A thoughtful, whole-person approach to mental health care that considers medication, lifestyle, nutrition, laboratory findings, and other factors that may influence your well-being.
Integrative psychiatry takes a whole-person approach to mental health care, considering how physical health, sleep, nutrition, lifestyle, stress, and individual biology may influence emotional well-being. When appropriate, care may include medication, lifestyle and nutritional support, laboratory or genetic testing, and coordination with other healthcare providers—all thoughtfully integrated into a treatment plan personalized to you.
When clinically appropriate, laboratory testing may help identify medical or nutritional factors that could contribute to psychiatric symptoms or affect treatment decisions.
Pharmacogenomic testing may sometimes provide additional information about how your body processes certain medications and may help inform treatment decisions.
Sleep, movement, nutrition, stress, and daily routines can all influence mental well-being. We consider these factors as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Sometimes, understanding mental health means looking at the bigger picture.
Depending on your symptoms, medical history, current medications, and individual needs, laboratory testing may be considered to help identify factors that could contribute to how you’re feeling or influence treatment decisions.
Depending on clinical need, testing may include evaluation of:
Laboratory testing is recommended based on individual clinical needs and is not required for every patient.
Finding the right medication can sometimes involve trial and adjustment.
Pharmacogenomic testing may provide additional information about how your body processes certain psychiatric medications.
When appropriate, genetic testing may be considered as one piece of the overall clinical picture. Results are interpreted alongside your symptoms, treatment history, medical history, medication response, and personal preferences.
Good to know: Genetic testing does not predict with certainty which medication will work best for you, but it may provide additional information that can help inform prescribing decisions.
Genetic testing is recommended based on individual clinical needs and is not required for every patient.
Medication can be an important part of psychiatric treatment, but it isn’t the only way to support mental well-being. Depending on your needs and preferences, care may also include evidence-informed approaches involving sleep, nutrition, movement, stress management, and select supplements when appropriate.
Sleep & Circadian Health
Supporting consistent, restorative sleep and addressing habits that may affect mood, anxiety, energy, and focus.
Nutrition & Nutritional Factors
Considering dietary patterns and potential nutritional deficiencies that may influence overall mental and physical well-being.
Movement & Lifestyle
Exploring realistic ways physical activity, daily routines, and time outdoors may complement your treatment.
Supplements, When Appropriate
Considering select supplements based on evidence, safety, medication interactions, and your individual needs.
Sometimes, understanding mental health means looking at the bigger picture.
Depending on your symptoms, medical history, current medications, and individual needs, laboratory testing may be considered to help identify factors that could contribute to how you’re feeling or influence treatment decisions.
Depending on clinical need, testing may include evaluation of:
Laboratory testing is recommended based on individual clinical needs and is not required for every patient.
Finding the right medication can sometimes involve trial and adjustment.
Pharmacogenomic testing may provide additional information about how your body processes certain psychiatric medications.
When appropriate, genetic testing may be considered as one piece of the overall clinical picture. Results are interpreted alongside your symptoms, treatment history, medical history, medication response, and personal preferences.
Good to know: Genetic testing does not predict with certainty which medication will work best for you, but it may provide additional information that can help inform prescribing decisions.
Genetic testing is recommended based on individual clinical needs and is not required for every patient.
Medication can be an important part of psychiatric treatment, but it isn’t the only way to support mental well-being. Depending on your needs and preferences, care may also include evidence-informed approaches involving sleep, nutrition, movement, stress management, and select supplements when appropriate.
Sleep & Circadian Health
Supporting consistent, restorative sleep and addressing habits that may affect mood, anxiety, energy, and focus.
Nutrition & Nutritional Factors
Considering dietary patterns and potential nutritional deficiencies that may influence overall mental and physical well-being.
Movement & Lifestyle
Exploring realistic ways physical activity, daily routines, and time outdoors may complement your treatment.
Supplements, When Appropriate
Considering select supplements based on evidence, safety, medication interactions, and your individual needs.
Jayanta K. Pal, MD
Collaborating Psychiatrist
Dr. Jayanta K. Pal is a board-certified psychiatrist and Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology with more than 25 years of experience providing comprehensive mental health care across inpatient and outpatient settings. He has extensive experience evaluating and treating a broad range of psychiatric conditions, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, ADHD, and complex psychiatric disorders.
Dr. Pal completed his psychiatry residency training at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in North Chicago, Illinois. Throughout his career, he has served in a variety of clinical and leadership roles, including as an Inpatient Medical Director at Princeton House Behavioral Health, part of Penn Medicine, and has provided psychiatric care across private practice, community mental health, and correctional settings.
As a collaborating psychiatrist with Fortitude Mental Health Group, Dr. Pal brings more than 25 years of psychiatric experience and clinical expertise to support the practice’s commitment to thoughtful, high-quality patient care.
Nicole Chittum, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-C
Founder & Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Practitioner and founder of Fortitude Mental Health Group. She provides telehealth psychiatric care to adults throughout California, specializing in the evaluation and treatment of anxiety, ADHD, depression, bipolar disorder, stress-related concerns, and sleep difficulties.
Nicole believes that effective psychiatric care begins with taking the time to truly understand each person—their experiences, concerns, goals, and what matters most to them. Her approach is thoughtful, collaborative, and individualized, with an emphasis on creating a supportive, judgment-free environment where patients feel heard, respected, and actively involved in decisions about their treatment.
She provides comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and personalized treatment planning grounded in evidence-based care. Rather than focusing on symptoms in isolation, Nicole considers the broader picture of each patient’s well-being and works collaboratively to develop treatment plans that are both clinically sound and meaningful to the individual.
Her goal is to help patients better understand their mental health, feel confident in their care, and make meaningful progress toward greater stability and long-term wellness.