About Me

My Credentials and Training

✓ Bachelor of Science, University of Notre Dame

✓ Medical Doctorate, New York Medical College

✓ Psychiatry Residency, University of Washington

✓ Board Certified Psychiatrist, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology

✓ Psychiatry Addiction Fellowship, University of Washington

✓ Board Certified Addiction Psychiatrist, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology

Dr. Mark Ellestad, board-certified psychiatrist trained at the University of Washington in Seattle

Medical and Psychiatric Training

My medical and psychiatric training emphasized evidence-based assessment, diagnosis, and treatment across a broad range of psychiatric conditions. I completed formal residency training in general psychiatry followed by advanced subspecialty training in addiction psychiatry at the University of Washington.

During training, I worked across outpatient, inpatient, and emergency psychiatry settings, developing experience in the evaluation and management of mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma-related conditions, and substance use disorders. This background informs a thoughtful, safety-oriented approach to psychiatric care.

Experienced Seattle psychiatrist providing evidence-based care for depression and anxiety

Background

My professional background reflects a longstanding interest in understanding how psychological symptoms intersect with identity, relationships, stress, and patterns of coping. Early in my training, I worked in a homeless shelter during college and later completed a year of service with AmeriCorps at a medical facility serving individuals experiencing homelessness. Through these experiences, I witnessed firsthand the impact of serious mental illness, substance use, and social instability, which played an important role in shaping my decision to pursue psychiatry.

Over time, this perspective has shaped my focus on helping patients not only reduce symptoms, but also improve daily functioning, emotional regulation, and overall quality of life. While my practice serves a broad range of individuals, I remain committed to working with patients from medically underserved and marginalized communities as part of my ongoing clinical work.

I approach treatment as a collaborative process and value individualized care that aligns with each patient’s goals, preferences, and clinical needs.

My Approach to Psychiatric Care

Seattle psychiatrist providing evidence-based treatment for depression, anxiety, ADHD, and addiction

My approach to psychiatric care is grounded in evidence-based medicine and an understanding of the connection between mind and body. I aim to provide a safe, supportive space for reflection and self-exploration while delivering structured, clinically sound treatment.

Care typically includes a combination of medication management and psychotherapy, with individualized treatment planning to support symptom reduction, resilience, and long-term mental health. When appropriate, clinically supported mind–body strategies may be incorporated to enhance overall functioning and well-being. I work with adults across the lifespan and treat a wide range of psychiatric conditions in outpatient settings.

LGBTQ+ Affirming Psychiatric Care

LGBTQ+ affirming psychiatrist in Seattle providing depression, addiction, panic disorder and anxiety treatment

I provide affirming, inclusive psychiatric care for individuals who identify as LGBTQ+. I recognize that sexual orientation and gender identity can shape lived experience, mental health, relationships, and access to care, and I strive to create a treatment environment where patients feel safe, respected, and understood.

My work with LGBTQ+ individuals is informed by an awareness of minority stress, stigma, identity development, and community-specific challenges. Care is tailored to each person’s unique experience while remaining grounded in evidence-based psychiatric practice.

In addition to my formal medical and psychiatric training, I have pursued advanced psychotherapy training to support a depth-oriented, relational, and evidence-informed approach to care.

  • Advanced Training in Adult Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, Seattle Psychoanalytic Society and Institute

  • Advanced Psychotherapy Training, Integrative Psychiatry Institute

This training informs my work with individuals experiencing anxiety, trauma, mood disorders, and complex relational patterns, while remaining grounded in evidence-based psychiatric care.

Advanced Psychotherapy Training

In addition to my private practice, I am actively engaged in clinical and academic work across multiple healthcare settings.

  • Attending Psychiatrist, Harborview Medical Center Psychiatric Emergency Services, providing acute psychiatric assessment and stabilization for high-acuity patients

  • Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrist, Franciscan / Virginia Mason Health System, collaborating with medical and surgical teams to address complex psychiatric and medical presentations

  • Clinical Research Investigator, Seattle NTC, participating in regulated clinical research trials involving novel psychiatric treatments

  • Outpatient Psychiatrist, Veterans Affairs Health System, provided longitudinal, evidence-based psychiatric care to adult patients over a six-year period from 2017-2023

My work in these settings informs a thoughtful, safety-oriented, and evidence-based approach to patient care in my private practice.

Current Clinical and Academic Roles

“To heal is to touch where the soul hurts.”

— Cicely Tyson, American Acress