By Josh Habansky, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC
When I began the Psychiatry Redefined Fellowship, I was eager to expand my clinical toolbox and approach mental health care from a more comprehensive, root-cause perspective. Reflecting on this journey, I can confidently say that the program has delivered in ways that have profoundly impacted both my practice and my patients’ lives. The blend of scientific rigor and practical application has given me the confidence to address even very complex cases with a clear, evidence-based framework.
Lab Testing for Improved Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental Health
One of the most transformative aspects of the fellowship has been learning how to integrate lab testing into psychiatric care. It is no secret that psychiatry often overlooks physiological contributors to mental health symptoms. Psychiatry Redefined teaches a methodical approach to uncovering underlying imbalances. For example, assessing markers like zinc, magnesium, copper, and vitamin D has become a cornerstone of my practice. These minerals play critical roles as cofactors in neurotransmitter synthesis, and optimizing their levels can have a dramatic impact on symptoms like anxiety, depression, and even cognitive dysfunction. It’s incredibly rewarding to see patients experience improvements that they’d previously thought were out of reach—sometimes simply by addressing these foundational deficiencies.
Functional Genomics and MTHFR Testing
Through the fellowship, I’ve also begun exploring the power of functional genomics, including the widely discussed MTHFR single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). Just this week, I saw a patient back who, on intake, had elevated homocysteine levels. This was likely, at least partially, explained by the fact that testing also revealed that she was compound heterozygous for the MTHFR SNP. With a relatively simple intervention that included methylation-supportive nutrients and dietary recommendations, this patient reported significant improvement in depressive symptoms and anxiety in just one month. This case exemplifies how I’ve been able to move beyond my prescription pad, so to speak, to help patients recover from conditions previously labeled as “treatment-resistant.”
A Functional Medicine Approach to Antidepressant Withdrawal
Another area where the fellowship has been invaluable is medication tapering. Increasingly, patients are seeking guidance on how to reduce or discontinue psychiatric medications, particularly antidepressants, after years of use. This process can be fraught with challenges, from withdrawal symptoms to emotional instability, and requires a thoughtful, patient-centered approach. Dr. Greenblatt’s teachings on medication tapering—grounded in both clinical experience and research—provide practical pearls that are ready to use in everyday practice. For example, understanding the role of replenishing key nutrients and stabilizing blood sugar has helped me navigate these cases with greater confidence and success. Patients are often relieved to find a provider who understands their concerns and has a concrete plan to support them.
Psychedelics and Mental Health
I find the current “psychedelic renaissance” incredibly exciting, and I believe that psychedelics and ketamine represent potentially game-changing tools for mental health care. I regularly leverage ketamine therapy in my practice and have witnessed its transformative effects on patients. However, it is still critical to address underlying issues such as methylation imbalances, micronutrient deficiencies, malabsorption, food allergies and sensitivities, amongst other imbalances. Without addressing these foundational elements of an individual’s biology, we risk simply perpetuating the “pill for every ill” paradigm that has been so pervasive in psychiatry. I predict that these innovative treatments will work best when integrated into a functional psychiatry model that emphasizes whole-body health and root-cause resolution.
Functional Medicine is an Individualized, Patient-Centered Approach
Perhaps what sets the fellowship apart the most is its emphasis on individualized care. No two patients present with identical root causes, and Psychiatry Redefined offers a framework to uncover these unique factors. For some, it’s addressing chronic inflammation or gut health; for others, it’s hormone imbalances or oxidative stress. By focusing on the “why” behind symptoms, rather than just the “what,” I’ve been able to offer more targeted and effective interventions. This approach not only improves outcomes but also fosters a deeper sense of trust and collaboration with patients. Whereas in the beginning of my career, I felt limited in what I could offer my patients, I now feel like my toolbox is overflowing with therapeutic tools and strategies.
Moving Beyond Traditional Psychiatric Treatment
Ultimately, the Psychiatry Redefined Fellowship has reignited my passion for mental health care. It has reminded me why I entered this field: to empower patients and help them reclaim their lives. The tools and strategies I’ve gained from this program have not only enhanced my clinical skills but have also brought hope to patients who often feel overlooked or stuck. As more people seek integrative and functional approaches to mental health, I’m grateful to be able to offer a model of care that truly addresses the whole person.
