NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR IN ONTARIO
Why Lab Testing Matters in Mental Health Care
Lab Testing For Psychotherapists in Ontario
Lab Testing For Psychotherapists
When it comes to mental health, the focus is often on the brain — neurotransmitters, stress, emotions, and therapy. But mental health doesn’t exist in isolation. The body and mind are deeply interconnected, and what happens physiologically can have a profound impact on mood, focus, and emotional balance.
Recently in Ontario, Registered Psychotherapists (RPs) have been granted an expansion of their scope of practice to include prescribing certain mental health medications and ordering limited laboratory tests. This is an exciting step toward more integrated, accessible mental health care.
While the initial lab tests available to psychotherapists will likely focus on liver and kidney function — essential for medication safety — there’s an opportunity to expand this approach even further. Understanding a person’s overall health through targeted lab testing can help identify underlying physiological contributors to depression, anxiety, and fatigue that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Why Physical Health Matters in Mental Health
When patients present with low mood, fatigue, irritability, or brain fog, it’s not always “just stress” or a purely psychological condition. Often, there are medical or nutritional factors that play a significant role.
For example, thyroid dysfunction, iron deficiency, low vitamin B12, or inadequate vitamin D can all mimic or worsen symptoms of depression and anxiety. Without testing, these contributors can easily be missed — leading to unnecessary medication adjustments or ongoing distress.
Key Lab Tests That Support Mental Health Assessment
Below are some of the most relevant laboratory investigations that can help uncover the root causes of mood and energy changes.
Metabolic and Hormonal Testing
Thyroid Function (TSH, Free T4, Free T3 if indicated):
Thyroid imbalance is one of the most common hidden causes of depression, anxiety, and low energy — particularly in women.
Cortisol or ACTH:
Chronic stress can lead to dysregulated cortisol production, affecting sleep, motivation, and emotional stability. Testing can help guide individualized stress recovery plans.
Sex Hormones (Estrogen, Progesterone, Testosterone, LH, FSH):
Hormonal shifts during perimenopause, menopause, or postpartum periods can strongly influence mood, sleep, and resilience.
Glucose and Hemoglobin A1c:
Blood sugar instability can cause irritability, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Monitoring glucose is also essential when certain psychiatric medications are prescribed.
Nutrient and Anemia Screening
Iron Studies (Ferritin, Iron, TIBC, % Saturation):
Low ferritin (iron stores) can cause fatigue, poor concentration, and low mood, especially in menstruating individuals.
Vitamin B12 and Folate:
Deficiencies are linked to depression, cognitive changes, and nerve dysfunction.
Vitamin D:
Low vitamin D levels are common in northern climates like Ontario and have been consistently associated with depression and low energy.
Zinc and Copper:
While not always part of basic panels, imbalances can affect neurotransmitter metabolism and inflammation.
General Health and Medication Safety Panels
Liver Enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP, Bilirubin):
Important for ensuring medications are well-tolerated and not stressing the liver.
Kidney Function (Creatinine, eGFR, BUN):
Helps ensure safe dosing and clearance of prescribed medications.
Electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, CO₂):
Electrolyte imbalances can cause confusion, irritability, and weakness.
Lipid Panel:
Some psychiatric medications can affect cholesterol and triglycerides — early monitoring helps support long-term cardiovascular health.
Additional Targeted Tests
C-Reactive Protein (CRP) or ESR:
Markers of systemic inflammation, which is increasingly linked to treatment-resistant depression.
Homocysteine:
Elevated levels suggest B-vitamin deficiencies and may contribute to mood changes or cognitive decline.
Complete Blood Count (CBC):
Screens for anemia, infection, or general health baseline.
Urine Toxicology or Substance Screening:
Helpful for ruling out substance-induced mood or anxiety symptoms.
Pregnancy Test (β-hCG):
Essential before starting or adjusting certain medications in reproductive-age individuals.
When to Refer to a Naturopathic Doctor
As psychotherapists gain access to limited lab testing, they play an increasingly vital role in screening for physiological contributors to mental health symptoms. However, when test results reveal abnormalities — such as thyroid dysfunction, anemia, nutrient deficiencies, or hormonal imbalances — further assessment and treatment typically fall outside the psychotherapist’s scope.
This is where collaboration becomes essential.
Referring patients to a naturopathic doctor allows for:
Comprehensive interpretation of results within a whole-body context
Development of individualized treatment plans using nutrition, lifestyle, and supplementation
Collaboration with other healthcare providers to address underlying causes while continuing psychotherapy
Ongoing monitoring of both mental and physical health progress
This kind of interprofessional collaboration ensures that patients receive the full spectrum of care — addressing both their mental and physical wellbeing for sustainable, long-term recovery.
The Future of Mental Health Care in Ontario
Expanding lab testing access for psychotherapists — and encouraging collaboration among naturopathic doctors, medical doctors, and mental health professionals — has the potential to transform patient outcomes.
By looking beyond the brain and considering the full physiology of mental health, we can identify reversible contributors to mood and energy issues, personalize treatment plans, and empower patients to take charge of their wellness.
The Bottom Line
Mental health care is evolving — and it’s becoming more whole-person focused. Whether you’re managing stress, anxiety, or low mood, understanding your body’s biochemistry can be a powerful step toward healing.
If you’re in Ontario and want a comprehensive look at how your hormones, nutrients, and metabolism may be affecting your mental well-being, naturopathic testing can help uncover the missing pieces.
👉 Book a consultation to learn how integrative lab testing can help you feel more balanced, focused, and energized.
Dr. Sarah Goulding, Naturopathic Doctor
Dr. Sarah Goulding is a licensed naturopathic doctor in Ottawa Ontario and has a BSc in neuroscience and biology from Dalhousie University (2004), and did her 4-year naturopathic training at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (2010). She’s since accumulated over a decade of clinical experience, and refined her practice to focus on women’s health and digestion. She is licensed and registered as a Naturopathic Doctor in Ontario by The College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CONO) and is a member of the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND) and the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors (OAND).
Dr. Sarah Goulding blends science and compassion, and acts as a personal health researcher to help you navigate your health. Tools that she uses include nutrition, supplements and botanicals, bioidentical hormones, and lifestyle modifications. The closer you get to the root cause, the gentler the therapies needed to resolve the issue.
Dr. Elizabeth Miller, Naturopathic Doctor
Dr. Miller completed her doctor or naturopathic medicine degree at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, and holds a Master’s and Bachelor’s of science in Human Health and Nutrition from the University of Guelph. Her extensive knowledge of nutrition and her strong foundation in scientific research allows for a very thorough approach to your care. She is licensed and registered as a Naturopathic Doctor in Ontario by The College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CONO) and is a member of the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND) and the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors (OAND).
She is passionate about teaching holistic health to help women understand their bodies and get to the root cause of their health issues. Her areas of special interest include women’s health, hormonal health, gastrointestinal health, and pediatrics.
Dr. Janna Fung, Naturopathic Doctor
Dr. Janna Fung is a licensed naturopathic doctor with a special interest in dermatology and women’s health. She has a passion for evidence based preventative medicine and strives to empower patients with the knowledge to achieve their optimal health. She understands collaborations is the only way to develop realistic sustainable health/wellness results and strives to develop individualized health goals with patients.
