Why We Need Integrative Psychiatrists Everywhere – HPP 48

Keith Kurlander, MA, LPC


When looking at clients’ symptoms, integrative psychiatrists often take a distinct approach by looking at the entire body and its individual systems as a possible culprit of root causes to psychiatric symptoms. Acknowledging what is happening in the body can open numerous doors to what is going on for your client’s mental health. In this episode, Keith notes how the conventional western medical paradigm of psychiatric diagnosis falls short in certain areas and the power of having just a little knowledge of root causes in the body for mental health conditions.

Keith explains what an integrative assessment could look like and the things to look out for that are often missed. He gives examples of places clinicians could focus on; for example gut health, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and fungus or mold issues. Looking for the basic signs of issues in the body can radically improve treatment outcomes and also make your practice more lively.


Show Notes:

An integrative assessment approach [1:15]

Various roles of the clinician [3:15]

How the body breaks down when the mind breaks down [5:15]

Removing the stigma behind mental illness [6:30]

Identifying basic root causes in the body that relate to mental illness [8:00]

The role of supplements and vitamin and mineral deficiencies [18:45]

Keith Kurlander, MA, LPC

Keith Kurlander is the founder of Higher Practice, a company dedicated to helping therapists achieve their highest potential in private practice. He has two decades of combined experience in business administration, group facilitation, teaching at the undergraduate and graduate level, yoga instruction and as a licensed professional counselor in private practice.