Naturopathic Approach to Mental Health

As a Naturopathic Doctor specializing in mental health, I often see patients looking for support with mental health concerns like anxiety, depression, and ADHD (to name a few). While many of my patients are already seeing a therapist for support, they find that they need additional support with medications, supplements, herbs or other alternative therapies. In contrast to psychiatrists who are mainly trained in medication management of psychological conditions, Naturopathic Doctors like myself are trained in medications, supplements, and herbs, which allows us to provide medication management, as well as provide integrative therapies with herbs, lifestyle and nutrient therapies. This variety of tools helps us meet patients where they are and tailor care to their needs at the moment.

One of the philosophies learned in ND medical school is the idea of “Therapeutic Order”, which outlines a stepwise approach to treating patients. We focus on individualized treatment and start where help is most indicated. For people looking for support with their mental health, this can mean we start with medications, but work over time to build the base of health. For others, they may be looking for a lower intensity of intervention, which can include herbs and nutrient support. However, the goal for all of my patients is to work on the things that allow us to live a long, healthy life. We work on building a diet and lifestyle that supports their mental health in the long-term.

No matter what mental health struggles you are dealing with, a Naturopathic Doctor can be a powerful additional support person to have on your team. Call now for an appointment or a consultation to discuss whether we would be a good fit for you!

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a crisis, please reach out immediately to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.