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Mark Ellestad, MD
Psychiatrist
Seattle WA
I have learned that while many do respond well to psychotropic medications, many people’s needs go beyond simply medication management. I believe in an integrative approach to mental health care, addressing all aspects of your well being - physical, cognitive, emotional and social.
I begin with a comprehensive evaluation so I can thoroughly understand who you are as a person, your environment, your community, and your values. Before I meet with you for the first time, I will have you complete a very extensive intake form with some self administered diagnostic tools. We will discuss your goals, multiple treatment options, and your preferences every step of the way. My goal is to make you better with the minimum medication required.
I was born and raised in the Seattle area into a very large, close-knit Irish Catholic family. Like many Pacific Northwest natives, I spend a large chunk of my time outdoors, skiing, running, backpacking, hiking, swimming, playing tennis, and boating. My friends and family describe me as someone who is loyal, energetic, empathic, and compassionate with a blend of seriousness and wild fun, reflecting my quirky sense of humor and adventurous spirit.
My journey into medicine and eventually the field of psychiatry has been shaped by a diverse range of experiences and took a decisive turn during my college years at the University of Notre Dame, where my analytic mind, my love of biology, and my compassionate heart found a natural calling.
Simultaneously, my experience as a gay male growing up in a Catholic family and in the challenging socio-cultural landscape of the 1980s and 1990s forced me to wrestle with common psychiatric themes such as sexual identity, social stigma, and self acceptance. With the support of family and friends (like my Dad and college roommates pictured here), I eventually found the courage to come out my junior year at a very Catholic and somewhat homophobic university.
Following college, I was an Americorps year long volunteer at a medical respite facility for homeless men in Washington, DC. This experience exposed me to the complexities of mental health and addiction and taught me how to genuinely connect with patients and fully appreciate their stories.
After graduating in the top quarter of my class from New York Medical College, I returned to the Pacific Northwest and completed my psychiatry residency, followed by an addiction fellowship, both at the University of Washington. My commitment to a comprehensive understanding of the mind led me to complete a two-year psychoanalytic training course at the Seattle Psychoanalytic Institute. Currently, I am deepening my expertise through the Integrated Psychiatry Institute program, focusing on psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy training. As a psychiatrist, I am fully committed to life-long learning for the betterment of my patients.
Medication Management
Being an integrative psychiatrist does not mean that I am against medication. I consider medication an option but not the only option. I can help you find a great medication regimen that minimizes side effects. We can work towards decreasing your reliance on medications and reducing the number of medications that you might be taking by incorporating other holistic approaches that will offer you additional assistance for symptom management.
Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy
Emerging psychedelic research shows promise in addressing depression, anxiety, PTSD and addiction. Currently, Ketamine is the sole FDA-approved psychedelic medication. If both you and I think that this could be beneficial in our therapy sessions, I can incorporate oral ketamine into therapy to help reshape persistent “ruts”, that our brains have developed over time. I currently am participating in a year long course at the Integrative Psychiatry Institute to be at the forefront of psychedelic treatment for mental health.
Integrating Psychedelic Experiences
A powerful psychedelic experience can often lead to transformative insights and positive changes. While psychedelic encounters can sometimes bring challenge and disruption, it is often this struggle that ultimately can bring healing and transformation. I provide the support needed to restore balance and, then, can help you process and integrate this experience so that your life may have more purpose and meaning.
Nutraceuticals, Herbal, and Plant-Based Medicine
Although pharmaceutical medications are effective, I also utilize nutritional supplements and plant based medicine as a treatment strategy. I will collaboratively explore non-pharmaceutical supplements with you, carefully assessing safety and evidence.
Psychotherapy
When working with patients, I pull from multiple different therapy modalities that I have learned over the years including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, and Motivational Interviewing. While the names of the therapy may vary, what matters most is that I will actively listen to you share your life story.
Mind/Body Approaches
I can teach you how to use mindfulness training, breathing exercises, vagal stimulation and other calming techniques to promote relaxation, reduce stress and enhance self awareness, to further support your well-being.