Frequently Asked Questions

An integrative pediatrician combines traditional pediatric medicine with evidence-based functional and holistic approaches to support a child’s overall health. At Greater Atlanta Integrative Pediatrics, care may include: • conventional pediatric evaluation and treatment • functional medicine testing • nutritional and microbiome support • lifestyle and environmental health assessment Our goal is to treat both symptoms and underlying causes, while supporting the child’s development and long-term health. Families looking for an integrative pediatrician in Roswell or Alpharetta often come to our practice when they want more time, deeper investigation, and personalized care.

Families often seek integrative pediatric care when their child has symptoms that are difficult to explain or manage. Common concerns include: • ADHD and attention challenges • autism spectrum support • digestive problems • food sensitivities • eczema or skin conditions • recurrent infections • Lyme disease or chronic viral illness • fatigue or behavioral changes Each child receives an individualized evaluation based on their medical history and symptoms.

Our approach to evaluating ADHD is different from the typical brief symptom-based assessment. At Greater Atlanta Integrative Pediatrics, we look beyond symptoms to better understand the factors that may be influencing a child’s focus, behavior, and overall functioning. In addition to traditional pediatric evaluation, we may assess areas such as neurotransmitter function, the micronutrients needed for proper neurotransmitter production and metabolism, gut health and microbiome balance, sleep quality, inflammation, environmental exposures, and in some cases heavy metals or other toxins that may interfere with healthy brain function. Using this information, we work with families to create a customized care plan designed to support each child’s individual needs. Some families prefer to avoid pharmaceutical medications, others may want guidance when weaning from current medications, and some choose a balanced approach that includes both medical and integrative strategies. Our goal is to meet families where they are and support each child in reaching their personal best in focus, regulation, learning, and overall well-being.

Yes. Many families seek integrative pediatric care when they want a broader evaluation of factors that may affect their child’s development and health. In addition to conventional pediatric care, evaluation may include looking at: • gut health • immune function • nutritional status • sleep and behavioral regulation • environmental factors The goal is not to change who a child is, but to support their health, comfort, and functioning while respecting neurodiversity.

Yes. The digestive system and brain communicate through what is known as the gut-brain axis. Research shows the microbiome may influence: • mood • behavior • immune function • inflammation • attention and regulation In some children, digestive symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, reflux, or food sensitivities may occur alongside developmental or behavioral concerns. At Greater Atlanta Integrative Pediatrics, we may evaluate gut health when appropriate using functional testing and individualized treatment plans.

Many parents notice that children with ADHD, autism, or anxiety may also struggle with digestive issues such as constipation, abdominal pain, reflux, or frequent loose stools. Research has shown that the digestive system and brain are closely connected through the gut–brain axis. The microbiome, immune system, and nervous system all communicate with one another and can influence both digestion and behavior. In some children, factors such as: • microbiome imbalance (dysbiosis) • food sensitivities • inflammation • nutritional deficiencies • chronic infections may affect both digestive health and overall well-being. At Greater Atlanta Integrative Pediatrics, we may evaluate these factors when appropriate in order to better understand the whole picture of a child’s health. Our goal is to support the child’s comfort, development, and overall health while working collaboratively with families to explore potential contributing factors.

Many parents are surprised when eczema improves temporarily with topical steroid creams but continues to return or worsen over time. While topical steroids can help reduce inflammation in the skin, they may not address underlying contributors that can trigger eczema flare-ups. In some children, factors such as: • food sensitivities • gut microbiome imbalance • immune system dysregulation • environmental triggers • nutritional deficiencies may play a role in ongoing skin inflammation. At Greater Atlanta Integrative Pediatrics, we take a comprehensive approach to understanding eczema and other chronic skin conditions. When appropriate, we may evaluate underlying factors that could be contributing to recurring symptoms or topical steroid withdrawal so that treatment plans support the child’s overall health.

Parents sometimes notice sudden changes in their child’s behavior, including: • new anxiety or obsessive thoughts • tics or unusual movements • mood swings or irritability • sleep disturbances • sudden academic or behavioral changes In some cases, these symptoms may occur after infections or immune system activation. Conditions such as PANS or PANDAS are examples of situations where the immune system response may affect the brain and behavior. Because these symptoms can have multiple possible causes, a careful medical evaluation is important. At Greater Atlanta Integrative Pediatrics, we take time to review the child’s medical history, symptoms, and potential contributing factors to help guide the most appropriate next steps.

Greater Atlanta Integrative Pediatrics offers evaluation and treatment options for children with suspected or confirmed Lyme disease and certain chronic viral illnesses. In some cases, GAIP works in conjunction with a well-established international research facility to support diagnostic evaluation and treatment planning. Conditions that may be evaluated include infections associated with: • Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease) • Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) • Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) • Coxsackievirus • other tick-borne or chronic viral infections when clinically appropriate Because symptoms related to infections can vary widely from child to child, our providers take a careful and individualized approach when evaluating persistent or unexplained symptoms. Families interested in learning more about Lyme or chronic infection evaluation and treatment options are encouraged to contact our office for additional information.

No referral is required to schedule an appointment. Parents can contact the office directly to schedule a consultation. Many families searching for a holistic pediatrician near Roswell, Alpharetta, or the greater Atlanta area choose our practice because of the longer visits and personalized care model.

After the initial consultation and lab review: • follow-up visits typically occur every 3 months for 6–12 months • once stabilized, patients transition to annual check-ins Your child’s treatment plan and visit schedule will always be individualized.

In some cases, we recommend specialty laboratory testing to better understand the underlying contributors to symptoms. Specialty testing is usually out-of-pocket, with typical costs ranging from $400 to $2,000 depending on the test. Our team will review options and costs before ordering labs.

Telemedicine visits are offered to our established patients for certain follow-up appointments. However, to maintain a doctor-patient relationship and prescriptive authority, patients must be seen in person at least once per year.

Well Child Care: Wellness care is most beneficial to you and your family when it is consistent. A 24-hour notice of cancellation or rescheduling is required. Functional: When you call and schedule an appointment, time is reserved especially for you and no one else. Since the appointments are much longer than standard office visits, cancellations are significant interruptions to the practice. A minimum of 2 days' notice is required for cancellations of new patient visits and for existing patients. There is a $200 non-refundable deposit for new patients. Additionally, there will be a charge for no-shows or late cancellations. We also require that all new patients complete and return their new patient paperwork no later than 3 days prior to their appointment.

Our physicians are not available on a 24-hour emergency basis. If your child is experiencing a serious medical problem that requires immediate attention, please call 911 or go directly to the nearest emergency department. If your child has a reaction to a treatment or supplement recommended during care, discontinue the product and contact our office for guidance. When our office is closed, local families with urgent medical concerns are encouraged to contact the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Nurse Advice Line at 404-785-KIDS or visit a nearby urgent care center. Please follow up with our office once we reopen so we can continue your child’s care.

Greater Atlanta Integrative Pediatrics offers telemedicine visits for established patients, allowing families to connect with their provider from the comfort of home. Telemedicine can be helpful for follow-up care, reviewing lab results, discussing ongoing concerns, or addressing certain non-urgent medical questions. In some cases, our providers are also able to work with families outside of Georgia through educational consultations and functional medicine guidance. If you live outside the state and are interested in working with our team, we invite you to learn more about how telehealth consultations may be available to you. 404-751-3693