Today, mental health stands as a leading conversation piece, and we couldn’t be more thrilled that this is the case. As we continue to spread positivity and bring light to the importance of self-help, we are excited to introduce and share Haute MD expert Mike Hoaglin, MD., – founder and medical director of the leading-edge clinic, Gut Feelings Psychosomatic Medicine – journey to becoming a psychiatrist and trained physician.
Through over 7 years of clinical practice, Dr. Hoaglin has treated more than 2,500 psychiatric patients nationwide, and he isn't stopping there, especially with his mission to relieve suffering in the body that is often linked to mental health issues. Here's what we learned when sitting down with Dr. Hoaglin, the physician who doesn’t knee-jerk-reach for medications and cares about the rest of the body too!
What inspired you to go into the field?
After spending years treating patients in the ER, it was clear that more could – and needed – to be done to support the profound burden of mental illness in our country. According to studies, mental health disorders are among the “-fastest growing components of medical practice... in the United States.”
At the same time, we have a growing body of clinical evidence surrounding the gut microbiota-brain axis that clearly links a healthy gut to a healthy mind. My work with patients, starting with my work in the ER and evolving to include a personal passion for microbiome health, prompted the launch of Gut Feelings. At Gut Feelings, we treat the whole person, from bugs and guts to your brain and bowels.
How did you come up with the name of your practice?
Gut Feelings is a simple play on words that describes the gut-brain connection in a whimsical way. It also reminds people that we’re thoughtful about the human condition. We see plenty of general psychiatric issues, and patients appreciate the attention to their physical health as well. Others “come for the gut and stay for the psych,” in that many patients have had extensive medical workups for gastrointestinal problems before they get to me, and we’re often able to offer a fresh perspective on feeling better.
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What are the most popular services requested?
- Medication management, including treatment for depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, bipolar, OCD and ADHD
- “Psychedelic” treatment, including ketamine and esketamine
- Metabolic health evaluation and optimization - including medically supervised weight loss
- Personalized treatments for chronic gut issues such as acid reflux, abdominal pain, irregular stools, autoimmune problems
- Executive psychiatry services - exclusive access to our services on a retainer basis, especially for individuals who frequently travel
What is the future of your field?
Only a decade ago, evidence connecting gut health and mental health was scarce. Today, numerous clinical trials are underway evaluating the viability of gut-related interventions as treatment for major mental illnesses. For example, psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy is being studied to treat anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder, with promising results. There is much yet to be discovered about the gut-brain connection.
What is unique about your practice?
- We treat physical manifestations of psychiatric illness as well.
- We serve patients all over the country and are licensed in the following states:
- CA, NY, TX, CO, FL, IL, PA, NC, GA, AK
Are there any new services you are excited to offer?
Intranasal eskatamine, which in some cases offers same-day relief from symptoms of depression. Results may vary with each individual’s situation.
What is one underrated service that doesn’t receive as much press as it should?
Patients who come to me sometimes find that they’ve been treating the wrong disease for a long time. It is important to take a look at the mind and body, and sometimes further diagnostic studies are needed. Diet, lifestyle, sleep hygiene, and sleep evaluation are also key parts of many evaluations at Gut Feelings Psychiatry.
