MY TREATMENT PHILOSOPHY

Traditional psychiatry often centers exclusively on symptoms, sometimes overlooking the powerful connection between brain health and the rest of the body. At Armor Behavioral Health & Wellness, I take a holistic approach, integrating nutrition, lifestyle adjustments, and medication management to achieve optimal outcomes with less reliance on medication. My goal is to uncover the root causes of your child’s symptoms and address them directly, rather than just managing the surface level; through this, I will make your child healthier, stronger, and more resilient both emotionally and physically.

How I Serve

  • While I prioritize holistic approaches when working with your child, I also understand that medication can play a key role in treating psychiatric conditions. My approach to prescribing is guided by psychodynamic principles, which means I consider your child’s unique personality and values, aiming to maximize the benefits of medication while minimizing potential side effects.

    When treating children and adolescents, I place great importance on reducing the reliance on medications whenever possible. I am committed to listening to both you and your child, addressing any concerns, and ensuring that any treatment decisions are fully understood and agreed upon by everyone involved.

  • Conventional lab tests don't always provide the full picture. I use specialized testing to identify any physiological imbalances that may be contributing to your child’s symptoms. By addressing the root cause, I can optimize treatment outcomes and tailor medications and other therapies to your child's unique needs.

  • Integrating supplements and natural remedies into the treatment plan has been shown to support mental health and enhance treatment outcomes. In certain instances, nutraceuticals may even enable a reduction in medication dosage. We will explore these options together to determine the most effective approach for your unique needs and goals.

  • Metabolic psychiatry is an emerging field that focuses on treating mental health concerns by addressing underlying metabolic dysfunctions such as obesity, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation. While these issues are more common in adults, they are becoming increasingly prevalent in children and adolescents. Tackling metabolic dysfunction early can significantly improve your child’s physical and mental health as they grow into adulthood.

  • As a parent, I understand how challenging it can be to prepare healthy, nutritious meals after a long day of work, errands, and shuttling kids between activities. After the birth of my first child, my grandmother shared a valuable acronym with me: KISS—Keep It Simple, Silly. I’ve embraced this approach for the past 7 years, helping me maintain both my sanity and my family’s health! I’ll work with you and your child to not only learn about proper nutrition but also how to keep it simple and manageable, so you can do the same.

Appointments

I offer both in-office appointments and telehealth appointments using a secure video platform.

  • I offer a free 15-minute consultation phone call to discuss your reasons for seeking care and determine whether we are a good fit.

  • Initial evaluations begin with a detailed review of intake forms and relevant records before your child's visit. During our conversation, we’ll explore your child's personal story, current concerns, and any past treatments. Together, we’ll create a customized treatment plan tailored to your child's needs, which may include medications, supplements, therapy, coaching, and lab testing.

  • Address medication management issues and provide abbreviated therapy.

A Note to Parents…

As a caregiver, you play a crucial role in your child's journey to wellness. During each appointment, I will meet with both you and your child together, and if preferred, I can also offer separate time for individual discussions. If you or your child have a lot to cover in a follow-up session, please schedule a 50-minute appointment to ensure there’s enough time for everyone to be fully heard and supported.

Let’s Get Started

Ashley Collins, PMHNP-BC | Integrative Psychiatry

Captured by ThruZLens Photography

Contact me now and we will start the process of helping your child feel better.