Standard bloodwork only tells part of the story. I use both traditional and functional lab testing to investigate what may be driving your symptoms at a biological level. Mood, energy, focus, and sleep can all be shaped by vitamin deficiencies (such as low vitamin D, magnesium, zinc, or iron), hormonal imbalances, or chronic inflammation. The human body is a complex machine, and targeted lab work opens avenues that are often missed in a traditional 20-minute psychiatry appointment.

Research increasingly points to the gut as a major player in mental health. Approximately 90% of serotonin, a neurotransmitter central to mood and depression, is produced in the gut rather than the brain. I offer gastrointestinal stool testing to assess digestion, inflammation, and bacterial imbalance. Altered gut bacteria can also influence how well a person responds to psychiatric medications such as SSRIs.

Chronic stress takes a measurable toll on the body. Salivary cortisol testing helps assess adrenal function and identify hormonal patterns that may be contributing to fatigue, anxiety, and persistent mood changes.

Our genes influence how we metabolize and respond to medications. Pharmacogenomic testing helps identify how your body is likely to respond to certain psychiatric medications, reducing unnecessary trial and error and helping us make more informed decisions from the start.

Medications cannot resolve everything. I have received additional training in psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and trauma-informed care. Loss, relationship strain, and the weight of daily life often require more than a prescription. Psychotherapy is a central part of many patients' treatment plans, not an afterthought.

When medications are appropriate, my philosophy is simple: start low and go slow. I use medications at the lowest effective dose, with a clear rationale and a long-term plan in place. Many patients tell me they felt like a "guinea pig" in past treatment, cycling through medications with no clear direction. My goal is to slow that process down, check in regularly, and make adjustments thoughtfully. Medication is one tool, not the whole toolbox.

Certain vitamins and nutrients are essential building blocks for the neurotransmitters that regulate mood, focus, and sleep. Supplements such as vitamin D, iron, and B vitamins can fill nutritional gaps that are quietly affecting your mental health. Nutraceuticals, such as omega-3 fatty acids, melatonin, and turmeric, can further support mood, sleep, and inflammation reduction.

Sleep, diet, exercise, and stress management are among the most powerful levers available for improving mental health. They are also the first things to fall away when life gets busy. I work with patients to take concrete, realistic steps to optimize these areas, because the payoff compounds over time.

Food affects how we feel in ways that are subtle but real. I work with patients on elimination diets and nutrient-dense whole food plans to reduce exposure to food sensitivities and processed foods that can quietly undermine mood and energy.

Some patients feel most at ease addressing their mental health through the lens of their faith. For those who prefer this, I am glad to incorporate Christian values and perspectives into the development of a treatment plan. You should not have to leave your faith at the door to receive good psychiatric care.