recommend looking at everything from the doctor’s philosophy to searching for reviews and asking for recommendations from other physicians that you trust. Additionally, you will want to select a psychiatrist who specializes in helping patients with your specific mental health issues.

In my practice, I offer services as a bipolar disorder psychiatrist, an ADHD psychiatrist, and a psychiatrist for anxiety and depression. Additionally, I can help treat patients with substance use disorders as well as treat people with co-occurring disorders, which is extremely common.

My goal is to spend time truly getting to know a patient and understanding their issues and symptoms. This helps me create a thorough diagnosis that addresses all of the issues a patient is facing. As both a medical doctor and mental health professional, I can assess whether or not any physical conditions are impacting your mental health and I can help with medication management.

Of course, it is also important to seek the services of a psychologist or therapist. These professionals cannot prescribe medications, but they do provide talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and other types of therapy that can improve your life significantly. Medication can be extremely helpful, but we achieve the best, long-term results with an approach that also includes therapy. ​

Call Dr. Jesalva Today
Whether you want to find a psychiatrist “near me” or you would like to try telepsychiatry, I am always here to help. Don’t suffer another day with mental health conditions. Treatment can be effective, and you deserve to live a happier, healthier life. It might take us some time to achieve these goals, but we will get there together.  

For people with mental health conditions, telepsychiatry can be an excellent option to consider. These days many healthcare services, including psychiatric care, are handled virtually and there are many advantages to opting for a virtual psychiatrist rather than receiving care in person. 

​There are several advantages to telepsychiatry, and for patients, the main advantages include the convenience factor and the ability to choose the best possible psychiatrist for their needs and not simply rely on finding “psychiatry near me.”
 
Many studies have shown that telepsychiatry does not reduce the accuracy of diagnosis nor the quality of care of psychiatric services. We also use a secure platform for each session, so patient privacy and confidentiality are protected.
 
Telepsychiatry also has been approved by the American Psychiatric Association and many of my patients prefer it to traditional face-to-face meetings. After all, as a psychiatrist in Thousand Oaks, I know only too well how stressful it can be navigating L.A. traffic.
 
Telepsychiatry allows us to meet without forcing patients to drive to a mental health center or medical center or take extra time out of their day for travel. With telepsychiatry, we typically see reduced wait times for health services, which is another advantage. 

Some patients do respond better in a face-to-face setting, so while telepsychiatry services were the norm during the pandemic, this was probably not the best option for these patients. Many patients love the convenience, but for those that prefer meeting in person, it might be wise to find a local psychiatrist instead.
 
Some treatments also cannot be accessed virtually, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) or ketamine treatments. EMDR can be an excellent option for patients with PTSD, and ketamine can be an option for patients with treatment-resistant depression, but they do need to be provided in a medical office setting.

Many mental health issues can be treated with telepsychiatry services. For instance, I offer services as an ADHD psychiatrist, depression psychiatrist, anxiety psychiatrist and bipolar disorder psychiatrist. I also treat patients for alcoholism and drug addiction.
 
Behavioral health care is truly just as important as taking care of your physical health. Mental illness can take a huge toll on your happiness and enjoyment of life, and, too often, people resist getting mental health services.
 
Psychiatric disorders are not a weakness. They are biological diseases that often are treatable. Seeking psychiatric treatment is no different than heading to your primary care doctor to deal with issues such as strep throat or asthma or heart disease. Whether you are suffering from one or more mental health disorders, I strongly urge you to seek psychiatric care and move toward a happier, healthier life.
 
Whether you opt for virtual psychiatry or in-person services, the best advice I can give is to find a doctor that provides you with a thorough diagnosis that addresses all of a patient’s mental and physical issues.
 
For instance, if you are suffering from addiction and chronic pain, both of these issues need to be addressed in order for treatment to be as successful as possible. Likewise, if you suffer from anxiety and an eating disorder, a doctor shouldn’t just focus on anxiety and ignore the eating disorder. Co-occurring disorders are extremely common, and it’s crucial to find ways to treat every issue you are facing. 

​A psychiatrist is a medical doctor and, as such, these doctors are the only mental health professionals able to write prescriptions for psychiatric medications. Additionally, as a medical doctor, a psychiatrist will approach each patient from both a physical and mental health perspective.
 
Often, a psychiatrist will want a patient to undergo certain tests beyond diagnostic testing. For instance, we might want to check your blood for any indicators of health issues or perhaps even consider scheduling an MRI or EEG to study a patient’s neurological health. In some cases, physical ailments can be causing mental health issues or contribute to these issues. If we can alleviate physical health issues, this can decrease or eliminate symptoms of mental health issues.
 
Additionally, it is important that you provide your psychiatrist (or any doctor) with a complete list of the drugs and supplements you take, including recreational drugs such as marijuana, MDMA, etc. Sometimes drug interactions also cause or exacerbate mental health issues.
 
Keep in mind, we are not here to judge you, we are here to help, so you must be completely honest about all substances that you take, even vitamins and other health supplements so that we can provide the best possible mental health care.
 
While a psychologist cannot provide you with prescriptions for medication or evaluate your physical health, these professionals serve as a crucial part of any successful treatment plan, and they also can diagnose mental health disorders. Psychiatrists typically focus only on diagnosis and treatment but don’t actually provide talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy or other types of non-medication-related therapies.
 
In many cases, medication can help patients, but the most successful treatment plans also incorporate different types of therapy. Talking to a psychologist or therapist can be hugely beneficial, and, often more beneficial than simply relying on medication management.
 
Therapy can provide you with an outlet for your emotions as well as providing you with helpful strategies to manage your day-to-day life. Even those without mental health disorders can benefit from therapy and there are many therapists and psychologists out there offering virtual services these days. 

​If you are suffering from mental health issues, I can provide you with quality telepsychiatry services. If you prefer to find “psychiatry near me,” my offices are located in Thousand Oaks, and I can serve patients face-to-face throughout the Los Angeles metro area. 

​When we conduct an internet search, we often use the variable “near me” to find restaurants, shops, plumbers, electricians and so forth. Many people often search for a bipolar psychiatrist near me or a psychiatrist near me. However, these days, with telepsychiatry, the location of your doctor’s office is not as important as it has been in the past.
 
What Is Telepsychiatry?
Telepsychiatry or telemedicine is simply providing health care services using technology and it’s become more and more popular as the years have passed, especially during the pandemic when it became a necessity to ensure public health.
 
But telemedicine isn’t as new as you might think. In 1959, the University of Nebraska established a two-way television to provide instruction to students and within a few years, this system was used for video consults from the university to state hospitals.  In fact, the Nebraska Psychiatric Institute linked with the Norfolk State Hospital to provide psych evaluations via television.
 
NASA also had a huge impact on the development of telemedicine in the United States and abroad. The NASA program began out of necessity, as a way to provide health care to astronauts while they were in space. Eventually, however, NASA expanded their telemedicine efforts to help people in rural areas, particularly on Native American lands, gain better access to health care and even in areas such as Armenia, after a catastrophic earthquake.
 
While telemedicine isn’t new, it’s taken off during the pandemic and many people prefer telepsychiatry to traditional in-person doctor visits. There are several reasons for this, including.
 
1. Telepsychiatry Can Be Less Stressful
My offices are based in Thousand Oaks, just north of Los Angeles, and we are famous for our traffic. Driving around LA freeways can be stressful, to say the least, and with telepsychiatry, you don’t have to leave your home and worry that you won’t make an appointment on time due to an unexpected accident or roadwork.
 
Many people also feel more comfortable meeting with an online psychiatrist in the privacy of their home. They can find a cozy, comfortable spot, grab a cup of tea and feel secure in their home. Many of my patients say this is a huge reason why they enjoy telepsychiatry.
 
2. Telepsychiatry Is Convenient
Telepsychiatry only requires an internet connection to work, so you can meet with your doctor from just about anywhere on earth. This makes it easier to schedule appointments, even if you are out of town. It also reduces the time needed for appointments because you won’t have to drive back and forth from the doctor’s office. This tends to make it easier to schedule appointments around work commitments, school and other obligations.
 
3. You Can Pick The Best Doctor For You
In the past, if you needed a bipolar disorder psychiatrist, you were pretty much limited to finding that “bipolar psychiatrist near me,” and that doesn’t always provide you with the best match for your needs. With telepsychiatry, you can find a doctor that matches your needs and one with whom you feel in sync, even if you live in another county or state.
 
Treating Bipolar Disorder
Treating bipolar disorder is one of my areas of specialization, but I also treat co-occurring disorders that often accompany bipolar disorder. To provide you with effective treatment, we must properly diagnose all of the issues you face and come up with a plan that not only treats bipolar disorder but any other disorder you might have.
 
There are many co-occurring disorders common with people who have bipolar disorder. For instance, you might also have an anxiety disorder or perhaps ADHD. Many people with bipolar disorder also have substance use disorders, such as alcohol addiction or drug addiction. Additionally, there may be physical ailments that need to be addressed or perhaps eating disorders.
 
While the presence of a co-occurring disorder can make it more challenging to find a proper treatment, it is by no means impossible to find solutions for bipolar disorder as well as other mental health disorders you might have. The first step is to come up with a comprehensive diagnosis that truly gets to the bottom of what’s going on with you.
 
In many cases, it often seems like psychiatrists rush this process, but my philosophy is that diagnosis and treatment planning takes time. It’s not something we can solve in a single appointment. I usually spend several sessions with a patient before planning out treatment. This provides us with time to look at all of the issues you face and find a plan that can help you manage it all.
 
Treatment often includes medication, and this is another reason why a proper diagnosis is so important. A medication that might work for one type of mental health issue might not be the best fit for another disorder. We also want to come up with additional aids such as cognitive behavioral therapy and even changing your dietary habits and adding exercise or meditation to your daily schedule to help reduce stress and keep your body as physically healthy as possible.
 
In the end, I provide the diagnosis and treatment plan, including medication if needed. But we also will find additional resources for you, such as a good therapist, psychologist or even a support group, depending on your needs. And I can help with all of this online using a HIPAA-secure telepsychiatry platform.
 
The most important fact I can leave you with is that bipolar disorder can be treated and there is hope. Our philosophy is that psychiatric disorders are not a weakness. They are a biological disease that is often treatable.
 
But rather than searching for a “bipolar psychiatrist near me,” I highly recommend that you consider telepsychiatry instead. This can open up your options and result in better treatment for your bipolar disorder and any co-occurring disorders you might have. Take a look around my website to see if my philosophy seems to match what you need and then give my office a call to set up a consultation.