about complementary & alternative medicine (CAM)
New York · NYC · Virtual
complementary & alternative medicine support for integrative whole-body healing
Holistic Psychotherapy & Integrative CAM interventions to support optimal mental & physical wellbeing.
For New Yorkers drawn to healing that extends beyond traditional talk therapy, this practice offers a thoughtfully curated blend of evidence-based psychotherapy and Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)–informed approaches. Integrating mind-body interventions, somatic therapies, functional nutrition, nervous system regulation, and depth-oriented psychotherapy, each session is designed to honor the full spectrum of your inner world.
This is care for individuals who sense that healing does not live in the mind alone, but also in the body, breath, biology, nervous system, and lived experience. In a city that constantly pulls attention outward, holistic and integrative therapy offers a way back inward.
Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, burnout, ADHD, emotional overwhelm, or a general sense of disconnection, integrative mental health care focuses on root causes, not just symptom suppression.
What Is Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM)?
Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) refers to a broad range of healing systems, practices, and products that are not traditionally part of conventional Western medicine. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, CAM includes diverse approaches that may be used alongside conventional care (complementary) or as distinct approaches (alternative).
The modern term Integrative Health reflects the intentional blending of evidence-informed CAM approaches with conventional treatments to support whole-person wellness.
In mental health care, this means addressing:
Brain chemistry
Nervous system function
Nutrition and digestion
Hormonal health
Inflammation
Trauma stored in the body
Psychological and relational patterns
When Traditional Psychiatry Isn’t Enough
Many individuals take antidepressants or other psychiatric medications and still feel:
Flat or emotionally blunted
Anxious
Unmotivated
Foggy
Disconnected from themselves
You are not alone.
A growing number of professionals, creatives, students, and families in New York and Montana are seeking natural and integrative mental health solutions that view body, mind, and spirit as inseparable.
My practice specializes in evidence-informed natural interventions such as:
Targeted amino acid therapy
Functional and integrative nutrition
Botanical and nutraceutical support
Somatic and nervous-system-based therapies
Lifestyle medicine strategies
These approaches may support mood, attention, stress tolerance, and emotional regulation—either alongside medication or, in some cases, as part of a medically supervised reduction plan.
Why an Integrative Approach Works
Symptoms often persist when underlying contributors are not addressed, including:
Micronutrient deficiencies
Neurotransmitter imbalances
Gut-brain dysfunction
Chronic inflammation
Hormonal shifts
Long-standing stress physiology
Unprocessed trauma
Integrative psychotherapy explores these factors alongside emotional and relational dynamics, allowing therapy to move beyond coping into true systems-level healing.
Research increasingly demonstrates that lifestyle and mind-body interventions can positively influence neuroplasticity, stress physiology, immune function, and emotional resilience—enhancing the effectiveness of psychotherapy.
What Integrative Holistic Psychotherapy May Include
Sessions are individualized and may integrate:
Psychodynamic psychotherapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
EMDR
Somatic Experiencing–informed work
Mindfulness and meditation
Breathwork and relaxation training
Nutrition and gut-brain education
Sleep optimization
Lifestyle and stress physiology support
We may explore emotional themes while also discussing digestion, nutrient status, sleep patterns, or nervous system regulation—creating a comprehensive roadmap to healing.
Common Concerns Addressed in Holistic Therapy
Anxiety and panic
Social anxiety
Low self-esteem and self-criticism
People-pleasing and difficulty setting boundaries
Career dissatisfaction and burnout
Life transitions
Grief and loss
Relationship struggles
Loneliness and heartbreak
Somatic symptoms connected to stress
Trauma-related symptoms
Unhelpful habits and self-sabotage
Identity exploration
Communication difficulties
Values clarification
Three Core Categories of CAM Used in Mental Health
1. Mind-Body & Physical Approaches
Yoga, movement, acupuncture, light therapy, relaxation training, breathwork
2. Biologically Based Interventions
Vitamins, minerals, amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, targeted nutraceuticals
3. Herbal & Botanical Supports
Evidence-informed botanical remedies used cautiously and collaboratively
Additional CAM-Informed Practices That May Be Incorporated
Meditation
Biofeedback
Hypnosis
Guided imagery
Reiki
Massage therapy
Bodywork
Chiropractic-informed movement support
Nutritional therapy
Ayurvedic- or naturopathic-informed education
(Modalities are offered within scope of practice and through collaboration or referral when appropriate.)
How Holistic Psychotherapy Supports Mental Health Optimization
Licensed mental health professionals with training in integrative and nutritional approaches are uniquely positioned to translate emerging research into practical mental health support.
Natural and integrative strategies may be helpful for:
Individuals not fully responding to medication
People with mild-to-moderate symptoms
Those who prefer non-pharmaceutical options
Individuals seeking adjunctive support
Together, we explore potential contributors such as:
Inflammation
Nutrient depletion
Neurotransmitter imbalances
Gut dysfunction
Thyroid or hormonal patterns
Chronic stress physiology
The goal is optimization, not perfection—supporting the body’s inherent capacity for balance.
Whole-Person Care Includes Self-Care & Boundaries
Chronic self-neglect, people-pleasing, and overextension frequently underlie both emotional and physical illness. Therapy supports:
Learning to identify personal needs
Building boundaries
Strengthening identity and self-trust
Reducing codependent patterns
Developing sustainable self-care
Many chronic conditions improve when individuals are supported in reclaiming their right to rest, nourish themselves, and prioritize well-being.
Recovery-Oriented & Wellness Coaching Support
For individuals in addiction recovery, eating disorder recovery, or post-treatment stabilization, integrative coaching can support:
Relapse prevention
Trigger identification
Craving management
Structure and routine
Healthy nutrition and movement
Sleep hygiene
Emotional regulation
Building meaning and purpose
Coaching complements psychotherapy and medical care.
Integrative Mental Health Care—Virtually
If you are seeking holistic psychotherapy, CAM-informed mental health care, or integrative therapy in New York or Montana via telehealth, I invite you to explore this comprehensive approach.
You deserve care that honors your biology, psychology, history, and humanity—not just your symptoms.
Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM) – Frequently Asked Questions
What is Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)?
Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) refers to a broad group of health approaches that exist outside of conventional Western medicine. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, CAM includes diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not traditionally part of mainstream medicine.
“Complementary” therapies are used alongside conventional treatment.
“Alternative” therapies are used in place of conventional treatment.
Today, many professionals use the term Integrative Health, which emphasizes combining evidence-informed CAM approaches with conventional care.
How is CAM used in mental health therapy?
In mental health, CAM approaches are used to support emotional well-being, nervous system regulation, stress physiology, and overall resilience. CAM is not used as a stand-alone “cure,” but rather as part of a comprehensive, integrative psychotherapy approach.
This may include combining traditional psychotherapy with nutrition education, mind-body practices, somatic therapies, lifestyle strategies, and selected evidence-informed supplements.
Is CAM meant to replace medication?
Not necessarily. Some clients use CAM approaches alongside psychiatric medication, while others explore CAM because medication has not provided adequate relief or caused unwanted side effects.
Any changes to medication should always be made in collaboration with a prescribing medical provider.
Is CAM evidence-based?
Many CAM approaches are supported by growing research, while others are considered emerging or adjunctive. An integrative therapist prioritizes methods with some research support and uses clinical judgment, ongoing education, and careful monitoring.
CAM is not presented as a replacement for medical care, but as an additional layer of support.
What kinds of CAM approaches might be integrated into therapy?
Depending on your needs and goals, integrative sessions may include:
Mindfulness and meditation
Breathwork and relaxation training
Somatic (body-based) therapies
Nutrition and gut-brain education
Lifestyle and sleep optimization
Stress physiology education
Selected nutraceutical or supplement education
Guided imagery or hypnosis
Energy-based or movement-informed practices
All approaches are used within the therapist’s scope of practice and may include referrals to other licensed providers when appropriate.
Who tends to benefit from CAM-informed therapy?
CAM-informed therapy may be helpful for people experiencing:
Anxiety and chronic stress
Depression
Burnout
Trauma-related symptoms
ADHD
Insomnia
Emotional overwhelm
Somatic or stress-related physical symptoms
Desire for more holistic care
Many clients are high-functioning individuals who want deeper, root-cause-oriented support.
How does nutrition relate to mental health?
The brain requires adequate nutrients to produce neurotransmitters, regulate inflammation, and maintain healthy nervous system functioning. Nutritional patterns, blood sugar stability, gut health, and micronutrient status can influence mood, energy, focus, and stress tolerance.
Integrative therapy may include basic nutrition education and collaboration with other providers when needed.
Will I be told to take supplements?
No. Supplement discussions are collaborative and optional. When supplements are discussed, they are framed as potential supports—not requirements—and are selected cautiously based on symptoms, history, and safety considerations.
Is CAM safe?
When provided by trained professionals and used appropriately, many CAM approaches are considered low-risk. Safety screening, pacing, and ongoing monitoring are essential parts of integrative care.
How does CAM fit with psychotherapy?
CAM does not replace talk therapy. It enhances psychotherapy by supporting the biological and nervous system conditions that make emotional processing and psychological change easier.
Insight plus physiological support often leads to more sustainable results.
What if I’m skeptical but curious?
Skepticism is welcome. Integrative work does not require belief—only openness to exploring what may support your well-being. All approaches are discussed transparently and collaboratively.
Is CAM covered by insurance?
Coverage varies. Psychotherapy services may be reimbursable depending on your plan. CAM components are often considered educational or adjunctive and may not be separately reimbursed.
What is the goal of CAM-informed therapy?
The goal is not perfection or optimization at all costs. The goal is to:
Reduce suffering
Increase resilience
Support nervous system balance
Improve emotional regulation
Enhance overall well-being

