Functional Medicine (Monterey, Santa Cruz, & Telehealth)

If so, you’re in the right place! We serve highly motivated women who want to:

  • Go beyond what conventional medicine alone has to offer.
  • Stop taking pills to mask symptoms and instead get to the bottom of why they feel out of whack.
  • Trust their body’s ability to heal and thrive, now and for the future, with a holistic approach.

If this resonates, then you are the right candidate for a holistic functional medicine approach!

Functional Medicine for autoimmune health

You may have done your research: listened to podcasts, watched TikTok videos and Instagram reels, or consulted Dr. Google. The information can be confusing and overwhelming, and you may have wondered what is right for you. Here’s where we come in. You can stop spending your precious free time trying to diagnose and solve your health problems on your own. Let an expert help you determine what’s right, and safe, for you. We’ll help you restore your energy, clear your brain fog, even out your hormones, de-inflame your body, and boost your metabolism – all with a holistic functional medicine approach. Get ready to feel your best – after all, you have important things to do with your life!

Working with Laura remotely during perimenopause was the best thing ever.

I can’t say enough about Dr. Laura Paris.  Working with her was the best thing I could have ever done.  I am 48 years old, and this year, perimenopause and stomach problems hit me hard.  I started having major anxiety, dizzy spells, stomach problems, and many other symptoms.  Laura was able to do several tests such as Dutch testing, GI map, and we also did a food sensitivity test.  Through natural herbs that she mixed up for me and several supplements, I am starting to feel like myself again.  She takes the time to listen and get to know you.  She shows compassion and really cares for her patients no matter how far away they are.  This was money well spent, and I would definitely recommend her.
Kai

How can Dr. Laura Paris help you with functional medicine?

In our practice, you will not experience rushed visits or prescriptions that band-aid your symptoms. Dr. Laura is an insightful health detective who takes the time to get to the bottom of why you are struggling. She orders investigative labs that provide insight into underlying body systems that need help, such as your gut microbiome, hormones, or blood sugar. Then, she thoughtfully creates a holistic treatment plan that matches you personally. You’ll know exactly how to modify your lifestyle, food, and supplements so that your body can heal and thrive. You can stop guessing and researching, and trust a well-trained expert with over 20 years of clinical experience helping people just like you.

Who is this a fit for?

If you’re willing and able to invest in your health and do the work, this is for you. “Work” means appointments every six weeks until goals are met, and homework on your own in between. Specifically, you are a woman who is:

  • Motivated to make lifestyle modifications (in diet, exercise, sleep, and stress reduction) that serve your body mind, and spirit – so that you can be present and energetic for the people and passions in your life.
  • Eager to optimize your hormones (during times of menstrual cycles, trying to conceive, pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, and menopause) so that you can glide through all these female transitions while feeling your best.
  • Willing to invest in and take supplements that work and are right for you, with a full understanding of the why behind them.
  • Prepared to complete and pay for investigative labs that give important insight into your hormones, nutrient status, metabolism, immune system, gut health, and more. We rely on your actual data instead of guessing!

What does the process look like?

The key word is “process.” Functional medicine is rarely a “one-and-done” appointment. It takes time to solve and heal multiple symptoms that have plagued you for months or years. Laura typically requests a follow-up visit every six weeks until you reach your goals. We offer “single” appointments for those who prefer to come as needed; however, we highly encourage people to choose our “monthly healing program,” which saves money and provides the means for transformative, deeper, consistent work with Laura. In addition, for women with autoimmune conditions, we have a special program called Road to Remission that also includes our health coach.

Laura helped resolve my gut issues.

I first sought a functional medicine approach for gut dysbiosis symptoms. I chose to work with Laura because she was highly recommended. I made a lot of progress during our three months together. My biggest health issue was SIBO, which Laura helped me resolve. Now, I can move on and deal with other, less crucial health issues. The things I like most about Laura are her warmth, openness, and availability. Plus her vast knowledge of natural medicine. Laura excels at what she does. I only have praise.
Ginger

Who do we work with?

Dr. Laura’s specializes in four primary areas of women’s health:

  1. Hormones: menstrual cycle issues, moods, headaches, PCOS, endometriosis, fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, and menopause.
  2. Metabolism: healing from injuries that limit movement and exercise, weight and blood sugar issues, insulin resistance, and high cholesterol.
  3. Immune: remission from autoimmune flares, frequent illness, allergies, sinus congestion/infection, and excess histamine.
  4. Gut: bloating, indigestion, constipation, loose stools, food sensitivities, nutrition, and gut microbiome issues.

Our functional medicine patients are typically women in their 30s, 40s, and 50s–but we have outliers!

Any questions about who we work with? Please contact us or book a discovery call with Dr. Laura:

You can work with us from anywhere in the United States or locally in Santa Cruz (Capitola) or Monterey, California. To learn more about functional medicine, click here and here.


Inclusions, fees, and policies

Inclusions

Fees include your appointment with Laura, either in person or on Zoom, and Laura’s time to review your case beforehand and write up a clear and organized treatment plan afterward. After each appointment, brief follow-up questions on the patient portal are included at no additional charge for up to 30 days. If you’re on her monthly healing program, communication on the portal is unlimited while your program is active. No matter your appointment structure (drop-in or monthly), Laura typically requests a follow-up visit every six weeks until you reach your goals.

Fees

We do take credit cards; however, we add a 4% bank processing fee. Cash payments include cash, check, Venmo, Zelle, or PayPal.

  • New patient/12+ months since last visit, up to 75-minute visit: $350 cash, $364 credit
  • Return visit within 12 months, up to 60-minute visit: $295 cash, $307 credit.
  • Mini visit within 6 months, up to 30-minute phone consultation between regular visits: $150 cash, $156 credit. This mini-visit is not available to book online; please contact us to schedule.
  • New patient: Per month is $291 credit – save $100!
  • Established patient: Per month is $260 credit – save $130!
Policies
  • We require all patients to have a current credit card on file. We never charge this card without prior notification.
  • New patient visits are charged one business day after booking unless cash payment is arranged.
  • Follow-up appointments are charged the day following your visit unless cash payment is arranged.
  • Canceled appointments with less than 48 hours’ notice are charged 50% of the appointment fee (except for illness).
  • Missed appointments with no advanced notice are charged 100% of the appointment fee.
Insurance

We do not take insurance for functional medicine appointments, however, we can provide a super bill that you can submit to your insurance for potential reimbursement. We do accept HSA payments.