Functional Psychiatry in St. Thomas USVI: Treating Anxiety, Depression, and More from the Inside Out

Functional psychiatry is an innovative approach to mental health care that seeks to understand and treat the underlying biological, psychological, and lifestyle factors influencing mental well-being. Rather than relying solely on medication, we integrate evidence-based strategies from functional medicine and holistic health to create a comprehensive, individualized care plan for each patient.

When you visit Holistic Wellness and Psychiatry, your journey begins with an in-depth evaluation that goes far beyond the standard psychiatric interview. We assess a variety of factors—including nutrition, hormonal balance, gut health, sleep quality, chronic inflammation, toxin exposures, genetics, and psychosocial stressors—that may be contributing to your mental health concerns. Laboratory testing may be used to uncover imbalances in neurotransmitters, essential vitamins (like B12 or D), thyroid function, and markers of inflammation.

Once we identify potential root causes, we work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan. This may include:

• Dietary recommendations to nourish the brain and body
• Targeted supplementation to correct deficiencies
• Exercise and movement plans to support emotional balance
• Stress management and mindfulness practices
• Sleep optimization strategies

Psychotherapy and, if appropriate, thoughtfully prescribed medication

Our goal at Holistic Wellness and Psychiatry is not just to alleviate symptoms, but to empower you to achieve lasting mental wellness by supporting your body’s natural ability to heal and maintain balance.

At Holistic Wellness and Psychiatry, we embrace a comprehensive and integrative approach to mental health that goes beyond simply managing symptoms. Our practice is rooted in the principles of functional psychiatry, which seeks to identify and address the underlying causes of mental health concerns—not just mask them with medication.

Unlike traditional psychiatry, which often focuses on diagnosing conditions based on symptom clusters and prescribing medications as the primary form of treatment, we take a broader perspective. We recognize that mental well-being is deeply interconnected with factors such as nutrition, genetics, inflammation, gut health, hormone balance, environmental exposures, and lifestyle habits. By understanding how these elements impact each individual, we’re able to create personalized care plans that foster lasting resilience and overall wellness.

Our providers may utilize advanced laboratory testing, a thorough review of your medical and psychosocial history, and a detailed exploration of your daily habits and environment. We understand that symptoms like anxiety, depression, or cognitive changes can often be linked to imbalances elsewhere in the body—such as thyroid dysfunction, nutritional deficiencies, chronic inflammation, or blood sugar instability.

Our treatment plans are highly individualized and may include nutritional counseling, targeted supplementation, exercise recommendations, stress reduction techniques, psychotherapy, sleep optimization, and, when appropriate, medication management. We are committed to empowering you to take an active role in your care, fostering a collaborative partnership that supports your unique path to mental wellness.

At Holistic Wellness and Psychiatry, we embrace a comprehensive approach to mental health that goes beyond simply treating symptoms. Our philosophy is rooted in holistic and functional psychiatry, which seeks to address the underlying causes of conditions like anxiety and depression by considering the intricate interplay of genetics, biology, environment, and lifestyle.

Unlike conventional psychiatric care, which often depends on medication alone, our practice integrates a wide array of interventions. We emphasize nutritional support, evidence-based psychotherapies, stress management, sleep optimization, physical activity, and the correction of hormonal or metabolic imbalances. This multidimensional approach allows us to create truly individualized care plans for our patients.

Many people struggling with anxiety or depression find that holistic and functional psychiatry offers valuable strategies for symptom relief, especially when medications have not been well-tolerated or fully effective. At Holistic Wellness and Psychiatry, we explore potential contributing factors such as inflammation, nutritional deficiencies, gut health, hormone imbalances, and unresolved stressors. By addressing these root causes, we aim to restore balance and promote lasting mental wellness.

While medication remains an important tool for some individuals, especially in severe cases, we are committed to offering complementary and alternative strategies that empower you on your journey to well-being.

Functional psychiatry focuses on the underlying causes of psychiatric symptoms, integrating conventional treatments with lifestyle interventions to improve mental health and well-being.

Personalized Lifestyle Assessments
Our providers evaluate key factors such as nutrition, sleep, physical activity, stress, and social connections to create personalized care plans addressing your unique needs and mental health challenges.

Nutrition for the Mind
We assess nutritional deficiencies and offer dietary recommendations to support brain health. Emphasizing whole foods, healthy fats, and lean proteins, we help you make food choices that improve mood and cognition.

Restorative Sleep
Sleep is essential for mental wellness. We guide you in establishing healthy sleep routines and address sleep disorders to improve mood, energy, and cognitive function.

Movement for Mental Health
Regular physical activity reduces anxiety and depression, boosts cognitive performance, and promotes long-term brain health. We help you find enjoyable ways to stay active.

Stress Management and Mindfulness
Chronic stress can worsen mental health. We incorporate stress reduction techniques, including mindfulness meditation and relaxation exercises, to help you manage stress and build resilience.

Strengthening Social Connections
We assess your support networks and guide you in improving relationships and communication, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

Integrative Care for Lasting Results
By combining lifestyle changes with conventional therapies, we offer a comprehensive path to mental wellness and lasting resilience.

Dr. Laurie McCormick, MD, DFAPA, IFM, is a highly experienced psychiatrist specializing in functional psychiatry, a holistic approach to mental health that addresses the root causes of anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges. With a deep understanding of the connection between the body, mind, and environment, Dr. McCormick integrates conventional psychiatric treatments with personalized lifestyle interventions to promote long-lasting mental wellness.

Dr. McCormick’s treatment philosophy focuses on the whole person—taking into account factors such as nutrition, sleep, stress, and physical activity. By identifying and addressing the underlying contributors to mental health conditions, she empowers patients to achieve emotional balance and resilience. Dr. McCormick utilizes evidence-based approaches, such as nutritional assessments, stress management techniques, and restorative sleep strategies, to help patients restore mental clarity and stability.

With Dr. McCormick’s guidance, you’ll embark on a transformative journey toward optimal mental health. Whether through personalized therapy, supplementation, or lifestyle adjustments, she provides a tailored treatment plan designed to meet your unique needs and support long-term well-being. Dr. McCormick’s holistic, integrative approach aims to help you achieve not only symptom relief but also lasting emotional and cognitive resilience. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located in VI Medical Foundation, 9150 Estate Thomas, Suite 206 St. Thomas 00802. We serve patients from St Thomas USVI, Charlotte Amalie USVI, Northside USVI, John Oley USVI, Smith Bay USVI, East End USVI,and surrounding areas.