What To Look for in a Holistic Psychiatrist Near You

Holistic psychiatry combines psychotherapy, nutrition, fitness, mindfulness, and medication management to treat the whole person.

What to know:

• Holistic psychiatrists are trained in functional medicine along with mind-body practices to support your health in body, mind, and spirit.
• Treatment plans can include nutrition, fitness, mindfulness, psychotherapy, and conservative medication use.
• Working with a holistic psychiatrist can help you see better long-term outcomes and possibly reduce reliance on pharmaceuticals.

Traditional therapy and medication can help manage anxiety or mood disorders, but you might have a desire to go deeper and discover positive practices that support your health beyond medication. That’s where holistic psychiatry comes in.

A holistic psychiatrist can prescribe medication but also encourage complementary treatments like mindfulness meditation and tai chi. These mind-body practices can help you manage anxiety, reduce stress, and feel more positive even when dealing with health challenges. Let’s break down what holistic psychiatry is and what to look for.

What Holistic Psychiatry Is and Why It Matters

Holistic psychiatry is an approach that combines conventional psychiatric treatment with nutrition, lifestyle, and mind-body practices to improve mental health. Unlike traditional psychiatry, which often focuses primarily on medication, holistic psychiatry views the patient as a whole system: mind, body, and spirit. This can be a refreshing change in perspective when you first experience it.

Core Principles of Whole-Person Care

Root-cause analysis is a building block of holistic psychiatry. The goal is to address the underlying causes of issues and disorders (biological, social, or environmental) instead of just your symptoms. Your environment, body, and mind are all powerful factors that influence your health.

This means nutrition, exercise, and stress management play important roles in recovery, in addition to medication where necessary. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) has long emphasized the importance of these mind-body connections in improving mental well-being.

Mind-body practices often used with holistic care include:

• Acupuncture
• Meditation and mindfulness
• Music therapies
• Tai chi
• Yoga
• Qigong

Institutions Shaping Holistic Care

Holistic psychiatry doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Organizations like the American Holistic Medical Association (AHMA), the Academy of Integrative Health & Medicine (AIHM), and the Integrative Psychiatry Institute have developed training programs and standards to expand the practice. Their work reflects psychiatry’s longstanding but challenging goal: moving from “disease care” toward genuine health care.

How Can Holistic Psychiatry Benefit You?

Choosing holistic psychiatry provides a more comprehensive path to healing by blending conventional medicine with complementary therapies.

You Get a Personalized Treatment Plan

Instead of prescribing the same thing for every patient, holistic psychiatrists design treatment plans to reflect your unique biology, history, and environment. Plans can combine psychotherapy, exercise science, mindfulness, and nutritional counseling, alongside conservative medication use when necessary. At Modern Behavioral, each client’s plan is built on their unique health history and lifestyle.

You May Reduce Your Dependence on Pharmaceuticals When It’s Safe

We recognize the benefits of prescription medication but view it as one tool rather than the entire solution. For many patients, exploring alternatives like nutritional psychiatry or mindfulness techniques has the potential to reduce long-term dependence on some pharmaceuticals and minimize side effects. Your provider will oversee your progress and help you decide what’s safe.

You Can Feel Healthier Long-Term

Your mind is a powerful thing. Even though two people may have the same health markers on paper, one can feel more positive and healthy over the long run by integrating holistic practices. Having a positive outlook and minimizing stress gives your body the best shot of recovering from illnesses and improving over time, too.

Who Should Consider Holistic Psychiatry?

Holistic psychiatry is a great option for people across many life circumstances, including adults with anxiety or depression, people with PTSD, and those coping with stress.

• Adults with treatment-resistant depression or anxiety: Holistic psychiatry offers a broad toolkit for depression treatment, addressing nutrition, exercise, and psychosocial factors that can be overlooked.
• Parents seeking holistic care for teens: Teens with anxiety, ADHD, or mood disorders can benefit from strategies that avoid relying too much on medication and instead focus on lifestyle, therapy, and family support.
• Veterans and individuals with PTSD: Trauma-informed holistic care can help recovery alongside evidence-based PTSD treatments.
• People coping with stress and burnout: You can find strategies like mindfulness, fitness, and nutrition guidance to minimize stress through life’s demands.

How To Evaluate a Holistic Psychiatrist Near You

As you look for the right holistic psychiatrist and clinic, consider credentials, reviews, transparency, and the difference between holistic and functional medicine.

Credentials and Board Certification

Look at the credentials of the provider to see if they’re an M.D. or D.O. Also, look for other certifications through AIHM or the Integrative Psychiatry Institute or membership in the American Psychiatric Association (APA), which reflect professional standards.

Reviews and Transparency

Customer reviews can give you insight into a provider’s bedside manner and how they create a comfortable environment. Read reviews to see what other patients experienced at the clinic. It’s also important to look for a clinic that offers transparent billing and clear communication about treatment options.

Holistic Psychiatrist vs. Functional Medicine Psychiatrist

Although both emphasize root causes, functional medicine psychiatrists focus more on lab testing and medication, while holistic psychiatrists combine this perspective with psychotherapy and mind-body approaches.

However, it’s important to make sure your holistic care isn’t one-sided, only focusing on mind-body techniques or natural remedies. With some mental health challenges, no amount of tai chi or yoga can provide adequate relief on its own. This is why holistic care must include both functional and whole-body approaches.

What To Expect in Your First Consultation

A first appointment with a holistic psychiatrist is often more comprehensive than a standard psychiatric visit since you cover more ground.

Holistic Psychiatry Patient Intake Forms

Initial paperwork may ask about diet, sleep, exercise, stress levels, and family history in addition to mental health symptoms. This step helps providers get a sense of your history, strengths, and struggles.

Initial Evaluation and Treatment Planning

During the first consultation, psychiatrists may explore your past treatments, lifestyle, and stress to personalize a plan. They’ll integrate multiple strategies to support your health in your unique situation.

Ongoing Care Plans and Follow-Ups

Holistic psychiatry takes into account that people are always changing. Follow-up visits might refine nutrition plans, adjust medication doses, or introduce new wellness practices as you progress. Who knows what strengths and challenges you’ll have a year from now?

Ready To Take the Next Step With Holistic Care?

At Modern Behavioral, we believe true mental healthcare requires treating the person as a whole (body, mind, and spirit), not just addressing isolated symptoms. We provide healthcare, not disease care, to give you a higher chance of lasting success and well-being. This includes a range of treatments that draw from functional medicine and mind-body practices.

If you’re a Pennsylvania resident thinking about holistic psychiatric care, reach out today to learn more about improving all aspects of your health.

FAQ on Holistic Psychiatry

Below are a few frequently asked questions about holistic psychiatry.

What’s the difference between a holistic psychiatrist and a traditional psychiatrist?

A holistic psychiatrist combines nutrition, fitness, and lifestyle changes with psychotherapy and medication, while a traditional psychiatrist typically focuses more on disorder diagnosis and prescriptions.

Does insurance cover holistic psychiatry services?

Some holistic psychiatrists accept insurance, especially if they are board-certified and provide psychotherapy or medication management. However, there’s no guarantee insurance will cover holistic treatment. Always confirm coverage directly with the provider.

How can mind-body practices like yoga or meditation help mental health?

Mind-body practices like yoga, meditation, and qigong can reduce stress, improve sleep, and ease anxiety alongside conventional psychiatric care. A positive mood also goes a long way in helping you manage chronic issues and recover from illness.

What credentials should I look for in a holistic psychiatrist?

Look for an M.D. or D.O. with board certification in psychiatry and training in integrative or holistic medicine. Affiliations with organizations like the Integrative Psychiatry Institute or AIHM can also be good to see.