Doctor’s Blogs at Holistic Wellness and Psychiatry Located in Cedar Rapids, IA and St. Thomas, USVI

Explore informative and helpful insights on mental health through the Doctor’s Blogs at Holistic Wellness and Psychiatry, where our experts share tips, advice, and the latest trends. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Cedar Rapid, IA, and St. Thomas, USVI.

Stretching Routines for Digestive Health & Easing Back Pain

When most people think about stretching, they imagine loosening up before a jog or cooling down after a workout. But what if stretching could do more than prevent muscle pulls?

Clean Eating 101: A Holistic Guide to Gut Restoration

When you think about gut health, your mind might jump to probiotics, supplements, or maybe even that one yogurt commercial you’ve seen a dozen times. But the truth is, gut health starts with something much simpler—and far more powerful—than a pill. It starts with what you eat every day.

Top 7 Supplements for Holistic Health (Backed by Science)

Supporting the mind, body, and spirit is at the heart of holistic health. Whether you’re navigating depression, managing anxiety, healing from PTSD, or undergoing ketamine treatment, integrating the right supplements into your wellness plan can make a measurable difference.

Holistic Weight Management: Nutrition, Mindset & Lifestyle Tips

Weight management is about more than calories in versus calories out. True transformation starts when you approach your health from a holistic perspective. This means integrating nutrition, mindset, movement, and daily habits into a lifestyle that supports both physical and emotional well-being.

What Is Holistic Wellness—and How It Can Transform Your Life

Holistic Wellness is more than a trend—it’s a life-changing philosophy. This integrative approach addresses the mind, body, and spirit as one cohesive unit. Instead of treating isolated symptoms, holistic wellness uncovers root causes and fosters long-term healing.

Managing Anxiety Holistically: Tools You Can Use Today

Anxiety can feel overwhelming, exhausting, and unpredictable. But with the right holistic tools, it’s possible to regain control and build inner peace. Holistic anxiety management addresses not just the mind, but the body, lifestyle, and environment. This integrative approach empowers individuals to reduce symptoms and improve their quality of life through natural, supportive practices.

What to Expect at Your First Holistic Wellness Appointment

Booking your first holistic wellness appointment can be an exciting but uncertain step. Unlike traditional medical visits, holistic wellness sessions address your complete well-being—mind, body, and spirit. Whether you’re seeking support for mental health, physical symptoms, lifestyle changes, or emotional healing, knowing what to expect can help you feel empowered and prepared.

Spravato Is Now Covered by the VA: Here’s Why That Matters

If you’re a veteran struggling with depression, there’s finally a treatment option that goes beyond traditional medications, and it’s now covered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Spravato (esketamine nasal spray) is a groundbreaking therapy for treatment-resistant depression, and it’s helping more veterans find real relief.

The VA Now Covers IV Ketamine Therapy for Depression: A New Era of Hope for Veterans

In a decisive step toward expanding mental health care access, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) now covers intravenous (IV) ketamine therapy for veterans with treatment-resistant depression. This marks a significant shift in how we approach depression care, especially for those who have served and often face unique mental health challenges.

Mental Health Matters: News from Holistic Wellness & Psychiatry

Veterans, we’re honored to share that Ketamine Therapy for Depression is now covered by the VA. This groundbreaking treatment offers rapid relief for those battling the invisible wounds of trauma—many feel a profound difference after just one session. If traditional approaches haven’t worked, Ketamine Therapy could be the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for. You served with courage; now let us support your healing. Reach out today to see if this life-changing treatment is right for you.

Meet Dr. Laurie McCormick: A Pioneer in Ketamine Therapy

Dr. Laurie McCormick didn’t set out to build just another mental health clinic; she set out to transform the way we heal.

Why is Psilocybin Outperforming SSRIs in the Treatment of Major Depression?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 300 million people worldwide suffer from depression, which is 4.4% of the world’s population. Also, depression is more common in women than men, and it affects 5.1% of women compared to 3.6% of men.

Exploring Ketamine Therapy for Anxiety, Depression and PTSD

According to the studies, at least 21 million Americans experience a major depressive episode, and the risk factors behind these depressive episodes could be anything from family history and substance use disorders to a history of trauma and other mental health issues.

Behavioral Health Techniques for Marriage Counseling

Let’s face it: communication in marriage can sometimes feel like a minefield. You might find yourself tiptoeing around sensitive topics and trying to express your feelings without triggering a conflict.

From Talk to Transformation: The Power of Psychotherapy

1 in 4 people suffer from mental health problems, so if you have ever found yourself feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or lost in your thoughts, you aren’t alone. There are several ways to combat mental health challenges, but one of the most effective ways is to talk it out.

Signs You Might Benefit from Psychiatric Counseling

Life has its ups and downs, and let’s be honest, sometimes it can feel like you are riding a rollercoaster that just won’t stop. It’s normal to face challenges, but when those challenges start to feel like they are taking over your life, it might be time to think about getting some extra support.

The Role of Yoga and Meditation in Managing Chronic Stress

As per a Gallup poll in December 2023, 49% of US adults reported frequently feeling stress. Stress isn’t a single symptom; it’s an umbrella term that can pave the way for other mental health issues and insomnia.

Ketamine or TMS: Which Mental Health Treatment is Right for You?

Have you been battling depression or anxiety for what feels like forever? You have tried the usual medications, therapy sessions, lifestyle changes, and everything- but nothing seems to work out. If this is the scene, you are not alone because many people face this exact situation.

How are Ketamine and TMS Used Together?

If you are exploring advanced treatments for your mental health, you have probably heard about Ketamine therapy used in conjunction with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). Both these treatments have been game-changers for conditions like depression and PTSD.

Overcoming Depression Caused by Narcissistic Abuse

Have you ever found yourself caught in a relationship that leaves you emotionally drained, confused, or constantly questioning your own worth? If the answer is yes, you might have experienced narcissistic abuse. This is a form of manipulation that can deeply scar victims and drive them into depression.

MDMA, the FDA, and PTSD: A Missed Opportunity for Veterans?

As per the National Center for PTSD, approximately 5% of adults in the United States experience PTSD in any given year, which means around 13 million people suffer from this condition. Especially veterans who have experienced the horrors of the war face PTSD or post-traumatic disorder in their everyday lives.

How Psychiatry & Counseling Associates Can Transform Lives

Did you know that about two-thirds of people globally do not seek treatment for their mental health conditions, and in the United States, more than half (54%) of adults do not receive treatment for their mental illness (Source: https://www.turnbridge.com/news-events/latest-articles/untreated-undiagnosed-mental-illness/)?

The Benefits of Choosing a Functional Medicine Psychiatrist

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports, around 57.8 million adults live with some or other form of mental illness. Americans have a long-standing history of prioritizing mental health, and if you are one of them and want to achieve overall well-being, many people are seeking alternatives to conventional psychiatric approaches.

Promoting Mind-Body Connection with Holistic Psychiatry

There’s an age-old adage that goes like this: “Sound body, sound mind” While we do our very best to improve our mental well-being, we often overlook one of the biggest elements of immaculate mental health: yes, we are talking about physical health.

5 Signs You Need to Consult a Therapist

Cedar Rapids in Iowa is one of those quaint parts of the States where urbanization still hasn’t ruined the stunning landscapes and homey vibe. However, in our fast-paced world, it’s often easy to dismiss our mental health concerns just because we have to meet deadlines, maintain relationships, or manage day-to-day stressors.

The Benefits of Ketamine Therapy for Depression

Imagine waking up every day feeling like you are trapped in a fog that never lifts. You have tried different treatments- antidepressants, therapy, and maybe even lifestyle changes, but nothing made a difference.

Marriage Counseling for Breaking the Stigma and Seeking Help

Marriage is no cakewalk. When you take your vows and promise to live the rest of your life with someone, you need to understand that your partnership will thrive on mutual support, communication, and understanding. However, it isn’t necessary that you and your partner will be just like each other.

Psychedelic treatment is a method that helps reset the brain and alleviate depression and trauma responses.

Ketamine is produced naturally as well by magic mushrooms and is a true psychedelic.

Ketamine is FDA-approved for anesthesia and is safe and commonly used worldwide daily. Thus, it is legal to use it in a clinical setting. Its chemical structure provides a very robust antidepressant response. When dosed appropriately for its mild psychedelic properties, life-transforming insights are made that provide a holistic approach to healing the mind, body, and soul.

Should social media platforms include health warnings for younger users?

In the linked article, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy recommends social media platforms include health warnings for younger users. He believes that social media is a significant contributor to the youth mental health crisis and that making it safer for kids is urgent.

MDMA-based therapy for PTSD is facing an uphill battle.

There are currently no good medication options for PTSD, but veterans with PTSD are committing suicide at an alarmingly high rate. In 2021, there was an average of 17.5 veteran suicides per day – 6392 in total.

Dr. McCormick gives testimony to the U.S. Virgin Islands Senate about the mental health crisis.

Dr. McCormick, a psychiatrist was invited to testify on the state of behavioral healthcare in the U.S. Virgin Islands territory calling for a solution to the mental health care crisis in the region.

Dr. McCormick discusses the effectiveness of ketamine treatment on the KCRG Everyday Iowa Morning Show.

Ketamine is often safer than SSRIs and sometimes allows for deprescribing of typical antidepressants. It is also showing great promise in treating PTSD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and OCD. We also offer Spravato (ketamine) nasal spray, which is an FDA-approved ketamine treatment for major depressive disorder and treatment-resistant depression.