Last Update: April 10, 2026
Fortitude Mental Health Group Professional Nursing Corporation (the “Practice”) is committed to ensuring that this website is accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities, and to continually improving accessibility for all users. We strive to provide a website experience that is inclusive and accessible to the widest possible audience.
The Practice makes reasonable efforts to ensure this website is designed and maintained in alignment with generally recognized accessibility standards, including the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA, to the extent reasonably achievable.
These guidelines are intended to improve accessibility for individuals using assistive technologies such as screen readers, voice recognition software, keyboard navigation, and other adaptive tools.
Accessibility improvements are an ongoing process. The Practice continually reviews website accessibility and may make updates to improve usability and accessibility for all visitors.
Because technology evolves and accessibility standards change, updates to the website may occur periodically to improve accessibility features.
Accessibility efforts are made on a reasonable basis and in accordance with applicable standards and available resources.
Some areas of the website may include content or functionality provided by third-party services, such as scheduling platforms, payment systems, or embedded tools.
The Practice does not control and is not responsible for the accessibility, content, or functionality of third-party platforms. However, the Practice makes reasonable efforts to work with services that support accessibility.
If you experience difficulty accessing any part of this website or need assistance obtaining information, the Practice will make reasonable efforts to provide the requested information in an accessible format or through an alternative communication method, within a reasonable timeframe.
If you encounter accessibility barriers while using this website or have suggestions for improvement, please contact the Practice through the website contact page or by email at info@fortitudemhg.com or by phone at 949-775-1785.
The Practice will make reasonable efforts to respond within a reasonable timeframe based on the nature of the request. Feedback helps improve accessibility for all visitors.
This website is designed to function with commonly used web browsers and assistive technologies. For the best experience, users are encouraged to keep their browser and accessibility software up to date.
The Practice is committed to improving accessibility and providing access to all users, including those with disabilities, through reasonable efforts and ongoing updates.
Accessibility is an ongoing priority, and the Practice is committed to continual improvement.
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.