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Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry A psychiatric evaluation is one of the most important steps in mental health care. It serves as the foundation for accurate diagnosis, effective treatment planning, and long-term recovery. While the idea of a psychiatric assessment can feel intimidating, the process is designed to be collaborative, thorough, and patient-centered. Understanding how psychiatric evaluations work and why they matter can help individuals approach care with clarity and confidence. What a Psychiatric Evaluation Is A psychiatric evaluation is a comprehensive mental health assessment conducted by a licensed psychiatrist or other qualified mental health professional. Its purpose is to understand an individual’s emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and biological functioning. Unlike brief screenings or symptom checklists, a full psychiatric evaluation takes a holistic view of a person’s mental health, medical history, and life context. The evaluation is not limited to …

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Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry Over the past decade, research has uncovered a powerful connection between the gut and the brain that has reshaped how we understand mental health. This relationship, known as the gut-brain axis, describes the communication between the digestive system and the central nervous system. Scientists now recognize that the gut microbiome—the community of microorganisms living in our intestines—plays a significant role in regulating mood, cognition, and stress response. Understanding how gut health influences mental well-being can help individuals make lifestyle choices that support both emotional and physical health. The Gut-Brain Axis Explained The gut and brain are connected through a network of pathways involving the vagus nerve, immune signaling, and hormones. This bi-directional communication means that gut health can influence brain function and vice versa. The gut microbiome produces neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and …

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Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry Intimacy is a cornerstone of healthy relationships, yet it’s one of the most common areas where couples struggle. Whether due to emotional disconnection, stress, past trauma, or evolving relationship dynamics, intimacy issues can significantly impact satisfaction and closeness between partners. Fortunately, couples therapy—and in some cases, sex therapy—can provide effective pathways to healing. These therapeutic approaches help couples understand the root causes of their challenges, improve communication, and rebuild trust and connection. Understanding Intimacy: More Than Just Physical Connection Intimacy encompasses emotional closeness, physical affection, vulnerability, and shared trust. When intimacy breaks down, it can manifest as a lack of sexual connection, emotional withdrawal, or persistent conflict. Research by Johnson et al. (2021) found that emotional and physical intimacy are deeply interconnected, and difficulties in one area often influence the other. While intimacy issues …

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Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry Spending time in nature has long been considered restorative, but only recently have scientists begun to fully understand how powerful outdoor environments can be for mental health. Whether it’s a walk in the park, a hike in the mountains, or simply sitting under a tree, engaging with natural spaces can lead to measurable improvements in mood, stress reduction, and overall emotional well-being. In a time when anxiety, depression, and burnout are increasingly common, nature offers a low-cost, accessible, and evidence-based way to support psychological health. Exposure to Nature Reduces Stress and Anxiety One of the most well-documented benefits of nature is its ability to reduce stress. Time spent in green spaces is associated with lower levels of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. A 2010 study by Park et al. found that individuals who …

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