What Is Integrated Psychiatry?

February 25, 2022

Harmony Place Team

Integrated refers to the “whole person” approach in health care interventions. It is considered a simultaneous focus on a person’s body and mind for complete and total healing. There are various treatment centers that view integrated approaches such as integrated psychiatry as more of an opportunity for patients to have their physical and psychological needs better met.

The main integrated approaches such as meditation, massage therapy, acupuncture, and yoga help patients to see the major improvements not only in their rehabilitation but in various other aspects of their daily lives too. There has been an ongoing healthcare trend in the last few decades that has been incorporating alternative, integrated, and complementary treatment approaches into more standard therapies for an extensive range of ailments. It’s important to note that substance abuse addiction treatment isn’t an exception to this.

There is a great variety of integrated techniques that are thoroughly utilized in rehab centers around the US today. Today’s blog will discuss integrated treatment programs, the benefits of integrated psychiatry for addiction treatment, and different types of integrated psychiatry.

What Is a Integrated Treatment Program?

Generally, rehab programs that are able to incorporate integrated approaches carefully consider an integrated mental, spiritual, and physical approach in order to properly build out an all-inclusive treatment regimen for a variety of substance abuse disorders. There are numerous procedures that are also categorized as complementary and alternative treatments.

Some treatments are more based on applications that can derive from various cultural traditions such as:

Reiki, along with other forms of energy work
Neurofeedback and biofeedback
Acupressure and acupuncture
Meditation and yoga
Nutritional therapy
Herbal medicines
Massage

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, around 4 out of 10 adults in the United States utilize a form of complementary and alternative medicine, also known as (CAM). As time continues, the trend seems to be ongoing. A fundamental characteristic that is present throughout numerous of these techniques is simply that they are intended, at the root, to improve overall well-being and treat the whole person.

Instead of targeting one single element of a person’s behaviors or symptoms. By keeping this in mind, a integrated approach to addiction treatment ideally should aim not only to reduce isolated and addictive behaviors but to sufficiently address a wide range of elements that greatly play a role in addiction development.

What Are the Benefits of Integrated Psychiatry for Addiction Treatment?

There are various benefits of integrated psychiatry for addiction treatment. In a few scenarios, integrated approaches are utilized to supplement particular features of more standard recovery efforts.

By implementing these efforts, the overall approaches assist with the following:

Stress and other emotional matters that might have supported the full development of compulsive substance use patterns.
Unhealthy eating habits that can result in malnutrition together with chronic substance use.
Particular withdrawal symptoms such as pains, muscle aches, and massages.
A lack of spiritual grounding.

Some integrated techniques, such as Reiki, seek to correct an imbalance that is energetic and theoretical through body energy manipulation. Supporters of CAM methods advocate that they can overall improve the chances of long-lasting recovery from various substance use disorders. However, it is normally recommended that integrated therapies be used in combination with various standard treatment efforts, and not as a form of a replacement for more evidence-based and traditional approaches.

How Effective Are Integrated Techniques in Rehab?

Due to the lack of research that has been accumulated on how effective integrated techniques are in rehab, it is still largely unknown and often fiercely argued. The inconclusive research found on the efficacy of integrated psychiatry is not only challenging to locate but not promising to read. In a few cases, integrated treatments have the ability to attract the following individuals.

People who otherwise might not be interested in traditional treatments
Individuals who are more willing to try other research-based treatments that provide a stronger likelihood of long-lasting recovery
Individuals who are more comfortable with attending treatment

Additionally, the use of these specific therapies can assist individuals in feeling the following:

Be more productive in their treatment response
Be better able to cope with rehab and detox challenges
Become more at ease

What Researchers Say About the Effectiveness of Integrated Techniques

The majority of experts agree that research-based, conventional detox and addiction treatment, specifically provided through a residential program, are most likely to support a person in maintaining recovery. Matter of fact, the integrated label might indicate an extensive range of alternative or complementary treatment offerings. Upon considering various rehabilitation centers, individuals might need to engage in adequate research to determine particular locations that offer integrated psychiatry.

During this time of researching what might be ideal for your needs, remember to ask about the therapies offered, the cost of care, and the training of the individuals providing the therapies. Even though CAM treatments typically lack evidence-based programs, when it comes to their overall addiction treatment effectiveness, there is evidence indicating that satisfaction with treatment is related to treatment completion and retention measures. Both can identify with more favorable treatment outcomes.

It is logical to assume that specific integrated therapies, such as meditation, acupuncture, massage, and yoga are utilized to build up more traditional addiction treatment therapies that can add to treatment satisfaction in a few instances such as the following:

Individual counseling
Behavioral therapies
Medical detox

What Are Some Methods Used in Integrated Psychiatry?

Integrated psychiatry or alternative mental health techniques are being incorporated more and more. There are a variety of methods utilized in integrated psychiatry and many psychiatrists that would suggest that individuals engage in healthier behaviors. Integrated psychiatry utilizes the mind and body methods not just as a complement to traditional methods, but more as a basis for treatment.

Proper Supplements and Nutrition

Diet is one of the most fundamental aspects when it comes to an individual’s well-being and overall health. The saying, “You are what you eat” holds huge truth. When an individual consumes food, it not only affects the individual’s weight, functioning of his or her body, and health, but it significantly affects his or her emotions and mind as well.

Additionally, to the food that an individual eats, natural supplements can assist individuals in ensuring that they are receiving the right nutrients that provide support and balance for overall wellness and health. The use of supplements is increasing as a section of alternative mental health.

Daily Meditation

Meditation is certainly gaining popularity because it has been proven by research that it’s an effective and safe method to calm the body and mind. There are many individuals who are engaging in meditation as it as a vital part of their day.

One of the most interesting aspects of meditation is it doesn’t matter if you have five minutes or an hour available, meditation can assist in resetting your mood and mind. There are a variety of mental health professionals actively recommending meditation to their patients in numerous treatment options for their mental health conditions.

Journaling

Journaling is another healthy method to address emotional and mental well-being. It is a well-known method to assist individuals to cope and further deal with their stress. Matter of fact, studies have indicated that keeping a journal assists in improving mental distress and the levels of overall well-being.

Massage

Massages are considered a great stress reliever, and a way to find relaxation.

Emotional Freedom Technique or Tapping

The emotional freedom technique (EFT) or tapping is quickly gaining popularity with various integrated psychiatrists and their patients. It is simple to learn, non-invasive, and can even be used daily or even on the spot as needed. It involves using pressure points on a person’s body in order to help promote a calming and soothing effect.

Medication

One of the most common methods of integrated psychiatry is medication. However, it can be nerve-wracking for numerous patients since medications can come with serious side effects. It is essential that all aspects of medications are thoroughly discussed prior to a final decision being made.

Talk Therapy

Another common method of integrated psychiatry is talk therapy. The counselors make their patients feel comfortable and they are readily accessible. It can be extremely helpful for individuals to witness a nonjudgemental person that is able to help them see:

Behaviors
Patterns

Then from there, form a solid plan for the future in order to alleviate excessive depression, anxiety, stress, and any other mental health issues.

Peer Support

Peer support groups are easily accessible often and have proven data to showcase their effectiveness. The examples of peer support groups are the following:

Over Eaters Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
Al-Anon
Groups for victims of domestic violence

Peer support groups can be a nice addition to a integrated or conventional mental health plan.

Recovery Awaits at Harmony Place Today

For the above-mentioned reasons, integrated practices are a positive supplement to more evidence-based methods. It’s evident to see why individuals are moving more towards integrated psychiatry. It’s a wonderful mental health model that honors the mind-body connection.

An overall healthy lifestyle can greatly impact well-being and mental health. If you or someone you love is interested in learning more about integrated psychiatry and the potential benefits, contact us today to get started. Your journey awaits.

Chris P

I've been to 12 rehabs over the last 20 years and NO other place has touch like Harmony Place! From the owner right down to the cleaning lady, everyone here is kinda and warm. God has blessed this place and I feel privileged to have come through here. I recommend anyone who is going through their struggle with mental health or substance abuse to pick up the phone and come! You won't regret it!

Joseph S

This place is incredible, kind, loving, patient, rigorous, educative, caring and the best place for recovery. Ill be part of the alumni crew

Monica G

I had very good experience at Harmony Place From first day I came, staff was very kind and make me feel welcome and safe. Everyone was friendly and always try to help me. The therapists are very good and caring. They listen to me and help me understand my problems better. I learn many things from them and feel stronger because of their support. The nurses also very nice and professional. They always check on me and make sure I am okay. Food was good and facilities were clean and comfortable. It help me feel more relaxed and focus on my recovery. Management also doing very good job. Everything was organized and you can see they really care about patients. I am very thankful for this place and all the people who work here. I recommend this center to anyone who needs help.

Denton

Awesome place great people u want to check this place out most definitely 😜

Tyler

A treatment center where the owners truly care about your recovery and after care.. cannot recommend enough

Jodana S

If you want to detox painlessly this is the place! The staff is A1. They truly care about us. The groups are awesome . Residential is crazy awesome! You live in a mansion. With a private chef who makes the best food. Community meeting that gets results fast, they care about your opinions. Pool and Jacuzzi are beautiful. If your struggling with addiction this is the house you should come to. I LOVE HARMONY PLACE!!!!! Thank you to all the staff they go above and beyond to make this experience comfortable therapeutic. Don't spend another day in your addiction come to Harmony Place right now!

Cass

I’ve been to 4 treatment centers before Harmony Place, and I can tell you without a single doubt that this is the absolute best by FAR. The past ones were luxury Residential Treatment centers that just treated every single client the same not tailoring to each individual, and were basically just in it for the money, dropping the ball each time. I can also tell you that I’ve never met the CEOs, but here, David comes to the facility almost every single day, and makes sure he get to know every individual here. He is incredibly kind, and was even willing to transfer me to another facility with a higher level of trauma therapy due to me having a lifetime of trauma and PTSD that just is going to take a long time to tackle. He truly cares about all of the clients having all of the tools that we need before getting released to the real world. No more of other CEO would ever be willing to miss an opportunity at making more money and even paired with my IMPECCABLE case manager to find a different facility that was more trauma based. My case manager, Sam, goes absolutely above and beyond in every single aspect. She makes sure you have a smooth transition into aftercare, provides out of this world advice when it comes to sobriety, and takes the time out of her day to make sure that FMLA and short-term disability are completely taken care of during your stay. I’ve never met a case manager that could ever compare to Sam. Ever. I feel lucky to have met her, genuinely. Marissa, my therapist, is SO SWEET, actually listens to you, and provides advice and therapy tailored to each individual’s experience. She’s handled every mood I’ve been in, never judged me, and allowed me to feel safe enough to tell her things I’ve never told any person or therapist in my 29 years of life. I’ve been going to therapy for the past 15 years, and none of those therapists even come close to how amazing she is. I’ve been to 4 other treatment centers in my life and none even come close to Harmony Place. The facility is clean, organized, and high-end. I would recommend Harmony place to my family, friends, and anyone seeking treatment. I feel SO BLESSED to have landed in their hands. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE IN THE CLINICAL STAFF BEYOND WORDS. I love you guys ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️. I feel more confident than ever in my Recovery.

Gabe H

Where to begin.. Harmony is a place that will forever be a part of my story as the first step in my recovery journey. I’m so grateful for this program. The staff is very friendly, and many of them understand what addiction is like, for they themselves have recovery stories of their own. They have an awesome team of therapists, group facilitators, nurses, RA technicians, medical and health professionals, a wonderful case manager for aftercare that cares deeply for your next steps; making sure you are set up for success. They have a wonderful admissions team (shoutout to Marielle who was so kind and understanding of my messed up situation). Everyone is very relatable and friendly. They invest heavily in the importance of diet and nutrition too - there’s a full time professional chef. I gained all the weight I lost and wanted back in the first two weeks lol. On top of the intensive programming they do throughout the day, they take us out to experience various kinds of outside groups to get a taste of the real world, and also take us on social outings during the weekend. If you’re serious about getting better this place will meet you where you’re at and prepare you to launch with a renewed mind and heart.

Monica P

I can't begin to explain just how amazing Harmony Place is. In fact, when we sit down with the owner, Jeff, and clinical director, David, on Monday mornings to have a house meeting, they ask us what they could be doing better. A bigger blender for smoothies is the ONLY thing we could come up with. Let me begin by addressing some negative reviews. If you notice many of them are from people, or are referring to people who have been asked to leave. It is because of harmony places protection of their clients that provide ideal conditions for healing and progress. There is a screening process that it is implemented where they make sure the clients they admit are ready to start a life of sobriety. Some people slip through the cracks. Some people find out a few days or weeks in that they've changed their minds. Some are inappropriate and break rules. It happens. When Harmony Place ask people to leave, It's because they are protecting the people who are here that want treatment. In effect, they're providing exactly what I needed for a genuine start to recovery. When I began my search for a treatment center, my requirements were that the facility's provide an environment in which its residents all want to be there and that it is ethically ran. I got that and so much more at Harmony Place. As well as a structured routine, they also provide a confidential and nurturing environment where one feels safe and where profound healing can begin. Their program offers a sound foundation where further progress in sober living is almost guaranteed. In group meetings, we enjoy getting to know ourselves again and with deeper understanding about why we are the way we are. We are provided with skills to handle real life. Its here that I've come to understand that its not addiction that has driven me to make a mess of my life. It is the trauma that I endured and not processing it correctly that lead to poor thinking patterns that opened the door to addiction resulting in poor life management. So we start at the bottom. Trauma. They help us understand that trauma has led to our own toxicity, what that trauma looks like and how to get out of our own way. Process groups help us learn how to take accountability and foster healthier relationships. I learned here that changing the way I think is absolutely possible and imperative to the healing process. Harmony Place offered me hope when I previously felt I was unfixable and a support team that truly loves me. Even after I leave here, I have contacts that almost demand I keep in touch and an alumni meeting where I can return to the facility on Thursday nights. I wasn't a 12 stepper when I came here but my first experience with it was not one where I was ready to stop using. I understand now that the steps will work for me. It's certainly is not the only modality that they teach. In one group, we are provided an opportunity to sit with a recently retired medical doctor to just ask questions. Another is with a nutritionist. There are a handful of people IN recovery that come to lead groups that are all accredited highly specialized where I felt understood and not judged. The knowledge I have gained here is life changing. It is also versatile and relatable for all types of people. my favorite group was dialectical behavioral therapy. There are breathing classes and sound bath groups and I started doing yoga in the morning. There's a dharma meeting they take you offsite that focuses on Buddhist values. A fantastic onsight chef provides three meals and you can have special requests. We facilitated our own Movie nights during free time. I cant forget to mention you get your own one on one meetings with your assigned primary therapist and there is comprehensive medical support complete with 24/7 nurses and a doctor that shows up throughout the week. If this is what you need to recover and you have mediCAL, cancel your mediCAL and get insurance Harmony Place accepts if you can. There are people to help you with that as well. Just call. Many, many thanks to the staff. ✔️Another life changed.🙏

Cody B

This is such an amazing place truly changed my life. I would recommend this place to anybody if they’re looking for a strong recovery house that truly cares about your recovery and not about just money So if you’re ready to change your life, don’t miss out on the greatness of harmony because this place is where it’s at