310-601-9999

5 Tips on Overcoming Loneliness in the Digital Age

by

Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry In a world increasingly connected through digital technology, many people find themselves feeling more isolated than ever before. Despite the constant presence of social media, video calls, and messaging apps, loneliness has become a significant issue for many. The digital age has brought countless benefits in terms of staying in touch, but it has also created new challenges in fostering genuine, meaningful connections. Research shows that loneliness can have a profound impact on mental health, contributing to feelings of depression, anxiety, and even physical health issues. The good news is that overcoming loneliness is possible, even in our highly digital world. In this blog post, we will explore why loneliness persists in the digital age, the psychological effects it can have, and most importantly, practical tips for combating loneliness and building authentic relationships. The …

Read more

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Mental Health

by

Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry The field of mental health treatment is on the verge of a major breakthrough, thanks to new technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has launched an initiative to encourage scientists and researchers to use AI and ML in developing new treatments for psychiatric disorders, such as depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. This initiative, called a Notice of Special Interest (NOSI), aims to speed up the process of discovering and developing life-changing medications for mental health conditions. Let’s break it down—what does this all mean, and why is it important for mental health? What is the NIMH Notice of Special Interest (NOSI)? The NIMH has released a special notice called NOT-MH-25-050, inviting scientists to use AI and ML in the early stages of drug development …

Read more

The Connection Between Gut Health and Mental Health

by

Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry While therapy and medication are essential tools in treating mental health conditions, emerging research suggests that one of the most important (but often overlooked) factors in mental health is the health of your gut. Known as the gut-brain axis, the direct connection between the gut and the brain is a groundbreaking discovery that highlights how the state of your digestive system can profoundly affect your mental health. In this blog, we’ll explore the fascinating link between gut health and mental well-being and offer practical tips to nurture both. We also emphasize that for those experiencing mental health symptoms, it’s important to consult both a medical doctor and a nutritionist to ensure you’re taking a comprehensive approach to your health. What is the Gut-Brain Axis? The gut-brain axis refers to the communication network between your …

Read more

Clinician Highlight: Ingrid (Inka) Z. Guerzon, MSN, FNP-BC, NP-C, PMGT-BC, CPAN

by

We are thrilled to welcome Inka Z. Guerzon, a skilled and compassionate Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) with a diverse background in pain management, post-anesthesia care, and psychiatric-mental health nursing. With over a decade of experience in various clinical settings, Ingrid brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her practice. Inka has worked at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles where she provided specialized care on the Inpatient Acute Pain Unit. Here, she collaborated with a multidisciplinary team to develop tailored pain management plans for patients. Her background in post-anesthesia care informs her holistic approach, ensuring that each patient’s recovery process is as smooth and comfortable as possible. Inka’s commitment to advancing her knowledge and skills is evident in her pursuit of a Post-Master’s Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certificate, which she completed in 2024. This additional training allows her to better serve individuals with mental health needs, integrating psychiatric care …

Read more

Physician Spotlight 5: Dr. Vicki Kalira

by

Physician Spotlight In today’s physician spotlight we highlight Dr. Vicki Kalira. Dr. Vicki Kalira is a talented psychiatrist who is board certified in both Addiction and General Psychiatry. She has robust experience working in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Her multifaceted clinical approach incorporates medication, psychotherapy, nutrition, physical movement and social engagement at different stages of treatment, always focusing on self-compassion. Dr. Vicki Kalira’s approach tailors to each individual patient, is goal-oriented, flexible, and integrative. About Dr. Vicki Kalira Dr. Vicki Kalira completed medical school at West Virginia University and her psychiatry residency at Johns Hopkins University. After completing a one-year addiction psychiatry fellowship at New York University (NYU), she supported hospitalized patients at NYU-Tisch Hospital as a Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrist. Here, her focus centered around providing care to patients with complex medical and psychiatric comorbidities who were experiencing acute intoxication or withdrawal states. Dr. Vicki Kalira then transitioned to the …

Read more