Dr. Abhishek Rai

Director of Programs

Abhishek Rai, MD is a board certified psychiatrist in California dedicated to making mental health approachable, empowering, and genuinely enjoyable to learn about. He brings together deep clinical expertise with a passion for helping people understand their bodies and minds in simple, joyful, and sustainable ways perfectly aligned with the mission of the Pretty Healthy Foundation.

Dr. Rai completed his medical degree at Delhi University’s University College of Medical Sciences before moving to the United States, where he gained early psychiatric experience at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He later joined the Child Psychiatry Division at the New York State Psychiatric Institute at Columbia University, followed by his psychiatry residency at St. Mary Mercy Hospital in Livonia, Michigan. He then served at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) for three years, becoming Medical Director in his final year.

Throughout his career, Dr. Rai has remained committed not only to scientific excellence but to “science with soul,” contributing multiple publications, national presentations, and research focused on stress reduction, mindfulness, and integrative practices. His work includes meaningful contributions to integrative psychiatry particularly his analysis of Ashwagandha and his webinars on yoga for mood disorders. While at UPMC, he also led a research project exploring the impact of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) on behavioral health staff stress levels.

Believing that wellness should feel accessible not overwhelming Dr. Rai trained extensively in Eastern healing traditions. He completed a formal certification in Ayurveda from the California College of Ayurveda and later pursued advanced training through the Academy of Integrative Health & Medicine (AIHM) and the Integrative Psychiatry Institute (IPI) in Denver. His approach reflects the Foundation’s values of real over perfect, small steps with big impact, and the belief that community is medicine.

Today, Dr. Rai is the founder and clinical director of Sacred Balance Integrative Health (SBIH), where he supports individuals with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and stress related conditions using a blend of Western medicine and Eastern healing. His philosophy is grounded in the belief that true healing happens when we nurture the body, mind, and spirit and that even tiny lifestyle shifts can create powerful, lasting change.