What is integrative psychiatry?
Integrative Psychiatry is rooted in the model of health described by the World Health Organization, "...a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." As an essential element in this paradigm, optimizing mental health includes fulfilling one's capacity individually and in community with others, coping with life stressors, and working productively. In this way an overall state of well-being and contentment may be brought forward.
Terms you may have heard...
The terms integrative, alternative and complementary medicine are often used interchangeably, however they are different. Below are some basic definitions from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to guide you. You may visit the NIH Center for Complementary and Integrative Health for more information by clicking here.
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ALTERNATIVE treatment is a non-mainstream approach that is used in place of conventional medicine. IPNAM Health is not an alternative psychiatric practice.
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COMPLEMENTARY treatment refers to the use of non-mainstream approaches together with conventional treatments. Complementary treatments may be nutritional (e.g. special diets, supplements), psychological (e.g. meditation) and physical (e.g. massage). Some interventions may be a combination of these elements like yoga or tai chi (physical and psychological) and mindful eating (nutrition and psychological). IPNAM Health uses complementary approaches that are less invasive, lower risk, effective and supported by collective experience and expertise, and/or conventional scientific evidence.
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INTEGRATIVE treatment combines conventional and complementary medicine in a considered, thoughtful way. IPNAM Health takes an integrative approach to treatment. The balance between conventional and complementary approaches is individual. Some aspects may be explored directly with Dr. Miller and others through referral to a specialist in the field (e.g yoga classes or meeting with a nutritionist).