Conditions We Successfully Treat

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Integrative Functional Wellness

Integrative Functional Wellness is our approach to health that combines the principles of functional medicine with a collaborative, systems-based medical model. We don’t chase symptoms β€” we identify and treat the root causes behind them.

What We Do Differently

Conventional medicine focuses on symptom management, we take a comprehensive patient-centered approach. Our team of specialists works together to investigate what’s really happening in your body and build a personalized, strategic plan β€” without unnecessary testing or treatment.

We call this Integrative Functional Wellness because today’s health challenges are rarely isolated. Chronic conditions often stem from a mix of environmental toxins, infections, poor nutrition, mental, and lifestyle imbalances. Addressing them requires more than a prescription β€” it requires integrated care.

Starting The Process

1

Fill Out Our Functional Medicine Intake

2

Schedule Your Initial Visit & Follow Up Visit

3

Follow Treatment Plan

Functional Medicine FAQ

Questions about root-cause care in Vancouver, WA? Call (360) 241-6630 or schedule online.

What is functional medicine and how is it different from seeing a regular doctor?
Most doctors have 7–10 minutes with you, treat the symptom with a prescription, and send you home. Functional medicine is the opposite. At Just For The Health Of It, our approach β€” Integrative Functional Wellness β€” starts by investigating why you feel the way you do. Dr. Clarissa Swanson and our team use advanced lab testing (hormone panels, stool analysis, mineral hair testing, genetic markers) to identify the root cause of your symptoms, then build a personalized plan around what your body actually needs. The result is care that resolves the source rather than managing it indefinitely.
What conditions can functional medicine treat?
Functional medicine works best for chronic, complex conditions that conventional medicine struggles to resolve. At JFTHOI we commonly see patients with hormone imbalance, CIRS (mold illness), gut dysfunction, thyroid disorders, adrenal fatigue, autoimmune conditions, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, brain fog, metabolic syndrome, PCOS, anxiety, and chronic pain. Many patients have seen multiple providers without answers before coming to us. If your labs "look normal" but you still feel off, functional medicine is designed for exactly that scenario.
How does functional medicine find the root cause of my symptoms?
It starts with a thorough intake β€” not a 10-minute snapshot, but a full history of your health timeline, environment, diet, stress, sleep, and past treatments. From there, Dr. Clarissa orders targeted labs most conventional doctors don't run: comprehensive hormone panels, microbiome analysis, inflammatory markers, nutrient levels, genetic markers, and more. Everything is interpreted as a connected system, not isolated numbers. The goal is to understand the full picture before recommending a single treatment.
How long does functional medicine take to work?
It depends on how long the underlying issue has been developing. Most patients notice changes within 4–8 weeks β€” improvements in energy, sleep, and mental clarity often come first. Full resolution of deeper hormonal, autoimmune, or gut-related issues typically takes 3–6 months of consistent care. Unlike symptom management, the goal is lasting change. We set clear milestones so you always know where you are in the process.
Is functional medicine covered by insurance?
Some services are, some aren't. At Just For The Health Of It we work with most major insurance plans for eligible visits and are transparent about costs before you commit to anything. Advanced specialty labs are often not covered by insurance and are billed separately β€” but we walk you through exactly what to expect before ordering. We also offer flexible payment options. Call (360) 241-6630 for a benefits check before your first visit.
What is the difference between a naturopathic doctor (ND) and a functional medicine doctor?
A naturopathic doctor (ND) completes a 4-year accredited medical program covering conventional diagnostics, pharmacology, nutrition, herbal medicine, and natural therapies. "Functional medicine" is an approach β€” not a separate license β€” that can be practiced by MDs, NDs, or DOs. At JFTHOI, Dr. Clarissa Swanson is a licensed ND who applies functional medicine principles, giving patients access to advanced diagnostics and prescribing authority alongside whole-body, root-cause care. This combination is more comprehensive than either discipline alone.
Can functional medicine help with hormone imbalance?
Yes β€” hormone optimization is one of Dr. Clarissa's core specialties. Whether you're dealing with estrogen dominance, low testosterone, thyroid dysfunction, adrenal dysregulation, or the hormonal shifts of perimenopause and menopause, we start with comprehensive testing before recommending anything. Protocols are individualized and may include targeted supplementation, lifestyle changes, botanical medicine, and prescription hormones when appropriate. We don't guess β€” generic hormone "fixes" without proper testing are one of the most common mistakes we see.
What is CIRS and can you treat mold illness in Vancouver, WA?
CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome) is a complex, multi-system illness triggered by biotoxin exposure β€” most commonly from water-damaged buildings containing mold. It's one of the most underdiagnosed conditions in conventional medicine. Symptoms include debilitating fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, light sensitivity, shortness of breath, and mood changes. At JFTHOI we use the Shoemaker Protocol β€” the gold standard for CIRS diagnosis and treatment β€” and have helped patients who were dismissed for years finally get answers. We offer VCS screening and full biotoxin lab panels.
What does a first functional medicine visit look like at Just For The Health Of It?
Before your first visit, you'll complete our Functional Medicine Intake β€” a detailed health history that lets Dr. Clarissa review your full background before you walk in. The initial appointment is a deep conversation: your symptoms, timeline, what's worked and what hasn't, your environment, diet, and goals. From there we identify what testing is most appropriate and begin building your personalized care plan. No rushing, no one-size-fits-all protocol. The follow-up visit is where we review results and lay out your roadmap.
Do I need a referral to see a functional medicine provider in Vancouver, WA?
No referral needed. You can schedule directly with Dr. Clarissa Swanson or our functional medicine team at Just For The Health Of It. If you're unsure whether functional medicine is the right fit, call (360) 241-6630 and our team can help you decide. New patients can also start with our online Functional Medicine Intake form to give Dr. Clarissa a head start on your case before your first appointment.