Got more questions? Send us your enquiry below
Traditional psychiatry focuses primarily on diagnosis and medication management. Integrative psychiatry includes those tools plus a deeper examination of root causes—such as hormones, inflammation, stress physiology, gut health, micronutrients, sleep patterns, and lifestyle factors. At Willow & Stone, you can choose standard care through insurance or a more comprehensive, whole-person approach.
Functional labs look beyond basic bloodwork and examine deeper biological systems that influence mental health—including hormones, gut microbiome, inflammation markers, nutrient levels, detox pathways, and metabolic function.
A Functional Lab Review ($450–$1,200) includes:
Analysis of 1–2 specialty tests (DUTCH, GI-MAP, OAT, micronutrients, hormones)
Integration of findings with symptoms, medications, and history
Identification of root-cause patterns
Nutrition and supplement recommendations
Optional written summary
It gives you a clear map of why you feel the way you feel—and where to focus next.
Insurance does not cover functional lab interpretation, nutritional psychiatry, or integrative consultations. These are self-pay services.
However, insurance is accepted for:
Comprehensive psychiatric evaluations
Medication management
Many patients choose a hybrid approach: using insurance for medication visits and paying out-of-pocket for integrative work.
Tier 1 (Traditional Psychiatric Care) is ideal if you want diagnosis, medication support, or ongoing medication management.
Tier 2 (Integrative Psychiatry) is best if you want to explore hormones, stress, sleep, nutrition, supplements, or root-cause contributors to your symptoms.
Functional Lab Services are for patients wanting a deeper biological analysis to guide personalized treatment.
We support adolescents (12+) and adults with:
Depression, anxiety, OCD, panic, PTSD
ADHD, executive dysfunction, cognitive fog
Bipolar disorders
Hormonal mood changes (PMS/PMDD, postpartum, perimenopause)
Stress, burnout, trauma-related symptoms
Sleep disturbances
Thought disorders (schizophrenia spectrum, schizoaffective)
Integrative methods are also helpful when symptoms persist despite medication.
No. Many patients start with traditional psychiatric care or an integrative consultation without doing labs.
However, functional labs are recommended if:
symptoms haven’t improved with standard treatment
you suspect hormonal or metabolic issues
you want a more personalized treatment plan
you’re experiencing chronic fatigue, brain fog, or unusual mood patterns
Most functional labs return results within 2–4 weeks, depending on the test. Once results are available, you’ll schedule a Functional Lab Review to go over your findings in detail.
Most patients benefit from an Interpretation Follow-Up ($300), which occurs 2–6 weeks later.
During that visit, we:
evaluate your progress
refine supplements or medications
adjust nutrition or sleep strategies
plan next steps and discuss possible retesting
This ensures your plan is not only created—but implemented successfully.
Many functional labs—such as DUTCH hormone testing, GI-MAP stool analysis, and certain micronutrient or organic acids panels—can be completed at home with easy, mailed-in kits.
Some specialty tests (like blood-based metabolic panels or in-depth micronutrient testing) may require a local draw station, phlebotomy service, or partnered lab.
We will guide you on:
which tests are at-home vs. in-lab
how to collect samples correctly
where to go for blood draws (if needed)
how to ship your samples securely
Our goal is to make testing as convenient and stress-free as possible.
Got more questions? Send us your enquiry below
Integrative psychiatry combines conventional psychiatric treatment — including medication management and psychotherapy — with functional medicine approaches like advanced lab testing, nutritional optimization, hormone balancing, and lifestyle interventions. Rather than treating symptoms alone, integrative psychiatrists investigate root causes such as inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, gut dysfunction, and hormonal imbalances that contribute to mental health conditions. At Willow & Stone Integrative Mental Health in Arlington, TX, Dr. Stacey Forbes uses this approach to create personalized treatment plans that address the whole person — biological, emotional, and environmental factors.
🔗 Learn More: Our Integrative Approach • Meet Dr. Stacey Forbes • Book a Consultation • Medication Management
Traditional psychiatry typically focuses on symptom management through medication and talk therapy. Integrative psychiatry includes those tools but adds a diagnostic layer: comprehensive lab work (hormones, inflammation markers, nutrient levels, genetic testing), nutritional psychiatry, and lifestyle medicine. The goal is to uncover WHY you feel the way you do — not just manage how you feel. For example, a traditional psychiatrist might prescribe an antidepressant for depression, while an integrative psychiatrist would also test for vitamin D deficiency, thyroid dysfunction, or chronic inflammation that could be driving the depression.
🔗 Learn More: Advanced Lab Testing • Root Causes of Depression • Nutrition & Mental Health • Hormones & Mental Health
Yes. Integrative psychiatry is grounded in peer-reviewed research and evidence-based medicine. It draws from functional medicine, nutritional psychiatry, psychopharmacology, and neuroscience. Key areas of research include the gut-brain axis, neuroinflammation, nutrigenomics, and the impact of micronutrient deficiencies on brain function. Practitioners like Dr. Stacey Forbes at Willow & Stone combine conventional psychiatric training with additional certification in integrative and functional approaches, ensuring every recommendation is supported by clinical evidence.
🔗 Learn More: About Dr. Forbes • Inflammation & Mental Health • Genetic Testing
Not necessarily. Integrative psychiatry doesn’t reject medication — it uses medication more precisely. By identifying root causes through lab testing, an integrative psychiatrist can determine whether medication is truly needed, choose the right medication using pharmacogenomic testing, and often reduce dosages by addressing underlying biological factors. Some patients are able to taper off medications over time; others find that combining medication with nutritional and lifestyle interventions produces better results than medication alone.
🔗 Learn More: Medication Management • Genetic Testing for Medication • Nutritional Psychiatry
Integrative psychiatry treats the same conditions as traditional psychiatry — depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, insomnia, and more — but with a broader diagnostic approach. It is especially effective for treatment-resistant depression (when standard antidepressants haven’t worked), complex cases involving multiple diagnoses, and patients who want to understand the root causes of their symptoms. At Willow & Stone, Dr. Forbes specializes in mood disorders, trauma, anxiety, ADHD, and the intersection of physical and mental health.
🔗 Learn More: Depression Treatment • Anxiety Treatment • ADHD Treatment • Trauma & PTSD • Schedule an Evaluation
An initial integrative psychiatric evaluation at Willow & Stone is typically 60-90 minutes — much longer than a standard 15-minute psychiatry visit. Dr. Forbes reviews your complete medical history, mental health history, family history, lifestyle factors (sleep, diet, exercise, stress), and current symptoms. She may order comprehensive lab work including thyroid panels, inflammatory markers, hormone levels, nutrient levels, and genetic testing. The goal is to build a complete picture of your biological, emotional, and environmental health before creating a personalized treatment plan.
🔗 Learn More: Book Your Evaluation • Lab Testing We Order • Genetic Testing • Telehealth Options
Many integrative psychiatry services are covered by insurance, depending on your plan. At Willow & Stone, we accept Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, UMR, TRICARE, and Cigna. The psychiatric evaluation and medication management components are typically covered. Some specialized lab tests may require prior authorization or may be billed separately. We recommend contacting your insurance provider with the CPT codes we provide to verify your specific coverage before your first appointment.
🔗 Learn More: Book a Consultation • Our Services • Telehealth Appointments
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) or advanced practice provider who diagnoses and treats mental health conditions, primarily through medication. An integrative psychiatrist has the same training plus additional expertise in functional medicine, nutritional psychiatry, and root-cause investigation. They use advanced lab testing to look beyond symptoms at biological drivers of mental illness. Dr. Stacey Forbes, DNP, PMHNP-BC at Willow & Stone is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with specialized training in integrative and functional approaches.
🔗 Learn More: Meet Dr. Forbes • Our Integrative Approach • Our Story
Yes. Willow & Stone offers secure telepsychiatry appointments across Texas, Louisiana, and Florida. All integrative psychiatric services — including initial evaluations, follow-up appointments, medication management, and lab result reviews — are available via telehealth. Lab work can be completed at a local Quest or Labcorp facility near you. Many patients find telehealth more convenient and equally effective, especially for ongoing care after an initial evaluation.
🔗 Learn More: Telepsychiatry Details • Book a Telehealth Appointment • Services We Offer
Common lab panels in integrative psychiatry include: complete thyroid panel (TSH, Free T3, Free T4, thyroid antibodies), inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR, homocysteine), hormone levels (cortisol, DHEA, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone), nutrient levels (vitamin D, B12, folate, ferritin, magnesium, zinc, omega-3 index), metabolic markers (fasting glucose, insulin, HbA1c), genetic/pharmacogenomic testing (like GeneSight), and sometimes organic acid testing or comprehensive stool analysis. The specific tests ordered depend on your symptoms and clinical presentation.
🔗 Learn More: Advanced Lab Consultation • Genetic Testing • Hormones & Mental Health • Inflammation Testing
Timelines vary based on your condition and treatment plan. Nutritional interventions (like correcting a vitamin D or B12 deficiency) can show improvement within 4-8 weeks. Medication adjustments guided by genetic testing often produce faster results because the right medication is selected from the start. Hormonal rebalancing may take 2-3 months. Complex, multi-system cases typically see meaningful improvement within 3-6 months. At Willow & Stone, follow-up appointments are scheduled regularly to track progress and adjust your plan.
🔗 Learn More: Medication Management • Nutrition & Brain Health • Genetic Testing
Integrative psychiatry is especially well-suited for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). When standard antidepressants haven’t worked, it’s often because there’s an underlying biological factor — such as chronic inflammation, thyroid dysfunction, methylation issues, hormonal imbalances, or nutrient deficiencies — that medication alone can’t address. By identifying and correcting these root causes, integrative psychiatry can help patients who have tried multiple medications without success. Pharmacogenomic testing can also reveal whether you’re metabolizing certain drugs too quickly or too slowly.
🔗 Learn More: Root Causes of Depression • Inflammation & Depression • Genetic Testing • Hormone Imbalances
Willow & Stone stands apart in three key ways: (1) Appointment length — initial evaluations are 60-90 minutes, not 15-minute med checks. (2) Root-cause diagnostics — comprehensive lab testing is standard, not optional. (3) Whole-person philosophy — every treatment plan integrates biological, emotional, and environmental factors. Founded by Dr. Stacey Forbes in Arlington, TX, the practice serves patients across Texas, Louisiana, and Florida through both in-person and telepsychiatry appointments. We accept major insurance and specialize in complex, treatment-resistant cases.
🔗 Learn More: Our Story • Meet Dr. Forbes • Book a Consultation • Telehealth Options
Dr. Stacey Forbes, DNP, PMHNP-BC, is the founder of Willow & Stone Integrative Mental Health in Arlington, Texas. She is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with advanced training in functional and integrative psychiatry. Dr. Forbes specializes in root-cause treatment for depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, and complex psychiatric conditions. Her approach combines evidence-based psychopharmacology with comprehensive lab testing, nutritional psychiatry, and trauma-informed care. She sees patients in-person in Arlington (DFW area) and via telehealth across Texas, Louisiana, and Florida.
🔗 Learn More: About Dr. Forbes • Our Integrative Approach • Trauma Therapy • Schedule an Appointment
Yes. Willow & Stone provides integrative psychiatric care for teens ages 12 and older, as well as adults. The same root-cause approach applies — lab testing, nutritional assessment, and whole-person evaluation — adapted for adolescent development. When booking for a minor, parents are asked to include the child’s age, primary concern, and note that the appointment is for a minor. Parental involvement is an important part of teen treatment planning.
🔗 Learn More: Book for a Teen • Our Services • Integrative Evaluation Process
Got more questions? Send us your enquiry below
Psychiatric medication management is the ongoing process of prescribing, monitoring, and adjusting psychiatric medications to ensure they are working effectively with minimal side effects. At Willow & Stone, medication management goes beyond standard prescribing — Dr. Forbes uses pharmacogenomic testing, lab work, and functional assessments to select medications based on your unique biology, not trial and error. Follow-up appointments monitor your response, adjust dosages, and address side effects proactively.
🔗 Learn More: Medication Management • Genetic Testing for Medications • Book an Appointment
Signs your medication is working include: gradual improvement in your target symptoms (not overnight), ability to function better in daily life, improved sleep quality, more stable mood, and reduced frequency or intensity of anxiety/depression episodes. It typically takes 4-8 weeks for most psychiatric medications to reach full effect. If you’ve been on a medication for 8+ weeks with no improvement, or if side effects are significantly impacting your quality of life, it may be time for a medication evaluation. At Willow & Stone, we use rating scales and lab markers to objectively track progress.
🔗 Learn More: Medication Management • Genetic Testing • Root Causes of Depression
Pharmacogenomic testing analyzes your DNA to predict how your body metabolizes psychiatric medications. Tests like GeneSight examine genes related to drug metabolism (CYP450 enzymes), serotonin transport, and other pharmacological pathways. Results categorize medications into green (use as directed), yellow (use with caution), and red (significant gene-drug interaction) categories. This helps your psychiatrist choose medications more likely to work for you and avoid ones likely to cause side effects. At Willow & Stone, genetic testing is a standard part of the integrative evaluation when clinically indicated.
🔗 Learn More: Genetic Testing & Mental Health • Medication Management • Integrative Evaluation
Never stop psychiatric medication abruptly without medical guidance — many medications require a gradual taper to avoid withdrawal symptoms or relapse. If you want to explore reducing or discontinuing medication, an integrative psychiatrist can help. At Willow & Stone, Dr. Forbes works with patients who want to taper medications by first addressing root causes (nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, inflammation) so your brain and body are supported during the transition. Medication tapering is always done gradually and with close monitoring.
🔗 Learn More: Medication Management • Nutritional Psychiatry • Hormones & Mental Health
When an antidepressant stops working — sometimes called ‘antidepressant poop-out’ or tachyphylaxis — several factors may be at play: your body may have developed tolerance, a new stressor may be overwhelming your current treatment, underlying biological factors (thyroid changes, inflammation, hormonal shifts) may have emerged, or the original diagnosis may have been incomplete. Integrative psychiatry addresses this by re-evaluating the whole picture with updated lab work, not just switching to another medication.
🔗 Learn More: Root Causes of Depression • Inflammation & Mood • Hormone Testing • Lab Testing
Common side effects vary by medication class. SSRIs (like sertraline, fluoxetine) may cause nausea, sexual dysfunction, weight changes, and insomnia or drowsiness. SNRIs (like venlafaxine, duloxetine) may add elevated blood pressure. Stimulants for ADHD can cause appetite suppression, insomnia, and increased heart rate. Mood stabilizers may affect thyroid or kidney function. At Willow & Stone, we minimize side effects through precise prescribing — using genetic testing to match medications to your metabolism, starting at low doses, and monitoring labs regularly.
🔗 Learn More: Medication Management • Genetic Testing • ADHD Beyond Stimulants
Integrative psychiatry reduces medication dependence by treating the underlying causes of symptoms, not just the symptoms themselves. When inflammation is reduced through anti-inflammatory nutrition, when nutrient deficiencies are corrected, when hormones are balanced, and when gut health is optimized, the brain often requires less pharmacological support. This doesn’t mean medication is wrong — it means medication works better and sometimes at lower doses when the biological foundation is addressed. All changes are made gradually under medical supervision.
🔗 Learn More: Our Integrative Approach • Nutrition & Brain Health • Inflammation & Mental Health • Hormones & Mental Health
Only psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners (like Dr. Stacey Forbes, PMHNP-BC) can prescribe and manage psychiatric medications. Therapists (psychologists, licensed counselors, social workers) provide talk therapy but cannot prescribe medication in most states. Many patients benefit from both — a psychiatrist managing medications and a therapist providing ongoing counseling. At Willow & Stone, Dr. Forbes handles psychiatric evaluation, diagnosis, medication management, and integrative treatment planning, and can coordinate with your existing therapist.
🔗 Learn More: About Dr. Forbes • Integrative Evaluation • Our Services
Appointment frequency depends on your stage of treatment. During initial stabilization (first 1-3 months), appointments are typically every 2-4 weeks to monitor your response and adjust medications. Once stable, follow-up appointments move to every 1-3 months. At Willow & Stone, follow-ups also include reviewing any lab results, assessing nutritional and lifestyle factors, and adjusting the integrative plan. Telehealth makes it convenient to maintain regular appointments without disrupting your schedule.
🔗 Learn More: Medication Management • Telehealth Appointments • Book an Appointment
Many psychiatric medications are safe for long-term use when properly monitored. However, long-term use should include regular check-ins, periodic lab work (especially for medications affecting thyroid, kidney, or liver function), and ongoing evaluation of whether the medication is still necessary. At Willow & Stone, we periodically reassess every patient’s treatment plan. Some patients need lifelong medication support, and that’s completely valid. Others may be candidates for dose reduction once underlying biological factors are addressed.
🔗 Learn More: Medication Management • Lab Testing • Integrative Approach
Bring or be prepared to discuss: your current symptoms and how long you’ve had them, all current medications (including supplements), previous psychiatric medications and your experience with them, your medical history (especially thyroid, autoimmune, or hormonal conditions), family mental health history, sleep patterns, diet and exercise habits, substance use history, any traumatic experiences, and what your treatment goals are. At Willow & Stone, the initial 60-90 minute evaluation is designed to capture all of this information so nothing gets overlooked.
🔗 Learn More: What to Expect at Your Evaluation • Book Your First Appointment • Our Approach
Minimal effective dosing is the practice of using the lowest medication dose that produces therapeutic benefit. Many psychiatry practices default to standard or maximum doses, but integrative psychiatrists like Dr. Forbes at Willow & Stone prioritize finding the dose that works for YOUR body — informed by genetic testing, lab work, and clinical response. Combined with functional medicine interventions that address root causes, lower medication doses are often sufficient, reducing side effects while maintaining symptom control.
🔗 Learn More: Medication Management • Genetic Testing • Nutritional Psychiatry
Got more questions? Send us your enquiry below
Depression is rarely caused by a single factor. Root causes can include: chronic inflammation (elevated CRP, cytokines), nutrient deficiencies (vitamin D, B12, folate, magnesium, zinc, omega-3s), thyroid dysfunction (even ‘subclinical’ levels), hormonal imbalances (cortisol, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone), gut microbiome disruption (the gut-brain axis), unresolved trauma, genetic factors affecting neurotransmitter metabolism (MTHFR, COMT variants), blood sugar dysregulation, and chronic stress. At Willow & Stone, Dr. Forbes tests for ALL of these — not just checks a symptom checklist.
🔗 Learn More: Inflammation & Depression • Hormones & Depression • Nutrition & Brain Health • Genetic Testing • Lab Testing
Yes. Research increasingly shows that chronic low-grade inflammation is a significant driver of depression. Inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6, and TNF-alpha have been found elevated in many patients with depression. Inflammation can reduce serotonin production, increase glutamate (which is neurotoxic in excess), damage neuroplasticity, and disrupt the HPA axis. This is why some patients with depression don’t respond to standard antidepressants — their depression is driven by inflammation, not a serotonin deficiency.
🔗 Learn More: Inflammation & Mental Health • Root Causes of Depression • Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is generally defined as depression that hasn’t improved after trying at least two different antidepressant medications at adequate doses for adequate durations (typically 6-8 weeks each). About 30% of people with major depression have TRD. Integrative psychiatry offers a different approach — rather than trying a third, fourth, or fifth medication, it investigates WHY medications aren’t working by testing for biological factors like inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, genetic medication metabolism issues, and thyroid dysfunction.
🔗 Learn More: Our Integrative Approach • Lab Testing • Medication Management • Genetic Testing
Yes. Multiple nutrient deficiencies are directly linked to depression. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with a 2-3x higher risk of depression. Low B12 and folate impair methylation, which is essential for producing serotonin and dopamine. Magnesium deficiency affects GABA receptor function (your brain’s calming neurotransmitter). Zinc deficiency is linked to treatment-resistant depression. Low omega-3 fatty acids reduce neuronal membrane fluidity and increase inflammation. At Willow & Stone, nutrient testing is a standard part of the integrative evaluation for depression.
🔗 Learn More: Nutrition & Mental Health • Lab Testing • Root Causes of Depression
Absolutely. The gut produces approximately 95% of your body’s serotonin and communicates with the brain via the vagus nerve (the gut-brain axis). Gut dysbiosis (imbalanced gut bacteria), intestinal permeability (‘leaky gut’), and chronic GI inflammation can directly contribute to depression by reducing neurotransmitter production, increasing systemic inflammation, and impairing nutrient absorption. An integrative psychiatrist may assess gut health through symptom evaluation, organic acid testing, or comprehensive stool analysis as part of a depression workup.
🔗 Learn More: Nutrition & the Gut-Brain Axis • Inflammation & Mood • Nutritional Psychiatry
Feeling depressed despite having a ‘good life’ is incredibly common and valid. Depression is not a character flaw or a proportional response to circumstances — it’s often a biological condition. You may have underlying inflammation, a thyroid producing slightly less hormone than your brain needs, a genetic variant affecting serotonin recycling, a nutrient deficiency impairing neurotransmitter production, or hormonal changes affecting brain chemistry. This is exactly why integrative psychiatry is so valuable — it looks for the biological ‘why’ behind feelings that don’t match your life circumstances.
🔗 Learn More: Root Causes of Depression • Integrative Evaluation • Book a Consultation
Depression has a genetic component but is not determined by genes alone. Having a first-degree relative with depression increases your risk by 2-3x. Specific gene variants — like MTHFR (affecting methylation/folate metabolism), COMT (affecting dopamine breakdown), and serotonin transporter gene variants — can influence susceptibility. However, gene expression is influenced by environment, nutrition, stress, and lifestyle (epigenetics). At Willow & Stone, genetic testing helps identify your specific vulnerabilities so treatment can be precisely targeted.
🔗 Learn More: Genetic Testing & Mental Health • Root Causes of Depression • Our Integrative Approach
Yes. Hormonal imbalances are a frequently overlooked cause of depression, especially in women. Low estrogen (perimenopause, postpartum), low progesterone, thyroid dysfunction, elevated cortisol (chronic stress), low testosterone (in both men and women), and DHEA deficiency can all manifest as depression. Hormonal depression often doesn’t respond well to antidepressants alone because the root cause is endocrine, not neurochemical. An integrative psychiatrist can identify hormonal contributions through comprehensive lab work and address them alongside other treatments.
🔗 Learn More: Hormones & Mental Health • Lab Testing • Root Causes of Depression
There is no single ‘best’ natural treatment because depression has multiple potential causes. Evidence-based natural approaches include: omega-3 fatty acids (EPA specifically, 1-2g/day), vitamin D supplementation (if deficient), methylfolate (especially for MTHFR variants), magnesium glycinate, regular exercise (30+ minutes, 4-5x/week), anti-inflammatory diet (Mediterranean-style), adequate sleep hygiene, and mindfulness meditation. However, natural does not mean ‘instead of’ — at Willow & Stone, Dr. Forbes integrates these with conventional treatment for optimal results, not as replacements for necessary medication.
🔗 Learn More: Nutrition & Mental Health • Medication Management • Integrative Approach
Consider seeking evaluation if: your symptoms have persisted for more than two weeks, you’re having difficulty functioning at work or in relationships, you’ve lost interest in things you used to enjoy, your sleep or appetite has significantly changed, or you’re having thoughts of self-harm. Mild, situational depression may resolve with lifestyle changes and time. Moderate to severe depression — especially with biological drivers — often benefits from medication combined with root-cause treatment. At Willow & Stone, the integrative evaluation determines whether medication is needed and what else should be addressed.
🔗 Learn More: Medication Management • Integrative Evaluation • Book a Consultation
Got more questions? Send us your enquiry below
Functional medicine identifies several biological drivers of anxiety beyond the ‘chemical imbalance’ model: magnesium deficiency (affects GABA, your calming neurotransmitter), blood sugar dysregulation (hypoglycemia triggers adrenaline surges that mimic panic), thyroid dysfunction (hyperthyroidism and Hashimoto’s both cause anxiety), gut dysbiosis (gut bacteria produce neurotransmitters), chronic inflammation, elevated cortisol from HPA axis dysfunction, histamine intolerance, and nutrient deficiencies (B6, zinc, iron). At Willow & Stone, anxiety treatment starts with testing — not guessing.
🔗 Learn More: Anxiety Treatment • Lab Testing • Nutrition & Mental Health • Hormones & Mental Health
Yes. Many physical conditions cause or worsen anxiety, including: hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, blood sugar instability (reactive hypoglycemia), iron deficiency anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency, heart arrhythmias, histamine intolerance, chronic pain conditions, hormonal fluctuations (perimenopause, PMS, postpartum), and even certain medications. This is why an integrative approach that includes lab work is so important — treating ‘anxiety’ with an SSRI when the real cause is a thyroid condition won’t produce lasting improvement.
🔗 Learn More: Integrative Anxiety Treatment • Hormone Imbalances • Advanced Lab Testing
There is no single ‘best’ anxiety medication — the right choice depends on your type of anxiety, biology, genetics, and other health factors. SSRIs (like sertraline, escitalopram) are first-line for generalized anxiety and panic disorder. SNRIs (like venlafaxine, duloxetine) are effective for anxiety with co-occurring depression. Buspirone is a non-addictive option for generalized anxiety. Benzodiazepines provide short-term relief but carry dependency risks. At Willow & Stone, pharmacogenomic testing helps identify which medication is most likely to work for your specific genetic makeup.
🔗 Learn More: Medication Management • Genetic Testing • Book a Consultation
Research supports magnesium supplementation for anxiety, particularly in individuals who are deficient — and an estimated 50% of Americans don’t get adequate magnesium. Magnesium regulates GABA receptors (your brain’s primary calming system), modulates the HPA axis (stress response), and reduces cortisol. Magnesium glycinate and magnesium threonate are the forms best studied for neurological benefits. However, magnesium works best as part of a comprehensive plan, not as a standalone treatment. At Willow & Stone, magnesium levels are tested as part of the integrative anxiety workup.
🔗 Learn More: Nutrition & Brain Health • Anxiety Treatment • Nutritional Psychiatry
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) involves persistent, excessive worry across multiple areas of life that lasts for months. Panic disorder involves sudden, intense episodes (panic attacks) with physical symptoms — racing heart, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, tingling — that peak within minutes and can feel like a heart attack. You can have both. Some panic-like symptoms can also be caused by medical conditions (thyroid issues, blood sugar drops, cardiac arrhythmias), which is why a thorough evaluation including lab work is essential before establishing a treatment plan.
🔗 Learn More: Anxiety Treatment • Integrative Evaluation • Lab Testing
Absolutely. Anxiety commonly causes: heart palpitations, chest tightness, shortness of breath, dizziness, GI distress (nausea, IBS symptoms, stomach pain), muscle tension, headaches, fatigue, insomnia, trembling, numbness or tingling, and frequent urination. These physical symptoms are caused by activation of the sympathetic nervous system (fight-or-flight response) and chronically elevated cortisol. Many patients visit emergency rooms or multiple specialists before discovering anxiety is the cause — or that a physical condition is causing anxiety-like symptoms.
🔗 Learn More: Anxiety Treatment • Hormones & Mental Health • Inflammation & Mental Health
Anxiety has a genetic component — if a first-degree relative has an anxiety disorder, your risk is 2-6 times higher. Specific genetic factors include variations in the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR), COMT gene (affecting stress hormone metabolism), GABA receptor genes, and MTHFR variants (affecting methylation and neurotransmitter production). However, genetics load the gun and environment pulls the trigger. Epigenetic factors — trauma, chronic stress, diet, toxin exposure — determine whether genetic predispositions are activated.
🔗 Learn More: Genetic Testing • Anxiety Treatment • Our Integrative Approach
Both medication and therapy are effective for anxiety, and many patients benefit from both. Consider medication evaluation if: your anxiety is severe enough to impair daily functioning, physical symptoms are prominent (panic attacks, insomnia, GI distress), therapy alone hasn’t been sufficient after several months, or you have co-occurring depression. Consider therapy first if: your anxiety is mild to moderate, related to identifiable triggers, or you prefer non-medication approaches. At Willow & Stone, we also evaluate whether biological factors (thyroid, nutrients, hormones) are contributing — because fixing those may reduce the need for either.
🔗 Learn More: Medication Management • Integrative Evaluation • Book a Consultation
Yes. Dietary changes that research supports for anxiety reduction include: eliminating or reducing caffeine, stabilizing blood sugar (protein and fat with every meal), increasing omega-3 fatty acids, consuming magnesium-rich foods (dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds), supporting gut health (fermented foods, prebiotic fiber), and reducing alcohol. A Mediterranean-style diet has been shown in clinical trials to reduce anxiety symptoms by up to 33%. At Willow & Stone, nutritional guidance is part of every treatment plan.
🔗 Learn More: Nutrition & Brain Health • Nutritional Psychiatry • Anxiety Treatment
The gut and brain are connected via the gut-brain axis — a bidirectional communication network involving the vagus nerve, the immune system, and microbial metabolites. Your gut produces approximately 50% of your body’s dopamine and 95% of your serotonin. Gut dysbiosis can increase systemic inflammation, impair neurotransmitter production, and activate the immune system — all of which can trigger or worsen anxiety. Research has shown that specific probiotic strains can reduce anxiety symptoms.
🔗 Learn More: Nutrition & the Gut-Brain Axis • Inflammation & Mental Health • Anxiety Treatment
Got more questions? Send us your enquiry below
Trauma-informed psychiatry recognizes that trauma — including childhood adversity, abuse, neglect, accidents, medical trauma, and complex relational trauma — shapes brain development, nervous system regulation, and mental health across the lifespan. Rather than asking ‘What’s wrong with you?’, trauma-informed care asks ‘What happened to you?’ Treatment integrates understanding of how trauma affects biology (cortisol dysregulation, inflammation, nervous system hyperactivation) with therapeutic modalities like EMDR, somatic therapy, and ego-state therapy.
🔗 Learn More: Trauma-Informed Care • Intensive Trauma Therapy • Inflammation & Mental Health • Book a Consultation
Intensive trauma therapy condenses months of weekly therapy into 1-3 consecutive days of focused treatment. At Willow & Stone, intensive trauma therapy combines EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), somatic work (body-based processing), and ego-state therapy in extended sessions. This format is effective because trauma processing builds momentum — working for 3-6 hours per day allows deeper access to traumatic material than 50-minute weekly sessions. Intensive formats have been shown to produce results equivalent to months of traditional therapy in a fraction of the time.
🔗 Learn More: Intensive Trauma Therapy • Trauma-Informed Psychiatry • Schedule a Consultation
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based psychotherapy for trauma and PTSD. It uses bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones) while you recall traumatic memories, which helps the brain reprocess and integrate those memories so they no longer trigger intense emotional and physical reactions. Over 30 randomized controlled trials support EMDR’s effectiveness — it is recommended by the WHO, the APA, and the VA as a first-line treatment for PTSD.
🔗 Learn More: Intensive Trauma Therapy (includes EMDR) • Trauma-Informed Psychiatry • Book a Session
Yes. The landmark ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) study showed that childhood trauma significantly increases risk for heart disease, autoimmune disorders, chronic pain, obesity, substance use disorders, and shortened lifespan. Trauma causes chronic activation of the stress response (HPA axis), leading to elevated cortisol, chronic inflammation, immune dysregulation, and altered brain structure. This is why treating trauma requires addressing both the psychological and biological impact.
🔗 Learn More: Trauma-Informed Psychiatry • Inflammation & Mental Health • Hormones & Stress • Integrative Approach
PTSD typically results from a single traumatic event or time-limited series of events (combat, accident, assault) and includes flashbacks, avoidance, hypervigilance, and nightmares. Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) results from prolonged, repeated trauma — often in childhood or in situations where you couldn’t escape (ongoing abuse, neglect, domestic violence). C-PTSD includes all PTSD symptoms PLUS difficulty regulating emotions, negative self-concept (shame, worthlessness), and relationship difficulties. C-PTSD often requires longer, more nuanced treatment that addresses attachment wounds alongside trauma memories.
🔗 Learn More: Trauma-Informed Psychiatry • Intensive Trauma Therapy • Medication for Trauma
Yes. Many people with PTSD or C-PTSD don’t recognize their symptoms as trauma-related. Common signs include: chronic anxiety or hypervigilance that seems to have no cause, difficulty trusting people, emotional numbness, insomnia or nightmares, strong physical reactions to certain triggers, chronic muscle tension or pain, difficulty concentrating, and using substances to numb emotions. If you experienced childhood adversity, abuse, neglect, or any event that felt life-threatening, trauma-informed evaluation is recommended.
🔗 Learn More: Trauma-Informed Psychiatry • Integrative Evaluation • Anxiety Treatment
FDA-approved medications for PTSD include sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil), both SSRIs. Prazosin is commonly prescribed for trauma-related nightmares. However, medication alone is generally less effective for PTSD than therapy (EMDR, CPT, PE) or combined treatment. At Willow & Stone, Dr. Forbes takes an integrative approach — using medication when needed to stabilize symptoms enough to engage in trauma processing, while also addressing biological factors that maintain the trauma response.
🔗 Learn More: Medication Management • Trauma-Informed Psychiatry • Intensive Trauma Therapy • Genetic Testing
Duration varies based on trauma type and severity. Single-incident PTSD often responds to 8-12 sessions of EMDR or an intensive therapy format (1-3 days). Complex PTSD from prolonged childhood trauma typically requires longer treatment — often 6-18 months of regular therapy. Willow & Stone offers intensive trauma therapy (1-3 day format) for accelerated processing. The integrative component (addressing inflammation, cortisol, nutrition) supports faster nervous system healing alongside psychological processing.
🔗 Learn More: Intensive Trauma Therapy • Trauma-Informed Psychiatry • Nutrition & Healing • Book a Consultation
Got more questions? Send us your enquiry below
Genetic testing for mental health (pharmacogenomics) analyzes your DNA to determine how your body processes psychiatric medications. Tests like GeneSight, Genomind, and others examine genes involved in drug metabolism (CYP450 enzymes like CYP2D6, CYP2C19), neurotransmitter function (SLC6A4, COMT), and other pharmacological pathways. Results help psychiatrists predict which medications will work best for you, which may cause side effects, and which to avoid — replacing the traditional trial-and-error approach with precision medicine.
🔗 Learn More: Genetic Testing • Medication Management • Integrative Evaluation
GeneSight and similar pharmacogenomic tests are most valuable if: you’ve tried multiple medications without success, you’ve experienced significant side effects, you’re starting psychiatric medication for the first time, or you have a family history of poor medication responses. Studies show patients whose providers used GeneSight results were 50% more likely to respond to treatment. At Willow & Stone, genetic testing is one piece of a comprehensive evaluation — combined with lab work, clinical assessment, and functional medicine testing.
🔗 Learn More: Genetic Testing • Lab Testing • Integrative Approach • Book a Consultation
The MTHFR gene provides instructions for making the enzyme that converts folate into its active form (methylfolate), essential for producing serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. About 40% of the population carries at least one MTHFR variant (C677T or A1298C). People with MTHFR variants may have impaired methylation, leading to lower neurotransmitter production and higher homocysteine levels (linked to depression). Treatment often includes methylfolate supplementation (L-methylfolate), which enhances antidepressant response in people with this variant.
🔗 Learn More: Genetic Testing • Root Causes of Depression • Nutrition & Mental Health
The COMT (catechol-O-methyltransferase) gene controls how quickly your brain breaks down dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine — your stress and focus neurotransmitters. The Val/Val variant breaks them down quickly (potentially leading to lower dopamine and focus issues). The Met/Met variant breaks them down slowly (potentially leading to excess catecholamines, manifesting as anxiety, overthinking, and stress sensitivity). Understanding your COMT status helps an integrative psychiatrist tailor treatment — from medication selection to specific nutrients that support optimal COMT function.
🔗 Learn More: Genetic Testing • Anxiety Treatment • ADHD Treatment
Costs vary by test and insurance coverage. GeneSight is covered by many insurance plans, including Medicare, and the company offers a financial assistance program capping out-of-pocket costs at $330. Other pharmacogenomic tests range from $200-$500 out-of-pocket. Many patients find the investment worthwhile because it reduces the time and cost of trial-and-error prescribing — the average patient tries 2-3 medications before finding one that works. At Willow & Stone, we help navigate insurance coverage for genetic testing.
🔗 Learn More: Genetic Testing • Insurance & Booking • Medication Management
Pharmacogenomic tests like GeneSight are designed to predict medication response, not disease risk. However, broader genetic panels can identify variants (like MTHFR, COMT, MAO-A, 5-HTTLPR) that indicate higher susceptibility to certain conditions. This information is useful for prevention and early intervention. At Willow & Stone, genetic testing is used both for medication optimization and to understand your unique biological predispositions as part of a personalized treatment plan.
🔗 Learn More: Genetic Testing • Depression Treatment • Anxiety Treatment • Integrative Approach
Genetic testing before starting psychiatric medication is increasingly recommended, especially if you have: no prior medication history, a history of side effects, a family history of poor medication responses, complex diagnoses, or treatment-resistant conditions. The American Psychiatric Association acknowledges pharmacogenomics as a useful clinical tool. At Willow & Stone, Dr. Forbes often recommends genetic testing as part of the initial integrative evaluation to inform the entire treatment plan from day one.
🔗 Learn More: Genetic Testing • Medication Management • Book Your Evaluation
Got more questions? Send us your enquiry below
Nutritional psychiatry is an evidence-based field that examines how diet, nutrients, and gut health affect brain function and mental health. It recognizes that the brain — which uses 20% of your caloric intake — requires specific nutrients to produce neurotransmitters, maintain neuronal membranes, manage inflammation, and support energy metabolism. At Willow & Stone, nutritional psychiatry is integrated into every treatment plan through lab testing for nutrient deficiencies, dietary guidance, and targeted supplementation when indicated.
🔗 Learn More: Nutritional Psychiatry • Nutrition & Nutrients Guide • Lab Testing • Our Integrative Approach
Evidence-based supplements for mental health include: Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA, 1-2g/day), Vitamin D (if deficient), Methylfolate/L-methylfolate (especially for MTHFR variants), Magnesium glycinate, Zinc, B-complex vitamins, Probiotics (specific strains), and NAC (N-acetylcysteine). Always consult a practitioner before starting supplements — they can interact with medications.
🔗 Learn More: Nutrition & Mental Health • Genetic Testing (MTHFR) • Medication Interactions
Yes, significantly. The SMILES trial (2017) demonstrated that dietary intervention alone improved depression symptoms in 32% of participants vs 8% in the control group. A Mediterranean-style diet is the most studied dietary pattern for mental health. Conversely, a Western diet high in processed foods is associated with 60% higher depression risk. At Willow & Stone, dietary assessment is part of every evaluation because food is foundational to brain chemistry.
🔗 Learn More: Nutritional Psychiatry • Depression Treatment • Anxiety Treatment • Inflammation & Diet
The gut-brain axis is the bidirectional communication network between your gastrointestinal tract and your brain. It operates through the vagus nerve, the immune system, microbial metabolites, and the enteric nervous system (‘second brain’). Your gut contains over 100 million neurons, produces 95% of your serotonin and 50% of your dopamine, and houses 70-80% of your immune system. Disruptions to gut health can directly impact mood, cognition, and anxiety levels.
🔗 Learn More: Nutrition & Mental Health • Inflammation & Mental Health • Depression Root Causes • Anxiety Treatment
Research suggests yes. High sugar consumption causes rapid blood glucose spikes and crashes that trigger cortisol and adrenaline release. Chronic high sugar intake promotes neuroinflammation, disrupts the gut microbiome, depletes B vitamins and magnesium, and contributes to insulin resistance. A 2017 study found men consuming over 67g of sugar daily had a 23% higher risk of developing depression over 5 years compared to those consuming under 40g.
🔗 Learn More: Nutrition & Mental Health • Inflammation & Mood • Root Causes of Depression
The most evidence-based brain-supporting foods include: fatty fish (omega-3s), dark leafy greens (folate, magnesium), berries (antioxidants), nuts and seeds (vitamin E, zinc, magnesium), eggs (choline), fermented foods (gut health), olive oil (anti-inflammatory polyphenols), dark chocolate (flavonoids), turmeric (curcumin), and legumes (B vitamins, fiber). At Willow & Stone, nutritional guidance is tailored based on YOUR specific lab results and deficiencies.
🔗 Learn More: Nutrition & Mental Health • Nutritional Psychiatry • Lab-Based Nutrition Testing
Emerging research supports specific probiotic strains (‘psychobiotics’) for mental health. Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium longum have shown anxiety-reducing effects in clinical trials. However, probiotics are not one-size-fits-all — the best approach depends on your specific gut health status. At Willow & Stone, gut health is evaluated as part of the integrative workup when GI symptoms or treatment resistance suggest gut-brain axis involvement.
🔗 Learn More: Nutrition & Gut Health • Anxiety Treatment • Depression Root Causes
Blood sugar instability directly impacts mental health. Reactive hypoglycemia triggers cortisol and adrenaline, causing symptoms identical to panic attacks. Chronically elevated blood sugar promotes neuroinflammation, reduces BDNF (needed for neuroplasticity), and is associated with higher rates of depression and cognitive decline. At Willow & Stone, fasting glucose, insulin, and HbA1c are tested as part of the metabolic assessment in the integrative evaluation.
🔗 Learn More: Nutritional Psychiatry • Lab Testing • Anxiety & Physical Symptoms • Inflammation & Mood
Got more questions? Send us your enquiry below
Yes. Hormonal imbalances are among the most underdiagnosed causes of mood and anxiety disorders. Estrogen decline reduces serotonin and GABA. Low progesterone impairs GABA receptor activation. Thyroid dysfunction can cause depression, anxiety, fatigue, and brain fog. Elevated cortisol from chronic stress disrupts sleep, mood, and immune function. Low testosterone is linked to depression, low motivation, and cognitive decline. An integrative psychiatrist tests hormone levels as standard practice.
🔗 Learn More: Hormones & Mental Health • Lab Testing • Depression Treatment • Anxiety Treatment
Yes. The perimenopause-to-menopause transition involves significant fluctuations and eventual decline in estrogen and progesterone — both with direct effects on neurotransmitter systems. Women are 2-4 times more likely to experience depression during perimenopause. Symptoms often include mood swings, anxiety, insomnia, brain fog, irritability, and loss of motivation. Standard antidepressants may help but often don’t fully resolve symptoms because the root cause is hormonal.
🔗 Learn More: Hormones & Mental Health • Root Causes of Depression • Medication Management • Book a Consultation
Absolutely. Thyroid dysfunction is one of the most common physical causes of psychiatric symptoms. Hypothyroidism causes depression, fatigue, brain fog, and cognitive slowing. Hyperthyroidism causes anxiety, insomnia, irritability, and panic-like symptoms. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis can cause cycling between hypo and hyper symptoms. Critically, many patients have ‘normal’ TSH but abnormal Free T3, Free T4, or thyroid antibodies — which are only caught with a complete thyroid panel.
🔗 Learn More: Hormones & Mental Health • Advanced Lab Testing • Depression Treatment • Anxiety Treatment
Cortisol is your primary stress hormone, produced by the adrenal glands. In healthy amounts, cortisol helps you wake up, respond to challenges, and regulate inflammation. Chronic stress causes persistently elevated cortisol, leading to: anxiety, insomnia, depression, impaired memory, weight gain, immune suppression, blood sugar dysregulation, and reduced serotonin production. Eventually, chronic stress can lead to HPA axis dysfunction where cortisol output drops — causing profound fatigue, brain fog, and emotional flatness.
🔗 Learn More: Hormones & Mental Health • Inflammation & Stress • Trauma & PTSD
Yes. Low testosterone in men is associated with depression, irritability, fatigue, reduced motivation, cognitive decline, insomnia, and loss of interest in activities. Testosterone supports dopamine signaling, neuroplasticity, and serotonin receptor sensitivity. Depression and low testosterone can create a vicious cycle — depression reduces testosterone, and low testosterone worsens depression. Men with depression should have testosterone levels checked, especially if they also experience fatigue, decreased libido, or difficulty concentrating.
🔗 Learn More: Hormones & Mental Health • Root Causes of Depression • Lab Testing • Book a Consultation
Postpartum depression (PPD) is strongly linked to the dramatic hormonal shifts after delivery. Estrogen and progesterone drop by over 100-fold within 48 hours of birth. This disrupts serotonin, GABA, and HPA axis function. Additional risk factors include: thyroid dysfunction (postpartum thyroiditis affects 5-10% of women), depleted nutrients (iron, B12, folate, DHA), inflammation, sleep deprivation, and genetic vulnerability (MTHFR variants). At Willow & Stone, PPD treatment addresses the hormonal and nutritional contributions alongside psychiatric care.
🔗 Learn More: Hormones & Mental Health • Nutrition & Mental Health • Genetic Testing • Medication Management
Yes. If antidepressants aren’t working adequately, undiagnosed hormonal imbalances are a common reason. A comprehensive hormone panel should include: complete thyroid, cortisol, estrogen and progesterone (for women), testosterone (both sexes), DHEA-S, and insulin. At Willow & Stone, this lab work is standard for patients with incomplete medication response. Correcting an underlying hormonal imbalance often significantly improves response to existing psychiatric treatment.
🔗 Learn More: Advanced Lab Testing • Hormones & Mental Health • Medication Management • Book a Consultation
Got more questions? Send us your enquiry below
Yes. Neuroinflammation is increasingly recognized as a key driver of depression, anxiety, brain fog, and treatment resistance. Inflammatory cytokines cross the blood-brain barrier and disrupt neurotransmitter production, impair neuroplasticity, and activate brain immune cells in ways that damage neural circuits. Up to 30% of depression cases may be primarily inflammation-driven — which explains why they don’t respond to standard antidepressants targeting serotonin alone.
🔗 Learn More: Inflammation & Mental Health • Root Causes of Depression • Lab Testing • Nutrition & Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Common causes of neuroinflammation include: chronic stress, poor diet (processed foods, refined sugar, industrial seed oils), gut dysbiosis and intestinal permeability, chronic infections, autoimmune conditions, obesity, sleep deprivation, environmental toxins, traumatic brain injury, and chronic alcohol use. Genetic variants can also predispose individuals to excessive inflammatory responses.
🔗 Learn More: Inflammation & Mental Health • Nutrition & Brain Health • Hormones & Stress • Trauma & Mental Health
Key inflammatory markers include: high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), homocysteine, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), ferritin, and omega-3 index. In some cases, cytokine panels (IL-6, TNF-alpha) are ordered. At Willow & Stone, Dr. Forbes orders targeted inflammatory markers based on your symptoms and clinical presentation as part of the comprehensive lab workup.
🔗 Learn More: Advanced Lab Testing • Inflammation & Mental Health • Integrative Evaluation
Research strongly supports anti-inflammatory dietary patterns for depression. The SMILES trial showed a Mediterranean-style diet produced significant depression improvement in just 12 weeks. Anti-inflammatory foods reduce systemic cytokines, support gut microbiome diversity, provide essential nutrients for neurotransmitter production, and reduce oxidative stress. At Willow & Stone, dietary guidance is personalized based on your inflammation markers and nutritional testing.
🔗 Learn More: Nutrition & Mental Health • Nutritional Psychiatry • Root Causes of Depression • Inflammation & Mental Health
Autoimmune conditions significantly increase depression risk — by 45% according to meta-analyses. Conditions like Hashimoto’s, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and celiac disease involve chronic immune activation and elevated inflammatory cytokines that directly affect brain function. Some researchers propose that a subset of depression cases are themselves autoimmune in nature.
🔗 Learn More: Inflammation & Mental Health • Hormones & Thyroid • Lab Testing • Depression Treatment
Yes. Chronic psychological stress activates the HPA axis and sympathetic nervous system, increasing inflammatory cytokines, disrupting the gut barrier, impairing immune regulation, and shifting the microbiome toward inflammatory species. This creates a vicious cycle: stress causes inflammation, and inflammation changes brain chemistry in ways that increase vulnerability to more stress, anxiety, and depression. Breaking this cycle requires addressing both the psychological stress and the biological inflammation.
🔗 Learn More: Inflammation & Mental Health • Trauma & Stress • Hormones & Cortisol • Nutrition & Healing
Approximately 30-50% of patients don’t respond adequately to their first antidepressant. Common reasons include: inflammation-driven depression, incorrect diagnosis (bipolar, thyroid, hormonal causes), genetic factors affecting medication metabolism, nutrient deficiencies impairing neurotransmitter production, unresolved trauma, and gut dysfunction impairing serotonin production. Integrative psychiatry at Willow & Stone systematically investigates all of these factors when standard treatment hasn’t worked.
🔗 Learn More: Medication Management • Genetic Testing • Root Causes of Depression • Integrative Approach • Book a Consultation
Got more questions? Send us your enquiry below
Adult ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity that began in childhood and continue to cause functional impairment. It affects approximately 4-5% of adults, though many are undiagnosed — especially women and high-performing individuals. Adult ADHD commonly presents as difficulty with focus, organization, time management, emotional regulation, working memory, and task completion.
🔗 Learn More: ADHD Treatment • Integrative Evaluation • Book a Consultation
Yes. While stimulant medications are the most studied ADHD treatments, several non-stimulant approaches are effective. Non-stimulant medications include atomoxetine, guanfacine, and bupropion. Integrative approaches include: omega-3 supplementation, iron and ferritin optimization, zinc supplementation, addressing sleep disorders, exercise (30+ minutes produces effects comparable to low-dose stimulants), and elimination of food sensitivities. At Willow & Stone, the approach is to address underlying factors first and use the minimum effective medication.
🔗 Learn More: ADHD Beyond Stimulants • Nutrition & Brain Health • Medication Management • Lab Testing
Several conditions present with ADHD-like symptoms: anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, thyroid dysfunction, bipolar disorder, PTSD/C-PTSD, iron deficiency anemia, blood sugar dysregulation, and even high intelligence with boredom. This is why comprehensive evaluation — including lab work — is critical before an ADHD diagnosis.
🔗 Learn More: ADHD Treatment • Anxiety Treatment • Depression Treatment • Trauma & PTSD • Hormone Testing
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that begins in childhood, but many adults aren’t diagnosed until their 30s, 40s, or later — often when life demands exceed their coping strategies. Major life changes can unmask previously compensated ADHD. However, if attention problems are truly new-onset in adulthood, it’s important to evaluate for other causes: thyroid dysfunction, sleep apnea, depression, anxiety, hormonal changes, or medication side effects.
🔗 Learn More: ADHD Treatment • Integrative Evaluation • Hormones & Mental Health • Lab Testing
Nutrition significantly impacts ADHD symptoms. Key factors include: omega-3 fatty acids (ADHD brains show lower levels), iron/ferritin (low ferritin is associated with more severe symptoms), zinc (cofactor in dopamine synthesis), magnesium, protein intake (amino acids are neurotransmitter precursors), and blood sugar stability. Food sensitivities (artificial colors, preservatives) affect a subset of patients. At Willow & Stone, nutritional testing guides targeted interventions alongside other ADHD treatments.
🔗 Learn More: Nutrition & Mental Health • ADHD Treatment • Lab Testing • Nutritional Psychiatry
ADHD in women is underdiagnosed because diagnostic criteria were historically based on studies of hyperactive boys. Women more often present with the inattentive subtype — disorganization, forgetfulness, internal restlessness rather than visible hyperactivity. Women also develop stronger compensatory strategies and are more likely to attribute symptoms to anxiety, depression, or personal failure. Additionally, hormonal fluctuations significantly affect ADHD symptoms, making them variable and harder to diagnose.
🔗 Learn More: ADHD Treatment • Hormones & Mental Health • Anxiety in Women • Book a Consultation
Stimulant medications can cause or worsen anxiety in some patients, particularly at higher doses. Symptoms may include increased heart rate, restlessness, and difficulty relaxing. Strategies include: lowering the dose, switching to a non-stimulant, adding an anxiety intervention, and evaluating whether ‘anxiety’ is stimulant-related or pre-existing. Genetic testing can identify patients likely to be sensitive to stimulants.
🔗 Learn More: Medication Management • Genetic Testing • Anxiety Treatment • ADHD Treatment
A comprehensive ADHD evaluation at Willow & Stone includes: detailed developmental and symptom history, validated ADHD rating scales, assessment of executive function, screening for co-occurring conditions, medical history review, and laboratory testing to rule out conditions that mimic ADHD (thyroid panel, iron/ferritin, vitamin D, metabolic markers). Dr. Forbes also evaluates sleep quality, nutritional status, and hormonal factors.
🔗 Learn More: Integrative Evaluation • ADHD Treatment • Lab Testing • Book Your Evaluation
Got more questions? Send us your enquiry below
Yes. Willow & Stone accepts Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, UMR, TRICARE, and Cigna. Coverage for psychiatric evaluation and medication management is typically included. Some specialized lab tests may require prior authorization. We recommend verifying your specific benefits before your first appointment. If you have out-of-network benefits, we can provide superbills for reimbursement.
🔗 Learn More: Book a Consultation • Our Services • Integrative Evaluation
Willow & Stone provides in-person psychiatric care at our Arlington, Texas location (Dallas-Fort Worth area) and secure telepsychiatry appointments across Texas, Louisiana, and Florida. All services — including evaluations, follow-ups, medication management, and lab reviews — are available via telehealth. Lab work for telepsychiatry patients can be completed at any local Quest or Labcorp.
🔗 Learn More: Telepsychiatry • Book an Appointment • Our Services
You can request a consultation by visiting our booking page, calling 972-762-0057, or using the booking form on any page of our website. The form asks for basic information including your reason for consultation and insurance status. If booking for a teen (12+), please include the child’s age and primary concern.
🔗 Learn More: Book a Consultation • What to Expect • Telehealth Options • Our Services
Telepsychiatry is the delivery of psychiatric care through secure video conferencing. Multiple studies have found telepsychiatry equally effective as in-person care for evaluation, medication management, and many therapeutic interventions. It eliminates travel time and provides greater scheduling flexibility. At Willow & Stone, telepsychiatry appointments use a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform and include all services available during in-person visits.
🔗 Learn More: Telepsychiatry Details • Book a Telehealth Visit • Our Services • States We Serve
Your initial integrative psychiatric evaluation is a comprehensive 60-90 minute appointment. Dr. Forbes will review your complete medical and mental health history, family history, current medications, lifestyle factors, and treatment goals. She may order comprehensive lab work based on your presentation. You’ll leave with a preliminary treatment plan and clear understanding of next steps. Come prepared to discuss your full health history — the more information, the more precisely your treatment can be tailored.
🔗 Learn More: What the Evaluation Includes • Book Your First Appointment • Lab Tests We Order • Our Approach
Willow & Stone specializes in complex cases — patients with multiple diagnoses, treatment-resistant conditions, medication sensitivity, and those seeking root-cause answers. If you’ve been to several providers without resolution, the integrative model is designed specifically for you. Dr. Forbes particularly focuses on treatment-resistant depression, complex trauma, anxiety with physical symptoms, ADHD with co-occurring conditions, and the intersection of physical and mental health.
🔗 Learn More: Our Story • About Dr. Forbes • Integrative Approach • Book a Consultation
Willow & Stone provides evidence-based medication management, which may include controlled substances when clinically indicated. All prescribing decisions are based on thorough evaluation, clinical appropriateness, and in accordance with state regulations. The integrative approach often reduces reliance on controlled substances by addressing underlying biological factors — for example, correcting nutrient deficiencies and addressing sleep can significantly reduce the need for stimulants or anxiolytics.
🔗 Learn More: Medication Management • ADHD Treatment • Anxiety Treatment • Our Integrative Approach
Online psychiatry platforms typically offer 15-30 minute medication visits with limited diagnostic workup. Willow & Stone provides a fundamentally different model: 60-90 minute initial evaluations, comprehensive lab testing (hormones, inflammation, nutrients, genetics), root-cause investigation, nutritional and lifestyle guidance integrated with medication management, ongoing personalized care with the same provider, and specialized services like intensive trauma therapy. While online platforms focus on efficiency and volume, Willow & Stone focuses on depth, precision, and whole-person healing — with the convenience of telehealth when you need it.
🔗 Learn More: Our Story • Integrative Approach • Meet Dr. Forbes • Intensive Trauma Therapy • Book a Consultation
We invite you to take the next step toward clarity and wholeness.
Reach out to schedule a consultation or learn more about our integrative psychiatry model.
