By Gordon David Durich
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 4/21/23 – A guitar sits in the corner of Dr. Todd Hill’s office. It takes a “whole lotta love” to do what Dr. Todd Hill, DO does. By day, this Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine is a dedicated doctor of psychiatry – come nights and weekends, he dons the hats of lead singer and guitarist of a rock band.
Hill is Medical Director of Neuro Wellness Spa, in Westlake Village, where he leads operations for this mental health treatment center. “A main reason for moving to Los Angeles from Kansas City, Missouri 1 ½ years ago was not only to explore other areas of psychiatry, but to play more music as well.”
With centers including Santa Monica and Beverly Hills, Hill’s philosophy about mental health is simple. “I believe with more education, there would be less medication.”
His gig as singer and musician has been a lifelong interest since he was 5 – it gives him much joy. “I have played on and off with bands for 30 years. Throughout my 21-year career as psychiatrist I‘ve continued to play music. Caring for patients consumes most of my time but a few times per year, I get to fulfill my passion for playing music. “
With The Remainders, “We play around L.A. We cover the classic rock numbers from Bad Company to Led Zeppelin.”
This year was extra special for Hill. His six-piece band played at the Whisky A Go Go, at Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp. “It’s something I’ve participated in for 10 years. You get to form a band and in 2 days you’re playing live at the Viper Room” (where they did a killer Zep medley) and The Whiskey, in Hollywood.
You can watch the performances on You Tube. I did, when I visited Neuro Wellness Spa, for a TMS treatment for anxiety and depression, in the comfortable chair, with defuser and low lighting. It is more like a day spa than a psychiatry clinic.
What is TMS? Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation modulates and “kick starts” neurons at specific areas in the brain, where anxiety and depression are located. He said future areas of treatment will include PTSD and TBI, using a drug-free form of stimulation sending pulses to the brain, a non-evasive, highly effective, safe procedure. “No chemicals in the body!”
The staff is warm and friendly. Said Hill, “I’m ready to spread my passion for music and mental health to LA!”
Full disclosure: I visit Neuro Wellness Spa for TMS sessions and have become a fan of Dr. Hill, both as patient and music lover.
I can relate to his coming home and needing a relaxing diversion. In his case, “from a busy clinic and always picking up my acoustic guitar to take care of my own mental health, even if it’s just for a few minutes.”
He said mental health causes both genetic and environmental “treatment is not all about meds. My goal and passion is to reduce the stigma of mental health.”
Neuro Wellness Spa treatments may be covered by insurance.
Rock on!
