integrative psychiatry
integrative psychiatry
What is Integrative Psychiatry?
Integrative psychiatry is a holistic approach to mental health care that combines conventional psychiatric treatments with complementary and alternative therapies to address the whole person. At Embrace Behavioral Health, we understand that each patient's journey to mental
wellness is unique. Our integrative psychiatry services blend evidence-based medication management, lifestyle modifications, nutritional support, herbal medicine, mindfulness practices, and other holistic interventions. By considering all aspects of a person's health, including physical, emotional, and environmental factors, our goal is to create a personalized treatment plan that promotes optimal mental well-being and long-term stability.
Our Approach
Our goal is to use the minimum effective amount of medication, focusing on what is
necessary for your well-being while exploring other supportive treatments.
We will discuss multiple treatment options, including medication, nutritional support,
lifestyle changes, and mindfulness practices, to find what feels most comfortable and
effective for you.
We are committed to helping you feel better as quickly as possible, using a
comprehensive approach that addresses your unique needs and promotes lasting
wellness.
I’m here to do more than prescribe medications for symptoms; I provide
holistic/traditional/integrative solutions through a supportive, long-term partnership.
We offer extended appointment times to ensure you have ample opportunity to discuss
your concerns and collaborate on a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Our comprehensive initial appointment lasts 90 minutes and is priced at $450, with
follow-up sessions of 60 minutes for $300. Shorter follow-up appointments are available
when appropriate—25-30 minutes for $150.
What do we treat with the Integrative approach
***Please be aware that our integrative psychiatry services are not covered by insurance. However, you may be able to use insurance for certain tests. If you are currently enrolled in Medicare or Medicaid, we regret to inform you that we are unable to provide these services to you at this time.
Top conditions and symptoms that can be addressed with integrative approach:
Fatigue
Brain fog
Poor focus
Low motivation
Anxiousness
Vitamin deficiency
Inflammation
Low dopamine
Sadness
Lack of joy
Difficulty initiating important tasks
Understanding the MTHFR Mutation
The MTHFR gene mutation affects how your body processes folate, a vital B-vitamin. This genetic variation can disrupt the body's ability to convert folate into its active form, methylfolate, which is essential for DNA production, detoxification, and neurotransmitter synthesis. Identifying an MTHFR mutation through genetic testing allows individuals to take proactive steps in managing their health and preventing potential complications.
Five Reasons to Consider MTHFR Testing
MTHFR impacts key biochemical processes.
The MTHFR enzyme is critical for methylation, a process that influences detoxification, DNA repair, and neurotransmitter production. A mutation can hinder these vital functions, leading to a variety of health issues.
It can help explain unexplained health problems.
MTHFR mutations are linked to conditions such as chronic fatigue, brain fog, depression, and anxiety. Testing helps uncover whether this genetic mutation could be contributing to persistent, unexplained symptoms.
Personalized nutritional needs.
Individuals with an MTHFR mutation may have difficulty metabolizing certain forms of folate, meaning they may require methylfolate supplements rather than folic acid. Testing ensures that your body gets the nutrients it needs in the proper form.
Preventing long-term health risks.
Those with MTHFR mutations may have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular issues, blood clotting disorders, and pregnancy complications. Early identification allows for preventative measures, such as dietary modifications and targeted supplementation.
A holistic approach to health.
MTHFR testing is part of a broader functional medicine approach that looks at genetic predispositions alongside lifestyle and environmental factors. Understanding your MTHFR status provides a deeper insight into your body's biochemistry, allowing for a more tailored health strategy.
What is MTHFR?
MTHFR, short for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in processing amino acids and converting folate into its active form, methylfolate. This active form of folate is required for a process called methylation, which impacts several key functions, including:
Detoxification: Methylation helps the body process and eliminate toxins.
DNA production and repair: Methylation ensures that DNA is correctly produced and repaired, preventing cellular damage.
Neurotransmitter regulation: Methylation is essential for the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which regulate mood and cognitive function.
Health Issues Associated with MTHFR Mutations
When the MTHFR gene is mutated, methylation becomes less efficient. This disruption can lead to a buildup of homocysteine, an amino acid that, in high levels, can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Individuals with MTHFR mutations may also experience a range of symptoms and conditions, including:
Mental health issues: Depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline may be linked to inadequate methylation and neurotransmitter production.
Cardiovascular concerns: Elevated homocysteine levels due to poor methylation increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and blood clots.
Chronic fatigue: Impaired detoxification and poor nutrient metabolism can result in low energy levels and persistent fatigue.
Pregnancy complications: Women with MTHFR mutations may have a higher risk of miscarriage, preeclampsia, and neural tube defects in their babies.
Nutritional and Lifestyle Support for MTHFR Mutations
While having an MTHFR mutation can complicate certain biochemical processes, there are steps you can take to support your health:
Methylfolate supplementation: Instead of standard folic acid, individuals with an MTHFR mutation often benefit from taking methylfolate, the bioactive form that bypasses the need for MTHFR enzyme conversion.
B vitamins: B vitamins, particularly B6 and B12, play a vital role in supporting methylation and reducing homocysteine levels.
Detoxification support: Since methylation aids detoxification, supporting your liver through proper hydration, nutrition, and antioxidants like glutathione can help reduce toxin buildup.
Healthy diet: A diet rich in leafy greens (a natural source of folate), clean protein, and nutrient-dense foods supports proper methylation and overall health.
Personalized Treatment for Optimal Health
MTHFR testing allows for a deeper understanding of how your genetics influence your health. Once we know whether you have this mutation, we can create a personalized health plan that addresses your unique nutritional and biochemical needs, aiming to prevent potential complications and optimize your well-being.
UNDERSTANDING NEUROTRANSMITTERS
Measuring Neurotransmitter Levels
Neurotransmitter levels can now be measured easily through a home-based urine test. This method provides valuable insights into your brain's chemistry, allowing you to address imbalances early on or prevent future issues.
What are Neurotransmitters?
The nervous system is an intricate network of specialized cells, with the human brain containing over 100 billion neurons, each forming thousands of connections with other cells. These connections facilitate all movements, thoughts, and emotions, mediated by electrical and chemical signals. Neurotransmitters act as the chemical messengers that allow neurons to communicate.
These neurotransmitters interact with receptors in both the brain and body, regulating various functions like mood, energy levels, cognition, sleep, appetite, and even pain perception. They also bridge the brain and spinal cord with the rest of your body, including muscles, organs, and glands, emphasizing their role in maintaining overall health.
Given their influence on multiple systems, imbalances in neurotransmitters can lead to widespread issues such as:
Mental fog, impaired memory, and poor concentration
Fatigue
Insomnia
Mood disorders like depression and anxiety
Behavioral challenges, including impulsivity and addiction
Fortunately, many of these imbalances can be corrected with natural remedies such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and herbs.
The Role of Neurotransmitters in Mental Health
Essential nutrients like proteins, vitamins, minerals, fats, and carbohydrates play a vital role in producing neurotransmitters. Proper nutrition ensures your brain maintains balanced neurotransmitter levels, which directly affect mood regulation.
Neurotransmitters fall into two categories: inhibitory (calming) and excitatory (stimulating). In a well-functioning system, these work together to maintain balance.
Inhibitory Neurotransmitters:
These include GABA and serotonin, which help calm the nervous system.
Excitatory Neurotransmitters:
Dopamine, norepinephrine, and others like glutamate and PEA are responsible for stimulating brain activity.
PEA, in particular, plays a role in focus and concentration. Elevated PEA can result in racing thoughts and anxiety, while low levels are associated with difficulty thinking and depression.
Comprehensive Evaluation for Personalized Treatment
Testing neurotransmitters offers insights into the underlying causes of complex symptoms, moving beyond guesswork to personalized treatment. By examining neurotransmitters along with hormones, adrenal output, and inflammatory markers, we can develop a customized care plan tailored to your unique needs.
Sleep Disturbances
Millions of people struggle with insomnia, with around 60 million Americans experiencing some form of sleep difficulty. A common but often overlooked factor behind sleep loss could be hormonal imbalance.
Ideally, cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone, and melatonin, the sleep-regulating hormone, should work in harmony. Cortisol levels should be high when melatonin is low and vice versa, creating a balanced rhythm that supports healthy sleep. However, this balance can often be disrupted.
Hormones and Sleep: The Hidden Connection
Many individuals are unaware of how hormones affect sleep, despite the staggering number of people dealing with sleep issues. According to the Department of Health & Human Services, more than a third of adults in the U.S. report feeling excessively sleepy during the day, which can negatively affect work, decision-making, and social interactions. Sleep deprivation, defined as six or fewer hours of sleep per night, has been linked to conditions such as depression,
obesity, and diabetes.
Common hormone-related causes of sleep disturbances include:
Elevated Cortisol: Linked to insomnia, anxiety, sugar cravings, feeling "tired but wired" and increased abdominal fat.
Low Melatonin: Can lead to fatigue, depression, anxiety, and difficulty falling asleep.
Neurotransmitter Imbalance: Hormonal shifts during menopause can affect neurotransmitter levels, leading to recurring sleep problems.
Understanding the role hormones play in sleep could be key to improving overall sleep quality and well-being.