Secure, virtual Appointments

We  moved  the  physical address  temporarily to 334  S  Patterson suite  120 ,  Santa Barbara,  CA,  93111

All  appointments  are  done  virtually now  until the  pandemic is  under  control and  we  will  be  back  to  in  person  appointment 

If you need psychiatric care for addiction, depression, anxiety or other mental health disorder, we know that symptoms can be exacerbated by what is going on in the world today.  Dr. El-Asyouty is able to take new clients at this time through secure, online meetings until you can eventually meet in person.  

Treatment for Alcoholism and Addiction

Dr. El-Asyouty 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. El-Asyouty 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.  El-Asyouty provides.

"Dr.  El Asyouty 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. El Asyouty 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. El Asyouty 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.