Care that looks for answers, not just symptoms.

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

A root-cause approach for the patient who knows something’s off, even when the labs come back “normal.”

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You’ve been told your labs are normal, but you still don’t feel right.

Health optimization starts by listening. We focus on your symptoms first, then correlate them with optimal lab ranges, not just the wide reference range that flags “disease” but ignores the slow drift away from feeling like yourself.

Online programs and quick-fix services can seem like an easy answer. But your body isn't a general trend, and a templated protocol can't see what a real provider sees. Real change starts with real, personalized data, and a relationship that goes deeper than the numbers.

Here's the Difference:

  • Personalized lab interpretation. Many online services run labs, but the analysis is automated or templated. We sit with your results, weigh them against your symptoms, and build a plan that reflects your body.

  • A real provider relationship. You meet face-to-face with an experienced provider who knows your history, follows your progress, and adjusts as your body responds.

  • Comprehensive care. We connect the dots between hormones, gut, inflammation, sleep, stress, and lifestyle because your health doesn't live in silos.

We treat the whole picture because that’s where the answers live.

At Essence, we look beyond the numbers to uncover the root cause of your symptoms and help you reclaim vibrant, energized health. Functional medicine empowers you with answers, a plan, and a path toward truly feeling your best, not just getting by.

Our approach goes deeper than standard panels. We test more comprehensively, interpret against optimal ranges, and design protocols around you including your physiology, your lifestyle, your goals. You’re a partner in your care, not a passenger.

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ABOUT THE PROGRAM

12-Week Vitality Foundation Intensive

  • Every patient begins here. The Essence Vitality Evaluation is a standalone session designed to give you a clear, honest picture of what's happening inside your body, and what your next step should be.

    It includes a comprehensive lab panel drawn in-clinic and a 60-minute consultation with your provider to interpret your results against optimal ranges (not just "normal"), connect them to how you've been feeling, and outline the clinical strategy we'd recommend.

  • Functional medicine at Essence is delivered through our Health Optimization Program, beginning with the Essence Vitality Evaluation, and continuing into the 12-Week Vitality Foundation Intensive when treatment is recommended. You’ll get a 60-minute consultation, a personalized plan, and structured support throughout.

    Explore the Health Optimization Program →

  • Functional medicine is often the right fit for:

    • Autoimmune conditions

    • Chronic fatigue

    • Thyroid issues, especially when “normal” doesn’t feel normal

    • Persistent inflammation

    • “Mystery” symptoms with no clear diagnosis

    • Anyone tired of feeling dismissed by a 15-minute appointment

  • Vitality isn’t a one-time achievement; it’s sustained through proactive care. The Longevity Collective provides ongoing oversight to preserve and elevate the results you’ve worked for. It’s a whole-body, long-term approach to staying well.

Ready to take the next step?

Complete the form below to schedule your consultation and begin your personalized journey.

What Our Patients Are Saying…

  • “I have loved everything I’ve done at Essence! I’ve done both functional medicine and gut health optimization, and I truly have never felt better. My energy is so much better, and the daily bloating and discomfort I used to deal with is gone. Kerri made me feel so heard and supported throughout the entire process.”

  • “Essence completely changed the way I view health and wellness. Through their functional medicine, gut health, and hormone care approach, I finally felt heard, understood, and supported as a whole person, not just a list of symptoms and tests that didn’t match how I felt. Their personalized care, vast knowledge and professionalism, and genuine investment in my overall well-being have helped me regain energy, balance, confidence, and a deeper understanding of my body, allowing me to feel healthier and more like myself than I have in years.”

  • “You guys have changed my life for the better in so many ways. Essence has been a huge part of caring for myself inside and out. They listen to all of my concerns and help me navigate my skin and health concerns. The functional medicine program has brought back my energy after 15+ years of battling fatigue, while other doctors have told me all of my labs look good, but I don’t feel good. If it wasn’t for Essence I would not be feeling as energized as I do physically and mentally! I didn’t know what living without major fatigue was like until now.”

  • “Before I started, I felt awful. I was exhausted all the time, short-tempered, and could barely drag myself through the day. Now my energy is back, the grogginess is gone, and I'm a lot more even-keeled. The muscle stiffness and joint pain that used to wear me down have eased up, and I actually want to be active. I feel like a completely different person.”

  • “The hormone optimization program offered at Essence was a life saver for me.  I suffered with menopause symptoms for 5 years before seeking a solution that would give me back my quality of life.  Kerri and the staff at Essence are so caring.  They take the time to explain the process and what to expect with the treatment program.  I appreciate they way they listen to my concerns and tailor a plan that fits my needs.  I would highly recommend anyone suffering from menopause symptoms to reach out to Kerri and the staff at Essence.”

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Conventional medicine is largely reactive, built to identify and treat disease once it's there. Functional medicine is proactive, built to identify and address root causes, often well before they become disease. We look at how systems interact (hormones, gut, inflammation, metabolism), and we treat the person, not just the diagnosis.

  • Yes, and we recommend it. We function as an adjunct to your existing healthcare team, not a replacement. Open communication between providers is essential for safe, coordinated care, and we encourage you to keep your PCP and any specialists in the loop on what we recommend.

  • Initial labs are scheduled first; your in-depth consultation is typically one week later. From there, the Vitality Foundation Intensive runs 12 weeks, with structured checkpoints throughout.

  • All of our health optimization offerings at Essence are self-pay. Most insurance plans classify advanced hormone, thyroid, and metabolic panels as "not medically necessary" and decline coverage, which often leaves patients with retail-rate lab bills several times higher than self-pay pricing. To protect you from that experience, we draw your labs in-clinic at transparent, negotiated rates, with no surprise billing.

  • Yes, most patients are able to use HSA or FSA funds. We recommend confirming eligibility with your plan administrator.