About Me
Your journey to improved mental health and a more fulfilling life starts here.
Hello, and welcome to my practice. I'm Dr. Michael M. Zavala, a dedicated Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a passion for helping high-achieving professionals and entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of mild to moderate anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD, and burnout/moral injury. With a decade of independent healthcare experience and a commitment to integrative psychiatry, I offer a unique and personalized approach to mental health care.
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My Story
What Sets Me Apart:
My journey into psychiatry wasn't initially planned, but it was shaped by profound professional and personal experiences. I pursued nursing driven by a deep desire to help and heal others. Over the years, I've worked closely with individuals who faced unrecognized and untreated mental health conditions, inspiring me to transition into psychiatry. Integrative medicine became a beacon for me, offering a new avenue to aid patients who haven't found relief through conventional medical practices.
Who I Am Beyond the Office:
On a personal note, resilience defines me. I've overcome adversity, maintaining a positive outlook on life. Humor and narrative experiences are my coping tools, complementing my high-achieving, goal-driven nature. I revel in experiencing new cultures, meeting new people, and savoring the simple joys of coffee, dining out, movies, travel, and books. My love for education and continual learning propels me forward, always seeking new experiences to broaden my world perspective.
What Others Say About Me:
Those closest to me describe me as brilliant, ambitious, diligent, efficient, and creative. Colleagues and friends use terms like caring, intelligent, loving, full of humor, and protective. My patients appreciate my positive, friendly, and empathetic approach, often expressing a preference for my care over other providers.
My Approach to Mental Health:
I believe that successful mental healthcare is the amalgamation of a strong patient/provider relationship, empathy, humor, and the ability to find positivity in any situation. My practice reflects this philosophy, offering a specialized approach for motivated individuals seeking to uncover the root cause of their symptoms. I integrate lifestyle modification, psychotherapy, and modern psychiatry with a wholistic approach, keeping medication as an option when needed.
In our work together, we'll focus on lifestyle modification, incorporating elements like sleep, nutrition, and exercise. Psychotherapy, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness/Meditation, is a central aspect of my approach. I also bring the benefits of integrative psychiatry, using modern medicine with a wholistic perspective and employing functional lab testing. Medication management, both traditional and nutraceuticals, is considered when appropriate.
Join Me on the Path to Wellness:
If you are a high-achieving professional or entrepreneur seeking a personalized and comprehensive approach to mental health, I invite you to join me on the path to rediscovering excitement and engagement with work, loved ones, and life. Let's work together to uncover the root cause of your symptoms and enhance your well-being through a thoughtful blend of lifestyle modification, psychotherapy, and integrative psychiatry.
Think we would be a good fit? Learn more about my practice and service offerings below.
My Credentials
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing
Master of Science in Nursing
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Alumnus of the University of Texas at El Paso
Dual national board certification for Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner
OAA APRN Residency Program participant at VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System for Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners in Las Vegas, NV
Internship with Emergence Health Network Crisis & Emergency Services in El Paso, TX
Over a decade of independent healthcare experience