By Dr. Shannon O’Keefe, Board Certified Clinical Nutritionist & Functional Medicine Specialist | O’Keefe Matz Functional Health Clinic – Saint Paul, MN
Depression and anxiety are among the most common and misunderstood health concerns today. Many people are prescribed medications without a deeper look into why they’re feeling the way they do. At O’Keefe Matz Functional Health Clinic, we ask a different question:
What’s the root cause of your depression or anxiety?
Through a Functional Medicine approach, we explore the underlying imbalances that affect your mood—not just neurotransmitters, but your gut, hormones, inflammation, stress response, and nutrition.
Mental Health Is Physical Health
As a Board Certified Clinical Nutritionist and a graduate of an Internal Medicine program, I view mental health through a whole-body lens. Functional Medicine recognizes that your brain and mood are deeply connected to what’s happening in the rest of your body.
Many symptoms of depression and anxiety have hidden biological causes:
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Blood sugar dysregulation
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Nutrient deficiencies (like B12, iron, magnesium, omega-3s)
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Hormonal imbalances (thyroid, estrogen, cortisol)
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Chronic infections or toxic burden
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Mitochondrial dysfunction and low energy production
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Sleep disorders
It's Not Just in Your Head—It's in Your Chemistry
We see many patients who have been told their labs are “normal,” but they still struggle daily with low motivation, restlessness, irritability, or overwhelming fatigue. Functional Medicine digs deeper with comprehensive testing and individualized plans to uncover what’s actually driving these emotional and cognitive symptoms.
Our Functional Medicine Approach Includes:
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In-depth health history and lifestyle review
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Functional lab testing for nutritional, hormonal, and inflammatory markers
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Gut health evaluation and microbiome support
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Blood sugar and insulin assessment
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Personalized supplement protocols to support neurotransmitter balance
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Gentle detox strategies (when appropriate)
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Sleep, movement, and mindfulness coaching
We don’t believe in cookie-cutter treatment plans. Every patient is unique, and your healing process should reflect that.
Rethinking the Role of Medication
While medications can be helpful or necessary in certain cases, they don’t always address the root cause. We work with patients who are:
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Looking to complement or reduce their current medications
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Experiencing unwanted side effects
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Wanting a more natural, body-based approach
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Ready to heal from the inside out
How Neurofeedback Supports Depression and Anxiety
Neurofeedback can be a powerful, non-invasive tool for addressing depression and anxiety by helping the brain learn to regulate itself more effectively. By monitoring brainwave activity and encouraging healthier patterns, neurofeedback promotes balance in the areas of the brain responsible for mood and emotional regulation. Many patients report feeling calmer, more resilient, and more emotionally stable—without the side effects of medication. It's a gentle yet scientifically grounded approach that works with your brain’s natural ability to heal and adapt.
A Safe Place to Start Healing
At O’Keefe Matz Functional Health Clinic, we offer a calm, supportive environment where your concerns are heard and validated. Whether you’ve been struggling for years or are just beginning to notice changes in your mood, we’re here to guide you toward real, lasting solutions.
You don’t have to live with overwhelm, numbness, or fear as your baseline. There is a path forward—and it starts by looking deeper.
Contact Us
O'Keefe Matz Functional Health Clinic
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Phone: 651-292-8072
Website: www.improveurhealth.com
