About Dr. David Mathai
Focus areas
Anxiety
Loneliness
Psychiatry Consultation
Bereavement / Grief Counseling
Low Self Esteem
Psychotherapy
Depression
Personal Development Counseling
Clientele seen
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Adults (25-64)
Seniors (65+)
Treatment approaches
Attachment-based
Culturally Sensitive
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Existential
Compassion Focused
Humanistic
Identity
Gender
MaleLanguages spoken
English
Getting to know Dr. David Mathai
Welcome to Sattva Medicine! You can find more information about me and my practice online.
I am a board-certified, integrative and psychotherapy-oriented psychiatrist and Clinical Assistant Professor at Baylor College of Medicine. I have advanced training as a behavioral pharmacologist and postdoctoral research fellow with the Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelics and Consciousness Research. I completed medical school and residency training with Baylor College of Medicine and the Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, receiving awards for excellence in psychotherapy and research. I am also a graduate of Texas A&M University, where I studied Biochemistry, Genetics, and English, and graduated with University Honors and Honors Fellows Distinctions.
What should a new client know about working with you?
As a clinician, I treat individuals struggling with a variety of conditions, including depression, anxiety, and trauma. My approach to psychotherapy is broadly informed and focused most on helping people cultivate deeper relationships with themselves and others, so they can live in ways that feel resilient, vibrant, and true. I acknowledge the harm that has come from the over-medicalizing of suffering and believe in only the judicious use of psychiatric medications. Decisions around prescribing are made collaboratively with patients and include careful exploration of the reasons for medication, the best available evidence, and risk-benefit analysis. My practice is currently self-pay only, and I do not prescribe controlled/scheduled medications (e.g., stimulants, benzodiazepines) via telehealth.
I also bring a strong scientific background to my work. As a researcher, I have investigated and produced numerous scientific publications on topics such as behavioral models of addiction and cognitive impairment, the neuropsychiatric effects of cannabis, and the complex properties of psychedelic-type therapies like ketamine, MDMA, and psilocybin. I have worked as a scientific collaborator, study physician, and session therapist for multiple clinical trials of psilocybin-assisted interventions. These opportunities have for me highlighted the unique potential for psychedelics to facilitate healing and enhance wellbeing when used under appropriate conditions. I am committed to the eventual development of these tools within healthcare infrastructures that are safe, sustainable, and put people first.
I plan to integrate psychedelic-assisted therapies when they are medically approved but do NOT offer this service at this time. I can however provide education focused on harm reduction and psychological support for previous challenging experiences that patients may have had with these drugs.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
Patients who have had to navigate psychiatric care in the past are commonly frustrated with how little time they have had with professionals, especially when it comes to talking about a topic as complex as mental health. My practice is structured in a way that maximizes your encounters with trained clinicians and makes sure there is space to account for the many factors that drive wellbeing.
Here are the appointment types I offer:
• Integrative psychiatry assessment (90 minutes / $450)
• Psychiatry/psychotherapy follow-up (50 minutes / $350)
• Brief psychiatry follow-up (25 minutes / $200)
Dr. David Mathai is not in-network with any insurances
It’s common for mental health providers to be out-of-network. Many insurance plans offer out-of-network coverage, so you may get partially reimbursed. Learn more
Out-of-pocket fees and assistance
Initial session: $450 for 90 minutes
Ongoing session: $200 for 25 minutes
More information on payments and coverage
Sattva Medicine is a self-pay practice and is NOT in network with any insurance companies. I charge fixed fees per session that are available on request. I charge 50% of your first appointment charge as a prepayment that is nonrefundable.
Office location
Dr. David Mathai, MD also offers online video visits for patients
Education and background
Practice names
Hospital affiliations
- Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
Board certifications
- American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
- Psychiatry (American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology)
Education and training
- Medical School - Baylor College of Medicine, Doctor of Medicine
- Texas A&M University (Bachelor's)
- Baylor College of Medicine (Residency)
- Johns Hopkins Medicine (Fellowship)
Awards and publications
- Mathai DS, Gordon M, Muchmore P, Matorin A, Shah A, Moukaddam N. Paradoxical increase in synthetic cannabinoid emergency-related presentations after city wide ban: Lessons from Houston, Texas. The Bulletin of the Menninger Clinic. 2016; 80(4):357—370.
- Mathai DS, Holst M, Rodgman C, Haile CN, Keller J, Hussain MZ, Kosten TR, Newton TF, Verrico CD. Guanfacine attenuates adverse effects of dronabinol (THC) on working memory in adolescent-onset heavy cannabis users: A pilot study. The Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences. 2017; 30(1):66-76
- Holst M*, Mathai DS*, Patel MM, Rodgman C, Keller J, Hussain MZ, De La Garza R II, Kosten TR, Newton TF, Verrico CD. Use of guanfacine for cannabis use disorder and related symptomatology. The American Journal on Addictions. 2019; 28(6):455-464.
NPI number
1386177228
How soon can I make an appointment with Dr. David Mathai?
Generally, Dr. David Mathai has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Dr. Mathai's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Dr. David Mathai accepting new patients?
Dr. David Mathai generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Dr. Mathai's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Dr. David Mathai accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Dr. Mathai is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Dr. David Mathai online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Dr. Mathai using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
Which hospital is Dr. David Mathai affiliated with?
Dr. David Mathai is affiliated with Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center.
What practice does Dr. David Mathai work with?
Dr. David Mathai works with Sattva Medicine.
Where is Dr. David Mathai's office located?
Dr. David Mathai has 4 office locations, including in Merritt Island, Pondsville, Broaddus, and Miami Beach, view full addresses on Dr. Mathai's profile.
Which board certifications does Dr. David Mathai have?
Dr. David Mathai is certified by American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and Psychiatry (American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology).
What are common reasons for patients to see Dr. David Mathai?
Dr. David Mathai frequently sees patients for New Patient Visit, Psychiatry Consultation, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Sleep Problems. You can see other visit reasons for Dr. David Mathai on their profile.
What languages does Dr. David Mathai speak?
Dr. David Mathai speaks English.