Author: Brad Lieberman, PMHNP, is an attorney-turned-psychiatric nurse practitioner trained at Columbia and Johns Hopkins. He offers rigorous integrative psychiatry services in NYC. He specializes in functional psychiatry for discerning professionals, delivering concierge care that addresses the root causes of distress.
Many people are hearing more about integrative psychiatry lately, but it isn’t always clear what the term actually means in practice. There’s also a lot of variation in what different mental health professionals call “integrative,” which can make it confusing when you’re trying to find the right care for your unique needs. How can you tell if a psychiatrist (or therapist) is truly “integrative”?
Read this article before you start your search. I’ll walk you through what to look for when you’re searching for integrative psychiatrists near you in New York, and how to evaluate the care you’re being offered.
What is the meaning of integrative psychiatry? A brief overview
Integrative psychiatry is a holistic approach to mental health that blends traditional psychiatric care with complementary methods. Typically, it addresses your physical health and lifestyle alongside mental well-being. These mental health providers consider psychological, biological, nutritional, and spiritual factors — as well as your medical history — to personalize a plan that supports mental health optimization.
This type of integrative care combines evidence-based medicine with a broader understanding of how your brain and body (and sometimes spirit) function together.
The problem is that people sometimes use the term “integrative” to mean different things. We’ve established that integrative psychiatry incorporates both traditional and complementary approaches to mental health. But what that looks like in practical terms (like what exact treatment methods are used) can vary widely.
How to find integrative psychiatry providers near me in NYC: 7 questions to ask
“Integrative psychiatry” can include a wide variety of methods. For example, someone might define themselves as an integrative psychiatrist because they offer different types of therapy as well as psychiatry. Or they might offer complementary approaches like acupuncture or art therapy. That would all fall under the umbrella of integrative psychiatry.
Some psychiatrists might even describe themselves as integrative even though it isn’t clear what exact integrative approaches (if any) they use. There’s no set of requirements to officially certify that you offer integrative services.
The clients who come to the Lieberman Center for Psychotherapeutics aren’t necessarily looking for that — they’re looking for a deeply integrative approach that incorporates evidence-based treatments in multiple areas of medicine.
Ask these screening questions to figure out if potential psychiatrists offer the type of “integrative” services that you’re looking for.
1. How do they define “integrative psychiatry services”?
It’s important to hear their definition in their own words, because every psychiatry practice uses the term differently. Some may focus on traditional psychiatric care with a few add-ons, while others take a holistic approach that includes biology and lifestyle. Some might specialize in specific holistic interventions (like acupuncture, nutritional counseling, etc.) Often, they collaborate with other healthcare providers. Their answer can give you a sense of whether their mission aligns with the care you’re longing for.
2. What professional licenses and training do they have?
Ask about their psychiatric training, as well as any board certifications they hold. This is especially important when someone markets themselves as “integrative,” because you want to make sure their skills are grounded in evidence-based medicine. You’re looking for clear credentials rather than vague claims.
3. What specific assessment and treatment methods do they use?
Some professionals rely on a standard psychiatric evaluation, while others use more expansive testing. They may integrate nutrition assessments or functional medicine tools. For example, at the Lieberman Center, we offer bloodwork and concierge-level referrals. Listening for concrete methods helps you understand how they personalize treatment for each patient.
4. What are their practices and philosophies about psychiatric medication?
Different psychiatrists approach medication in different ways. Some take a medication-first approach, while others treat medication as one part of a broader wellness plan. They may also use medication in different ways for different conditions (i.e. depression or anxiety vs. ADHD). Usually, integrative psychiatrists don’t rely solely on medication alone. There’s no “right” answer here. It’s just important that their philosophy matches what feels right for your care.
5. Do they focus more on symptom management or addressing root causes?
This one question reveals a lot about their approach. Symptom management is helpful for short-term stability, but root-cause work aims for long-term changes in how your body and brain function. Good integrative care can address both without relying on a single method. A practitioner who only focuses on symptom management probably doesn’t use a fully integrative approach.
6. Does their appointment style work for you?
Some providers offer short follow-ups, while others dedicate more time to each appointment. You may also have the choice between in-person or virtual visits. What matters most is whether their model fits your needs and your schedule. This doesn’t have to do with whether or not they’re integrative, but it can help you choose the right provider for you.
7. Are they accepting new patients?
Lastly, make sure you ask this question up-front. Many mental health practices have long waitlists, especially when they offer specialized integrative care. If you’re ready to start treatment, you want someone who can connect with you soon.
The Lieberman Center for Psychotherapeutics is currently open to new clients.
Looking for integrative psychiatrists near you in NYC?
Integrative psychiatry can mean different things to different people, and not all integrative psychiatry services in NYC offer the same depth of evaluation or personalization.
At the Lieberman Center for Psychotherapeutics, we define integrative psychiatry as a structured approach that addresses every area of your lifestyle and health. Our goal is to help you get to the root cause of the symptoms that are holding you back, and create a customized treatment plan that helps you move toward a more fulfilling life.
Our intake sessions are 90 minutes, which allows time to truly understand your history and where your symptoms could be coming from. We offer standard psychiatric evaluation, as well as:
- Bloodwork to evaluate biological markers (like gut health) that may contribute to mental health concerns
- Genetic testing to identify medication responses and personalize your treatment plan based on your functional biology
- Nutrition and lifestyle change support
- Concierge medicine and referrals to other providers when necessary
Get in touch with us to book a free introductory call. We’d love to help you understand how integrative psychiatry can help you thrive.