Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Integrative Medicine for Mental Health (IMMH) Conference, held from September 11–14, 2025, in San Diego, California. Over four transformative days, the event brought together a vibrant community of professionals, researchers, and practitioners dedicated to advancing mental health care through science-backed, holistic, and personalized approaches.

This wasn’t just another conference, it was an immersive experience of cutting-edge education, meaningful connections with thought leaders, and exclusive wellness events that left me inspired, empowered, and more committed than ever to the mission of integrative mental health.

The Urgency of Integrative Mental Health

The way mental health is currently diagnosed and treated often falls short of meeting the real needs of individuals. The stakes are high. 

Too many people are still suffering from anxiety, depression, insomnia, brain fog, poor memory, and even severe psychiatric conditions like suicidality and psychosis.

Yet, there is hope.

Integrative approaches offer a paradigm shift, one that looks beyond symptoms to root causes and delivers personalized, precision-based care. This is the approach I’ve championed for over 15 years, grounded in rigorous training and a deep passion for helping others heal at the intersection of mind, body, spirit, and purpose.

At the IMMH Conference, pioneers in integrative mental health and functional psychiatry showcased the latest scientific research and best clinical practices. They reminded us that biochemical, psycho-spiritual, and lifestyle factors must all be considered to truly support mental well-being. It was a profound reminder that healing is multifaceted… and entirely possible.

Highlight Sessions & Influential Speakers

The speaker lineup this year was nothing short of exceptional. I had the privilege of learning from and in some cases personally meeting:

Dr. Gabor Maté – Trauma expert and bestselling author, who illuminated the intricate connection between trauma, addiction, and the mind-body system.

Dr. Leslie Korn – Renowned integrative mental health clinician and author, bridging trauma-informed care with somatic therapies, traditional medicine, and nutritional psychiatry.

JJ Virgin, CNS, BCHN, EP-C – Triple board-certified nutrition expert and NYT bestselling author, who delivered an energizing talk on “Mind Over Muscle: How Exercise Transforms Mental Health.”

Dr. James Greenblatt – Functional psychiatrist and leading authority on ADHD and nutritional psychiatry.

Dr. Eboni Cornish – Expert in neuroinflammation and chronic infections, who shared insights on the biological roots of complex mental health conditions.

Dr. Aimie Apigian – Founder of The Biology of Trauma™, merging neuroscience, medicine, and therapy in trauma recovery.

Each of these sessions reminded me why I do what I do and how much more there is to learn, integrate, and share.

Mind-Body Joy: Movement & Connection

This conference wasn’t all lectures and note-taking… we moved, danced, and connected deeply through body-based practices.

Each morning began with 7 AM Dance Fitness led by Karen Olsen, a board-certified wellness coach and Nia movement teacher who brings joyful, healing dance to medical conferences around the globe. It was the perfect blend of fun, movement, and somatic therapy.

And because you know I couldn’t miss it: I found a Boss Chick Dance Workout just 15 minutes from the resort! Alongside a colleague, I joined a dynamic class led by Boss Chick Kelly, a medical doctor who teaches these empowering workouts twice a month after seeing patients. 

Talk about holistic living in action!

Looking Ahead

What I carried home from this conference goes far beyond clinical insights. It was a powerful affirmation that our collective shift toward integrative, evidence-based, and heart-centered care is not only necessary… it is already happening.

We are reimagining mental health care… one root cause, one tailored protocol, and one empowered client at a time.