Best Psychiatrist Denver: Why Values-Based Care Matters
- Britt Ritchie

- Aug 8
- 5 min read
Updated: 10 hours ago
Living in Alignment Blog Series: Part 1 of 4

Searching for the best psychiatrist Denver has to offer? If you’ve been lost in a sea of names, credentials, and office addresses, you’re not alone. Finding the right provider isn’t about the fanciest title or the quickest prescription refill — it’s about values, alignment, and care that sees all of you.
Key Points
Many women search for the best psychiatrist Denver when what they really need is a provider who understands their story, not just their symptoms.
Traditional psychiatry often focuses on reducing anxiety, improving focus, or lifting mood — but values-based psychiatry goes deeper.
When your treatment aligns with your values, life feels steadier, more purposeful, and more sustainable.
A whole-body approach that blends functional medicine, lifestyle, and psychiatry provides true transformation.
The best psychiatrists in Denver offer more than med checks — they offer time, root-cause exploration, and integrative care.
Let’s be honest: searching for the best psychiatrist in Denver can feel overwhelming. You scroll through pages of identical listings, hoping someone will stand out. But the truth is, you’re not just looking for a psychiatrist. You’re looking for the right psychiatrist — someone who hears you, sees you, and helps you live a life that feels aligned with who you really are.
Why “Best Psychiatrist Denver” Searches Don’t Tell the Whole Story
When most people Google the best psychiatrist Denver, they’re looking for relief from something tangible:
Anxiety that feels like a constant hum in the background of their day.
Difficulty concentrating or finishing tasks, no matter how hard they try.
A low mood that lingers, dulling their motivation and joy.
Burnout from trying to do it all — and do it perfectly.
Those symptoms matter. They’re often what bring people through my (virtual) door. But I’ve learned something important: even when symptoms improve, many people still feel restless or disconnected from their lives.
That’s because true mental well-being isn’t just about what you don’t feel anymore — it’s about what you do feel. And those feelings come from living in a way that reflects your values.
Why Values Belong in Psychiatry
Your values are your personal compass. When you’re clear on them — and you use them to guide your choices — life feels steadier, more purposeful, and more satisfying.
When I work with clients, we use their values as a filter for everything:
Deciding what’s worth their time and energy.
Setting boundaries without guilt.
Choosing goals that are meaningful, not just impressive on paper.
I’ve seen clients who’ve worked with Denver psychiatrists or other providers before and made progress with medication, but never felt truly fulfilled. Once we identify and integrate their values into the treatment process, it’s like something clicks — their goals feel authentic, their decisions feel easier, and their progress feels sustainable.

My Values in Action
This isn’t just something I talk about in sessions — it’s how I live my own life.
My values are grounded in curiosity, health, and growth. They guide not only my work, but also how I care for myself:
I’m physically active because movement is essential for my own mood, focus, and resilience.
I take supplements and nutraceuticals alongside prescription medications, because I believe in blending the best of functional medicine and traditional psychiatry.
I engage in my own therapy, because mental health work is lifelong and I want to be as present and self-aware for my clients as I am for myself.
This alignment matters — because I’m not asking my clients to do anything I wouldn’t (or don’t) do myself.
The Denver & Colorado Health Culture — and How It Shapes My Care
Living in Denver means being surrounded by people who value movement, prevention, and performance. We hike. We ski. We cycle. We meal prep. We track steps and macros.
It’s a culture that understands the value of investing in physical health. But I see so many people who do all of that and still feel anxious, burned out, or disconnected.
That’s because mental health is influenced by more than willpower or fitness habits. It’s tied to what’s happening inside your body — your nutrition, hormones, inflammation levels, gut health, and more.
That’s why my practice combines mental health care with functional medicine principles:
Nutrition matters. We talk about it, and I help you connect it to mood and energy.
Lab testing matters. We identify deficiencies or imbalances that could be affecting your brain.
Lifestyle matters. Sleep, stress, relationships, and purpose all play a role.
In Colorado, we already understand that physical health is an investment. I believe your mental health deserves the same attention — and the same depth of care.
My Whole-Body, Values-Based Approach
In my practice, you won’t find 15-minute “med checks.” Instead, you’ll find:
Time to talk – I want to understand not just your symptoms, but your history, lifestyle, and goals.
Root-cause exploration – Using labs and a detailed health history to identify underlying contributors to your mental health.
Integrated treatment – Blending prescription medications with supplements, nutraceuticals, adaptogens, therapy, and mind-body strategies.
Values integration – Aligning your treatment plan with your personal values so your daily life reflects what matters most to you.

Why Working With the Best Psychiatrist in Denver Is Different Here
Denver offers endless opportunity, but it also encourages us to push — at work, at home, on the trails, in the gym. Without intentional boundaries, it’s easy to burn out.
A values-based approach helps you decide what’s worth doing and what can wait. It keeps you grounded, so you can enjoy all that Colorado life offers without losing yourself in the process.
Coming Next Week: Living in Alignment Blog Series
This post is Part 1 to my Living in Alignment Blog Series, a four-part journey exploring how aligning your life with your personal values transforms your mental health from the inside out.
From here, each post builds on the last:
Part 2: Living in Alignment: When Success Isn’t Enough— understanding what alignment means and how it impacts mental health.
Part 3: Living in Alignment with Your Values: A Practical Guide for Ambitious Women — applying your values to everyday decisions for more peace and purpose.
Part 4: Values-Based Living: The Secret to Sustainable Success— sustaining alignment through growth, healing, and long-term self-trust.
Together, these posts form the foundation of values-based living — a life that feels grounded, authentic, and emotionally balanced because it’s built around what truly matters to you.
Ready to Work Together?
If you’ve been searching for the best psychiatrist in Denver and want a provider who blends medical expertise with functional medicine, nutrition, and values-based care — and who lives those values herself — I’d love to meet you.
Start here:
When it comes to mental health care, what matters most to you?
A provider who listens and understands me
Addressing root causes, not just symptoms
Blending lifestyle, nutrition, and psychiatry
Short wait times and quick solutions




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