A Journey of Compassion and Healing

Welcome to my practice. I am Dr. Vittorio T. Puente, and I am honored to share my journey with you. From a young age, I was deeply influenced by my Mexican Heritage and Christian beliefs, which instilled in me a profound sense of compassion and a desire to understand the human condition. Two questions continually guided my thoughts: "Why do people suffer?" and "What can we do about it?" These questions became the cornerstone of my life's work and led me to pursue an undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame and, ultimately, a career as a clinical psychologist.

A Calling Rooted in Faith in People

Growing up, I witnessed many individuals in my community grappling with various forms of experiences and events that led to suffering. My faith taught me the importance of empathy, service, and the power of healing through discipline, love and understanding. These principles fueled my curiosity and commitment to finding ways to alleviate suffering and promote mental well-being, especially in my Mexican and Mexican American communites.

A Professional Journey

With over 15 years of experience as a clinical psychologist and 20 years as a licensed specialist in school psychology, I have dedicated my career to understanding and addressing mental health issues. My work has always been driven by a desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of those struggling with anxiety, depression, and adjustment issues.

My Philosophy

In my practice, I focus on addressing anxiety, depression, and adjustment issues through psychotherapy, behavioral health, or focused counseling, with the help from dedicated, talented team members. I believe in a holistic approach, understanding that each individual’s experience is unique and requires personalized care. My philosophy is grounded in the belief that mental health can often be significantly improved through non-medication methods before considering pharmacological interventions and in the theory of a Bio/Psycho/Social/Spiritual/Cultural approach to facilitating change.

Assessment and Medication Management

I place a strong emphasis in our training of new team members on thorough assessment to guide treatment decisions. I advocate for the use of comprehensive psychological evaluations to determine whether medication management for childhood or adult mental illnesses should even be considered. It is crucial to understand that medication should not be used to confirm the presence of a mental illness in a child; rather, a careful assessment should dictate whether medication might be beneficial.

Promoting Physical Health and Wellness

Physical health and wellness are integral to mental and emotional well-being. Before delving into the addition of potentially problematic medications, I promote and emphasize physical health to address common mental health symptoms, such as addressing Irritability and lethargy, combating insomnia, managing Impulsivity and physical tension, and alleviating sadness, hypomania, or hyperactivity: Balanced nutrition, consistent exercise, and structured daily routines can significantly mitigate symptoms. 

Through these methods, I aim to create a foundation of well-being that supports mental health and reduces the reliance on medications. My goal is to empower individuals and their families with the tools and knowledge to achieve optimal mental health through natural and supportive means.

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Thank you for taking the time to learn about my story and my approach to mental health. I look forward to working with you and supporting your journey to wellness.