Walnut Creek Psychiatry

03/22/2026

Our mission is simple... to provide compassionate, evidence‑based outpatient mental health care for individuals and families across Iowa. This month, we celebrate our team that is dedicated to timely access, respectful treatment, and supporting each person’s path toward wellbeing.

03/21/2026

Today, we're taking The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation's advice for some spring self-care. We finally have some beautiful weather happening! Let's get out there and enjoy! 🙌 ☀️

03/21/2026

Question ☑️
Do you treat ADHD in children and adults?

Answer ☑️
Yes. We provide thorough evaluations and evidence-based treatment for ADHD across the lifespan. This may include medication, behavioral strategies, and supportive therapy. Our goal is to help patients improve focus, reduce overwhelm, and strengthen daily functioning — at school, work, and home. 🧠

03/18/2026

🧠 Brain Awareness Week

Your brain is at the center of everything you do — how you think, feel, respond, and connect.

And just like your physical health, your brain needs care, rest, and support to function at its best.

This week is a reminder that small, consistent habits can make a meaningful difference in your mental wellness.

Caring for your brain isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about paying attention to what helps you feel more balanced, more focused, and more like yourself.

03/18/2026

Quieting your inner critic doesn’t take luck 🍀 it takes creating a little more space and a lot of self-compassion.

We all get stuck in cycles of self-criticism sometimes. It’s part of being human — and occasionally, it can even push us forward. But when that inner voice becomes constant, harsh, or hard to ignore, it may be time to shift how you respond to it.

💚 Challenge the thought
Is this grounded in fact — or just how I’m feeling right now?

💚 Reframe the narrative
What would a more balanced, kinder version of this thought sound like?

💚 Pause and reset
A few slow breaths or a grounding moment can help you step back from the noise.

03/14/2026

We hear it all the time: “How much sleep do I actually need?”

The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all — but most adults function best with about 7–9 hours of sleep each night, according to sleep experts. National Sleep Foundation research also shows that sleep needs change throughout life, with teenagers typically needing 8–10 hours and younger children even more.

Sleep isn’t just about rest. It plays a critical role in:
😴 Mood regulation
😴 Cognitive focus and memory
😴 Stress resilience and mental health

If you’ve been feeling more anxious, irritable, or mentally foggy lately, your sleep habits may be part of the picture. Check out this Sleep Awareness Week® article – it offers a helpful breakdown of how much sleep people typically need at each stage of life.

Read more here: https://bit.ly/3NiLBkg

How many hours of sleep you should get varies by person and age, but most people need between seven and nine hours each night.

03/14/2026

Question ☑️
What should I do if I’m in crisis?

Answer ☑️
While we provide ongoing outpatient care, we are not a crisis center. If you’re in immediate danger or experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 988 or go to your nearest emergency room. Once you’re safe, we’re here to support your continued care and recovery. ❤️‍🩹

03/11/2026

We’re grateful for the trust you and all of our patients place in us. We're also honored to be part of the mental wellness journeys. Expanding access to compassionate, knowledgeable psychiatric care is at the heart of what we do, and we’re proud to serve the Ames community.

Thank you for sharing your experience, Sara — and for helping others connect with the support they deserve. 🤗

03/09/2026

If the time change left you feeling a little foggy, frazzled, or off balance, you’re not imagining it. Daylight Saving Time can disrupt your internal clock — and your sleep.

It's Sleep Week, and a great reminder to give rest the attention it deserves. Sleep isn’t a luxury. It’s one of the most important ways we support our mental and emotional health.

Small changes can help your body reset and make it easier to settle into rest. 💤

03/08/2026

It's Daylight Saving Time... and that means longer evenings and a little more daylight to work with. And while losing an hour of sleep isn’t always easy, the extra light can be a helpful reminder to check in on your self-care.

More daylight can support your mood, regulate your internal clock, and make it easier to spend time outside — all of which help your nervous system reset.

Small moments of sunlight can make a bigger difference than you might think. Make space for what naturally helps your mind and body recalibrate.

03/07/2026

Mental fatigue isn’t always about stress or lack of sleep. Habits like multitasking, procrastinating, and people-pleasing can also chip away at your mental energy.

It’s no accident that we’re highlighting these habits on National Unplugging Day. The one thing they have in common, besides draining you, is that they are amplified by using your smartphone. After you read about the difference between staying busy & zapping your energy, do yourself a favor and unplug for awhile. 🔌

Psychologists explain how everyday habits like multitasking, decision fatigue, and people-pleasing could be slowly draining your mental energy.

03/03/2026

Thank you for sharing, Tara! We're glad to hear that Miranda's patience & compassion are shining through. Chaos is part of the journey... we're happy to bring you some calm. Happy to be a part of your mental wellness journey at Walnut Creek Psychiatry. 🤗