Josh Habansky, MSN, PMHNP-BC
Article by Josh Habansky, MSN, PMHNP-BC
Even before completing my graduate psychiatric nurse practitioner program, I knew I wanted to move beyond the conventional psychiatric paradigm that focuses pretty myopically on psychopharmacology and psychotherapy. While I understood that medications can be lifesaving for some, I also knew that a staggering percentage of those struggling with mental illness were not finding remission with conventional treatments.
Over the years, I’d been exposed to integrative and functional medicine, which I prefer to call root cause medicine. I was eager to learn how to apply these principles in my practice as a psychiatric NP.
Upon completing my graduate program, I found myself at a crossroads, armed with bits and pieces of knowledge around integrative psychiatry but still trying to figure out how to translate it into effective clinical practice. Despite conventional psychiatry’s limitations, its smaller toolbox can make it feel more manageable compared to functional psychiatry, which offers a vast array of options for assessment and treatment outside of brief screening tools and medications.
I yearned for a more comprehensive approach that encompassed symptom management and root cause resolution.
This desire led me to pursue various training programs and workshops, each offering something valuable but lacking the clinical applicability I craved. It wasn’t until I came across Dr. Greenblatt’s prolific work and the Psychiatry Redefined Fellowship in Functional Psychiatry that I discovered a transformative path forward. It was truly a beacon of hope in a sea of uncertainty.
What drew me in initially was its promise of a functional psychiatry framework, one that completely aligned with my desire to address the root causes of psychiatric symptoms rather than merely suppressing them. It wasn’t just another program; it was a roadmap to tangible, immediate change in patient care.
The Fellowship provided a toolbox filled with strategies and insights that I could apply directly to patient cases. I no longer felt overwhelmed by the prospect of offering a more holistic approach to my patients; instead, I can identify low-hanging fruit—simple yet impactful interventions that yielded significant improvements. From dietary adjustments to lifestyle modifications, the functional psychiatry framework empowered me to address the underlying factors contributing to psychiatric symptoms, leading to robust and often fairly rapid improvements in patient outcomes.
What truly sets the Psychiatry Redefined Fellowship apart is its sense of community—a network of like-minded professionals dedicated to redefining the landscape of psychiatry. The camaraderie among fellows fosters an environment of continuous learning and growth, where insights are shared and challenges are tackled collectively. This sense of belonging is invaluable, especially in a field as nuanced and demanding as psychiatry.
One of the most significant benefits of the Fellowship training is the ability to consult on tough cases in real time. The support and guidance of experienced mentors, including Dr. Greenblatt himself, provides invaluable insights, helping navigate through complex patient scenarios with confidence and clarity.
The Fellowship community is full of doctors, nurse practitioners, naturopathic doctors, dietitians and therapists, all of whom come with rich clinical experience and a willingness to share their wisdom. Whether it’s brainstorming treatment options or seeking advice on challenging cases, this community is always there for support and quick feedback.
Moreover, the Psychiatry Redefined Fellowship offers a wealth of resources and materials that delve deep into the intricacies of functional psychiatry. From in-depth lectures to case studies and clinical tools, the fellowship equips its members with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in this evolving field. The robust curriculum covers a wide range of topics, from lab testing to nutritional psychiatry, ensuring that fellows receive a comprehensive education that goes beyond the conventional boundaries of psychiatry.
It would not be an understatement to say that this Fellowship professional training has transformed my career. It has provided me with the practical tools and theoretical framework needed to effectively address the root causes of psychiatric symptoms, which is essentially absent from conventional psychiatric training.
The sense of community and support offered by the Fellowship has been invaluable, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous learning. If you’re a clinician searching for a more holistic approach to psychiatry, look no further than the Psychiatry Redefined Fellowship in Functional & Integrative Psychiatry—it’s not just a program; it’s a much-needed paradigm shift in mental health care.
In health,
Josh Habansky, MSN, PMHNP-BC
Want to learn how functional medicine can enhance your practice?
Book a private call today with Dr. Greenblatt to learn more about this Fellowship and available scholarships.
Hear more about the Fellowship experience from Annie Ward, PMHNP, below!
