Dr. Hyla Cass expresses her concerns that many mental disorders, ranging from depression and anxiety to addiction, are simply treated symptomatically with medications that often fall short of expectations, and may cause serious side effects as well. In contrast, rather than just treat the surface symptoms, she looks deeper to try and find the physiological cause of her patients’ mental distress. Optimal brain function can be achieved through a variety of modalities, including nutrition, supplementation, clearing environmental toxins and regulating consciousness through meditation, yoga, or a connection with nature. These all provide the basis for physiological and emotional balance, as well as a more awakened consciousness.