Integrative Psychiatry vs. Conventional Psychiatry: 5 Key Differences for Patients

Mental health care is evolving fast. While conventional psychiatry has long focused on diagnosis and medication, integrative psychiatry brings a broader, whole person lens that blends conventional science with evidence based holistic therapies. If you or a loved one is weighing options, understanding how these two models diverge can make all the difference in your healing journey. Below, we unpack five critical differences every patient should know, then help you decide which approach fits your needs.

What Is Conventional Psychiatry?

Core Principles

Traditional psychiatry is rooted in a subjection, interview based model. Practitioners:
● Identify mental disorders through standardized criteria through interview (e.g., DSM-5).
● Target neurochemical imbalances with FDA approved medications.
● Emphasize symptom reduction and crisis stabilization.

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