Psychiatry Treatment Services in Ann Arbor, MI

Our team provides care for a wide range of psychiatric and emotional conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, ADHD, trauma-related disorders, and dissociative conditions. We also specialize in complex and treatment-resistant cases where previous therapies or medications have not achieved full results. Every treatment plan begins with a detailed evaluation to understand both biological and psychological factors influencing a patient’s health.

Psychopharmacology at Alessi Psychiatry and Life Center goes beyond prescribing. Dr. Norman Alessi integrates four decades of clinical experience with the latest research in neurochemistry and pharmacodynamics to create medication plans tailored to each individual. Factors such as age, genetic profile, trauma history, and medication response patterns are carefully considered. Medications are regularly reviewed to ensure optimal effectiveness and long-term safety.

Ketamine therapy works through a unique mechanism, targeting the brain’s glutamate system to promote rapid synaptic repair and enhance neuroplasticity. This differs from conventional antidepressants, which primarily focus on serotonin and norepinephrine pathways. For patients with treatment-resistant depression or persistent trauma symptoms, ketamine can provide quicker relief and a renewed sense of emotional openness. At Alessi Psychiatry, ketamine is administered in a safe, medically supervised environment and often paired with psychotherapy for lasting therapeutic benefit.

The polyvagal approach focuses on the connection between the nervous system and emotional regulation. By helping patients engage the body’s natural calming responses, polyvagal-informed therapy improves resilience and reduces the physiological impact of trauma. These methods are especially effective for those recovering from chronic stress or complex trauma, and they often complement other forms of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral or ketamine-assisted psychotherapy.

Yes. Dr. Alessi is a leader in child and adolescent psychiatry, with extensive expertise in developmental disorders, early-onset mood disorders, and trauma in youth. Our care for young patients often combines family therapy, educational collaboration, and careful medication management when needed. The goal is to promote emotional regulation, academic success, and healthy social development while maintaining a focus on safety and long-term well-being.

Family therapy helps improve communication and restore balance when a psychiatric condition affects the entire household. Our clinicians work with family members to strengthen understanding, reduce conflict, and build supportive structures that encourage recovery. This collaborative model recognizes that healing often occurs within relationships, not just within the individual.

Mindfulness training is incorporated as both a standalone service and a complement to psychotherapy or medication. It helps patients manage stress, regulate mood, and cultivate self-awareness. For those navigating anxiety, trauma, or emotional dysregulation, mindfulness can reinforce the gains achieved through other therapeutic modalities.

Complex psychiatric conditions—such as refractory depression, trauma-related dissociation, or overlapping diagnoses—require more than standardized protocols. At Alessi Psychiatry and Life Center, treatment is iterative and adaptive. Patients receive extended diagnostic evaluations, coordinated care across multiple therapeutic modalities, and access to innovative treatments like ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. This comprehensive approach ensures that even the most challenging cases receive thoughtful, individualized care rooted in science and empathy.