Mental health care is healthcare. I became a psychiatrist to help ensure there would be no gap in care between individuals with and without mental health diagnoses. For individuals with chronic mental health conditions, the rates of multiple illnesses are higher, and life expectancy is lower. That’s why caring for this population is especially important.  My work is to help people access healthcare and be sure that any mental health condition they face is not a barrier to receiving care.  Collaboration between psychiatry and other specialties​ gives patients the necessary care they deserve. It also helps to further destigmatize mental illness by familiarizing other physicians with psychiatric conditions and treatment.