Dr. Jonathan Prousky, ND, MSc, MA
Patient-Centred Naturopathic Mental Health
A caring patient-centred approach to the evaluation and management of mental health disorders from a naturopathic perspective.
My Patient Promise
I have more than twenty-five years of clinical experience. I will collaborate with you, and develop practical and evidence-informed treatment plans from a naturopathic perspective based on your unique mental health needs. Though I cannot guarantee results, I promise to be there for you every step of the way. My aim is to treat you with respect, empathy, and kindness. I do my best to make every visit a positive experience.
I have focused my naturopathic medical practice on mental health disorders for over twenty-five years. I have clinical experience with integrating natural health products among individuals taking psychiatric medications. Treatment aims to optimize mental health with clinical nutrition, lifestyle counselling, botanical (plant-based) medicines, prescribed bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (if indicated), and self-care activities.
Personalized Care
Evaluation and Treatment of Mental Distress
Evaluation and Treatment of Mental Distress
Evaluation and Treatment of Mental Distress
Assessment involves a history, current mental health complaints, mental status evaluation, the appropriate use of laboratory testing, and measurement of mental distress using validated rating scales. My treatment approach is collaborative, and includes self-care activities, and often referrals for additional mental health services and supports
Mental Distress Management
Evaluation and Treatment of Mental Distress
Evaluation and Treatment of Mental Distress
Depression, ongoing mood instability, anxiety, persistent stress, and psychotic experiences are some of the most uncomfortable emotions that we can experience at some point in our lives. In fact, chronic stress is considered the common risk factor in 75 to 90% of all diseases, including those associated with a poor quality of life and premature death. Through the integration of naturopathic mental health, we should be able to lessen the overwhelm you are experiencing, to live life more fully with enhanced meaning and purpose.
Metabolic Mental Health Support
Metabolism Matters
Healthy metabolic functioning is essential for optimal brain health, as it directly impacts the brain's ability to generate energy, maintain neurotransmitter balance, and support cognitive function. When the body’s metabolism is functioning efficiently, it ensures that the brain receives the necessary nutrients and oxygen to operate at its best. This can be particularly important in managing mental health disorders, as disruptions in metabolism have been linked to conditions like depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. Supporting healthy metabolism through proper diet, exercise, stress management and specific natural therapeutics can promote mental clarity, emotional stability, and overall well-being.
Ketone Science
Ketones, which are produced during the body's metabolic shift from glucose to fat as a primary energy source, have been shown to have neuroprotective properties. Research suggests that manipulating ketone bodies—such as through ketogenic diets or ketone supplementation—can enhance brain function, improve mood regulation, and provide therapeutic effects for a range of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Ketones help optimize mitochondrial function, reduce oxidative stress, and balance neurotransmitter activity, which are key factors in maintaining mental well-being. By harnessing the power of ketones, individuals may experience improved cognitive clarity, emotional stability, and resilience in managing their mental health challenges.
Hormones and Mental Health
Thyroid Hormones and Depression
Thyroid hormones play a role in mental health. People with hypothyroidism (too little thyroid hormone) may experience depression, fatigue, and difficulty thinking. In some cases, thyroid problems can cause more severe mental health problems, such as psychosis or bipolar disorder. However, these cases are rare. Even among people with normal thyroid hormones, prescription thyroid can assist in treatment-resistant depression, known as third-line treatment.
Bioidentical Natural Progesterone and Wellbeing
Bioidentical progesterone cream is a type of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) that has benefits for mental health. Bioidentical progesterone cream is effective in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety in women with premenstrual syndrome, and even premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Above all, bioidentical progesterone cream is a type of HRT that plays a role in regulating mood, cognitive function, and overall wellbeing.
Counselling Services
Services
We do not offer psychotherapy. Instead, our anxiety counselling services are carefully crafted to help you to better manage fear, stress, and anxiety. We take a proactive and focused approach, utilizing problem-solving techniques, emotional regulation, and various strategies to empower you. Click here for more information.
Benefits
The affordable model of short-term or single-session counselling for anxiety management is designed to empower clients by equipping them with essential tools and strategies within a minimal number of sessions.
Consulting Services
Services
If you are seeking information about integrative options for mental health conditions, we can support you in identifying available evidence-based choices. This is a separate service only available to people that reside outside of Ontario. Click here for more information.
Benefits
Following the scheduled consultation, you will receive an educational report within 7 days. The educational report will list and fully describe different evidence-based choices specific to the mental health issues identified. This is not treatment; rather, this report is intended to be shared and fully discussed with your healthcare providers before you integrate any of the evidenced-based options noted in the report.
Patient Must be in Ontario, Canada at the Time of the Visit
Complete Telehealth (Virtual) Based Clinical Practice
Benefits include
- No transportation time or costs
- No need to take time off of work
- Less child or elder care issues
- No waiting room
- Convenient
Guiding Principles for Naturopathic Mental Health
Critically review and effectively integrate complementary therapies with conventional medicine
Evidence-based complementary therapies to lessen emotional overwhelm and bolster resilience
Consider all factors that influence mental health, such as mind, body, spirit, and community
Work collaboratively in a supportive, trusting, healing, and respectful relationship
Empower patients to take an active role in their own health
Positive Clinical Outcomes
Adjunctive Naturopathic Medicine in the Management of Depression and Anxiety Symptoms
Publication: A retrospective chart review was performed by two independent investigators. They evaluated the clinical outcomes from patients that attended the mental health rotation at the Schad Naturopathic Clinic. All the patients were under my direct clinical supervision and were provided care similar to that of my naturopathic mental health practice.
Results: "Of the 22 included subjects, a clinically significant decrease of at least 5 points occurred in 76% of individuals with elevated baseline PHQ9 scores and 59% of individuals with elevated GAD7 scores. Mean PHQ9 and GAD7 scores decreased 7.5 (p<0.0001) and 4.6 (p<0.008) points, respectively. Mild adverse events were reported in 9 charts (41%). No serious adverse events were reported. Most subjects were also in the care of a medical doctor and counsellor."
Source: Dertinger, J., & Aucoin, M. (2024). Adjunctive Naturopathic Medicine in the Management of Depression and Anxiety Symptoms: A Retrospective Chart Review. CAND Journal, 31(1), 29–36. https://doi.org/10.54434/candj.157
Clinical Handbooks
2024 NFH Clinical Handbook Series
2023 NFH Clinical Handbook Series