Functional Medicine Doctor in NYC (Root-Cause, Whole-Person Care)
Fast answer: what “functional medicine” usually means
Functional medicine is an individualized approach to a patient’s health. Instead of treating symptoms in isolation, functional medicine looks for the “why” or the “root cause” behind symptoms. Functional medicine takes into consideration a patient’s lifestyle, nutrition, stress, hormones, sleep, gut health, environmental exposures, emotional impacts, and more. Practitioners look into the whole picture of your health and the interdependence between all organ systems.
A functional medicine assessment may also include a variety of labs to further understand underlying causes of illness. Labs are interpreted with attention to optimal ranges and trends unique to you, not just population averages, to better understand how the body is functioning and responding over time. This helps the practitioner identify deficiencies and emerging disease patterns as early as possible, so appropriate adjustments can be made to correct these imbalances to prevent symptoms and illness. From there, an individualized treatment plan is thoughtfully crafted to meet your specific health goals in ways that fit into your lifestyle.
Functional vs Holistic vs Naturopathic — what’s the difference?
These terms are often used interchangeably, but they describe different aspects of how care is delivered. Understanding the distinction can help you choose the approach and practitioner that best fits your needs. In short: holistic describes how we look at your case, functional medicine describes how we analyze your complex of symptoms and root drivers, and naturopathic medicine describes the clinical training and framework behind the care.
Holistic (a philosophy)
Holistic care means looking at the whole-person, not just a diagnosis or isolated symptom. This includes sleep, stress, nutrition, digestion, environment, relationships, and daily routines, and how these factors all interact to influence overall health.
Functional medicine
Functional medicine is a clinical approach focused on identifying root drivers behind symptoms, rather than treating them in isolation. It uses systems thinking, pattern recognition, and health timelines to understand how symptoms develop over time. It’s important to note that “functional medicine” describes an approach, not a credential, so training and licensure can vary widely among practitioners (not all are doctors!).
Naturopathic
Naturopathic medicine is a distinct system of medicine and licensure pathway that emphasizes prevention, foundations of health, the innate healing intelligence of the body, and the power of time-tested natural medicine. In addition to nutrition, lifestyle counseling, and supplementation (as with functional medicine), naturopathic care may also utilize botanical medicine, homeopathic medicine, and physical medicine techniques (such as hydrotherapy). Care is highly individualized and grounded in a whole-person, evidence-informed framework.
Dr. Susan Cucchiara is a naturopathic doctor (ND) who uses functional and naturopathic approaches within her practice.
Start your healing journey with us…
Who this is for in NYC
This approach may be a good fit if you…
- Feel consistently tired, foggy, or run down despite “normal” lab results
- Experience recurring digestive issues, blood, or food sensitivities that don’t seem straightforward
- Have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or feeling rested, even with good sleep habits
- Notice inflammation patterns, such as joint pain, headaches, or skin issues that come and go
- Feel stuck managing chronic or complex symptoms without a clear explanation or coordinated strategy
- Want a deeper understanding of your body and how stress, lifestyle, and environment may be influencing your health
What to expect as a new patient (3 steps)
Step 1 — Deep intake + health timeline
Our patients will fill out a thorough intake form before our visit so that our doctors can prepare for the patient. This intake form will ask them to list their symptoms, diagnoses/medical history, family history, along with questions about their past environmental exposure, dental health, hormone history, trauma/mental health history, and more. The patient will upload any past labs they have had to our secure medical portal. They will also list their current medications and dosages, as well as any supplements.
Step 2 — Identify patterns + decide what to test (if needed)
The doctor will review the existing labs and make connections with the patient’s clinical history and symptoms. Based on this review, they may recommend additional targeted testing to gather further information and clarify potential contributors to current health concerns. Testing is used thoughtfully and strategically, with the goal of informing care decisions, rather than ordering labs unnecessarily.
Step 3 — Your plan + follow-ups
After reviewing your history, symptoms, and relevant labs, the doctor creates a personalized, pillar-based plan. This plan typically focuses on:
- Foundations: sleep, stress management, lifestyle habits, and reducing toxin exposure
- Nutrition and targeted supports: dietary strategies, supplements, botanical medicines, homeopathic medicines, or other therapies. Therapeutic dosages, drug-herb-medication interactions, and bioavailability are all carefully considered.
- Gut, immune, and inflammation support as needed
- Ongoing monitoring and adjustments: follow-up visits allow the doctor to track progress, assess for a healing response, reassess labs, and refine the plan overtime. The frequency of follow-ups depends on the complexity and acuity of the case, but is typically every 4-6 weeks at the start of your healing process. Some patients may see us even more frequently for accountability as they make necessary lifestyle changes. As symptoms improve, visits are spaced out, with the long-term goal of 1-2 follow-ups per year for maintenance and continued support.
What Susan focuses on first (the “pillars”)
Foundations: prioritizing sleep, stress management, and healthy daily routine
Food & nutrition strategy: personalized dietary guidance to support overall wellness
Gut/immune/inflammation support: addressing key systems that influence energy, digestion, and immune function
Targeted supports + re-testing/adjustments when appropriate: additional therapies, labs, or adjustments as needed to track progress and refine your plan
NYC logistics (in-person + virtual)
The doctors at Naturally Sue see patients virtually across the country. In person care may be available in New York City, California, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Massachusetts. The virtual visit is conducted via a HIPAA secure telehealth platform. The first visit is typically 60-90 minutes, depending on the complexity of your case. Follow-up cadence varies, but often is every 1-2 months at the beginning of working together, then space out as your symptoms improve.
FAQs
Are you an MD?
No. Naturopathic Doctors are not MDs. Dr. Susan holds the title of ND (Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine). NDs complete a 4-year naturopathic medical program and board exams, then apply for state licensure where available.Do you take insurance?
We do not take insurance for appointments. Depending on your location, insurance may cover some lab work. You may also be able to use HSA/FSA funds for visits, labs, specialty testing, and supplements.- Do you order labs?
Yes, when appropriate. We review any recent labs you already have first, and then recommend selective testing only if it helps guide next steps.
- Will you work with my current doctor?
Yes. We’re happy to collaborate with your current doctor and support a team approach to your care.
- How long does it take to notice changes?
It varies by person and by what we’re addressing. Some people notice early shifts within a few weeks, while more complex or long-standing concerns can take longer. We track progress and adjust your plan over time.
- Do you offer virtual appointments?
Yes. We offer telehealth for most patients, which can work very well for busy schedules and allows you to meet from home. Whether virtual or in-person is best depends on your needs.
Next step
If you’re ready to get to the root of your health concerns, the doctors at Naturally Sue can help you connect the dots and create a plan tailored to your unique needs. Schedule a consultation online today to take the next step towards feeling your best.
