Holistic Care for Mental Wellness

Q: What is Integrative Psychiatry?

A: Integrative Psychiatry is a comprehensive, personalized approach to mental wellness that considers the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Unlike conventional approaches that may focus solely on managing symptoms, we seek to understand and address the underlying root causes of your concerns. We do this by blending the best of traditional, evidence-based medicine (like psychotherapy and pharmacology) with proven complementary and alternative therapies (like nutritional supplements, lifestyle coaching, and functional medicine).

Q: What is your core philosophy?

A: Our philosophy centers on achieving true, lasting healing. We believe this happens when we move beyond just symptom management to address the complete picture of your health. Core to our philosophy is a deep respect for patient autonomy; we see our relationship with you as a collaborative partnership. We work to empower you with knowledge and options, crafting individualized treatment plans that align with your unique goals, values, and life circumstances.

Q: How is your approach different from traditional psychiatry?

A: Our approach is broader and more in-depth. While traditional psychiatry often focuses on diagnosing a condition and prescribing medication during shorter appointments, we dedicate significantly more time to understanding your complete story. Our in-depth sessions (ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours) allow us to explore your personal history, lifestyle, physical health, and even your belief systems. We also incorporate advanced diagnostic tools like genetic testing and comprehensive functional assessments to create a highly personalized and holistic treatment plan that may include psychotherapy, medication, nutraceuticals, and lifestyle changes.

Our Philosophy of Care

Meet Dr. Douglas Zelisko

Q: Who is Dr. Douglas Zelisko (Dr. Z)?

A: Dr. Douglas Zelisko, or "Dr. Z," is the board-certified psychiatrist who leads our practice. He is deeply passionate about holistic mental health care and is dedicated to treating patients as whole individuals, not just a collection of symptoms. He seamlessly integrates a variety of therapeutic modalities to support each person's unique journey to wellness. Reflecting his own commitment to a balanced life, he enjoys road biking, running, and discovering mid-century modern design.

Q: What are Dr. Z's qualifications?

A: Dr. Z is a highly trained medical professional. He earned his undergraduate degree from Amherst College and his MD from St. George’s University School of Medicine. He then completed his specialized Psychiatry Residency at the UConn School of Medicine.

Q: What types of services do you offer?

A: We offer a wide range of services designed to support your entire well-being. These include:

• Comprehensive Assessments: Psychiatric evaluations, diagnostic assessments, and second-opinion consultations.

• Therapy: Individual psychotherapy and couples counseling to explore your inner world and build coping skills.

• Medication & Supplement Management: Thoughtful, evidence-based management of psychiatric medications, nutraceuticals, and supplements.

• Innovative Treatments: We offer specialized services like Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy for profound healing.

• Wellness & Lifestyle: Our services extend to weight loss programming, anti-aging medicine, smoking cessation, and relapse prevention.

Q: What is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy?

A: Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy is an innovative and profound therapeutic modality for individuals with certain treatment-resistant conditions, such as severe depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Under professional guidance, this approach uses the unique properties of ketamine to help facilitate deep psychological exploration and open new pathways for healing that may not be accessible through traditional talk therapy alone.

Q: What conditions do you commonly treat?

A: We treat a broad spectrum of conditions by addressing the unique individual experiencing them. Our holistic approach is effective for many concerns, including (but not limited to): depression, anxiety, mood disorders, PTSD and trauma, ADD/ADHD, eating disorders, substance use disorders, sleep disorders, and more. We also have experience with women's and men's health issues (PCOS, low libido), gut dysbiosis, and providing psych-oncology support.

Q: Do you work with couples?

A: Yes, we offer couples counseling. This service provides a safe and supportive space for partners to navigate challenges, improve communication, and strengthen their relationship as part of a holistic approach to mental wellness for both individuals.

Services & Conditions Treated

Q: How can I learn more or schedule my first appointment?

A: The best first step is to book a Free Clarity Call. This is a complimentary, no-obligation phone consultation. It's an opportunity for you to briefly discuss your situation, ask questions, and learn more about how our personalized approach can help you. It also helps us ensure that we are the right fit for your needs.

Q: What can I expect during my Free Clarity Call?

A: During your Clarity Call, you will speak with a knowledgeable member of our team. The goal is to understand what you're looking for and to explain our philosophy and services. You can share what's been going on, and we'll explain how we might be able to help. It's a warm, informative conversation designed to bring clarity to your next steps.

Q: What should I expect during my first full appointment after the Clarity Call?

A: Your first comprehensive evaluation is an in-depth session designed for us to get to know you as a whole person. It typically lasts longer than a standard psychiatry appointment. We will discuss your personal and family history in detail, your current challenges, lifestyle factors (like diet, sleep, and exercise), and your goals for treatment. This thorough understanding is the foundation upon which we build your personalized care plan together.

Q: How long are typical appointments?

A: We believe in taking the time necessary to provide thorough, unhurried care. Our sessions are longer than the industry standard, typically ranging from 30 minutes for follow-up and management appointments to 2 hours for initial comprehensive evaluations or in-depth psychotherapy sessions.

Q: Do you accept insurance?

A: We are an out-of-network provider and do not directly accept insurance. This model allows us to provide the comprehensive, personalized, and extended care that is central to our philosophy, free from the restrictions often imposed by insurance companies. We can, however, provide you with the necessary documentation (a "superbill") for you to submit to your insurance company for potential out-of-network reimbursement. We recommend you contact your insurance provider to understand your out-of-network benefits.

Q: Where is Integrative Psychiatry located?

A: Our office is located at 670 Prospect Ave, Hartford, CT 06105, USA.

Q: How can I contact the office?

A: You can reach us by phone at 959-236-5722 or by email at support@drzelisko.com.

Getting Started & Logistics