What Makes Integrative Psychiatry So Different (and So Effective)?

What Is Integrative Psychiatry, Exactly?

When patients first visit our Aurora or Denver clinics, a common question we hear is: "What is integrative psychiatry?" In short, it’s a whole-person, personalized approach to mental health care that thoughtfully combines conventional medications with complementary and alternative treatments. At Axis Integrated Mental Health, this means treating the root causes of depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, and more—not just masking symptoms.

Why the “Chemical Imbalance” Theory No Longer Holds Up

For decades, depression was explained as a “chemical imbalance” in the brain, particularly involving serotonin and other monoamines. But recent reviews of the literature—including by Psychology Today and peer-reviewed journals—show that the serotonin hypothesis was never scientifically solid. Mental health is more complex than one neurotransmitter. That’s why integrative psychiatry looks beyond this outdated model to incorporate other pathways like Glutamate, GABA, and BDNF.

A Whole-Person Approach to Mental Health

True wellness doesn't come from a prescription alone. Emotional distress often has multiple contributing factors: sleep, stress, nutrition, relationships, trauma, even your microbiome. Integrative psychiatry considers all of these. At Axis, your personalized care plan might address your diet, sleep quality, movement, and daily routines alongside psychotherapy and medication.

Treatments That Go Beyond Medication

While we do use medications when appropriate, our patients often find relief through a wider toolkit, including:

• Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

• Ketamine Infusion Therapy

• Esketamine (Spravato) Nasal Spray

• Nutritional counseling and supplements

• Meditation and movement practices

• Acupuncture and bodywork

This multimodal approach is ideal for individuals who haven’t seen results from medications alone or want to minimize side effects.

How Gut Health, Nutrition, and Movement Impact Mood

Your gut produces a significant portion of the body’s serotonin. A healthy microbiome, bolstered by nutrition and targeted supplements, can dramatically influence your mood and cognitive function.

And the science behind exercise is equally compelling: Just 15 minutes of daily running or an hour of walking significantly reduces your risk of depression. At Axis, we help you implement movement that fits your lifestyle—whether that’s a daily walk or preparing for your first 5K.

Why Personalized Treatment Plans Work Better

One-size-fits-all psychiatry often fails because it ignores what makes each of us unique. Our integrative approach creates a tailored plan that evolves with your needs. We combine medical data with conversations about your habits, goals, and daily life to ensure your care aligns with your whole being.

Who Benefits Most From Integrative Psychiatry?

This approach is ideal for individuals who:

• Have tried medications with limited success

• Experience multiple overlapping mental health symptoms

• Prefer natural or holistic treatments

• Want to understand and treat root causes, not just symptoms

• Are seeking compassionate, research-based alternatives to corporate psychiatry

What to Expect at Your First Appointment

Your first visit includes an in-depth evaluation with one of our integrative psychiatric providers. We’ll review your medical and psychiatric history, current symptoms, lifestyle factors (like diet, sleep, and stress), and talk about your goals. Then we co-create a treatment plan tailored just for you.

The Axis Difference: Local Care That Treats You Like a Whole Person

At Axis Integrated Mental Health, our providers aren’t just here to prescribe—they’re here to partner with you. Our Denver-area clinics offer a welcoming, non-corporate environment where evidence-based care meets authentic human connection. Whether you're exploring alternatives for the first time or ready to optimize your mental health, we're here to guide you.

Ready to Experience a Better Way to Mental Health?

Book a consultation online or call us today at (720) 400-7025 to start your integrative psychiatry journey.

FAQs

1. What conditions does integrative psychiatry treat?

2. How does integrative psychiatry differ from traditional psychiatry?

3. What alternative therapies are included in integrative psychiatry?

4. Can I reduce or eliminate medications with this approach?

5. Is integrative psychiatry covered by insurance at Axis?