My Approach to Mental Health

Most mental health treatment focuses on managing symptoms with medications that target brain chemistry. While this helps some people, it often falls short—leaving people still struggling, cycling through different prescriptions, or dealing with side effects that create new problems.

I take a different approach.

Instead of accepting that anxiety, depression, ADHD, or other conditions are just "who you are," I investigate the underlying factors that contribute to psychiatric symptoms: gut dysfunction, hormonal imbalances, chronic inflammation, infections, nutrient deficiencies, toxic exposures, and metabolic issues.

Why Conventional Treatment Often Falls Short

Conventional psychiatry operates on a straightforward model: if brain chemistry is off, adjust brain chemistry with medication. This can be helpful and sometimes life-saving.

But this approach has limitations:

It doesn't ask WHY your brain chemistry is off in the first place.

  • Why is your serotonin low?
  • Why are you experiencing chronic anxiety?
  • Why has your focus deteriorated?
  • Why did your depression start at age 30 when you felt fine before?

These questions rarely get asked—and almost never get thoroughly investigated.

That's where functional medicine comes in.

The Functional Medicine Difference

Functional medicine looks at the body as an interconnected system. Your brain doesn't exist in isolation—it's directly affected by what's happening in other systems:

Gut-Brain Axis

The gut-brain connection affects mood, anxiety, and cognition. Microbiome imbalances, intestinal permeability, and gut infections can directly impact mental health.

Hormonal Function

Thyroid dysfunction, cortisol dysregulation, and sex hormone imbalances all impact mental health. Hormones are neurotransmitter precursors—when they're off, mental health suffers.

Immune & Inflammatory

Inflammation and autoimmunity can cause psychiatric symptoms. Chronic infections (Lyme, mold, viruses) trigger immune responses that affect the brain.

Metabolic Health

Blood sugar dysregulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and nutrient deficiencies directly impact brain function and mental wellbeing.

Toxic Burden

Mold, heavy metals, and environmental toxins can cross the blood-brain barrier and cause neurological and psychiatric symptoms.

Nutrient Status

Deficiencies in key vitamins, minerals, and amino acids prevent the body from producing adequate neurotransmitters and supporting brain function.

When dysfunction exists in these systems, psychiatric symptoms often follow. Addressing the dysfunction—not just the symptoms—is how we create lasting change.

How It Works: My Process

Comprehensive Assessment

We start with an in-depth 60-minute consultation covering your complete health history, symptoms, medications, diet, lifestyle, stress levels, sleep quality, and environmental factors. This isn't a quick 15-minute med check—we dig deep to understand your full story and identify potential root causes. You'll leave with initial recommendations and a clear plan for next steps.

Targeted Investigation

Based on your history, I may recommend functional lab testing to uncover hidden imbalances. This might include comprehensive stool analysis, hormone panels, organic acids testing, nutrient assessments, food sensitivity testing, mold/mycotoxin panels, or heavy metal testing. I only recommend labs that will provide actionable information for your specific case—no unnecessary testing.

Personalized Protocol

Once we identify the underlying causes, I create a customized plan that may include targeted nutrition (dietary changes to reduce inflammation, support gut healing, stabilize blood sugar), lifestyle modifications (sleep optimization, stress management, movement), evidence-based supplement protocols (professional-grade supplements at therapeutic dosages to restore function), and when needed, gentle detoxification protocols. Your protocol is tailored to YOU—not a one-size-fits-all approach.

Ongoing Support

Healing takes time. I work with you through the process with regular follow-up consultations to monitor progress, protocol adjustments as needed based on your response, lab re-testing when appropriate, and coordination with your existing healthcare team (psychiatrists, therapists, primary care doctors). I am open to collaborating with your current providers to ensure you're getting comprehensive, coordinated care.

Who This Approach Works Best For

This approach is ideal if you:

  • Have tried medications with limited or no improvement
  • Want to understand WHY you're struggling, not just manage symptoms
  • Are open to functional lab testing and personalized protocols
  • Are willing to make dietary and lifestyle changes
  • Are ready to invest time and effort into your healing process

This approach may not be right if you:

  • Are only looking for quick fixes or magic pills
  • Aren't willing to make dietary or lifestyle changes
  • Expect overnight results (functional medicine takes time)
  • Aren't open to lab testing or investigative work

Collaborative Care

I am happy to work alongside your existing healthcare team—psychiatrists, therapists, primary care doctors. As a Doctor of Natural Medicine (DNM), I cannot prescribe medications or diagnose psychiatric disorders.

My role is to investigate and address the underlying factors contributing to mental health symptoms while you continue receiving appropriate medical care from your other providers.

Many clients continue their medications while we investigate root causes. Some find they're able to reduce or discontinue medications over time (always under their psychiatrist's or doctor's supervision), while others continue medications but experience significant additional improvement once underlying issues are addressed.

Ready to Get Started?

If this approach resonates with you and you're ready to investigate what's been overlooked, book your initial consultation below.

Book Your Consultation