Crafting Inner Gold Through the Power of Transformation
Functional Lab Test Panels For Holistic Psychiatric Care
For Women In Denver, Colorado
When it comes to mental health, symptoms are only part of the story. Many ambitious women I work with have been told “everything looks normal” on paper—yet still feel exhausted, foggy, anxious, or off-balance. That’s where a functional lab test becomes essential.
Instead of stopping at surface-level symptom checklists, I use advanced blood work and functional testing to uncover the biological and nutritional imbalances that influence mood, focus, energy, and anxiety. The result? Real answers and a plan tailored to your unique body and brain.
What Is A Functional Lab Test?
A functional lab test is a cornerstone of integrative psychiatry. While traditional psychiatry often focuses on managing symptoms, my approach looks deeper—identifying underlying contributors like nutrient deficiencies, thyroid dysfunction, gut imbalances, and hormone fluctuations.
By connecting the results of a functional lab test to your mental health picture, we can create a more precise, personalized plan for healing.
What Does A Functional Lab Test Panel Look At?
Depending on your needs, testing may include:
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General Health & Metabolic Function
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Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
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Nutritional & Micronutrient Status
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Hormonal Health
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Gut Health
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Detoxification & Environmental Load
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Oxidative Stress & Mitochondrial Function
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Immune & Inflammatory Activity
These panels provide insight into the hidden contributors to depression, anxiety, ADHD, burnout, and other mental health challenges.
Why Is A Functional Lab Test Important in Psychiatry?
Advanced functional lab testing can:
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Personalize your treatment plan instead of guessing
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Detect underlying conditions before they worsen
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Reduce trial-and-error prescribing by identifying biological drivers
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Empower you with clear data that validates your symptoms and guides recovery
Who Performs the Functional Lab Testing?
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Quest Diagnostics – for standard lab panels
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Genova Diagnostics – for advanced functional test panels
Together, these tools give us a comprehensive view of your whole health—not just your mental health symptoms.
What Happens After A Functional Lab Test?
Treatment is never one-size-fits-all. Once results are in, I create a personalized plan that blends science with compassion and may include medication, supplements, therapy, nutrition, and lifestyle strategies.
The goal isn’t to collect data for the sake of it—it’s to uncover what’s driving your symptoms and design a plan that helps you feel better, faster, and more sustainably.
Case Example: How Root Cause Lab Testing Can Change Treatment
One woman came to me with fatigue, brain fog, and low mood. She’d been offered antidepressants in the past, but her symptoms never improved. Through a functional lab test panel, we discovered significant vitamin D and B12 deficiencies along with mild hypothyroidism. By addressing these root causes with targeted supplementation and thyroid support, her energy, focus, and mood improved dramatically.
Learn More About Mental Health & Whole-Person Psychiatry
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Visit the Blog
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Trusted Resources
Ready to Finally Get the Full Picture?
A functional lab test can uncover the root causes behind your symptoms. Let’s create a plan that helps you feel like yourself again—inside and out.
Serving Denver and all of Colorado.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I do a functional lab test for mental health if my doctor says my labs are “normal”?
Standard labs often look only at broad ranges. A functional lab test goes deeper—identifying suboptimal levels and patterns that affect energy, mood, and cognition, even if you’re technically “in range.”
Do I need to be in Denver to do a functional lab test?
No. I partner with Quest and Genova Diagnostics, which have locations and virtual testing options across Colorado. You can complete most labs locally and review results with me virtually.
Can functional lab testing really make a difference for depression, anxiety, or ADHD?
Yes. Many women discover that nutrient deficiencies, thyroid issues, or inflammation were making their symptoms worse. Addressing these factors often improves outcomes and reduces the need for higher medication doses.
Is a functional lab test panel covered by insurance?
Basic blood panels often are, while advanced functional testing may not be. We’ll discuss options upfront so you can choose what feels right for your goals and budget.
Why work with a Denver-based psychiatric nurse practitioner for functional lab testing?
Because I connect your lab results to your mental health—not just your physical health. My integrative psychiatry approach ensures that each functional lab test informs a treatment plan that blends medication, supplements, therapy, and lifestyle strategies for whole-person healing.