Welcome to Midwest Functional Psychiatry
A unique functional and root-cause oriented approach to mental health.
We believe in treating the whole person - mind, body, and environment - not just symptoms.
Our Mission
At Midwest Functional Psychiatry, our mission is to help you reclaim mental wellness by exploring the deeper biological, nutritional, and lifestyle factors that shape your health. We go beyond traditional diagnoses to look for what's really going on - and partner with you on a personalized path toward balance, clarity, and sustained mental wellness.
Why Choose Us
Comprehensive & Individualized
We take time to listen to your full story - medical history, lifestyle, diet, environment, stressors, and more.
Root-Cause Focused
Instead of only managing symptoms, we aim to uncover underlying imbalances (biochemistry, hormones, inflammation, gut-brain, lifestyle, environment).
Flexible & Transparent
As a cash-practice, we are independent of insurance constraints - allowing for longer appointments, deeper exploration, and flexible, patient-centered care.
Holistic Healing
We integrate principles of functional medicine, nutrition, lifestyle optimization, and psychiatric care (as needed) to address mental health from every angle.
What Is Functional Psychiatry?
Functional Psychiatry blends the best of conventional mental-health care with a deeper, holistic perspective. Rather than focusing solely on symptoms or diagnoses, we view mental health as intimately connected with the body's overall biochemistry, lifestyle, and environment. This means considering factors such as:
Nutrition, diet, gut–brain connection, and microbiome
Hormonal balance, metabolic function, inflammation, stress response
Sleep, exercise, stress load, environmental exposures, lifestyle habits
Genetics or predispositions (when relevant)
Personal history, trauma, emotional well-being, life context
By analyzing these interconnected layers, we aim to identify root causes of persistent symptoms - rather than just suppress them. Our approach is personalized, patient-centered, and empowering. Each treatment plan is crafted to meet you where you are: medically, emotionally, and lifestyle-wise.
This functional model gives patients hope for lasting change - not just quick fixes - and often resonates with those who've struggled despite "textbook" mental-health care.
Our Core Approach
Each person is unique - with their own biology, lifestyle, and story.
Symptoms are signals, not the final answer. We search for the root causes.
Mental and physical health are connected and must be treated together.
The goal is vitality, not just fewer symptoms.
What to Expect - Our Process
Here's how working with us typically unfolds:
Discovery Call
We begin with a brief phone call or virtual consult to learn about your concerns and see whether our approach aligns with your needs.
Comprehensive Intake & History Review
You'll complete a detailed intake questionnaire covering your medical history, lifestyle, diet, supplements/medications, symptoms, and life history. (Birth, developmental history, prior diagnoses, major life events - everything matters.) Provide any previous labs, prescriptions, imaging or psychiatric/medical records (if available). If relevant, share psychiatric or therapy records. For supplement users, bring a list or bottles of current and past supplements/medications.
First Appointment - Thorough Evaluation
In our first in-person (or telehealth) appointment, we'll review your history, labs, lifestyle, symptoms, and current functioning. Together we build a coherent 'story' to identify patterns and possible root causes.
Personalized Treatment Plan
Based on the evaluation, we'll design a tailored plan - which may include: Nutritional and dietary guidance, Lifestyle and sleep/stress optimization, Lab testing (if needed) for hormones, metabolic, nutrient, gut-health, or other factors, Supplementation (when necessary), Traditional psychiatric care or medication - but only if indicated and aligned with your goals, Ongoing follow-up and adjustment, to track progress and refine plan.
Ongoing Support & Collaboration
We view care as a partnership. Healing takes time, patience, and your active engagement. We'll regularly check in, monitor labs and progress, and refine your plan as you grow.
Who Might Benefit - Is This a Good Fit?
Functional psychiatry may be a good fit for you if:
You have chronic or complex mental-health issues (depression, anxiety, mood swings, brain fog, fatigue, emotional dysregulation) that have not fully responded to standard treatment.
You suspect underlying physical, nutritional, hormonal, or lifestyle-related contributors to your mental health.
You're willing to engage actively - to adjust diet/lifestyle, track habits, possibly do lab testing, and commit to long-term healing.
You want a holistic, individualized alternative or complement to conventional psychiatry.
You understand this is not a quick fix but a process - and are open to exploring mind-body-environment connections.
Important to note: Because our work often involves deep history, labs, and personalized recommendations, we may not be the right fit for everyone - especially if you're looking only for quick medication changes or are not in a place to commit time, emotional energy, or lifestyle change.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is Functional Psychiatry?
It's a whole-body approach to mental health that seeks to understand and address underlying biological, nutritional, lifestyle, and environmental factors - not just treat symptoms.
Do I need to complete special labs or tests before the first visit?
No. For the initial visit, you only need to complete the intake form (health history, diet, lifestyle, symptoms) and gather any previous medical/psychiatric records or lab results you may have. We'll review what you already have and determine if further testing is helpful.
Should I start a new diet or supplements before seeing you?
No - it's best to begin from your current baseline. We want an accurate starting point to understand what's going on. After evaluation, any dietary or supplement recommendations will be personalized.
Who can you work with (age, types of conditions)?
We typically work with adults and older adolescents (depending on practitioner), focusing on long-term, complex or chronic mental-health or quality-of-life concerns. We may not be the right fit for urgent crises or emergent psychiatric conditions.
How are you different from standard psychiatry or therapy?
Standard psychiatry often focuses on diagnosing and managing symptoms (e.g., prescribing medications). We go deeper - looking at nutrition, hormones, lifestyle, gut-brain, metabolic, and environmental factors - to create a holistic, individualized plan. Our sessions are typically longer, and we partner with you through sustained, root-cause-oriented care.
Why is this a cash-practice (out-of-pocket)?
Because our model prioritizes time, depth, and flexibility. Insurance-driven practices often constrain visits, diagnostics, or personalized care. As a cash-based practice, we can offer longer appointments, thorough evaluations, flexibility, and a truly individualized approach - things we believe are essential for root-cause healing.
How long before I might notice improvement?
It varies. Many clients begin to notice subtle improvements within 6-8 weeks - but the timeline depends on how long issues have been present, how many underlying factors are involved, and the consistency of follow-through. For deep healing, many need several months to a year of commitment.
Am I required to commit long-term before starting?
No - we start with a thorough evaluation and personalized plan. From there, it's up to you how long you stay engaged. Because healing takes time, many find better results with ongoing collaboration - but ultimately, it's your journey.
What if I already see a therapist or psychiatrist?
That's fine. We can work in collaboration with your existing providers. Our role is not necessarily to replace, but to complement - especially if standard care hasn't fully resolved your concerns or you believe there are deeper root causes.
Our Responsibility & What We Ask From You
What We Ask From You
Honesty and full disclosure (medical history, diet, lifestyle, past treatments) - everything matters.
Willingness to engage in change (diet, lifestyle, habits) when indicated.
Commitment and patience: healing takes time, consistency, and trust.
Open communication: if something doesn't feel right, or you have questions - speak up.
What We Offer You
An individualized, functional view of mental health - not a 'one-size-fits-all' diagnosis.
A partner in healing - committed to walking with you.
A comprehensive plan designed with your mind and body in mind.
Flexibility, deep listening, and support - beyond typical '15-minute med checks.'
How to Get Started
Begin your journey toward integrated, lasting mental health
Reach out for a Free Discovery Call
We'll briefly talk to see if our model is a good fit for your needs.
Complete our detailed intake questionnaire
Gather any previous records / lab results.
Schedule your first comprehensive appointment
Begin your personalized evaluation.
Begin your personalized plan
Start the journey toward integrated, lasting mental health.