Meet Ashley Covington, M.d. Abpn Aboim | Integrative Holistic Psychiatrist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Covington, M.d. Abpn Aboim and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My decision to become a psychiatrist was deeply rooted in personal experience. At the tender age of 11, I endured the devastating loss of my grandmother, who was murdered in a violent robbery. Shortly after her memorial service, my uncle tragically took his own life. This traumatic event profoundly impacted my life, leading me to seek solace and support through psychotherapy during my impressionable teenage years. It was through this personal journey that I discovered the transformative power of mental health resources and felt a deep calling to help others navigate similar challenges.

As I was exploring the various medical specialties for my upcoming journey to medical school, psychiatry strongly resonated with me. Psychiatry wasn’t just about understanding immediate patient concerns; it required an empathetic delving into the patient’s life history, the roots of their distress, and the intricate details of their suffering.

Amidst my training journey across varied healthcare systems, I experienced a range of emotions. Frustration often surfaced due to the limitations of the available tools and the time restrictions common in traditional outpatient settings. It appeared to me that within the complex world of mental health, there was a palpable underappreciation for the intrinsic mind-body connection and the multidimensional aspects of patients.

I found the heavy reliance on prescription medications insufficient, as they didn’t cater to the unique needs and responses of individual patients. These insights propelled my belief in the necessity of a more customized treatment plan. I was inspired to establish a practice where I could offer extended appointments, integrate talk therapy, and incorporate holistic approaches including, but not limited to, diet, appropriate use of supplements, and lifestyle modifications.

With the opening of my own private practice in Century City, Los Angeles, I have the freedom to stretch beyond just treating symptoms. I am now able to develop a wellness ‘prescription’, specifically tailored to cater to the unique needs of each individual. My endeavor is to redefine the landscape of mental health care, making it more compassionate, empathetic and personalized—a place where every individual feels seen, heard, and understood.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m currently excited about my passion project, Tranquil Trip, where I collaborate with skilled practitioners to host intimate group ketamine soundbath events. I aim to offer personalized treatment while fostering a supportive community through holistic experiences in a medically supervised environment.

With challenges that inevitably present when evolving, I’ve come to appreciate that progress isn’t linear, and it’s vital to cultivate grace and compassion for ourselves.

Personal growth involves acknowledging the unknown and navigating the learning curve, especially when pioneering innovative ventures.

My father’s wisdom resonates with me: “We can only do one thing well at a time.” Identify small, manageable steps to leverage my strengths while remaining open to asking for help. Accepting help is not a weakness; it’s a strategic move for greater efficiency and self-honor.

Similarly, my grandfather’s saying, “What you have is always more than what you don’t have,” encourages an abundance mindset, allowing me to face challenges with gratitude.

These principles apply to both my professional and personal life. Ultimately, I aim to empower clients to tap into their intrinsic healing capacities because I believe self-empowerment is one of the best forms of medicine.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
As someone who spent most of my life in rural Pennsylvania, the change in weather upon arriving in LA was unbeatable. A visit to the beach is a must, and Will Rogers Beach offers a perfect escape for relaxation, whether you prefer delving into a good book, partaking in a yoga class, or cycling by the shore. The vastness of nature here provides a comforting embrace that rejuvenates the soul, making a hike through Will Rogers State Park a highly recommended activity with its various trail options.

For those seeking a bohemian atmosphere, Topanga presents an alternative and enchanting destination. Delight in the quirky boutique shops catering to crystal enthusiasts and vintage lovers, and then revel in a panoramic view while enjoying a meal at Cafe on 27.

For those not inclined towards crystals but seeking an exceptional experience, the Petersen Automotive Museum stands out as a truly remarkable destination. The impressive collection of cars and historical artifacts showcased there will captivate and inspire.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Firstly, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude towards my family from whom I inherited a deep-rooted appreciation for education and experiential learning. Their consistent encouragement to explore the diverse tapestries of my European, Japanese, and African-American heritage has laid a sturdy groundwork for me to merge scientific knowledge with a comprehensive learning approach.

I am also deeply indebted to all my mentors, teachers, and the numerous sources of inspiration I found during my psychiatric training. Grateful acknowledgment goes to Penn State and UCLA for fostering an environment conducive to self-actualization. A special recognition to The Academy of Integrated Health and Medicine (AIHM) for their vital role in steering me toward evidence-based holistic healing through their Integrative Medicine Fellowship.

Further, I extend my appreciation to the Prati Institute and the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) for their conscientious efforts in crafting well-rounded psychedelic and ketamine training programs. Their prominence on safety, harm reduction, and the vast potential of our inner healing intelligence is truly praiseworthy.

In addition, I am fortunate to be surrounded by a superb network of friends and colleagues whose insightful perspectives and generosity I greatly value.

Lastly, my deepest thanks go out to my patients. Their trust in me to walk alongside them on their healing journeys is an honor that consistently fuels both my personal and professional development.

Website: tranquilmd.com and tranquil-trip.com

Instagram: atranquiltrip

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-covington-a38956193