Telemedicine with KinFolk Integrative Health
The telemedicine program includes one-on-one health consults with Dr. Celeste Richmond through secure, HIPAA-compliant video chat as well as specialized laboratory testing, optional genomic testing, and personalized treatments aimed at resolving the underlying root causes of your mental health concerns.
As a licensed naturopathic physician in the state of Washington, Dr. Richmond has been extensively trained through her medical education at an accredited college and through her residency training in behavioral health. She has comprehensive knowledge on how the mind and body work, why things may go wrong, and how to correct symptoms – not simply cover them up with medications or dozens of supplements. She understands how all aspects of the mind and body are interconnected and treats her clients with therapies that address the underlying blockages or imbalances in their overall health and wellness.
Step 1:
Schedule a 75-minute initial telemedicine consult with Dr. Richmond. To prepare for your visit, complete the new client forms through our patient portal.
Step 2:
Consult with Dr. Richmond via video chat to explore your mental health concerns while considering your entire medical history provided in your initial new client forms. She may consider routine lab testing, specialty lab testing, and/or genomic testing, if necessary, followed by a personalized treatment plan specifically tailored to your story, your needs, and your goals.
Step 3:
Begin your treatment plan and your healing journey. If supplements are recommended, they are all sent through an online dispensary and shipped directly to your doorstep. Follow up with Dr. Richmond via video chat to ensure your health and well-being continue to improve.
Therapeutic Approaches
Comprehensive Labs & Imaging
When it comes to integrative mental health, our primary areas of focus are brain health, gut health, hormones, immune health, and the health of our 3 main elimination organs (skin, liver, and colon). Therefore, if deemed necessary, diagnostic labs and imaging may be requested to rule out physiological causes of mental health concerns, or to identify the physiological effects of having chronic mental health concerns. These labs can range from a standard CBC blood test to a food sensitivity or hormone panel.
Lifestyle Counseling
Our lifestyle habits provide a foundation for our overall health and wellness. They set the stage for how our body responds to our environment. We address physical activity, stress management, cultural & ethnic influence(s), family and social relationships, sleep hygiene, cigarette use, drug use, alcohol use, eating habits, work-life balance, spiritual/moral foundations, and more.
Clinical Nutrition
Like lifestyle, food and water are also the foundation of our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. They are also the foundation of any and all healing processes. Therefore, dietary counseling, therapeutic fasting, and/or nutritional supplementation are all utilized and individualized towards each patient and his or her unique health needs. At KinFolk, we share a specific interest in ancestral nutrition, and utilizing ancestral foodways as a guide for individualized healing that is specific to your unique, genetic, ancestral blueprint.
Botanical Medicine
Botanical medicine, also referred to as herbal medicine, is one of the oldest forms of healing modalities available for healing on all levels of the human experience. From digestive support, detoxification, sleep support, or mood support, the ways in which plants can assist us in healing are endless. Herbal treatments include tinctures, capsules, teas, syrups, pillows, and more.
Homeopathy
Homeopathic remedies are dilute preparations of natural substances like plants and minerals, which increase in potency the more dilute they become. Our bodies have a natural desire to correct themselves. However, when we are ill or mentally/emotionally/spiritually stuck, our vital force is imbalanced in some way or another. Therefore, homeopathic remedies help to energetically correct that imbalance so that our body can finally correct itself. Since they are so dilute, they are very cost-effective, safe to use with other medications, and safe for both adolescents and pregnant mothers.
Medication Management
Medications ARE occasionally needed to prevent death, prevent extensive organ damage, prevent self-harm, reduce suicidality, or manage severe mental health symptoms. Sometimes, they are the only affordable option available. We do not judge or shame anyone for conventional medication use as our number one priority is to do no harm to the patient – whether that be physically, mentally, or financially. Common conventional medications that are prescribed/managed include antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, low-dose Naltrexone, BuSpar, Propranolol, Wellbutrin, Lexapro, Prozac, & Zoloft.
**Prescriptions that are outside of our scope and expertise will be referred to the appropriate specialists for further consultation. These include benzodiazepines (e.g. Ativan, Xanax), mood stabilizers (e.g. for Bipolar Disorder), antipsychotics (e.g. Seroquel), and controlled medications, such as, opioids and stimulants (e.g. for ADD/ADHD).**
FAQs
What is a naturopathic approach to mental health?
Naturopathic medicine provides a mind-body-spirit approach to mental health and wellness. In order to achieve this, naturopathic physicians consider how imbalances in multiple body systems may contribute to ongoing mental health symptoms. By utilizing the modalities listed above, we can support those affected body systems, correct said imbalances, and reduce (or reverse) mental symptoms.
Is naturopathic medicine covered by my insurance plan?
Unfortunately, KinFolk Integrative Health does not accept insurance at this time, which means we are considered an “out-of-network” provider for all insurance companies. However, we do accept Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) as a form of payment. All insurance plans in Washington state are legally obligated to cover naturopathic care to some degree. Depending on your particular insurance plan, some companies may reimburse you for some lab tests, genomic tests, or other complementary services offered. Dr. Richmond can provide you with a superbill to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
Can I see Dr. Richmond for primary medical care?
No. Dr. Richmond only specializes in integrative mental health. She may order labs that are commonly ordered by primary care physicians but her primary focus is mental health. On the other hand, she will be very happy to coordinate care with any other provider(s) you may have. Teamwork makes the dream work!
If I’m already taking conventional medication(s), do I have to stop taking it?
Absolutely not. If you are currently taking a medication and would like to continue taking it, you can still benefit greatly from working with a naturopathic physician. You can also continue to have it managed by the provider who prescribed it. KinFolk’s main goal is to work in partnership with you to improve your overall health and address any contributing factors to your mental health that conventional medicine does not treat.
Do you treat children?
Dr. Richmond only provides services for adolescents (ages 10-19) and adults.