How It Works
A Thoughtful Process From Your First Story to Ongoing Support
Complex brain and mental health concerns rarely come down to one simple answer.
Dr. Dorner's process is designed to slow things down, understand your full history, identify what deserves attention first, and build the next steps around your individual situation.
You do not need to have everything figured out before you begin.
The process
What the Process Looks Like
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Tell Your Story
After booking, you'll complete a comprehensive intake and have the opportunity to upload prior labs, imaging, testing, medical records, medication and supplement information, and other relevant documents.
Dr. Dorner reviews the information you provide before the visit so your appointment can focus on the deeper questions rather than basic data collection.
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Functional Brain Health Evaluation
Your first visit is a 60-minute virtual evaluation focused on understanding your symptoms, timeline, diagnoses, previous treatment, current care, health history, lifestyle, and what has or has not helped.
The goal is to understand the full picture and identify the areas that deserve attention first.
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Identify What Deserves Investigation
Based on your history and existing records, Dr. Dorner may identify areas that warrant a closer look.
This may involve brain-health foundations, nutrition, digestion, metabolism, hormones, immune activity, environmental exposures, infections, sleep, stress, neurological history, or other underlying drivers.
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Begin the Foundations
When appropriate, you may begin initial nutrition, sleep, lifestyle, environmental, or supplement strategies while additional information is being gathered.
The goal is not to do everything at once. It is to begin with the most practical and important priorities.
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Results & Strategy
If additional testing is completed, the next major step is the Functional Brain Health Results & Strategy Visit.
Together, you'll review the findings in the context of your history and symptoms, identify what appears most relevant, and build a focused strategy for the next phase of care.
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Ongoing Support
Brain health changes over time, and the plan may need to change with it.
Follow-up care may include monitoring progress, adjusting nutrition or supplement strategies, reviewing repeat testing when appropriate, addressing new priorities, and coordinating with other healthcare professionals when useful.
No two paths are identical
Your Process Is Individual
Not every person needs the same testing, the same number of visits, or the same recommendations.
Some people already have extensive laboratory data and need help making sense of it. Others may benefit from additional investigation. Some are ready to begin nutrition and lifestyle changes right away, while others need a more gradual approach.
Dr. Dorner uses your history, goals, symptoms, previous testing, current care, and budget to help determine what makes sense for you.
Testing, when it helps
When More Investigation Is Useful
Additional testing is recommended selectively, not automatically.
Potential areas may include
- Comprehensive blood laboratory testing
- GI-MAP stool testing
- Organic Acids Test (OAT)
- DUTCH hormone testing
- Mycotoxin testing
- Lyme and tick-borne disease testing
- Nutrient testing
- Other testing appropriate to the individual case
You do not need every test on this list. Testing is chosen when it is likely to provide useful information that can meaningfully guide the plan.
Laboratory testing is billed separately.
The plan
What Your Plan May Include
Care is built around your situation. Not every plan includes every area below.
Nutrition
Personalized dietary priorities based on your history, symptoms, goals, and findings.
Lifestyle
Sleep, movement, stress regulation, routines, and other practical habits that support brain and whole-body health.
Supplements
Targeted supplement recommendations when appropriate, chosen for your specific needs.
Environmental Health
Strategies related to mold, environmental exposures, or other relevant concerns when indicated.
Further Investigation
Additional testing or follow-up when more information is needed.
Referrals & Collaboration
When appropriate, Dr. Dorner may recommend psychotherapy, EMDR, psychiatric care, neurological evaluation, pediatric care, or other supportive services.
Working alongside your team
Designed to Fit Into the Care You Already Have
Functional brain-health support is designed to complement appropriate medical, psychiatric, psychological, neurological, pediatric, and therapeutic care.
Dr. Dorner does not prescribe medications or provide emergency or crisis care. Medication decisions remain with the prescribing clinician.
When useful, recommendations may also include collaboration with or referral to other professionals.
What to expect
How Long Does the Process Take?
There is no single timeline that fits everyone.
Some people need only a focused evaluation and a few targeted next steps. Others are working through more complex concerns and benefit from several months of structured follow-up.
The pace depends on your history, goals, testing needs, response to recommendations, and the complexity of the case.
The goal is not to rush the process. It is to move forward in a way that is thoughtful, practical, and sustainable.
Do I need a diagnosis before I book?
No. Many people begin without a formal diagnosis, and others come with several. The evaluation starts with your history and current concerns either way.
Do I have to complete functional testing?
No. Testing is optional and recommended selectively. Some people move forward with foundational strategies and existing records alone.
Can I use labs I already have?
Yes. You can upload prior labs, imaging, and records during intake, and Dr. Dorner reviews them before your visit. Existing data often reduces the need for new testing.
Do I need to stop my medications?
No. Dr. Dorner does not manage or adjust medications. Medication decisions stay with your prescribing clinician, and functional support is designed to work alongside them.
Can Dr. Dorner work with my psychiatrist, therapist, or physician?
Yes. Collaboration with your existing clinicians is encouraged, and recommendations may include coordinating with or referring to other professionals when useful.
What happens after the initial evaluation?
You'll have a clearer sense of what deserves attention first. Depending on your situation, the next step may be beginning foundational strategies, completing selected testing, or scheduling a Results & Strategy Visit.
How often are follow-up visits?
It varies. Some people need only a few targeted follow-ups; others benefit from regular visits over several months while working through more complex concerns.
What if I am not sure which service to book?
Start with a Discovery Call. It's a brief, no-pressure conversation to help you decide whether the Functional Brain Health Evaluation is the right next step.
Start With the Functional Brain Health Evaluation
The first step is a thorough 60-minute evaluation designed to understand your history, identify the areas that deserve attention first, and determine what should come next.