Functional, Nutritional & Holistic
Depression is not simply sadness. It is a complex condition that reaches far beyond the mind, touching every aspect of the body and life itself. For those who suffer, it can feel like being trapped in a deep, dark hole with no way out—a state of helplessness and hopelessness that lingers far beyond normal sadness. Major depression affects more than 40 million adults and nearly 4 million young people in the U.S. each year. Yet, despite its prevalence, traditional treatments often fall short. Medications can provide relief, but side effects, incomplete responses, and the complexity of depression itself reveal the limits of a one-size-fits-all approach.
Healing Depression
Functional, Nutritional & Holistic
Depression is not simply sadness. It is a complex condition that reaches far beyond the mind, touching every aspect of the body and life itself. For those who suffer, it can feel like being trapped in a deep, dark hole with no way out—a state of helplessness and hopelessness that lingers far beyond normal sadness. Major depression affects more than 40 million adults and nearly 4 million young people in the U.S. each year. Yet, despite its prevalence, traditional treatments often fall short. Medications can provide relief, but side effects, incomplete responses, and the complexity of depression itself reveal the limits of a one-size-fits-all approach.
At Psychiatry Redefined, we believe depression is not “all in your head.”
It is also in your body. Biological, hormonal, nutritional, and metabolic imbalances frequently fuel depressive symptoms, and when left unrecognized, they keep patients locked in cycles of pain. Antidepressants are not magic bullets—lasting recovery requires a more natural, whole-person perspective. Nutrient intake and absorption, body chemistry, metabolism, genetics, hormones, food sensitivities, stress, and social connection all shape mental health. Only when we look at the whole person can we uncover the true root causes.
This is the heart of our functional and integrative model for depression care: shifting from a medication-centric view to a holistic, individualized approach. By addressing underlying biological and lifestyle factors—and by honoring the body’s natural ability to heal—we open new doors to recovery and resilience.
47.8 million
An estimated 47.8 million Americans are suffering from depression, with most of the increase occurring since the COVID-19 pandemic.
4.5 million
According to a 2023 federal survey, nearly 1 in 5 (18%) youth ages 12 to 17 have had at least one major depressive episode in the past year (~4.5 million).
30.4 million
In 2023, 11.4% of U.S. adults aged 18 and older took a prescription medication for depression.
Less than 30%
60-70% of people with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) do not achieve remission after 12 weeks of antidepressant treatment.
NEW BOOK! Available January 2026
Finally Hopeful: The Personalized, Whole-Body Plan to Find and Fix the Root Causes of Your Depression
By James Greenblatt, MD
In his groundbreaking new book Finally Hopeful (available January 2026), Dr. James Greenblatt—psychiatrist, educator, and founder of Psychiatry Redefined—shares a new vision for depression treatment. He shows how depression arises from the body as much as the brain. He offers practical strategies to optimize nutrient intake, balance hormones, support neurotransmitters, and address the various physical factors that influence mood. Finally, Hopeful empowers patients and clinicians alike to see depression through a new lens: one that acknowledges complexity, embraces both drug and non-drug options, and, most importantly, restores hope.
Online Courses in Functional & Integrative Medicine for Depression
Functional & Integrative Medicine for Depression
An online ourse by James Greenblatt, MD & Ana Ivkovic, MD
Employing a model of functional medicine, you will become adept in identifying and assessing the biological abnormalities—nutritional, metabolic, and environmental factors—that underlie the diagnosis of depression in patients. Learn the diagnostic tests you should be running on patients, the role key nutrients play in maintaining neurological health, and biologic treatment protocols that can be easily incorporated into your practice. The course provides specific treatment strategies and a solid roadmap for helping to prevent and treat depression.
Biological Models for Suicide Prevention
An online ourse by James Greenblatt, MD
This course plumbs the underlying biochemical, nutritional, genetic, and environmental factors that lead to a diagnosis of suicidality. Discover research illustrating the benefits of nutritional supplementation to mitigate risk factors, along with evidence-based interventions and a biochemical individualized treatment approach.
Functional Medicine for Antidepressant Withdrawal
An online ourse by James Greenblatt, MD
Gain essential tools to guide patients through a safer, more individualized withdrawal process using a Functional Medicine model that addresses the root causes of withdrawal symptoms and deprescribing. You’ll get guidance on lab tests and analysis, nutrient repletion, and personalized protocols for treatment, along with practical strategies for identifying and treating nutritional deficits contributing to withdrawal symptoms. Discover a valid path to help patients discontinue antidepressants, taper safely, reduce side effects, and achieve recovery on their terms.
Low Dose Lithium for Mental Health
An online ourse by James Greenblatt, MD
This two-part course looks at low-dose nutritional lithium as an effective and safe solution for a range of psychiatric and neurologic disorders. You’ll learn about the underlying causes of irritability and rage, depression, Alzheimer’s, and cognitive decline—and how to use lithium to enhance treatment. Discover how to implement nutritional lithium safely, the best dosage ranges and protocols, how to run and read diagnostic tests, and more.
Recent Articles on Functional Medicine for Depression
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