Patient Resources

Traditional psychiatry typically focuses on diagnosing conditions based on symptoms and treating them with medications that manage those symptoms. Functional psychiatry takes a completely different approach by investigating the root causes of psychiatric symptoms rather than just masking them.

Dr. Hedaya’s functional medicine approach examines the complex interactions between your genetics, hormones, immune system, infections, toxins, nutrition, gastrointestinal health, and vascular function—analyzing over 6,000 data points to understand what’s actually causing your symptoms. Instead of asking “What psychiatric disorder do you have?” we ask “Why is your brain not functioning optimally, and how can we restore it?”

This comprehensive evaluation often reveals underlying medical issues that contribute to psychiatric symptoms—such as thyroid dysfunction, nutritional deficiencies, chronic infections, or toxic exposures—that traditional psychiatry typically overlooks. By addressing these root causes, patients often experience more complete and lasting recovery.

The HYLANE Program™ is Dr. Hedaya’s proprietary approach that layers three cutting-edge brain technologies onto functional medicine principles. HYLANE represents a multi-modal system that succeeds where traditional psychiatry alone does not.

The program works by:

1. Functional Medicine Foundation: First, we identify and correct all the underlying health issues affecting your brain function through comprehensive testing and targeted interventions
2. Advanced Brain Technologies: We then apply three specific technologies that work directly inside the brain to target specific neural networks and symptom clusters
3. Personalized Protocol: Your treatment is customized down to the genetic level, ensuring the most precise and effective approach for your unique biology

The HYLANE approach allows us to address cortical dysfunctions with remarkable precision, often achieving dramatic improvements in patients who have failed other treatments. Our motto is “Better health, Less Medicine”—we aim to optimize your brain’s natural function rather than simply suppress symptoms.

A qEEG (Quantitative Electroencephalography) is an advanced brain mapping technology that measures and analyzes your brain’s electrical activity. Think of it as a “GPS for your brain”—it shows us exactly how different areas of your brain are functioning and communicating with each other.

During a qEEG assessment, you wear a comfortable sensor cap that listens to your brainwaves. Dr. Hedaya personally gathers, edits, and processes this data, reviewing your brain maps with you immediately—no waiting weeks for outside lab results.

The qEEG is important because it:

• Reveals the neurological basis of your symptoms by showing which brain networks are over- or under-functioning
• Guides targeted treatment by identifying exactly which areas need intervention
• Tracks progress through follow-up brain maps that document improvements
• Personalizes neurofeedback protocols to train your specific brain patterns
• Provides objective data rather than relying solely on subjective symptom reports

This technology allows Dr. Hedaya to see what’s happening in your brain at a level that was previously impossible, leading to more precise and effective treatments.

Dr. Hedaya’s detective work involves a systematic analysis of multiple body systems that can affect brain function. Our comprehensive evaluation examines:

Biological Factors:

• Genetic variations affecting neurotransmitter production and metabolism
• Hormone imbalances (thyroid, adrenals, sex hormones, insulin)
• Nutritional deficiencies and metabolic dysfunction
• Chronic infections (bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic)
• Toxic exposures (heavy metals, environmental chemicals, mold)
• Inflammatory markers and immune system dysfunction
• Gastrointestinal health and microbiome balance

Neurological Assessment:

• qEEG brain mapping to identify dysfunctional neural networks
• Analysis of brain connectivity and communication patterns
• Assessment of neurotransmitter function and regulation

Historical Analysis:

• Detailed review of all previous medical records going back years
• Family history patterns and genetic predispositions
• Timeline of symptom development and triggers
• Previous treatment responses and medication effects

Dr. Hedaya synthesizes all this information—over 6,000 data points—to create a complete picture of what’s disrupting your brain function. This allows him to develop targeted treatments that address the actual causes rather than just managing symptoms.

Treatment timelines vary significantly based on the complexity of your case, how long you’ve been experiencing symptoms, and how your body responds to interventions. However, here are general guidelines:

Initial Improvements: Many patients begin noticing positive changes within the first few weeks to 2 months as we address fundamental issues like infection, nutrition, inflammation, and hormonal imbalances.

Significant Progress: Most patients see substantial improvements within 3-6 months as root causes are systematically addressed and brain function begins to normalize.

Optimal Results: Complete recovery or reaching your best possible function typically occurs within 6-18 months, though some complex cases may take longer.

Factors Affecting Timeline:

• Severity and duration of symptoms before treatment
• Number of underlying root causes identified
• Patient compliance with treatment recommendations
• Individual healing capacity and genetic factors
• Presence of supportive family/social environment

The key difference with Dr. Hedaya’s approach is that improvements tend to be lasting because we’re correcting underlying problems rather than just managing symptoms. Many patients continue to feel better long-term, often requiring minimal ongoing intervention once their brain function is restored.

Your first visit with Dr. Hedaya is comprehensive and typically lasts 3 – 5 hours. This extensive time investment is essential for understanding your complex medical situation thoroughly.

Your First Visit Includes:

• Detailed Medical History: Dr. Hedaya will spend significant time learning about your symptoms, medical history, family history, and life circumstances
• Psychological Assessment: Understanding your mental health history, current stressors, and psychological patterns
• Physical Examination: Partial physical exam focusing on systems relevant to your symptoms
• Records Review: Dr. Hedaya personally reviews all your previous medical records, lab results, and brain scans
• qEEG Brain Assessment: Brain mapping to analyze your neural networks and connectivity
• Collateral Interview: Discussion with a trusted family member or friend who knows you well (they provide additional perspective and serve as extra “ears” for information)

What Makes This Different:

• Dr. Hedaya personally conducts the entire evaluation—you’re not passed between different staff members
• The assessment is genuinely comprehensive, examining all body systems that could affect your brain
• You’ll receive initial recommendations to implement immediately
• A follow-up appointment is scheduled before you leave
• You’ll have a clear understanding of the next steps in your care

Come Prepared:

• Bring all medical records organized chronologically
• Complete all pre-visit forms thoroughly
• Bring a trusted support person
• Plan for the full-time commitment—this isn’t a quick consultation

Yes, Dr. Hedaya does prescribe medications when appropriate. He is board-certified in psychiatry and certified in psychopharmacology, with extensive expertise in psychiatric medications. However, his approach to medication is fundamentally different from traditional psychiatry.

Dr. Hedaya’s Medication Philosophy:

•  “Better Health, Less Medicine” is our guiding principle
• Medications are used judiciously and strategically, not as the primary solution
• The goal is always to address root causes so that medication needs are minimized
• When medications are necessary, they’re chosen based on your genetic profile and individual biology for optimal effectiveness and minimal side effects

How This Approach Differs:

• Rather than starting with medication and staying on it indefinitely, Dr. Hedaya often works to reduce or eliminate medications as underlying issues are resolved
• Medications may be used as a “bridge” while addressing root causes
• Genetic testing helps determine which medications are most likely to work for your specific biology
• Nutritional and lifestyle interventions often enhance medication effectiveness while reducing side effects

Medication Reduction: Many patients come to Dr. Hedaya specifically seeking help with medication reduction. He has extensive experience safely tapering patients off psychiatric medications as their underlying health improves through functional medicine interventions.

The ultimate goal is optimal brain function with the least amount of medication necessary—or none at all if your brain can function well without chemical support.

Yes, Dr. Hedaya specializes in complex, treatment-resistant cases where other approaches have failed. Many of his patients come to him after years of unsuccessful treatment elsewhere.

Why Other Treatments May Have Failed:

• Traditional approaches often focus only on symptom management without addressing root causes
• Most doctors lack training in functional medicine and don’t investigate the underlying biological factors affecting brain function
• Standard psychiatric care typically doesn’t examine the complex interactions between genetics, hormones, infections, toxins, and brain function
• Many physicians don’t have the time or tools for truly comprehensive evaluation

Dr. Hedaya’s success with difficult cases is the result of…

• Over 25 years of experience with functional medicine in psychiatry—more than anyone else in the field
• Comprehensive evaluation that examines over 6,000 data points other doctors typically miss
• Advanced brain technologies (HYLANE Program™) that target specific neural networks
• Personalized treatment protocols based on your unique genetic and metabolic profile

Patient Success Examples:

• Treatment-resistant depression that resolved after identifying and treating underlying thyroid dysfunction and inflammation
• “Untreatable” cognitive decline successfully reversed through comprehensive brain recovery protocols
• Complex cases involving multiple failed medication trials that responded to targeted functional medicine interventions

What Makes the Difference: The combination of Dr. Hedaya’s extensive training, comprehensive evaluation process, advanced technologies, and personalized approach often reveals solutions that others have missed. Patients frequently tell us, “I wish I had found Dr. Hedaya years ago.”

Dr. Hedaya’s functional medicine approach is particularly effective for complex and treatment-resistant psychiatric conditions, especially when multiple symptoms or systems are involved.

Psychiatric Conditions with Excellent Outcomes:

• Treatment-resistant depression (especially when multiple antidepressants have failed)
• Complex anxiety disorders with physical symptoms
• Bipolar disorder when mood swings are difficult to stabilize
• ADHD/ADD in adults, particularly when seeking non-medication approaches
• PTSD and trauma-related disorders with multiple symptoms
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder that hasn’t responded to standard treatments

Cognitive Issues with Strong Results:

• Memory problems and “brain fog”
• Early cognitive decline and dementia prevention
• Concentration difficulties affecting work or school performance
• Age-related cognitive changes that concern patients and families

Complex Medical-Psychiatric Cases:

• Multiple unexplained symptoms affecting both physical and mental health
• Chronic fatigue with psychiatric symptoms
• Autoimmune-related mood and cognitive issues
• Hormonal imbalances causing mood instability
• Cases where physical and mental symptoms overlap

Why These Conditions Respond Well: These conditions often have multiple underlying causes that traditional psychiatry doesn’t address. Dr. Hedaya’s comprehensive approach excels at identifying and treating the complex web of factors contributing to these symptoms.

Special Expertise:

• Medication reduction for patients wanting to decrease or eliminate psychiatric medications
• Cognitive decline reversal using advanced brain recovery protocols
• Peak performance optimization for high-achieving individuals
• Complex cases that involve multiple specialists but lack coordination

The more complex your case, the more likely you are to benefit from Dr. Hedaya’s comprehensive approach.

We do not accept insurance.

Investment Perspective: While the initial investment may seem significant, many patients find that Dr. Hedaya’s approach saves money long-term by reducing the need for multiple specialists, repeated failed treatments, and ongoing medication costs.

Absolutely! Dr. Hedaya offers an Educational Consultation specifically designed for patients who want to maintain their current care team while gaining access to his specialized expertise.

Educational Consultation Benefits:

• Keep your current psychiatrist or physician while receiving Dr. Hedaya’s insights
• Comprehensive functional medicine evaluation with recommendations for your current provider
• Detailed consultation report that you can share with your existing doctor
• Enhanced treatment options through collaboration between providers
• Best of both worlds approach combining continuity of care with specialized expertise

How Collaboration Works:

• Dr. Hedaya performs his complete evaluation and testing
• He provides detailed recommendations and educational insights about your case
• With your permission, he can communicate directly with your current provider
• Your existing doctor implements the recommendations with Dr. Hedaya’s ongoing consultation support
• You maintain your established therapeutic relationship while accessing advanced functional medicine

When This Approach Works Best:

• You have a good relationship with your current psychiatrist or physician
• Your current doctor is open to functional medicine approaches
• You want specialized testing and insights without changing providers
• You’re seeking a second opinion while maintaining current care

Provider Communication: Many healthcare providers welcome Dr. Hedaya’s insights, especially when dealing with complex or treatment-resistant cases. His detailed reports often provide valuable information that helps other doctors improve their patients’ outcomes.

This collaborative approach ensures you get the benefit of Dr. Hedaya’s expertise while maintaining continuity with your providers.

Proper preparation is crucial for maximizing the value of your comprehensive evaluation with Dr. Hedaya.

Essential Medical Records (Organized Chronologically):

• All laboratory results from blood work, hormone panels, vitamin levels, etc., going back as far as possible
• Brain scans (MRI, CT, qEEG, SPECT) if you have them
• Hospital records including emergency room visits and discharge summaries
• Specialist consultation reports from psychiatrists, neurologists, endocrinologists, etc.
• Previous psychiatric evaluations and psychological testing reports

Medication Information:

• Complete medication history including all psychiatric medications tried
• Current medication list with dosages and how long you’ve been taking each
• Supplement list including vitamins, herbs, and over-the-counter medications
• Medication response history (what worked, what didn’t, side effects experienced)

Family History Documentation:

• Psychiatric conditions in family members (depression, anxiety, bipolar, etc.)
• Neurological conditions (dementia, Alzheimer’s, stroke, etc.)
• Medical conditions that might be relevant (autoimmune, thyroid, diabetes, etc.)

Completed Forms:

• All pre-visit questionnaires filled out completely and thoroughly
• Symptom tracking sheets if you’ve been monitoring symptoms
•  Timeline of symptoms and major life events

Support Person:

• Trusted family member or friend who knows you well and can provide additional perspective
• Someone who can serve as an extra “set of ears” during the comprehensive evaluation

Additional Helpful Items:

• Payment method credit card
• List of questions you want to ask Dr. Hedaya
• Journal or notes about your symptoms and concerns

Organization Tips:

• Put all medical records in chronological order (oldest to newest)
• Create a simple timeline of major symptoms and events
• Make copies of everything for your own records
• Bring originals when possible, as some details in copies may be unclear

Follow-up visit frequency is personalized based on your individual needs, treatment complexity, and response to interventions.

Between-Visit Support:

• Email communication for non-urgent questions
• Phone consultations for medication adjustments or concerns
• Laboratory monitoring coordinated between visits
• Staff support from Dr. Hedaya’s trained team

Long-Term Care: Many patients transition to less frequent maintenance visits (every 3-6 months) once their health is optimized, with the understanding that Dr. Hedaya remains available for any future needs or health changes.