What makes holistic psychiatry different?
Traditional psychiatric appointments are often brief, symptom-focused, and medication-centered. They answer the question "what's wrong?" but rarely address the deeper question of "what does this person actually need to thrive?"
Holistic psychiatry answers both.
At Mentally STRONG, Dr. Bundukamara combines evidence-based psychiatric expertise with lifestyle medicine and integrative health strategies — looking at the mental, emotional, physical, and environmental factors that influence your wellbeing together, not in isolation.
Mental & Emotional
Understanding your thought patterns, emotional regulation, stress responses, and psychological history.
Physical & Biological
Exploring how sleep, nutrition, hormones, genetics, and physical health intersect with your mental wellbeing.
Lifestyle & Environment
Examining the daily habits, relationships, stressors, and circumstances that shape how you feel and function.
Goals & Values
Aligning your care plan with who you want to be and the life you want to build — not just symptom reduction.
Why receive holistic psychiatric care with Dr. B specifically?
Dr. Cristi Bundukamara is a psychiatric nurse practitioner with 25 years of clinical experience. She founded Mentally STRONG on the belief that mental health care should go beyond diagnosis and symptom management — and her holistic psychiatric services reflect that belief in every appointment.
When you see Dr. B, you are not a chart. You are not a symptom cluster. You are a whole person navigating a real life — and your care plan will reflect that.
Additionally, because Mentally STRONG operates at the intersection of clinical psychiatry and the Mentally STRONG Method, Dr. B can integrate coaching and mental strength training recommendations into your psychiatric care in a way no standard psychiatric practice can offer.
Meet Dr. BHow to get started
Schedule your assessment
Book directly — no referral required. Your first appointment is the comprehensive holistic assessment with Dr. B.
Receive your personalized plan
After your assessment, Dr. B will provide a detailed, integrative care plan built around your full picture — symptoms, lifestyle, goals, and history.
Ongoing care on your terms
Follow-up visits are scheduled based on your needs and goals. There are no arbitrary visit frequencies — your care evolves as you do.
Frequently Asked Questions
No — these services are self-pay only. Pricing is transparent and payment is due at time of service. There are no hidden fees.
No referral is needed. You can schedule directly.
No. Standard psychiatric appointments are typically brief and symptom-focused. Holistic psychiatric appointments with Dr. B are extended, comprehensive, and address the full picture of your mental and physical wellbeing.
Absolutely — and this is one of the unique advantages of working with Mentally STRONG. Dr. B can integrate her clinical insights with your coaching work in a way that no standard psychiatric practice can offer.
Medication is evaluated and managed where appropriate — but it is one tool among many, not the default outcome. Dr. B takes a comprehensive view before making any medication recommendations.
If after your assessment Dr. B determines a different approach would serve you better, she will tell you — and help connect you with the right resources.