What is Functional and Integrative Psychiatry?
When most people think of psychiatry, they think of diagnosis and medication. While these tools can be very helpful, they don’t always tell the whole story of why someone is struggling with their mental health. That’s where functional and integrative psychiatry comes in.
At Gage Holistic Psychiatry, I take an approach that looks deeper—beyond symptoms—so we can uncover the root causes of anxiety, depression, mood changes, and other challenges.
Functional Psychiatry: Looking for the “Why”
Functional psychiatry focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying factors that may contribute to mental health concerns. Instead of asking only “What diagnosis fits these symptoms?” functional psychiatry also asks:
Are there hormonal changes influencing mood?
Could nutrient deficiencies, inflammation, or gut health be playing a role?
How are sleep, movement, and daily stress impacting resilience?
Are there genetic or biochemical patterns that affect how medications work in your body?
By exploring these questions, we can create a personalized plan that aims to treat the whole person—not just the diagnosis.
Integrative Psychiatry: Combining the Best of Both Worlds
Integrative psychiatry blends conventional psychiatry with evidence-based complementary approaches. This means I may recommend a combination of:
Medication management (when appropriate)
Lifestyle changes to support brain health (nutrition, exercise, stress resilience)
Targeted lab work to rule out hidden contributors
Genetic testing (such as pharmacogenomics or MTHFR) when it may help guide care
Mind-body strategies like mindfulness, relaxation, or journaling practices
The goal is not to replace traditional psychiatric care but to expand it—so treatment plans are more personalized, sustainable, and effective.
Why Choose a Holistic Mental Health Approach?
Mental health is deeply connected to the rest of the body. Many clients find that when we address root causes such as thyroid health, blood sugar balance, or chronic stress, their mood improves significantly.
A holistic psychiatry approach means:
Less trial-and-error with medications
Greater focus on long-term wellness, not just quick fixes
Feeling empowered and informed about your care
Who Can Benefit?
Functional and integrative psychiatry may be especially helpful for adults who:
Haven’t found relief with standard treatment alone
Experience mental health symptoms alongside physical concerns (fatigue, brain fog, hormonal changes)
Want a provider who sees them as a whole person—not just a diagnosis
Taking the Next Step
If you’ve been searching for a more personalized, root-cause approach to mental health, integrative psychiatry may be right for you. At Gage Holistic Psychiatry, I specialize in helping adults explore underlying factors while building a treatment plan that fits their unique needs and goals.
Schedule a consultation to learn more about how functional and integrative psychiatry can support your mental health and overall well-being.