How we work
No guesswork. No rush. From your first appointment through your ongoing protocol, here is exactly what to expect — and how to choose the level of support that's right for you.
The process
We take the time that your story requires. Each step is deliberate — because real insight cannot be rushed.
We go over your primary and secondary health concerns, your full history, any prior lab work, and your lifestyle. This is the conversation that starts everything — and it takes the time it takes. A follow-up email with a summary of our appointment is included.
Please send any prior lab work — conventional or otherwise — along with the completed History form that will be sent to you 4–5 days before this appointment. Please take your time filling it out as fully as you can; this preparation time is needed for a careful and comprehensive review before we meet.
Scheduled 5–7 days after your intake, this appointment gives us time to review all material in depth. We present a proposed plan based on what we've seen and what your health goals are. This is a conversation, not a prescription — your input shapes the path forward.
If functional medicine labs have been selected, a third appointment reviews your results in detail and provides an updated, customized plan based on what we find. You always decide which tests, if any, you'd like to pursue.
For those in a full 90–120 day protocol, we meet monthly to track progress and refine the plan as your body removes, replenishes, and rebalances. This is where the real transformation happens — not in a single appointment, but over time, at the cellular level.
Ideally, 90–120 days are needed to see meaningful cellular-level changes. But we work with what your needs and life allow — the approach is always adapted to you.
Before we begin
4–5 days before your first appointment, you will receive a History form to complete and return along with any prior lab work. Please take your time with it — the more fully it is completed, the more we can prepare a truly personalized path for you.
The History form covers
Please also send any prior lab work — conventional, functional, or alternative — alongside the completed form. Your questions are always welcome and encouraged.
Functional medicine care requires more time spent with each person — not less. The detailed information and overall lifestyle context you provide in the History form is the foundation of everything we build together.
This is not a ten-minute intake form. It is the beginning of a real therapeutic relationship, and we take it seriously.
Between appointments
Your questions don't always arrive on schedule. Between appointments, text and email questions are actively encouraged — at no additional fee.
Scheduling & cancellations
Cancellation Policy
We know life is full and can change rapidly. There is no cancellation fee in the event of a genuine emergency. We ask only that you let us know as soon as you are able.
Appointment durations: Initial appointments are 60–75 minutes. All follow-up appointments are 30 minutes, unless we are reviewing labs — those are 45 minutes.
Scheduling is done at our mutual convenience, and we do our best to accommodate your life as it actually is.
The cancellation policy exists not to penalise, but to protect the time that has been set aside specifically for you. We appreciate your understanding.
Please email barbara@optimalwellness.me for a free 15-minute consultation.
This is it. A genuine partnership. Real time. Science-informed, human-centered, and built entirely around you.
When you reach out to schedule, fees for all plans will be shared with you at that time.
Meet Barbara & begin →