When most people think of mental health care, they imagine a 10-minute appointment, a quick prescripIn today’s mental health care system, it’s common to see a prescription for an antidepressant or anxiety medication, followed by a quick pat on the back before patients are sent on their way. But is that true mental health care? Shouldn’t the goal be to actually heal the brain, not just suppress symptoms?

The reality is that mental health conditions are not simply “chemical imbalances” requiring a lifelong prescription. Instead, they are complex, multifactorial issues often rooted in genetic predispositions, environmental toxins, nutritional deficiencies, poor gut health, chronic stress, poor sleep, hormone imbalances, unresolved trauma, and other lifestyle factors. Healing requires a root-cause approach, not just symptom management.

As a medical doctor specializing in holistic mental health care, my approach goes beyond the surface. Here’s what true, science-backed mental health care should really look like:

1. Identifying the Root Causes

Mental health struggles don’t appear out of nowhere. There are underlying biological, environmental, and psychological factors that must be uncovered to restore wellness. I investigate:

• Genetic Predisposition – Some individuals have genetic variants that impact neurotransmitter production, detoxification pathways, or methylation, which can affect mental health.
• Diet & Nutritional Deficiencies – The standard Western diet lacks many brain-essential nutrients, and even soil quality affects produce. Good nutrition is critical for neurotransmitter production.
• Toxins & Chemicals – Exposure to heavy metals, pesticides, mold, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals can interfere with brain function.
• Lifestyle & Trauma – Chronic stress, unresolved trauma, and adverse childhood experiences can reshape brain chemistry.
• Gut Health & the Brain-Gut Axis – The microbiome influences mental health through the gut-brain connection. Dysbiosis (imbalance of gut bacteria), leaky gut, Celiac Disease, and inflammation contribute to depression and anxiety.

2. Advanced Lab Testing for Personalized Insights

Rather than guessing, I use specific, science-backed lab tests to uncover what’s driving mental health issues for each individual. This includes:

• Comprehensive Nutrient Panels – To identify deficiencies in brain-supporting nutrients like B vitamins, magnesium, zinc, omega-3’s, and amino acids.
• Hormone Testing – To assess cortisol, thyroid function, insulin resistance, melatonin, and sex hormones, all of which play a role in mental health.
• Genetic Testing – To evaluate predispositions for methylation issues, as different combinations of MTFHR alleles can cause reductions in important neurotransmitters.
• Inflammatory Markers – Chronic inflammation is a key driver of depression and anxiety.
• Toxin & Heavy Metal Panels – To detect hidden toxins that could be impacting cognitive and emotional well-being.
• Gut Microbiome/Stool Testing – To assess gut health, identify harmful pathogens (viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi), and detect imbalances contributing to neurotransmitter dysfunction.

3. Creating a Tailored Plan for True Healing

Once we’ve identified the root causes, the next step is to correct deficiencies, remove harmful triggers, and restore the brain’s natural ability to heal. This includes:

• Nutrition as Medicine: We shift toward real, nutrient-dense foods that nourish the brain, including:
  • High-quality proteins (for neurotransmitter production)
  • Healthy fats (for brain cell integrity and neurotransmission)
  • Antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables (to reduce inflammation and add vitamins)
  • Eliminating processed foods, refined sugar/flour, and artificial ingredients
• Optimizing Gut Health: A healthy gut is foundational to a healthy brain. We focus on removing harmful gut bacteria, healing the gut lining, and replenishing beneficial microbes with specific probiotics, prebiotics, and gut-supporting nutrients like fermented foods and healthy fats.
• Sleep Optimization: Sleep is non-negotiable for mental health. We create a custom sleep protocol using lifestyle changes, light exposure, natural supplements (like magnesium, B3, Vitamin D, melatonin, L-theanine), and sleep hygiene techniques to restore deep, healing sleep.
• Stress & Trauma Relief: We address stress at its core by regulating the nervous system through lifestyle changes, breathing techniques, therapy, and adaptogenic herbs like rhodiola and ashwagandha when needed.
• Exercise as Medicine: Exercise is one of the most powerful antidepressants available. We create a personalized movement plan incorporating aerobic exercise, resistance training, and outdoor movement to enhance the natural healing benefits of sunlight.
• Supplementing Deficiencies at Optimal Doses: Many patients struggle with nutrient deficiencies that affect mood and cognition. I use targeted, high-dose supplements based on each individual’s needs, which can include:
  • Micronutrients: Such as nutritional lithium for neuroprotective properties, zinc for serotonin synthesis, magnesium for proper neurotransmission, and hundreds of enzymatic reactions.
  • Omega-3s: For brain structure and function.
  • B-complex vitamins: Necessary for methylation, energy, memory, and mood regulation.
  • Amino Acids: Like tryptophan, tyrosine, and glycine to support neurotransmitter production.
  • Vitamin D: Required for neurotransmitter production like serotonin synthesis and to improve cognition and memory.

4. Weaning Off Medications (When Appropriate)

For those who wish to reduce or eliminate psychiatric medications, we develop a safe, gradual tapering plan. During this process, we support the brain with nutrition, lifestyle changes, and targeted supplements to restore neurotransmitter balance naturally.

The Goal: Restore Brain Health at the Cellular Level

The real goal of mental health care should be to remove what is harming the body and restore what is missing so that the brain can heal at a structural level. This isn’t about masking symptoms – it’s about rebuilding mental resilience, regenerating healthy brain cells, and supporting optimal neurotransmitter function.

When we address the root causes and provide the body with what it truly needs, mental health can dramatically improve – without the need for lifelong medication.

If your teen is struggling with mental health challenges and you’re tired of quick-fix solutions that don’t address the underlying issues, I invite you to explore a real, holistic approach to healing.

Ready to take the first step toward true mental wellness? Schedule a free discovery call here!

By Dr. Christina Brown, MD