When you think of psychiatry, does your mind automatically equate the field with prescription medication? Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, or other issues but don’t want pills to be your only treatment option? Have you already tried conventional treatment without relief from your symptoms? Are you hesitant to see a psychiatrist because you’re interested in a more holistic approach to treatment for mental health issues? There’s a solution, and it’s called psychiatric naturopathy.
Are you hesitant to see a psychiatrist because you’re interested in a more holistic approach to treatment for mental health issues? There’s a solution, and it’s called psychiatric naturopathy. Click To TweetWHAT IS A PSYCHIATRIC NATUROPATHY?
Naturopathic psychiatry takes a holistic mind-body-spirit approach to mental health and well-being that aims to educate the patient, prevent mental illness, and provide natural solutions. This is in contrast to allopathic psychiatry (also known as conventional or traditional psychiatry), which typically looks to use medications to mask symptoms. It’s important to note that naturopathic doctors (NDs) who specialize in psychiatry are trained in conventional medicine as well as being educated in complementary medicine. They rely on science, and the therapies they recommend are backed by rigorous research.
LOOKING FOR THE ROOT CAUSES OF MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS
Licensed professionals who practice naturopathic psychiatry look at how a person’s biology, psychology, and spirituality are connected and can contribute to mental health disorders. In addition, they seek out the root causes of psychiatric issues. A naturopathic psychiatrist may explore the following as possible contributors to mental health problems:
- Gut health: A condition called leaky gut is associated with mood and anxiety disorders, ADD/ADHD, and even Alzheimer’s disease.
- Adrenal health: The adrenal glands, located above your kidneys, play a vital role in how your body reacts to stress. When stress becomes chronic, a cocktail of harmful chemicals can come with it and can overwhelm your body and contribute to mental health issues.
- Nutritional deficiencies: People with mental health issues are more likely to have deficiencies in key nutrients, and scientific research suggests that nutritional treatment may help prevent, treat, or improve mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, autism, addiction, and eating disorders.
- Exposure to toxins: Environmental toxins impact nearly every aspect of your body and brain and can lead to a wide range of physical and psychiatric symptoms. In terms of mental health and cognitive function, exposure to toxins can increase the risk of depression, ADD/ADHD, brain fog, memory problems and dementia, learning problems, autism, temper outbursts, psychotic behavior, and suicide.
- Inflammation: Research shows that chronic inflammation has been associated with a wide range of mental health problems, including depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), schizophrenia, personality disorders, and Alzheimer’s disease
- Hormonal imbalances: When hormones are out of balance you may experience symptoms typically associated with psychiatric illnesses, such as anxiety, depression, moodiness, irritability, and psychosis.
- Infections: Having underlying chronic infections, such as Lyme disease, or having long-haul COVID (also known as COVID-Brain) is linked to many issues typically viewed as psychiatric problems. These include brain fog, attention issues, depression, and more.
- Head trauma: The brain imaging work at Amen Clinics clearly shows that head injuries increase the risk of anxiety, panic disorders, depression, PTSD, ADD/ADHD, substance abuse, personality disorders, aggression, learning problems, and dementia. The problem is that few people, including most naturopathic psychiatrists, know this because the field of psychiatry typically doesn’t look at the organ it treats. At Amen Clinics, naturopathic psychiatrists use functional brain SPECT imaging to identify underlying brain injuries that contribute to mental health disorders.
HOLISTIC PSYCHIATRY TREATMENTS
Naturopathic psychiatrists focus on providing therapies that promote self-healing within the body and brain. As a general rule, this form of holistic psychiatry looks to use the least toxic, most effective solutions, including natural therapies whenever possible. Treatment recommendations may include psychotherapy, spiritual or marriage counseling, mindfulness techniques, non-invasive treatments, nutraceuticals, exercise recommendations, diet suggestions, and much more.
If you’re struggling with mental health issues that aren’t responding to traditional treatment or you’re interested in a more holistic approach to care, Amen Clinics is here for you. Amen Clinics has several naturopathic doctors on staff, including Kabran Chapek, ND (president of the Psychiatric Association of Naturopathic Physicians), Elissa Mendenhall, ND, and Julie Brush, ND.
We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for adults, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here.
We live in Perth Western Australia. How do we work with Daniel amen for myself female 48y/
Comment by Adele — May 24, 2021 @ 3:10 AM
My daughter suffers from both Ross River fever and Glandular fever and has been diagnosed with CPTSD. How do we access the right treatment for her here in Australia?
Comment by Sue — May 24, 2021 @ 3:46 AM
Does the Amen clinic’s accept ACA insurance?
Comment by Christine Toelke — May 24, 2021 @ 5:00 AM
I live in Sun City Arizona and I have a very long history of not being able to sleep which affects everything every day! I do not want to be on hard-core medication I’m allergic to all SSRIs and sleep meds make me do weird stuff in the middle of the night, Lunesta makes me suicidal. I’m at a loss of what to do and that depresses me I’m by myself. I need help as soon as possible this is driving me crazy. Oh I think II am brain type 12 or 13 and I got a note saying if I was brain type 12 I needed help. There was something about a brain type 16 on a test as well I’ll have to look at my notes. My phone number is 602 618 1226. It would be nice to do telehealth I have an Aetna Medicare but it’s a blue advantage planAnd I’m on a limited income. I have tried marijuana and edibles it’s the only way I can get some sleep and I do not smoke it during the day. I got off of that and Benedryl and also tried Cereset and that didn’t work for me either but I still have the machine. I eat very healthy and I exercise regularly!
Comment by Paula Patton — May 24, 2021 @ 5:14 AM
I live in Las Vegas. Do you have a provider here that can do all the same tests?
Comment by Janet Brown — May 24, 2021 @ 7:12 AM
I agree with this article in terms of finding relief using many different modalities for depress ion and anxiety.
I have been diagnosed with adult ADD, and have had anxiety and recurring major depression since adolescence.
For me pharmaceutical medications have extremely helped but I also see an acupuncturist, homeopathic practictioner, chiropractor ,and a really good therapist who has worked with me on Sara Peyton’s work – (Your Resonant Self).
I am forever grateful for these practitioners who have worked with me on this journey.
I am 62 years old and for the last several years have done yoga and presently do Yoga with Adriene on Utube.
Oh, and I take good quality vitamin supplements.
I am no longer feel embarrassed or shameful for my brain condition. Finally, I am learning to accept my condition and understand the ebb and flow of my brain health.
Much love and peace to all!
Comment by Donna — May 24, 2021 @ 9:35 AM
We live in Orlando (32817) and my son is in Cocoa Beach, FL (32931) . We have been to neurologists of all kinds and have also learned a lot from Dr. Amens books and videos – we have had income challenges as a result of Covid 19 and have had to stay within the drs network for them to pay for my son’s treatments. He has had multiple traumas to the head (4 concussions- no loss of consciousness ) and possibly has TBI… his headaches are debilitating and feel he would benefit from a brain spect image as well as a holistic psychiatry approach. No one is treating his underlying ADHD, OCD etc etc – he has never been diagnosed but been suggested that biofeedback and CBT would help him tremendously as well as nutritional assistance. But how to afford all this in one place?? There are no Amen Clinics in our area. Miami is about 4 hours and Atlanta a lot farther. We are lost as to where to go for help and how to afford it? If you have any suggestions , please email them.
Your time and efforts are greatly appreciated!!
Yvette & John Mayo
Comment by Yvette Mayo — May 24, 2021 @ 10:47 AM
Hallelujah!! How it should be a psychosocial approach I have worked in Mental Health since 1977 nd from my perspective not a lot of improvements have been made in this fine land!
Medication is appropriate in some instance example florid psychosis where there is obviously intrapsychic suffering but the basics like nutrition ,dental health and all physical aspects of a persons general health should be fully explored and any organic cause is excluded before any psychiatric medication is commenced or any psychiatric diagnosis given as is the requirement in the DSM V.
There needs to be education to general practitioners about depression both exogenous and endogenous.More often than not medication is given too freely for depression arising from environmental social or interpersonal conflicts for which medication will not be effective.
Comment by Pam — May 24, 2021 @ 11:05 AM
How much does the in-clinic brain scanning appointment cost? We would have to pay out of pocket because we are shopping for health insurance.
Comment by Lerma — May 24, 2021 @ 12:07 PM
Any recommendations on Holistic Psychiatry doctors located in Houston Texas area?
Comment by DEB MATHEWS — May 24, 2021 @ 12:10 PM
I would like to see a specialist. Please help me find one in Rhode Island. Thank you.
Comment by LeeAnn — May 24, 2021 @ 12:51 PM
Is there insurance coverage
Comment by Laura Boschelli — May 24, 2021 @ 12:56 PM
What might be available in FOrt Lauderdale, FL area?
Comment by Jeanne Lalli — May 24, 2021 @ 1:18 PM
Hello Jeanne, thank you for reaching out. We’d be happy to contact you directly with information about referrals and resources in the Fort Lauderdale, FL area. For more information on the current locations for Amen Clinics visit: https://amenclinics.com/locations/.
Comment by Amen Clinics — May 24, 2021 @ 1:21 PM
Hello LeeAnn, thank you for reaching out. We’d be happy to contact you directly with information about referrals and resources in Rhode Island. For more information on the current locations for Amen Clinics visit: https://amenclinics.com/locations/.
Comment by Amen Clinics — May 24, 2021 @ 1:26 PM
Hello Deb, thank you for reaching out. We’d be happy to contact you directly with information about referrals and resources in Houston, TX. For more information on the current locations for Amen Clinics visit: https://amenclinics.com/locations/.
Comment by Amen Clinics — May 24, 2021 @ 1:27 PM
Hello Lerma, thank you for reaching out. For more information about pricing, insurance, and financing options for Amen Clinics consultations and evaluations, please contact our Care Coordinators here: https://amenclinics.com/schedule-visit/.
Comment by Amen Clinics — May 24, 2021 @ 1:28 PM
Hello Yvette, thank you for reaching out and sharing with us about your son and your journey. We’d be happy to contact you directly with referrals and resources closer to you than our current clinic locations. We look forward to speaking with you.
Comment by Amen Clinics — May 24, 2021 @ 1:29 PM
Hello Janet, thank you for reaching out. We’d be happy to contact you directly with information about referrals and resources in Las Vegas, NV. For more information on the current locations for Amen Clinics visit: https://amenclinics.com/locations/.
Comment by Amen Clinics — May 24, 2021 @ 1:30 PM
Hello Paula, thank you for reaching out and sharing about your journey. We’d be happy to contact you directly with referrals and resources closer to you in Arizona. We look forward to speaking with you.
Comment by Amen Clinics — May 24, 2021 @ 1:31 PM
Until January of 2008, I was on psych meds for a few years. I walked into a chiropractor office in January, 2008 for back pain, and little did I know, he had been exposed to some of Amen’s research just by searching for articles that backed up what he already knew. That day changed my life forever. Since then, brain healthy supplements, chiropractic, modified paleo diet, exercise have helped me accomplish things no one ever dreamed. Went to Amen clinic in 2014. Since then added a few of Amen’s supplements, hyperbaric, and EMDR. Even with mold toxicity and two car accidents (reasons for hyperbaric), I cannot believe the story I am now living. With the cost of SPECT, supplements, hyperbaric, organic paleo diet, etc, I have saved many thousands of dollars in what would have been lost wages, health care expenses that would have resulted from other health issues I’ve overcome or avoided, etc.
Comment by Kathleen Weathers — May 24, 2021 @ 3:16 PM
I SO wish that the Amen Clinics would stretch their golden wings & set up practices in other countries as well. I live in the UK & just cannot afford the air-fare to the States on top of treatment costs. I have only ever been offered tablets & CBT, & the medication side of things has either made me feel worse or has not worked at all. I have done my best over the 50yrs to help myself & both learn & use many coping strategies, which have been holistic. Here in the UK psychiatry is very limited indeed, & on the NHS , mental health is so woefully underfunded it’s a national disgrace. I pray that the Amen Clinics expand, & set up practices in other countries soon. The need has never been greater than it is now.
Comment by Lyn Bowler — May 25, 2021 @ 5:40 AM
I had struggled with depression, anxiety and insomnia for a lot of years now I am feeling depressed but I am always anxious and still having problem sleeping I am taking some medicine that is not working and a lot of natural supplements to compensate but I really need a better approach because my body in one way or another is always in pain beside other symptom some of them after COVID. Right now I am seeing an acupuncturist, chiropractor, physical therapy and a lot group and individual psychotherapy and even I am feeling a little better I feel like is going to take more time than I wish and the help I really need to calm me down the anxiety and insomnia and stomach problems is not been properly addressed and that’s my concern like I am wasting time and money and don’t see any results in the near future
Comment by Sirena Garrido — June 6, 2021 @ 2:57 PM
My son has been on psch meds and nothing seems to be working ! Can you help us. Drake H
Comment by Drake Urps — June 8, 2021 @ 11:14 PM
When you indicated that naturopathic psychiatrists focus on delivering therapies that encourage self-healing inside the body and brain, that’s intriguing. My friend’s son suffers from anxiety, and she wishes to take him to an anxiety treatment clinic. Thank you for assisting me in learning more about psychiatric naturopathy. I will pass this information on to my friend so that she can refer her son to a suitable anxiety center.
Comment by Mats Wolff — May 5, 2022 @ 9:49 PM
I am interested in learning more about the psychiatric naturopathic medicine. Are there any trainings or webnairs for licensed professionals?
Comment by Amanda Albright — April 14, 2023 @ 8:47 AM
Hello Amanda, thank you for reaching out. We'd love to connect you with our Clinical Outreach Team for more information on provider resources: https://www.amenclinics.com/approach/benefits-for-clinicians/.
Comment by Amen Clinics — April 17, 2023 @ 9:54 AM