About Michael
I am a board-certified, doctoral-level nurse practitioner with six years of professional experience, mostly working in inpatient programs with adolescents and adults. I was inspired to enter the field by my father, who was a military psychiatrist and zen practitioner. “Altitude Zen” is a nod to him, and his blend of Eastern and Western psychology.
I am currently licensed to practice in Florida, Texas, and Washington.
My degree in psychiatric mental health is from the University of Texas. I hold degrees from other universities where I studied computers, anthropology and sociology. Before training in psychiatry in the United States, I lived in Europe and East Asia where I worked as a language and arts teacher, writer and editor, and indie film composer.
I hold additional certifications in subjects including nutritional psychiatry, addiction therapy, and trauma-informed mindfulness meditation teaching.
Outside of my mental health practice, I work on an academic project regarding sociocultural impacts on psychological development. Otherwise I spend free time with my family and friends, reading, and writing music.
Fun Facts:
– I completed a 750 mile pilgrimage on foot
– I once spent a month training with Shaolin monks
– I was given the 2021 San Antonio Psychiatric Nurse of the Year award
– In my home we speak a mix of English and Japanese
Treatment modalities include:
- Psychiatric Assessments
- Researched Supplements
- Medication Management
- Ordering & Reading Lab Panels
- Mindfulness Strategies
- Lifestyle Interventions
- Social Prescribing
- Psychotherapy
