Hi, I’m Erik Bjorndal, D.O. (pronounced Byorn-doll), Holistic and Integrative Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist at Bamboo Center.
It can be hard to find a holistic psychiatrist, especially one that you can meet with for both medication management and psychotherapy. Even more unique, is a psychiatrist that can facilitate peak performance by utilizing doctorate-level medical and behavioral training and interventions that go beyond coaching. I feel honored and excited to offer both integrative psychiatry and therapy services to those residing in Nevada. Now there is a holistic psychiatrist near you!
Many clients have enjoyed the ease of working with a single clinician who can prescribe (if needed) with full awareness and understanding of their background, current situation, and progress in therapeutic goals. For those who prefer to separate the two services, I’m very lucky to work alongside Dr. Darbonne here at Bamboo Center and the many other incredible psychologists and clinicians in Las Vegas and greater Nevada.
Something my patients appreciate about me is the life experience that I bring to our interactions. Finding my passion for healing was a journey; I’m not a typical medical school graduate by any stretch of the term. Prior to the medical training, I hustled through different careers and non-traditional majors, observed people and cultures through travel and service work, and soaked up the exposure to various aspects of the human condition — both around the world and within myself. One example is that I studied business and worked for a Fortune 500 company before I transitioned to medicine. I know first-hand what it takes to work your way up from the bottom and to succeed in the “dog-eat-dog” business world. I also know what it takes to start over when you decide that the path you are on is no longer fulfilling. All this has given me a deeper understanding and empathy for my patients.
The combination of my experience, medical training, and multidimensional approach to care means that we can go beyond fixing what is wrong. While I have a deep love for helping people heal, my true passion surpasses you just feeling better. I am most fulfilled helping people break through to the next level of personal and professional fulfillment, to reignite their passion for life and what they have dedicated their lives to. This means helping musicians and artists open up the creative process, athletes to access their hard work and training as a seamless part of themselves, and high-level professionals regain their vision that optimizes all of the moving parts. I want to help you connect with your best self, professionals and weekend warriors alike, to unlock your flow state so you can perform at your peak and maximize your potential.
My patients often say: “Wow, you’re the first doctor that actually listens to me and what I want.” It saddens me that this is such a rarity in the medical field, but you can count on that type of care during each appointment at Bamboo Center. You are the focus during our collaborative work. After each session, you will feel heard, have your questions answered, take an active role in your care, and notice progress towards your goals.
I believe in taking a holistic and integrative approach to psychiatry. I completed medical school and obtained my Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine at Midwestern University, AZCOM. I chose an Osteopathic approach to medicine because it evaluates the whole patient– Mind, Body, and Spirit– to address the root of the problem rather than just treat the symptoms. I believe in treating you as a whole person, not just a walking diagnosis.
During our time together, I will ask you what your goals are for treatment and really listen to you. We will look at multiple domains of life (Mind – mental health, Body – physical health, and Spirit – sense of meaning, purpose, and fulfillment) to see where changes can be made to increase your overall and long-term well-being. By taking all of this into account, we can work towards actually fixing the root of the problem so you can heal and move past it.
But let’s not settle there! I want to help you do more than just feel better and “fix what is wrong.” I want to work together to transcend beyond this and to break through to the next level in your personal and professional endeavors; to be your best self, perform at your peak level, and maximize your potential.
I draw from multiple traditional and cutting-edge treatment modalities and use as little medication as possible. That’s not typical for many psychiatrists and is one thing that sets me apart from others. For you, this means effective care with minimum side effects. Because this is important to me, I sought a Psychiatry Residency program that expanded its focus and training beyond medication.
I found what I was looking for with the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) Psychiatry Residency Program where I received training in a wide variety of psychiatric settings and treatment styles. This included large hospitals like UMC and the VA, and various state and private residential programs with focuses varying from severe psychosis to depression, anxiety, PTSD, and Substance Abuse.
I constantly seek more knowledge and skill in different psychotherapy techniques and healing practices. This way I can offer multiple approaches and options whether you are struggling with mental health concerns or seeking to increase performance, fulfillment, and wellbeing.
I love music, martial arts, food, and travel. When I’m not helping people feel and perform at their best, I’m likely spinning a record, at a concert, in the gym, or planning my next adventure!
