Frequently Asked Questions About Concierge & Holistic Psychiatry at Grounded

Everything You Need to Know About Root-Cause Mental Health Care Before Your First Visit

The Grounded Approach

  • At Grounded Psychiatry, we don’t just treat symptoms—we get to the root of what’s affecting your mental health. The Grounded Approach combines holistic psychiatry, functional medicine, and lifestyle support to help you feel like yourself again. We look at everything from nutrition and genetics to nervous system regulation and emotional wellness, creating a plan that’s completely tailored to you. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all model. It’s personalized care, delivered with depth, intention, and heart.

  • Holistic psychiatry is a whole-person approach to mental health that goes beyond symptom management. At Grounded Psychiatry, we look at your physical health, emotional patterns, lifestyle, nervous system, and even spiritual well-being to understand the deeper “why” behind your symptoms. Instead of relying solely on medication, we create a personalized wellness plan that supports healing from the inside out.

  • Concierge psychiatry is a high-touch, highly personalized approach to mental health care that goes far beyond the traditional model. Instead of rushed 15-minute med checks and long waits between appointments, concierge care gives you direct access, extended sessions, and a root-cause approach to healing—without relying solely on medications.

    At Grounded Psychiatry, our concierge model is designed for those who want premium, priority-level mental health care that’s truly comprehensive and personalized.

    ✔️ Longer, in-depth appointments—so we have time to get to the root of your symptoms.

    ✔️ Priority scheduling & direct messaging access—because your mental wellness shouldn’t have to wait.

    ✔️ Holistic, root-cause treatment plans—addressing nutrition, nervous system regulation, stress resilience, and more.

    ✔️ Advanced lab testing & precision medicine—tailoring your care based on your unique biochemistry.

    ✔️ A VIP experience—for high-achievers, professionals, and those committed to real, lasting mental wellness.

    Concierge psychiatry lets us focus on true healing rather than just symptom management. If you’re tired of the standard “one-size-fits-all” approach and want a deeper, more effective way to optimize your mental health, concierge care may be the right fit for you.

  • Unlike a typical psychiatry experience that often centers around symptom management through medication alone, care at Grounded Psychiatry is rooted in identifying and treating the underlying causes of your mental health challenges. We go beyond prescriptions to explore your nutrition, sleep, hormone balance, nervous system health, and life stressors. Our approach blends traditional psychiatric expertise with functional medicine, lifestyle strategies, and personalized support—so you can truly heal, not just cope.

  • Most likely, yes! Many people, including us at Grounded Psychiatry, have personally found relief through holistic psychiatry—healing at the root rather than relying solely on medication. We’ve helped those suffering from anxiety, depression, PTSD, insomnia, brain fog, and much more.

  • The time to see results can vary based on the complexity of your situation and how your body responds to your regimen. Some clients notice improvements within a few weeks, while for others, it may take longer. Know that we’re committed to working with you for the long run if needed — we’re not going anywhere!

  • We work with individuals ages 6 and up, supporting clients across all stages of life—from children and teens to college students, working professionals, and adults navigating major life transitions.

    Our approach is especially helpful for high-performing individuals who want to optimize their mental health, cognitive function, and emotional well-being. Whether your child is struggling with focus and regulation, you're navigating burnout in your career, or you simply want to feel sharper, calmer, and more like yourself—we meet you where you are and create a care plan that fits your life.

  • For children and teens, we take a gentle, preventative approach that starts with non-invasive genetic testing. This allows us to identify key nutrient needs, metabolic imbalances, or nervous system sensitivities that may be impacting focus, mood, or emotional regulation—before turning to medications or deeper interventions.

    By beginning here, we can support healthy brain development during critical growth years and lay a foundation for lifelong emotional wellness. Our goal is to offer clarity, reduce overwhelm, and help your child thrive—naturally and confidently—without overpathologizing what may simply be a need for support.

Medication Management

  • While we can prescribe medications when necessary, our focus is on minimizing reliance on them through holistic practices.

  • Yes! If you’re looking to taper off your current medication, we can provide guidance and support to do so safely and with minimal side effects.

  • Yes. We specialize in helping clients heal using a root-cause, functional medicine approach—and for many individuals, that means exploring medication-free treatment when appropriate. We use advanced testing, nutrition, targeted supplements, and lifestyle interventions to support brain health naturally. That said, every plan is personalized. Some clients choose to stay on medication while we address the underlying causes, and others are looking for guidance in reducing or avoiding medications altogether.

  • We make medication decisions thoughtfully, not automatically. Our goal is to understand what your brain and body truly need, and we only recommend medication when we believe it will support your healing process. We consider your symptoms, functional lab results, past experiences, and personal preferences before making any recommendations. You’ll always be part of the decision-making process, and we’ll never push medication if you’re not comfortable with it.

  • Yes. We respect the choices you’ve made in your mental health journey and understand that many clients come to us while already taking medications. You can absolutely continue your current treatment while we explore deeper root causes and support your system in other ways. If and when you’re interested in tapering, we can create a safe, gradual plan—there’s no pressure to change anything until you’re ready.

  • Absolutely. We believe in a collaborative, whole-person approach to care. With your permission, we’re happy to coordinate with your existing providers—whether that’s a therapist, primary care doctor, or specialist—to ensure everyone is working together toward your wellness goals. This kind of partnership often leads to better outcomes and a more seamless experience for you.

  • We are not licensed to prescribe controlled substances, including stimulants or benzodiazepines. Our practice focuses on a root-cause, functional approach to mental wellness, using non-controlled treatments such as lifestyle strategies, targeted supplementation, genetic insights, and advanced lab testing to support brain health. If you require a controlled medication, we’re happy to collaborate with your primary care provider or refer you to a prescriber who can safely manage that part of your care.

Appointments

  • Appointment frequency depends on your goals, health history, and how much support you need. Most clients begin with a comprehensive intake, followed by monthly or bi-monthly follow-ups. Some clients choose to continue long-term care, while others complete their goals in a few months. Our care is highly personalized, and we’ll work together to find the right pace for you.


  • Yes, all appointments are currently offered virtually for your convenience. You must be a resident of a state where we are licensed in order to receive care.

    We accept clients who are residents of Washington, Oregon, Montana, Hawaii, Alaska, and Nevada. 

    However, we are actively expanding our licensure and provider network, so feel free to reach out if you're unsure whether you're eligible.

  • Absolutely. With your permission, we’re happy to collaborate with your therapist, primary care provider, or other specialists to ensure your care is coordinated and comprehensive. We believe in a team-based approach that supports your healing from all angles.

  • Your privacy is our top priority. At Grounded Psychiatry, we follow strict HIPAA-compliant guidelines to ensure that all your personal and medical information remains completely confidential. We do not share your information with anyone without your written consent, except in rare cases required by law (such as safety concerns or court orders).

    We also take extra precautions to protect your data, including secure electronic health records, encrypted communication, and private appointment scheduling.

    If you have any specific concerns about confidentiality, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to discuss how we safeguard your privacy.

  • Your first visit is a comprehensive, 90- to 120-minute intake where we dive into your full health story—including mental, physical, emotional, and lifestyle factors. We review your goals, past treatments, current challenges, and any relevant labs or genetic testing. This is a collaborative space where you’re encouraged to ask questions and feel truly heard.

  • We’re a highly personalized, concierge-style practice, and not everyone is accepted into care—because not everyone is the right fit for our root-cause approach. If your application is accepted, your new patient appointment will be scheduled during your discovery call, where we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get started.

    Follow-up appointments are scheduled at the end of each visit, so you’ll always leave with your next session already confirmed. If you need to reschedule, you’ll have access to both our nurse and your provider to help coordinate a new time that works for you.

  • We offer a high-touch, concierge-style model for clients who need extra support. If you're part of our VIP program, you’ll have access to direct messaging with a nurse for non-urgent questions. For all clients, we offer secure messaging through our portal and will respond within 1–2 business days. Crisis care and urgent psychiatric support are not provided through our practice, and we’ll guide you to appropriate emergency resources when needed.

  • We understand that life happens. If you need to reschedule or cancel, we ask for at least 48 business hours’ notice to avoid a cancellation fee. You can manage your appointments directly by reaching out to our team for assistance.

Supplements

  • Not at all. While supplements can be incredibly helpful in supporting brain health, healing, and nervous system regulation, we’ll never force or pressure you to take anything. You’re always in control of your care, and we’ll work together to find a plan that fits your preferences, comfort level, and budget.

  • We take a personalized, data-informed approach to supplementation. Recommendations are based on your symptoms, lifestyle, and—when available—lab testing, including nutrient levels, genetics, and gut health. We don’t believe in guesswork or one-size-fits-all protocols. Everything we suggest is targeted and aligned with your unique needs and goals.

  • In some cases, the right supplements and lifestyle changes can reduce the need for medication—or even help clients eventually taper off with guidance. That said, supplements aren’t a magic fix or a substitute for medication in every situation. Our goal is to support your brain and body so you can make informed decisions about your mental health, with or without medication.

  • Medical-grade supplements are high-quality formulations that meet rigorous standards for purity, potency, and effectiveness. Unlike many store-bought products, they’re third-party tested and manufactured in certified facilities. This means you’re getting exactly what’s on the label—without fillers, contaminants, or inconsistent dosing. We only recommend brands we trust and use ourselves.

  • Yes, the quality of your supplements matters a lot. Not all supplements are created equal—many over-the-counter brands contain fillers, additives, lower-quality ingredients, or inaccurate dosing. Some even fail third-party testing for purity and potency.

    At Grounded Psychiatry, we recommend high-quality, third-party-tested supplements to ensure you’re getting the right form, dose, and bioavailability for maximum effectiveness. If you’re investing in your health, it’s important to choose supplements that actually work.

    For trusted brands and recommendations, we provide a curated list of professional-grade options through our practice.

  • Supplements are not included in the cost of appointments or packages. Because everyone’s plan is customized, we don’t bundle supplements into our fees. We do our best to recommend cost-effective options and always honor your budget. Most clients spend between $75–$200/month depending on their plan, and you’re welcome to start with just the essentials.

  • That depends on your goals and the severity of your symptoms. Some supplements are used short-term to support healing, while others may be needed longer to maintain balance or correct deeper deficiencies. Our goal is always to use the least amount of intervention for the greatest impact, and we’ll reassess regularly to adjust or scale back as your body improves.

Functional & Genetic Testing

  • Functional testing is a key part of what’s known as precision psychiatry—an approach that uses detailed lab data to understand how your unique biology influences your mental health. We may test for nutrient deficiencies, hormone imbalances, gut health issues, and genetic markers that impact brain function. These insights help us create a highly personalized wellness plan that addresses the root causes of your symptoms—so you can heal in a way that’s truly aligned with your body and mind.

  • Absolutely! Recent blood work results can provide initial insights and help avoid unnecessary repeat tests. We can discuss how these results fit into your overall wellness plan.


    Note that even with recent blood work, additional functional medicine testing may still be recommended.


  • We offer multiple forms of genetic testing to support individuals of all ages seeking a personalized, root-cause approach to mental health.

    These non-invasive tests help us understand how your unique biology influences key systems like mood, focus, detoxification, inflammation, metabolism, and hormone balance. Some tests also provide insight into how your body may respond to certain medications—allowing for safer, more informed prescribing when needed.

    Whether you're a teen navigating mood or focus challenges or an adult optimizing long-term brain health, genetic testing gives us the information we need to create a care plan aligned with you—supporting true healing from the inside out.

  • While some genetic tests focus solely on how your body may respond to psychiatric medications, we offer more comprehensive options that go beyond prescribing.

    Our functional genetic panels help us explore how your genes influence deeper systems that impact mental health—like inflammation, detoxification, hormone balance, nutrient metabolism, and brain function. Instead of simply matching you to a medication, this broader approach helps us understand what your brain and body need to truly thrive—whether that's lifestyle shifts, targeted supplementation, or further support for underlying imbalances.

    Please note: This type of genetic testing is not FDA-approved and is not intended to diagnose or treat disease. It serves as a functional tool to help guide personalized wellness and supplement recommendations based on your unique biology.

  • Genetic testing gave Jessica life-changing insight into her own mental health—insight she wishes she had access to as a teenager. It helped her understand why she was more sensitive to stress, struggled with focus, and needed targeted support for neurotransmitter balance. Discovering these root-cause factors transformed the way she approached her own healing—and it’s a big reason why she now offers this testing to clients of all ages. For her, it’s not just about data—it’s about clarity, empowerment, and finally getting the answers she never had growing up.

Medication Tapering & Deprescribing

  • Deprescribing is the intentional, guided process of safely reducing or stopping psychiatric medications that may no longer be needed or beneficial. At Grounded Psychiatry, deprescribing doesn’t mean “quitting cold turkey”—it means taking a thoughtful, personalized approach to step away from medications while addressing the root causes of mental health symptoms. Our goal is to support long-term healing through natural strategies, functional medicine, and advanced testing—so you can feel better without relying solely on prescriptions.

  • We assess readiness for deprescribing on a case-by-case basis. This includes evaluating your current symptoms, emotional stability, life circumstances, lab results, and nervous system resilience. We also take into account your mindset and goals. If you're mentally and physically supported, and your lifestyle is stable enough to begin tapering, we’ll work together to create a plan that feels both empowering and safe. There’s no rush—we only begin when the foundation is strong.

  • Our deprescribing process is collaborative, gradual, and deeply personalized. We begin by strengthening your body with nutrition, sleep, and nervous system support. From there, we slowly reduce medication dosages in carefully planned steps, while monitoring for withdrawal symptoms and emotional shifts. You’ll never be asked to taper without having the right functional supports in place. The process often includes lifestyle modifications, targeted supplementation, and ongoing check-ins to ensure you feel steady at every stage.

  • Yes—this is one of the most important parts of our holistic deprescribing strategy. Nutritional deficiencies, sleep disruptions, and gut imbalances can all make withdrawal harder. We use functional lab testing to identify what your body needs most, and create a targeted supplement and lifestyle plan to support you throughout the tapering process. With the right foundation, many clients are surprised by how much smoother the transition can feel.

  • There’s no one-size-fits-all timeline. For some, tapering off psychiatric medications may take a few months; for others, it can take a year or more—especially if the medication has been used long-term or at a higher dose. We take a slow and steady approach to minimize withdrawal symptoms and keep your nervous system supported along the way. You’re never rushed—our priority is your long-term mental health and stability.

  • Yes, with the right support and a well-designed plan, tapering can be safe and effective. At Grounded Psychiatry, we don’t believe in abrupt changes. We start with foundational support—like improving sleep, nutrient status, and stress regulation—before making any dosage adjustments. Our method is backed by science and personalized to your body, giving you the safest path toward reducing or stopping medications when you're ready.

  • Withdrawal symptoms from antidepressants can vary widely. Some people experience brain zaps, dizziness, irritability, or mood swings. Others may notice trouble sleeping, increased anxiety, or flu-like symptoms. These symptoms are common and not a sign that you can’t come off the medication—they just mean your nervous system needs more support. That’s why we use targeted strategies to help your body adjust gently and minimize discomfort as much as possible.

  • Many of our clients come to us after a failed or distressing attempt at tapering. If you’ve tried before and it didn’t go well, it’s not your fault—you likely didn’t have the right support in place. We take a different approach by first strengthening your system and addressing underlying imbalances through advanced lab testing and personalized care. When your body is better supported, tapering tends to be smoother and more successful.

  • Not at all. We welcome clients who are currently taking medications and have no interest in stopping them. You’re not required to come off anything to work with us. Our goal is to help you feel better, whether that includes medication or not. If you eventually feel ready to explore deprescribing, we can support you—but we’ll always meet you where you are and move at your pace.

Insurance & Payment

  • Please click here to view our rates for different types of sessions.

  • We are an out-of-network, private pay practice and do not bill insurance directly. This allows us to offer longer visits, in-depth evaluations, and truly personalized care—without the time constraints or limitations of insurance-based models.

    If you have a PPO or out-of-network mental health benefits, you may be eligible for partial reimbursement. To make this easier, we’ve partnered with Thrizer, a platform that can check your benefits and submit claims on your behalf. Many clients find this a simple way to get money back without dealing with paperwork.

    You’re also welcome to request a superbill at any time if you prefer to submit claims on your own.

  • Yes, we offer flexible payment plans for select packages and services, especially for lab testing and higher-ticket programs. Our goal is to make care as accessible as possible without compromising quality. If you need a custom payment option, let us know during your discovery call or intake—we’re happy to work with you.

  • We accept all major credit and debit cards, as well as HSA and FSA cards. You can securely store your card on file for convenience, and charges are processed through our HIPAA-compliant billing system.

  • Yes! We partner with Thrizer, a service that simplifies the process of utilizing your out-of-network benefits. Thrizer assists you in checking your insurance coverage and handles the claim submissions on your behalf, reducing the administrative burden on you.

  • Yes! We work with Thrizer, a free service that lets you check your out-of-network mental health benefits upfront—so you’ll know what kind of reimbursement to expect before your first appointment.

    To check your benefits now, just go to:
    www.thrizer.com

    You’ll get a breakdown of your mental health coverage in just a few minutes.

  • Thrizer is a platform designed to make it easier for clients to get reimbursed for mental health sessions with out-of-network providers. By linking your insurance information, Thrizer can verify your benefits and manage the claim submission process, ensuring you receive any eligible reimbursements directly.

  • Thrizer offers flexible options depending on your insurance coverage and where you are with your deductible:

    If you're still meeting your deductible:
    Thrizer will submit claims for your psychiatric sessions at no cost to you while you're working toward your deductible.

    If you’ve already met your deductible:

    You’ll have two options:

    Option 1 – Standard Reimbursement:
    You pay Grounded Psychiatry's full session fee, and Thrizer submits the claim. Once your insurance reimburses you, Thrizer keeps 1% of the session fee as a small processing fee.

    Option 2 – Simplified Payment:
    You only pay your estimated co-insurance (the part your insurance doesn't cover), and Thrizer pays the rest up front to Grounded Psychiatry. For this convenience, they charge a 5% fee of the session cost.

    Both options let you choose the level of ease and reimbursement speed that fits your needs.

  • For help using Thrizer or questions about your insurance coverage, you can reach them directly at help@thrizer.com. Their team is responsive, knowledgeable, and happy to support you.

Psychedelic Medicine 

  • We approach psychedelic medicine with curiosity, caution, and deep respect. While we do not currently administer psychedelics in our practice, we recognize their potential in supporting emotional healing, trauma processing, and nervous system reset when used responsibly. Our focus is on evidence-based guidance, integration support, and helping clients explore this space with discernment and safety.

  • Psychedelic laws are evolving. As of now, most psychedelics—including psilocybin, MDMA, and LSD—remain federally illegal, though clinical trials and state-level programs (like in Oregon and Colorado) are expanding access. Ketamine is currently the only legal psychedelic-like substance available in clinical settings for mental health. We stay up to date on legal developments and only provide guidance within legal and ethical boundaries.

    You can apply to participate in a study with Johns Hopkins at the Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research. 

  • Ketamine is sometimes referred to as a "dissociative psychedelic" due to its consciousness-altering effects. It is currently FDA-approved for certain medical uses and can be prescribed off-label for treatment-resistant depression. While we do not administer ketamine in our practice, we can support clients seeking integration after working with a licensed ketamine provider.

  • We do not prescribe or facilitate psychedelic therapy or microdosing protocols at this time. However, we are happy to have open, non-judgmental conversations about your interest in these options. If you're considering exploring them, we can help assess your mental health history and whether it may or may not be appropriate for you.

  • Yes. Many people benefit most from psychedelics when they are emotionally and physically prepared beforehand and have space to integrate the insights afterward. We offer psychedelic integration support for clients who have had legal, supervised experiences or are preparing for one. This may include emotional processing, grounding practices, or nervous system regulation to help you translate the experience into lasting healing.

  • Psychedelics are not risk-free. For some people—especially those with a history of psychosis, bipolar disorder, or unresolved trauma—psychedelics may intensify symptoms or lead to emotional destabilization. They can also unearth deeply buried memories, which require skilled integration to process. We prioritize informed decision-making and only recommend exploring these substances in safe, legal, and professionally guided settings.

Trusted Referrals

  • At Grounded Psychiatry, we believe that healing is most effective when it’s collaborative and root-cause focused.

    That’s why we’re honored to recommend Truly Well Nutrition—a functional nutrition practice that shares our holistic philosophy.

    Founded by a deeply compassionate and skilled registered dietitian, Tracy Greenstein, MS, RD, LDN, offers individualized support for digestive health, energy, hormonal balance, and emotional well-being.

    She works virtually with clients across all 50 U.S. states, making high-quality nutrition care accessible no matter where you are.

    If you’re looking to nourish your body and mind through personalized nutrition guidance, we wholeheartedly recommend her care.

Trusted Supplements & Functional Testing for Mental Wellness

Supplements we commonly recommend to support brain health include:

VITAMIN D3 WITH k2

OMEGA 3S

MAGNESIUm Glycinate

Methylated B Complex

These foundational nutrients support mood, focus, sleep, and nervous system regulation. All recommendations are personalized based on your labs and symptoms. Please consult with your provider before starting any new supplements.


Trusted Medical-Grade Supplement Sources:

Trusted Functional Lab Providers:

holistic psychiatry practitioner

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We CAN HELP YOU

Need help NOW?

If you are experiencing an urgent mental health issue right now…

Here is a curated list of my favorite resources for immediate mental health support.

  • 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
    Just text or call 988. Trained counselors provide free and confidential emotional support and crisis counseling to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress and connect them to resources. These services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, across the United States.

  • A warmline is a free, confidential support line where you can talk to someone who truly understands—because they’ve been there too. Unlike crisis hotlines, warmlines are for when you just need to talk, process emotions, or get support before things feel overwhelming.

    If you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or just need someone to listen, a warmline can be a great way to find comfort and connection.

    You can find a list of warmlines across the U.S. here:


    NAMI Warmline Directory
    Mental Health America Warmline List
    Find a Warmline Near You

    You're never alone—support is just a call away.

  • 7 Cups

    7 Cups connects you to caring listeners for free emotional support.

  • The JED Foundation
    Nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults

  • National Alliance on Mental Illness
    Support, advocacy, and education for those whose lives are affected by mental illness

  • National Sleep Foundation
    Sleep education and advocacy to improve health and well-being

  • Free DIY Therapy Resources
    Worksheets, courses, and guides to help process emotions, reduce anxiety, and more

  • FirstAidStressTool.com

    The First Aid Stress Tool (FAST) can be used to help relieve symptoms associated with many different kinds of stress and often offers immediate relief.

Mental Health Lab Testing:
A Personalized Approach to Wellness

Getting the right lab tests is essential to uncovering the root causes of mental health.

Download our list of key lab tests for mental health

Take this list to your next doctor’s appointment and ask them to screen you for these tests to uncover any imbalances that may need attention.

  • Client Love

    “Jessica, You have always been so kind and understanding! Today, you have surpassed that kindness towards me. Not only with your compassion, but with your great extent of medical knowledge. Putting the two together have truly given me hope! Thank you for truly caring!”

  • Client Love

    I cannot recommend Jessica Kettell highly enough. From my very first appointment, she created a safe, understanding, and compassionate space where I felt truly heard. Her expertise, patience, and thoughtful approach have made a profound difference in my mental health journey. One of the most impactful aspects of my care with Jessica was her guidance in safely transitioning off antidepressants after five years. She provided clear, step-by-step support throughout the process, ensuring I felt confident and well-supported every step of the way. Her extensive knowledge of vitamins and supplements also played a key role in my treatment, offering natural and effective alternatives to support my overall well-being.

  • Client Love

    “You are the best mental health provider I’ve ever had. And I’ve had A LOT of providers. Thank you for being patient with me and guiding me in the right direction. You have changed my life!”

  • Client Love

    “I’ve been struggling with pain from my traumatic past for decades. Thank you for listening to me, believing me, caring about me, and helping me along my healing journey. In 30 years, I haven’t had anyone, let alone a mental health provider, care about me and my wellbeing more than you! Thank you!”