Why “Sapien” ?

The name “Sapien Psychiatry” comes from Homo sapiens—the scientific name for our species. Translated from Latin, Homo sapiens means “wise human.” Each and every one of us is a wise human… but what does it truly mean to be wise?

Our experience of consciousness sets us apart from all other creatures on this planet. Our brains are uniquely capable of approaching problems in never-before-seen ways. Sometimes, our minds are our greatest assets and tools. Other times, they can be the source of suffering, hopelessness, or self-sabotage.

We each carry rich and complex inner worlds. We experience love and grief, hope and despair, joy and pain. We feel sadness, which is different from depression. We feel anxiety, which is different from fear.

Our experiences are shaped by our modern world—social media, advanced technology, global crises, climate-controlled comforts, and shifting sociopolitical landscapes. We are uniquely shaped by both our nature and our nurture—our genetics, our upbringing, our culture, and our relationships.

And yet… we are all part of the same species. Homo sapiens.

Many of us intuitively sense that we would feel better—mentally and physically—if our lives were more aligned with our nature: nourishing our bodies with real food, syncing our sleep with the sun, moving and exercising regularly, focusing on the present moment, letting go of what we can’t control, stepping away from screens, and prioritizing a few deep connections over many superficial ones.

This is human wisdom.

At Sapien Psychiatry, I believe we can draw from both worlds—using the tools we've created (medicine, talk therapy) while honoring the roots that keep us grounded (social connection, nutrition, movement, circadian rhythm). Through this integration, we can use our innate wisdom to pursue true wellness.