Your child’s health affects every part of their life. You want them to feel better as soon as possible: physically, mentally, and emotionally. When symptoms continue after treatment or new ones show up, it’s natural to feel frustrated. Integrative medicine may be the missing piece of the total solution you’ve been looking for.
UVA Health Children’s integrative health team has experience working with a wide range of ages and conditions. Many of our patients have medical complexities and multiple diagnoses. Some don’t even have a diagnosis yet. But all are looking for care that treats the whole child.
What is Pediatric Integrative Medicine?
Integrative medicine focuses on your child’s whole health — body and mind. We consider your child’s lifestyle and environment. This approach uses regular medical treatments like medication, therapies, and surgery. But we combine these with effective nontraditional therapies.
Conditions We Treat
- Connective tissue disorders, like Ehlers-Danlos
- Complex cases
- Digestive issues
- Headaches
- Long COVID
- Muscle and joint pain
- Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)
- Side effects from chemotherapy or other cancer treatment
Helping Your Child Heal
We believe the body has a natural ability to heal. Integrative medicine aims to encourage healing through lifestyle and habits. This includes things like:
- Exercise
- Nutritious food
- Sleep and rest
- Healthy relationships and support
- Emotional well-being
When a health problem comes up, we work with your family to create a treatment plan looking at all of these factors.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Your first visit with us will be a little different from past doctor’s visits. It will take longer, and we’ll talk in-depth. We want to learn about your child’s sleep, diet, relationships and activities. We also want to talk about concerns and goals.
During the appointment, we’ll:
- Discuss your child’s medical history and issues
- Perform a medical exam
- Order blood tests, if needed
- Get to know you and your child as a person
Together, we’ll create a plan that improves your child’s well-being.
Treatment Plans May Include
- Nutrition
- Dietary modification
- Movement
- Yoga
- Sleep hygiene
- Supplements
- Herbal medication
- Physical therapy
- Mindfulness
Yoga with Dr. Stephens
Gentle movements are beneficial for almost everyone. Dr. Stephens helps patients through routines like this. Chair yoga can help reduce stress, but also improve strength.
Integrative Medicine Frequently Asked Questions
Can this clinic be my child’s primary medical provider?
No. We're a special service that works with your child’s main doctor to help with specific concerns.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can make your own appointment. But, we also take referrals. Some insurance companies require a referral for specialist visits.
How do I contact the clinic?
The best way is to send a message through MyChart. Responses may take up to 72 hours. Don’t use MyChart for emergencies.
Will my child need lab tests or imaging?
Not always, but if needed, we’ll discuss testing options during your visit. Some tests can be done on the same day. Others may need a separate appointment.
How often will my child need follow-ups?
This depends on your needs. Some patients only need one visit, while others come back every few months (3-6 months on average). How often your child will need to visit will depend on their specific problems and concerns.
How long are appointments?
- New patient visits: About 80 minutes
- Follow-up visits: About 40 minutes
Are all visits in person? Do you do virtual visits?
We offer virtual appointments for specific situations.