About Santa Barbara Psychiatrist Sherif ElAsyouty, M.D.

Dr. Sherif Elasyouty is an experienced psychiatrist in Santa Barbara with a diverse medical background. He began his career as a resident in General and NeuroSurgery, gaining exposure to a wide range of medical and surgical experiences. However, recognizing his passion for mental health, he transitioned to Psychiatry and pursued his training in General Psychiatry at the esteemed University of Louisville, KY. Seeking to expand his expertise, he further honed his skills in Addiction Psychiatry at the prestigious University of Vanderbilt, where he trained under the mentorship of the renowned addiction specialist, Dr. Andy Spickard, III.

During his tenure in Kentucky, Dr. Elasyouty served as a staff psychiatrist in both inpatient and outpatient settings, ultimately earning the position of Medical Director at West Lake Behavioral Health Program. In 2003, he made a pivotal move to Santa Barbara, bringing his wealth of experience to Cottage Hospital while also establishing a Santa Barbara psychiatrist private practice. He devoted his practice to addressing psychiatric, chemical dependency, and chronic pain conditions, and co-founded Recovery Road Medical Center, which commendably served the Santa Barbara recovery community for 16 years.

Dr. Elasyouty is licensed to prescribe Suboxone and can administer Vivitrol, enhancing his ability to provide comprehensive care for individuals struggling with addiction. Over the years, his dedication to patient care and community involvement has been recognized with multiple Patients' Choice Awards in 2008, 2013, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2022. Passionate about creating awareness concerning drug use among adolescents, he has actively engaged in media appearances to educate the public.

Patients of Santa Barbara Psychiatrist Dr. Elasyouty can expect to be treated with the utmost respect and compassion. His approach to those with chemical dependency conditions is grounded in a comprehensive medical standpoint, ensuring that his patients receive the highest quality of care and support in their journey to recovery.

Santa Barbara Psychiatrist Sherif Elasyouty, M.D.

Treatment for Alcoholism, Addiction and Mental Health Disorders

Treatment for Alcoholism and Addiction

Dr. Elasyouty believes it’s important to not confuse the person with their illness. Alcoholism, substance abuse and chemical dependency is actually a disease that affects the nervous system which results in a loss of control over the use of substances. A person suffering from substance abuse may experience cravings for drugs and alcohol and continue to use them despite adverse consequences. Our primary treatment objective is abstinence and we also recognize that communication and refusal skills are a major part of a successful, lasting outcome.

Mental Health Disorders

With advances in psychiatric treatment and medication treatment we now look at a mental heath disorder as a medical illness, similar to diabetes or high blood pressure. These disorders also have a genetic component to them; they are chronic in nature and tend to get better or worse depending on the treatment and patient compliance. We understand that the brain is an organ and can have illnesses which are separate from the person’s true identity. The ability of patients with depression or an anxiety disorder to stop being depressed or anxious is the same as the ability of patients to stop being diabetic or hypertensive. That is, without the right treatment, the chances are very slim that the disorder will spontaneously get better on its own.

As in diabetes and hypertension, the treatment can require medications and a change in the lifestyle. The good news is that we now have more medications available for the treatment of various psychiatric disorders with fewer side effects than the previous generations of medications. Also, most psychiatric medications are not addictive. They help to improve the function of certain brain circuits that are involved in the processing of our feelings.

On Using Medication

Dr. Elasyouty is also aware of the need to be very careful about using addictive medications in patients who are in recovery from addiction. It is also important to recognize that people who are in recovery from depression and anxiety usually also require a change in the way that the individual processes feeling information. This can require a training program such as that which Dr. Elasyouty provides.

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Testimonials

"Dr. Elasyouty helped me tremendously at a time when I really needed it, and has continued to help me be on the most effective and appropriate medicines for my particular needs. He has a great sense of humor, knows when it might be therapeutic to use it, and has a thoroughly compassionate nature. "
- B.L.

"I've been going to Dr. Elasyouty for about a decade now, after having seen almost every psychiatrist in town. While he does run a little late, it's because he actually takes the time to speak to and counsel his patients. Usually psychiatrists do a perfunctory inquiry into your well-being with regards to your medications. Dr. Elasyouty has given me more usable, practical, and reliable advice over the years than most of my talk therapists. He has a great understanding of psychology and the human condition. He has his quirks, but he's human. He's a great psychiatrist."

- J.C.

"Love Dr. El. Smart and professional. knows his stuff well and very knowledge able about different types of meds. took me many doctors and many diagnosis to finally feel like myself again and that is thanks to this dr and thanx to my friend who recommended him...."

- N.J.

Santa Barbara Psychiatrist
Sherif ElAsyouty, M.D.

Santa Barbara Psychiatrist
Sherif ElAsyouty, M.D.

Sherif Elasyouty, MD

Accepting new Santa Barbara Psychiatry patients with Virtual appointments

About Santa Barbara Psychiatrist Sherif ElAsyouty, M.D.

On Prescription Drug Abuse

Treatment for Alcoholism, Addiction and Mental Health Disorders

Testimonials

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drasyouty@gmail.com

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