Last Updated on August 3, 2023 by
Alternative to Meds Editorial Team
Medically Reviewed by Dr Samuel Lee MD
Table of Contents:
Alternative treatment for mental health is our specialty at Alternative to Meds Center, housed in a pristine, welcoming inpatient facility, and staffed by holistic-minded medical practitioners and caregivers.
According to a number of experts,4 a significant volume of adult disability occurs in the realm of mental illness. Yet, some of the world’s most highly esteemed mental health professionals have voiced concern over the traditional methods of care that may fall short of what is needed for today’s best treatment outcomes.4,5
While the mainstream of medicine and mental health treatment evolves slowly, fresh perspectives are leaning toward more modern, holistic treatments. Some are calling for a complete paradigm shift, preferring to see more use of alternative treatment for mental health, as well as integrative approaches, and more emphasis on collaborative and complementary medicine than ever before.1,3
Evidence-Based Alternative Mental Health Therapies
Alternative to Meds Center uses many well-tested alternative therapies for mental health, and these have shown therapeutic value when tested in studies and trials.2
Alternative Mental Health Therapies:
- Diet correction
- Cleansing the body of neurotoxins
- Physical exercise
- Light-therapy
- Yoga
- Massage
- Acupuncture
- Equine-assisted therapy
- Counseling* includes forms of psychotherapy, CBT, other forms of talk therapy, life coaching and others.
*The benefits of CBT have been documented in various situations by the World Bank Open Knowledge Repository.7
Strikingly, where alternative treatments, in general, used to be considered “unorthodox” (scientifically unproven), today are commonly considered very much orthodox (scientifically validated) based on studies done.2 Today’s alternative mental health treatments have replaced yesterday’s prefrontal lobotomy and blood-letting. Similarly, the pharmacological hold on the health industry, in general, has begun to loosen its monopolistic grasp. This has allowed for more opportunities than ever before for clients to choose non-drug-based treatment for authentic and effective help with mental health issues. Effective treatments do not introduce addiction or dependence on drugs and do not further damage neurochemistry with toxic substances.
What is the Connection between Diet and Mental Wellness?
Nutrition has progressed as a body of scientific research showing a clear connection between the advantages of proper nutrition, as well as the both physical and mental consequences of poor dietary choices. Much has been written on the topic and is available for anyone to find out more.8-11
For example, in a comprehensive paper on the subject of diet as an alternative mental health treatment, Firth et al describe the advantages of the “Mediterranean” diet, as opposed to the negative outcomes associated with the typical “Western” diet. Studies such as those of Godos, and others have found significantly better cardiovascular health, better cognitive health, quality sleep, and better mood regulation is found in populations who adhere to foods that are described in the Mediterranean diet. Other documented benefits include prevention against cancer, diabetes, obesity, and many others.
The Mediterranean diet consists of plenty of fruits and vegetables, fish and fish oils high in Omega-3s, and animal proteins. While whole grains are advocated by some, heavy intake of grains has been associated with an overall higher incidence of depression, anxiety, and other psychological disturbances.
Gardeners use soil testing to find out why certain plants are not thriving. Similarly, lab testing can help determine what nutrients are missing or are out of balance in a person’s body. Where deficiencies are found, foods and supplements can be added to supply what has been lacking, with remarkable benefits overall to a person’s health profile.
In mainstream psychiatry, drugs are viewed as “medicine” — so you take a pill for mental wellness. This approach has not seen the success that was hoped for in many cases. An alternative approach is to correct the diet to supply what the CNS and the complex body systems need for optimum efficient interaction. Diet is a fundamental pillar to support life.
One factor that is often overlooked is the mental health decline that can occur after exposure to neurotoxic chemicals and heavy metals.6 These toxic substances can be found in everyday cleaning supplies, industrial chemicals, dental amalgams, our water and air, preservatives and enhancers found in food, and countless other sources.
Most importantly, our focus is not the temporary masking or numbing of symptoms but the positive achievement of wellness and natural mental health. In our programs, many forms of 
