LEADERSHIP
Pastor David Rial Buggs is the Pastor of Cultivating Life Ministries and Executive Director of Cultivating Life Clinic, bringing decades of healthcare, business, and ministry leadership. Dr. LaRissa Chism Buggs is the Medical Director of Cultivating Life Clinic, a board-certified psychiatrist with over 20 years of clinical experience.
Pastor David Rial Buggs
- U.S. Airforce Veteran
- Over 30 years of healthcare and business administration experience
- International consultant in orthopedics and robotic surgery
- Master’s of Theology, 2013 (Trinity)
- University of Notre Dame Alumnus – Studied Business, Engineering and Vocal Music
Pastor David Rial Buggs serves as Pastor of Cultivating Life Ministries (COGIC) and Executive Director of Cultivating Life Clinic, where he integrates his faith, leadership, and expertise to impact lives both spiritually and practically. A U.S. Air Force veteran with over 30 years of healthcare and business administration experience, he has also worked internationally as a consultant in orthopedics and robotic surgery, helping advance innovation in medical practice. He is a proud alumnus of the University of Notre Dame, where he studied Business, Engineering, and Vocal Music, and later earned his Master’s of Theology from Trinity in 2013, combining a foundation of academic excellence with a lifelong commitment to service.
Dr. LaRissa Chism Buggs
- Fellow – American Psychiatric Association
- Board Certified – Adult Psychiatry
- Board Certified – Forensic Psychiatry
- Psychiatrist in clinical practice with over 20 years of experience
- University of Michigan Alumna
Dr. LaRissa Chism Buggs serves as the Medical Director of Cultivating Life Clinic, where she provides compassionate leadership and expert care in the field of mental health. A Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, she is board-certified in both Adult Psychiatry and Forensic Psychiatry and has over 20 years of clinical experience helping patients navigate complex emotional and behavioral challenges. An alumna of the University of Michigan, she combines deep clinical expertise with a dedication to advancing mental health services for individuals and communities alike.
Cultivating Life is an outreach and ministry. Cultivating Life Clinic is a faith-based, charitable clinic. Both are non-profit organizations.
Cultivating Life Clinic Services
Affordable Mental Health Care
Cultivating Life Clinic provides accessible, faith-based mental health care for adults that is affordable, ensuring support is available to everyone.
We Offer
Mental Health Screenings
Evaluation & Treatment of Common Mental Health Conditions
- Please note we do NOT prescribe controlled substances
- Do not replace lost/stolen medications already authorized by other physicians and providers
- We do NOT complete evaluations for disability
- We are not a crisis center
Therapy & Counseling Services
We provide compassionate therapy and counseling services—including support for depression, anxiety, and grief—through pastoral care, individual and group sessions.
We Offer
Services for: Depression, Anxiety and Grief (due to trauma, loss of pregnancy; etc)
- Pastoral Counseling & Support
- Individual and Group Therapy
- Art Therapy (NOTE: This is a contracted service and may incur additional fees separate from the clinic.)
Adult Medical Services
Our medical services offer faith-based, charitable care focused on the physical well-being of our community, providing accessible support for those in need.
We Offer
General health check-ups and wellness visits
Preventive care and health education
Management of common illnesses and minor injuries
Supportive care for chronic conditions
Referrals to specialized care when needed
Faith-based encouragement alongside medical support