Integrative Psychiatry

Psychiatry isn't a monolith. There are several forms and approaches to psychiatry, including integrative psychiatry. To understand this practice, looking at its principles and the research behind it can be helpful.

What is integrative psychiatry?

Integrative psychiatry is a holistic approach to psychiatric care. In this discipline of integrative medicine, clients are looked at as a whole. Holistic psychiatry can involve conventional methods, such as prescribing medications, but can also involve personalized and complementary support methods. This approach recognizes that different people may benefit from different combinations of treatment

*Medication is prescribed only when clinically appropriate and is not guaranteed. Pricing, availability, insurance coverage, and copays vary by plan, location, and provider availability are not guaranteed.

Treatments used

Integrative psychiatry may use different forms of treatment, including but not limited to the following:

• Nutritional Counseling: A psychiatrist may discuss nutrition and lifestyle factors or coordinate with other professionals when needed.
• Lifestyle Counseling: Psychiatrists may recommend or incorporate practices such as meditation and breathing exercises.
• Guided Imagery Work: Some providers may incorporate guided imagery or refer clients to supportive therapeutic resources.
• Bodywork: Some integrative providers may discuss complementary wellness practices, like massages, in addition to traditional evidence-based psychiatric treatment.
• Medication: Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can evaluate whether medication management may be appropriate for certain mental health concerns and prescribe and monitor medications when clinically appropriate

Who can benefit from this practice?

Individuals who have struggled with traditional psychiatry may be interested in an integrative approach. People with a range of mental health concerns may explore this approach as part of a broader treatment plan. However, note that your insurance company may require your provider to make a diagnosis to cover services.

The principles of integrative psychiatry

Integrative psychiatry was founded on several principles. Although each individual psychiatrist's principles can vary, below are some of the most common.

Mental health

The approach does not focus exclusively on treating only one's mental illness. If someone is experiencing anxiety, the goal may extend beyond symptom reduction to broader well-being and functioning. An integrative approach may also emphasize prevention and long-term well-being.

Healthy relationships

This methodology may sometimes focus on the healing power of healthy relationships. The professional relationship between the psychiatrist and the client can also be examined to ensure the client perceives sessions as safe and supportive.

Healthy relationships also refer to the client's relationships outside of psychiatry. In some cases, an integrative psychiatrist may also address behavioral and relational patterns, or coordinate with a therapist who focuses on those areas.

Holistic approach

Integrative psychiatry is a holistic approach where the body, mind, environment, and relationships are explored. For example, only working on breathing exercises in treating anxiety may not be helpful. Instead, a client might look at how anxiety manifests in their body as physical symptoms, like chronic pain, and how to change their environment, find healthier relationships, and cope with mental challenges. In addition, a psychiatrist might prescribe medication for some clients as they go through these processes to help manage physical or severe symptoms when clinically appropriate.

Aim toward the prevention of psychiatric disorders

Prevention is often considered a vital step in treating mental health challenges. Instead of waiting for a condition to arise, treating symptoms before they progress is preferred. Healthy lifestyle habits may help reduce risk factors or support resilience, though they do not prevent every mental health condition.

Integration of complementary treatments and conventional medicine

Integrative psychiatry uses different models of treatment that integrate into one. Conventional psychiatry may include diagnosis, medication management, psychotherapy, and other medical treatments and can be combined with complementary approaches such as mindfulness, lifestyle support, and, in some cases, other therapies that are discussed carefully with a clinician.

Honoring individuality

Doctors at times group patients with specific symptoms or diagnoses when discussing treatments. However, everyone is different, and this treatment methodology attempts to meet each client where they're at. Someone may react well to medication, and someone else may respond to talk therapy. Looking at someone's preferences can determine the treatment plan.

Myths about integrative psychiatry

A few myths about integrative psychiatry may exist, including the following. It can be helpful to note why these myths aren't true and challenge them when they come up in your life.

Myth: Integrative psychiatry discourages the use of psychiatric medicine

Because integrative psychiatry uses alternative treatments, one may believe integrative psychiatrists discourage medications for mental illness. However, these providers may include medication management in care when clinically appropriate because they are medical doctors. Integrative psychiatry recognizes that medication can be valuable for some people but is not the only form of treatment.

Myth: Assessment only looks at the health of a person

Someone meeting with an integrative psychiatrist may expect the psychiatrist to only look at their lifestyle and family history. However, the integrative psychiatrist may also consider the person's mind, body, and personal life. A full assessment of one's life is a principle of holism.

Myth: Clients of integrative psychiatry only receive natural remedies

Holistic or integrative psychiatrists look at each client individually. Some people may benefit from natural remedies, whereas others may benefit from more traditional Western medicine. If one method doesn't work, providers can try another treatment. For example, the client may use medication and meditation together.

Alternative support options

Integrative psychiatry looks at mental health from a medical and holistic perspective. However, it isn't the only form of support available. Some people may seek a holistic approach that doesn't involve medication or may want a therapist to see alongside their psychiatrist. In these cases, online therapy platforms like BetterHelp may be beneficial. BetterHelp now also offers psychiatry services through UpLift, which may include medication management when clinically appropriate.

Some online platforms may support a more personalized or holistic therapy experience, depending on the provider and services used. A therapist may help you build a personalized support plan, and psychiatry may be an additional option for some people. Online platforms are often flexible and convenient because they offer multiple ways to receive support.

Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with certain insurance plans. Coverage depends on your plan, provider, and availability.

BetterHelp’s psychiatry services through UpLift may also be covered by insurance. Coverage for visits and medication depends on your plan, provider, location, clinical appropriateness, and pharmacy benefits.

When therapy sessions are covered, members typically pay an average copay of about $23 per session. Check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site. Coverage varies by state and provider availability.

If you're interested in psychiatry through UpLift, costs can vary depending on insurance and provider availability. Before meeting with a provider, you may receive information on how to review your expected session costs with insurance. Medication availability and coverage may vary by member location, clinical appropriateness, and individual pharmacy/insurance benefits. Prescribing decisions are made by the treating clinicians. We do not guarantee that any specific medication will be prescribed or covered by a member’s insurance plan.

If you're unsure whether meeting with an online provider would benefit you, you can look at studies backing up this treatment. Research suggests online CBT can be effective for depression and may be comparable to in-person treatment in some cases.in treating depressive disorders.