What is functional psychiatry?
Functional medicine is a patient-centered and personalized approach to healthcare that aims to address the root causes of illness and disease. Unlike conventional medicine, which often focuses on managing symptoms, functional medicine seeks to understand and treat the underlying imbalances in the body’s systems to promote overall health and well-being.
In the context of psychiatry, functional, integrative, and nutritional approaches take a whole-body perspective on treating mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and ADHD. Rather than solely focusing on the brain and its chemical imbalances, these approaches consider the interconnectedness of various bodily systems and their impact on mental health.
Each individual’s experience of mental health struggle is unique, and the root causes can vary from person to person. Factors such as genetics, biochemistry, nutrition, hormones, and environmental influences can all contribute to mental health challenges. Functional and integrative psychiatry aims to identify and address these underlying factors to promote healing and recovery.
Precision testing plays a crucial role in this approach. By conducting specific tests to assess various body functions and imbalances, practitioners can gain a deeper understanding of the individual’s health and tailor treatment plans accordingly. This targeted approach allows for more effective and personalized interventions, ultimately leading to better outcomes for patients.
By addressing the root causes of symptoms and implementing treatments to correct imbalances and deficiencies in the body, functional medicine offers patients the potential for healing and recovery that extends beyond what traditional treatments alone can achieve. Emphasizing individualized care and a comprehensive understanding of each person’s unique needs, functional and integrative psychiatry provides a promising alternative for those seeking a more holistic approach to mental health care.
Are appointments held via tele-health or in-person?
Most appointments will be conducted via tele-health, allowing for virtual consultations and treatment sessions. Tele-health appointments provide several benefits, such as eliminating the need for travel, allowing for flexible scheduling, and ensuring continuity of care even when in-person visits may not be possible. This approach allows us to reach clients in various locations and create a comfortable and familiar environment for their sessions. While tele-health appointments are the primary mode of service delivery, intermittently, we may have the availability to offer in-person appointments.
What conditions do you treat?
We treat a wide range of mental health conditions and symptomatology including depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, disorderly eating, PTSD, and autism. Our goal is to provide comprehensive and individualized care for each client, tailoring treatment plans to address their specific needs and circumstances. If you are experiencing mental health challenges not listed above, we encourage you to reach out to us to discuss how we can best support you on your path to healing and mental wellness.
How does mental health treatment look at Confluence?
Gathering detailed health history with completion of appointment paperwork prior to scheduling initial psychiatric consultation. Initial psychiatric appointment (75-90 minutes). Follow-up appointments (30-60 minutes)- Individualized test review, creating healing plan, and optimizing interventions.
What can I expect from initial psychiatric appointment?
The first step in the treatment process is the initial psychiatric consultation. During this appointment, a thorough assessment of physical and mental health will be conducted. This assessment involves discussing the client’s current symptoms, physical and mental health concerns, and treatment goals. We will inquire about lifestyle factors, stressors, and any other relevant information to gain a comprehensive understanding of the client’s unique needs. Typically, laboratory tests are ordered, and results are reviewed during a follow-up appointment. Often, new medications and supplements are not prescribed.
How often are follow-up appointments?
Typically, the first follow-up appointment after initial psychiatric appointment occurs 1-3 weeks later and last for 60 minutes. Test results are reviewed, and a unique treatment plan will continue to be developed. Follow-up appointments allows us to make any necessary adjustments to the treatment approach and address any new developments or concerns.
After the initial follow-up, the frequency of subsequent appointments will be determined based on each client’s individual needs, progress, complexity, and the specific treatment plan. We prioritize timely and consistent follow-up care to support our clients’ healing journey.
How long will I need treatment?
Identifying and treating root cause of mental health concerns varies significantly from person to person, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer to how long it will take. The journey towards healing and recovery takes time, resources, and dedication, especially when addressing complex underlying factors that contribute to mental health conditions. Some individuals may experience significant improvements within a few months, while others may require longer- term support to achieve their treatment goals.
Do you prescribe medication?
We offer a comprehensive and balanced approach to treatment that may include the use of medication, supplements, and lifestyle recommendations, as needed. Our goal is to tailor the treatment plan to each client’s unique needs and preferences, taking into account the reason for treatment, potential risks, and benefits.
Medication may be prescribed when it is considered appropriate and can be an effective tool in managing certain mental health conditions. We carefully evaluate each client’s situation and collaborate with them to make informed decisions regarding their treatment. In addition to medication, we also incorporate the use of supplements and lifestyle recommendations to support mental health and overall well-being. These complementary approaches can play a vital role in promoting healing and achieving optimal results.
Do you offer crisis services?
We prioritize providing quality mental health care during regular business hours but do not offer after-hour, on-call, or crisis services. In the event of a mental health crisis or emergency, our clinic may not be immediately available for same- day appointments or phone calls. However, we are dedicated to the safety and well-being of our clients, and we have measures in place to address urgent situations.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis and the situation is life-threatening, we urge you to take immediate action:
1. Contact the local crisis hotline at 800-273-8255 (voice) or 208-398-4357 (text) for immediate support and assistance.
2. If you are in the United States, call 911 for emergency assistance.
3. Proceed to the nearest emergency room for immediate care and evaluation. It’s essential to prioritize safety and seek help promptly in crisis situations. If you have concerns about potential crisis situations or need guidance on how to handle specific mental health emergencies, please do not hesitate to reach out to local crisis resources or emergency services.
While our clinic may not offer crisis services, we are committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive mental health care during regular business hours. We encourage open communication with our clients and will work with them to develop appropriate treatment plans that support their well-being and stability.