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What Is Integrative Behavioral Health?
Integrative behavioral health combines standard mental health care—such as psychotherapy and medication—with evidence-based mind-body practices. These approaches may help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression while supporting overall well-being.
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) provides trusted, research-based information to help individuals make informed decisions in partnership with their healthcare providers.
Integrative approaches are intended to complement—not replace—evidence-based mental health treatment. Learn more about the different types of mental health professionals and which one may be right for you.
Examples of Evidence-Based Mind-Body Practices:
- Mindfulness
- Meditation
- Yoga
- Acupuncture
- Relaxation techniques
Important Considerations
Integrative practices are meant to support standard treatment, not substitute for it. Always consult with your mental health provider or primary care doctor before starting a new practice.
ADAA promotes treatments that are safe, research-based, and delivered by qualified professionals. ADAA does not support replacing proven medical care with untested or unsupported therapies.
Complementary, Alternative, and Integrative Care: What’s the Difference?
Complementary treatments are used alongside standard care to enhance treatment outcomes (for example, practicing mindfulness while also attending therapy).
Alternative treatments are used instead of standard care. ADAA does not recommend replacing therapy or medication with alternative treatments, as doing so may be unsafe.
Integrative care combines proven mental health treatments with safe, evidence-based complementary practices in a coordinated way. This approach supports whole-person health while keeping effective treatments at the center of care.
Learn more:
Evidence-Based Integrative Approaches
Integrative practices are most effective when used as part of a comprehensive care plan that may include:
- Psychotherapy (such as cognitive behavioral therapy)
- Medication, when appropriate
- Healthy lifestyle habits
- Social support
Stress and Relaxation Techniques
Stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing, guided imagery, and progressive muscle relaxation may help calm the body’s stress response.
Potential benefits include:
- Lower stress levels
- Reduced short-term anxiety
- Improved emotional regulation
Learn more:
Mindfulness and Meditation
Mindfulness teaches people to pay attention to thoughts and feelings without judgment and may help reduce stress and emotional reactivity.
Research highlights:
Research suggests that mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) may help reduce symptoms of anxiety. Additional studies report improvements in mood and quality of life.
Learn more:
Yoga
Yoga combines gentle movement, breathing techniques, and focused attention.
Research highlights:
Studies suggest that yoga may help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and improve mood. Yoga appears most effective when used as a supportive practice alongside therapy or medication.
Learn more:
Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves placing thin needles at specific points on the body.
Research highlights:
Emerging research suggests acupuncture may help reduce anxiety symptoms. It appears most helpful when used alongside standard mental health treatment.
ADAA Resources for Integrative Care
Blog Posts
- CBT for Weight Control
- Mindfulness Meditation for Anxiety
- Avoid the Snake Oil: Pseudoscience and OCD Treatment
Free Webinars
- Overcoming Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- The Mindful Way Through Anxiety
- Can Yoga Help with Depression?
From ADAA Experts
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