By: Maria Williams
What is integrative psychiatry? “I hear that question from a lot of people when I tell them what I do for a living,” says Julie Brush, ND (Doctor of Naturopathy). A distinguished practitioner at Amen Clinics, Dr. Brush has made significant strides in the emerging field of integrative psychiatry, also known as functional psychiatry.
The field involves a focus on holistic treatments and advanced diagnostic techniques that have set her apart in the medical community. “I explain it as looking for and addressing the root causes of neuropsychiatric conditions and providing holistic treatment plans rather than just medication,” she says.
Professional Journey and Contributions
Dr. Julie Brush has been working at Amen Clinics for more than four years, where her expertise has been invaluable. She began her journey at Amen Clinics by collaborating through her private practice, which focused on patients with addictions, disordered eating and complex neuropsychiatric conditions. Her transition to a full-time role allowed her to broaden her impact and implement comprehensive treatment plans for her patients.
A key element of Dr. Brush’s practice is using SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) scans. These scans have been instrumental in diagnosing and understanding the underlying causes of psychiatric symptoms. Dr. Brush recalls numerous cases where SPECT imaging revealed critical insights that led to effective treatment plans. “I had one patient with severe mood disorders resistant to traditional treatments,” Dr. Brush says. “Through SPECT imaging, we identified abnormal brain patterns indicative of underlying neuroinflammation. This discovery enabled me to develop a more targeted treatment approach, significantly improving the patient’s mood, function and quality of life.”
Distinctive Practices at Amen Clinics
Amen Clinics stands out for its integrative approach to psychiatry, focusing on treating the whole person rather than taking a band-aid approach to improve symptoms. This philosophy aligns perfectly with Dr. Brush’s adherence to naturopathic tenets: treat the whole person and support the body to heal itself. Utilizing SPECT imaging, which helps identify the functional aspects of the brain and understand the root causes of neuropsychiatric conditions, has improved her assessment as well as outcomes. Mood-stabilizing medications, supplements, and nutrition and lifestyle recommendations enhance this comprehensive evaluation method.
Dr. Brush collaborates closely with integrative providers and naturopathic doctors to address neuroinflammation comprehensively. She emphasizes the importance of understanding that psychiatric symptoms often have multifaceted causes, extending beyond the brain itself. This integrative method improves patient outcomes and sets Amen Clinics apart from traditional psychiatric practices.
In one outcome study, Dr. Brush treated a young adult with severe anxiety and depression, which conventional treatments had failed to alleviate. Using SPECT scans, she identified areas of imbalanced blood flow in the brain, indicative of underlying inflammation. “By implementing a treatment regimen that included immune-balancing medications, nutritional supplements, and lifestyle changes, the patient experienced significant improvement,” Dr. Brush says. This case exemplifies the clinic’s dedication to identifying and treating underlying causes for treatment success.
Leadership and Advocacy
Dr. Brush’s role extends beyond her clinical work at Amen Clinics. She advocates for integrative psychiatry and frequently shares her expertise through various professional platforms. Dr. Brush presents at national professional conferences annually. Her most recent topic of interest is addressing perimenopause and menopausal changes that impact brain health utilizing an integrative approach. She is committed to educating patients and healthcare providers about the benefits of holistic treatment approaches and advanced diagnostic techniques like SPECT imaging.
Her advocacy includes participating in research initiatives to improve understanding of neuropsychiatric conditions. She is an active member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, the California Naturopathic Doctor Association and the Psychiatric Association of Naturopathic Physicians, and is a candidate for the newly formed certification of PsychANP Fellowship. By collaborating with other experts in the field, Dr. Brush contributes to developing innovative treatment protocols that can be implemented in clinical practice. “This collaborative approach is essential in advancing the field of psychiatry and ensuring that patients receive the most effective, evidence-based care/” she says.
Personal and Professional Values
Dr. Brush’s commitment to her patients is deeply rooted in her personal and professional values. She views her role as a healer, focusing on identifying and addressing the root causes of medical imbalances. Dr. Brush integrates her holistic approach into her practice, striving to provide comprehensive care that encompasses physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
“I think of my process as a blend of detective work and compassionate care,” she says. “I aim to uncover the underlying issues contributing to my patients’ conditions.” This method involves looking beyond the obvious symptoms to identify factors such as neuroinflammation, infections, and hormonal imbalances affecting brain health. By addressing these root causes, Dr. Brush helps her patients achieve better overall health and well-being.
Balancing Professional and Personal Life
Dr. Julie Brush balances her demanding career and personal interests outside her professional life. “Sleep is a strong priority for me. If I don’t get 7-8 hours of sleep every night, I am not the best version of myself. Exercise is just as important. Even on busy days, I take a brisk walk outside. And I have added more weight-bearing exercise in the past few years–making time for that is non-negotiable!” Dr. Brush enjoys spending time outdoors and traveling, which helps her maintain a healthy work-life balance. These activities are essential for her well-being and enable her to practice what she preaches to her patients.
Dr. Brush’s dedication to brain health extends to her personal life, where she integrates the principles of functional psychiatry into her daily routine. By modeling the nutrition and lifestyle that she recommends for her patients, she is better equipped to provide her patients with the highest level of care.
Educational Initiatives and Public Awareness
Dr. Julie Brush is actively involved in educational and public awareness efforts to promote integrative psychiatry. “I love speaking at conferences and seminars, where I can share clinical insights and experiences with a broader audience,” she says. Her presentations focus on the relationship between brain health and men’s and women’s hormone balance, perimenopause and menopause transitions, neuroinflammation, and psychiatric disorders, highlighting the importance of comprehensive diagnostic evaluations.
Dr. Brush collaborates with other medical professionals to enhance their understanding of neuroinflammation and its impact on mental health. She contributes to developing training programs and continuing education courses for healthcare providers, emphasizing the importance of advanced imaging techniques and holistic treatment approaches.
In her community outreach efforts, Dr. Brush participates in educational workshops and informational sessions to raise awareness about brain health. These programs are designed to help individuals understand the importance of early detection and intervention in managing mental health conditions. By providing clear and accurate information, she empowers people to take proactive steps in maintaining their mental well-being.
Dr. Brush also contributes to publications and resources that address neuroinflammation and mental health. She recommends “The End of Mental Illness” by Dr. Amen as a valuable resource for understanding integrative psychiatry. This book provides insights into preventing and managing mental health conditions, which Dr. Brush finds particularly relevant to her practice.
Future Vision and Initiatives
Looking ahead, Dr. Brush is enthusiastic about the new Neurointensive Outpatient Program at Amen Clinics. “This program aims to treat more patients with complex illnesses and neurological symptoms,” she says. It reflects the clinic’s commitment to comprehensive care and innovation in neuropsychiatry. The program will provide intensive, focused treatment for patients needing more than standard outpatient care, using the latest research and techniques to address their needs.
Dr. Brush envisions expanding Amen Clinics’ holistic care to more patients and healthcare providers. She aims to continue advocating for better understanding and treatment of neuroinflammatory conditions and contributing to the growing body of research in this area. “By sharing knowledge and collaborating with other experts, I’m hoping to improve the standard of care for patients with complex neuropsychiatric conditions,” she says.
Dr. Julie Brush’s work at Amen Clinics demonstrates the potential of integrative psychiatry and holistic treatments. Her dedication to understanding and treating neuroinflammation has improved the lives of her patients and contributed significantly to the broader medical community. Her innovative methods, personal values, and professional expertise make her a leading figure in neuropsychiatry. As she continues to advocate for better care and treatment options, Dr. Brush’s impact will undoubtedly grow, benefiting countless patients and advancing the field of integrative psychiatry.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
