What is Integrative Psychiatry?

(c) B. Kristine Burneko, APRN, PMHNP-BC, APHN-BC. All rights reserved.

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Website Copywriting prepared for Mental Health Practice in Maryland, 2023

The Greek roots of the word “psychiatry” mean “healing of the mind/soul”.  We strive for nothing less at [Facility].  Psychiatry is a branch of medicine concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental illness.  Integrative psychiatry is a branch of psychiatry that combines the traditional medical knowledge of the brain and body systems with a holistic understanding of the person - combining medical assessment with psychological, spiritual, and social considerations as well. 

In integrative psychiatry, you are understood as so much more than a physical brain with an illness – your emotional needs are considered, your social and financial situations are evaluated, and your spirituality is honored and incorporated into your treatment if you desire.  How is this different from any other psychiatric treatment?

• In addition to (or instead of) traditional medicines, we use supplements, vitamins, and plant-based medicines as appropriate.

  
  

• Rather than a quick 15-minute "med check", we provide holistic, supportive psychotherapy with every visit

  
  

• We are vigilant about the number and amount of medicines you take, prescribing conservatively and carefully tapering you off of any medication that is not needed

  
  

• We incorporate lifestyle changes into your treatment – movement including tai chi and yoga classes, professional nutritional assessment and education, functional evaluation, and helping you achieve small behavior changes that add up to big improvements

  
  

• We meet more often: instead of one fifteen-minute appointment every few months, we meet for an hour monthly (or more frequently).  This allows us to get to know you on a deeper level and explore your needs and hopes.

  
  

• When you desire to, we explore and support, and encourage your spiritual journey as a crucial part of your healing experience with customized meditation classes.

Integrative psychiatry is so much more than just “medication management”.  Whole-person healing awaits, come and see us today!