At Compass Integrative Recovery, we believe that true recovery from substance use isn’t just about stopping the behavior — it’s about healing the whole person. That’s why the philosophy of functional medicine is at the heart of our approach.
Functional medicine is a science-based, patient-centered model of care that focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of illness, rather than simply managing symptoms. In the context of addiction recovery, this is critical. Substance use often arises not in isolation, but as a response to underlying imbalances — whether biochemical, emotional, hormonal, or neurological.
By thinking through a functional medicine lens we dig deepy into questions like:
No two people arrive at recovery through the same path. Functional medicine allows us to personalize treatment by using advanced diagnostic tools, nutritional assessments, and lifestyle evaluations to design a plan that supports each client’s unique biology and life circumstances.
Through this lens, we consider the interconnectedness of body systems and use natural, sustainable interventions — including targeted supplementation, nutrition planning, detox support, and stress modulation techniques — to rebalance and restore the body’s innate capacity for healing.
Substance use takes a toll on the brain and body. Functional medicine provides a roadmap for rebuilding:
This integrative foundation doesn’t just help reduce relapse risk — it helps clients feel better faster, with more clarity, resilience, and vitality.
Growing up part of a medical and military family, I learned a lot of the values and passion that characterize my practice today. Entering my collegiate years, I watched my physician father start to practice medicine a new way, before it became more acceptable to treat patients with an “alternative” thought process. Considering a career in medicine myself, it took me a while to make up my mind considering I had a lot of other interests to pursue. I first received my bachelor’s degree in History and Foreign Service from Baylor University and went on to an intensive language program earning a Master’s in German through Middlebury College. After finishing those studies at the University of Mainz in Germany and discovering that I definitely didn’t want to be a professor after all, I decided to go back to the original pursuit of medical school and earned my MD from the University of Kansas in 1998.
It was inspiring to watch my dad (an ENT surgeon and allergy specialist) recognize that surgery wasn’t always the necessary or best treatment for many of his patients, many who started to get better by changing the way they thought about food, environment, and overall lifestyle. Hearing the stories of how he was changing the health and lives of his patients with this approach, and seeing their gratitude because their lives (vs just symptoms) had been improved with his guidance, inspired me to study and apply medicine in the same way. I especially remember a hiking trip to Mt. St. Helens together. On the way to the trailhead he was asked by a fellow bus passenger about a medical issue, and after a few short minutes, many people were craning their necks to hear more about how they could be empowered to take charge of their own health. That settled it! Still young and early in my medical training, I knew that I would practice the kind of medicine that captured the heart of people in this way.
Rebecca has been dedicated to healthcare since 2009, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of applying Functional Medicine in clinical practice. Before becoming a PA, she proudly served in the United States Marine Corps, and has years of experience in patient care as an RN in the hospital setting.
After completing an undergraduate degree at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS), Rebecca earned her Master’s degree in PA Studies from the Yale School of Medicine. Continuing her pursuit of advanced medical education, she is set to complete a Doctorate in Medical Science from Butler University in May.
Recovery is a lifelong process for ALL people. Functional Medicine empowers our clients with the tools, education, and self-awareness to take ownership of their health beyond treatment. It shifts the focus from surviving to thriving — physically, emotionally, and mentally.
At Compass Integrative Recovery, functional Medicine isn’t an optional add-on — it’s a vital part of how we help our clients heal deeply, live fully, and reclaim their lives.
Ready to begin your healing journey? Contact us today to learn more.