Latest Articles

How Does the Mentally STRONG Method Work?

Cristi Bundukamara, Ed.D, PMHNP, designed the Mentally STRONG Method and approach to therapy based on well-researched and evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Using this methodology as the foundation, along with over 20 years of clinical experience and personal experiences, Dr. Bundukamara (Dr. B) used these..

Is Ketamine for Depression Safe?

Cristi Bundukamara, Ed.D, PMHNP, is a psychiatric nurse practitioner with over 20 years of clinical experience and the owner and director of the Mentally STRONG Clinic in Colorado Springs.  The clinic has been offering clients ketamine treatments for depression for three years. Dr. Bundukamara (Dr…

Major Depressive Disorder

The following is only a brief overview of the most prevalent diagnosis in our clinic – major depressive disorder. Understanding and differentiating between depression and major depressive disorder symptoms and when medication is necessary and why is essential.  Depression or Major Depressive Disorder? We all..

Bipolar II

Diagnosing a client with bipolar II can be difficult. People have been told that they’re moody, that they’re bipolar by their friends or their significant other, or because they have extreme fluctuations in mood. Still, depression, anxiety, and PTSD can also cause drastic mood changes…

Bipolar I

Although the DSM V clearly distinguishes bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymia, clinically, they operate on more of a continuum. While a bipolar diagnosis does not necessarily mean a severe mental illness, bipolar I can be debilitating and cause disability in its most brutal form…

Unspecified Psychosis

Unspecified psychosis, as the name implies, speaks to several different situations. This diagnosis is not used very often and is typically limited to certain specialists to properly diagnose. This diagnosis can include psychosis due to intoxication from drugs or alcohol abuse or a medical condition..

Schizoaffective Disorder Symptoms & Treatments

Schizoaffective disorder symptoms & treatments are critical to understand when dealing with a schizoaffective disorder diagnosis. Schizoaffective disorder is a serious mental health disorder that is characterized by symptoms of both mood disorders and schizophrenia symptoms. Continue reading to find out more. Schizoaffective Disorder Symptoms..

Schizophrenia Symptoms & Treatment

Schizophrenia symptoms & treatments are critical to understand when you or a loved one receives a diagnosis. Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that causes individuals to interpret reality abnormally. Schizophrenia is a serious disorder that can cause disordered thinking and can negatively affect daily functioning…