This is my second review. My story maybe a little long- but worth reading here. I'm continuing to benefit from the information and care that Dr.Toups has provided for me over the years. She uses nutrition, supplementation, medications and her superior diagnostic skills and research skills as a physician to care for her patients. Her care plans and personalized data sheets to get you on track functioning and enjoying life - they are treasures! I am turning 66 in November and recently had to review my notes and information provided by Kat regarding my initial treatments because I had fallen out of the parameters and the functional way of living (supplements when needed, nutrition and exercise) for optimal health and was not functioning.I have adhd, anxiety, depression, arthritis, TMJ, Asthma, adverse medication reactions and metabolic problems (overweight) which is giving me borderline high blood pressure,borderline pressure in my eyes (re:glaucoma), IBS and prediabetes. A recent trip to the ER - made me reevaluate the low standards of self care especially regarding diet. Kat had the good plan and I strayed. In addition, I jumped on the WFPB vegan nutrition but I could never go all in and felt hungry and unable to digest the foods. I could only lose weight eating about 800 calories a day. I believe this way of eating also led me eating more High Carb processed food especially feeding my Sugar addiction. I decided two months ago to get back on track with "High Fat" keto diet prescribed by Kat and gave absolutely no regard for scale numbers. Initially, I gained weight - but now two months in (with very few cheats) it is stabilizing and the numbers are coming down slightly. My sugar cravings are almost gone. Here is what is now happening to me eating very few carbs, HIGH FAT, mostly grass fed beef or pork or eggs, a few what I call neutral veggies (example- green beans), few berries, no seed oils, olive oil, Kerry Gold butter, and a dash of cream for 1/4 cup coffee in morning, staying away from sugar substitutes - I feel "happy" I have "energy" I am exercising - swimming over 1 mile 5 days a week, I walk on my rural property 6K to 10K steps a day,I have no aches and pains, I recover from repetitive swimming easily, my recall for names and where I place items has improved, I have no doom and gloom in the morning, My ADHD symptoms improving (able to clean up messes and organize). My figure is changing, I have definition in my biceps and calves and my waist is smaller. My weight is now concentrated in my hips and thighs and butt. My TMJ has improved. Sleep improved- not perfect yet (supplementing with Magnesium). I was able to cut my BP med in half - soon hope to eliminate. Able to stop using daily Inhaler for Asthma and haven't used my rescue inhaler in 1 month. What arthritis? Gone! My skin looks vibrant. For sugar cravings I drink bone broth. I stay full as not to stray from this way of eating and I only counted calories a few times to see how much I am really eating - it turns out to be 1500 to 2000 calories a day - that is what I feel I need. I only eat when I am hungry except if I think I might get tempted on an outing or something - I will eat before I go. Thank you Kat for helping me. I pray I will not be tempted back into the wrong diet - this way of eating and exercising is too important. I have big plans for my future and look forward to everyday. read more

In my desperate search for a practitioner who could help my son with his MTHFR diagnosis, I researched & contacted many. Dr. Toups replied on a Saturday with feedback, referrals and resource links. She was not only professional, but k-i-n-d and encouraging. It made me cry. When your child is not well, it can feel like shouldering the weight of the world. It was beautiful that someone I never even met cared enough to take the time to give a generous response. I'm grateful for the list of practitioners and I'll certainly utilize it. I appreciate you Dr. Toups! read more

Six years ago, I learned that I had early-stage heart disease, was homozygous for MTHFR and heterozygous for APOe4. My well-respected, perceptive PCP and enthusiastic, energetic cardiologist undertook a "test/prescribe/retest/monitor" regimen with a suggestion to "eat more salmon". Even though I was under the care of fine physicians, I wanted to be more proactive. My head was about to explode with this new set of circumstances, and I just about wore out my poor computer googling the hours away, becoming more confused and fearful with each new tidbit of "information." Then I found Dr. Kat Toups. Her Bay Area Wellness site, her professional philosophy, and all the five-star reviews from people she has helped convinced me that I could finally quit googling and relax under the guidance of a doctor who understood how to correct my biochemistry so that my body could heal itself. Our first few consultations felt like pure luxury! Rather than the piddling 20 minutes most physicians are allowed per patient, Dr. Toups spent hours gaining an understanding of my health status, ordering and reviewing tests and ensuring I understood what they meant. She suggested a paleo diet (yes, including salmon) and supplements specific to my needs. I became a student tutored by a brilliant, kind-hearted, generous professor. We were partners. Almost immediately I began to feel better, and my old optimism returned. My lipid profile improved, so I was able to stop taking a statin drug. Through diet and supplementation, the immune-suppressing colitis drugs my gastroenterologist told me I would be on for the rest of my life were no longer necessary. When I did experience a flare-up during my son's out-of-state wedding, Dr. Toups came to the rescue by providing long-distance guidance and helping me to calm things down. I could list several more times she has provided comfort and relief when a health hiccup presented itself; where in the world she comes up with the energy to make each of us feel like we're her only patient is a mystery to me. One of my favorite things about Dr. Toups is her knowledge of alternate therapies and her willingness to try them to help all of us gain strength and to feel more alive. She's always excited to share a new treatment option she's discovered and is joyful when we attain another health goal. Six years ago I worried that I was headed down a path of diminishing health. Today, I feel decades younger and excited to see what's around the next corner. Dr. Kat Toups continues to guide me in the right direction. read more

I just wanted to say thank you again. We've been together 3-4 years and you've seen me through some horrible times. I am so appreciative of your help and your attention to DETAIL. You have been my life savor and I am forever grateful. I wish you peace and happiness through the holiday season, or at least calm in your life. I know the holidays are hard, from personal experience. :( Thank you, thank you, thank you. read more

I'm writing this Yelp because I feel better. I made a dietary change about a week ago, and by day three, I felt better: my stomach pain is less, my allergic reactions are less, my gut pain is less, and my mood has brightened. I don't know about you, but that is the gold standard for me, right there: the information I got from Dr. Toups is WORKING for me, in real, tangible terms: I feel better. And I am so, so grateful. I'd been sick for over a year, and the pain, the limitations have not only been debilitating, but really scary. All of that was dragging me down into a kind of depressed way of thinking and anxious outlook on the future. But now I'm feeling more relaxed -- I'm feeling like maybe the worst of things is over -- like maybe I'm turning the corner on this physical illness. And that makes me feel kind of happy! It is astonishing how physical illness can make you so sad and unhappy, and how even the beginnings of getting better are enough to restore hope, and realistic optimism. Yay! :) I think one of the things that has certainly helped is that Dr. Toups has been so gently, and kindly, but firmly persistent in encouraging me. Having somebody by your side who really believes you can heal, really believes that your mood, therefore, can improve as well is very, very important. And Kat is so nice, so caring. When it comes to the doctors I consult, this trait is a must. Kat is also an amazing assessor/researcher. She is tireless about examining a problem from all possible angles, in determination to find out what's wrong, and what can be done to make it better. She's totally thorough about looking at your whole picture, and about appropriate testing. Her determination is without question. Not only that, but her integrity is pristine: she only does what she believes in. I think her take on health care is a breath of fresh air. I look forward to seeing where my restoration to health goes from here. I know that whatever comes up, Kat will discuss it with me. It's a collaboration. (Just as it should be, I think.) Anyway, I hope this helps. I always check Yelps before I try a new provider or business. It's important that people share their experience, so that you can have a better sense of who someone is before you contact them. So, here's my experience. I'm happy with Dr. Toups. read more

I woke up this morning and realized that I feel optimistic, hopeful, and excited for the future. Its a feeling that's been creeping in for months, and realized I haven't felt that way in 15 years since I was first diagnosed. Thank you for your piece in that. read more

Finally, after years of searching and complaining, I have found a Doctor who fulfills all of my basic medical needs. Dr. Toups is personable, caring, intelligent, communicative and available. She listens carefully and helps to assess your short and long term health objectives and becomes an active partner in helping you reach these goals. Although she is extremely knowledgeable and on the cutting edge of medical research, she will take the time to research any and all new ideas and possibilities. If you believe that the goal of medicine is to help you to achieve and maintain good health and to find the root cause of illness (and not merely to treat the symptoms), than Dr Toups and Functional Medicine is what you are looking for. On a personal level, I have already accomplished several of my own goals. I have been able to stop taking several medications that my more traditional doctors were certain I would be on for the rest of my life. I feel stronger, less depressed and generally healthier than I have for years. read more

Dr. Toups is an amazing doctor and a gift to the world. You will not find a more diligent, detail-oriented, and medically current doctor anywhere. Dr. Toups stays on top of the latest cutting-edge research in a diverse set of medical arenas, and she finds unique solutions to severe ailments that traditional doctors have no way of handling. While she specializes in dementia, her medical knowledge spans well beyond that particular condition. She works like a detective, decoding patterns in data to uncover often hidden issues. Her intuition is spot-on too. She is an incredible person who genuinely cares about her patients. I can't recommend her highly enough if you have the privilege of being able to see her. She has helped my health issues immensely, some of which acclaimed doctors elsewhere were unable to solve. read more

I am one of those patients who traveled the extra miles to see Dr. Toups. I live in Sacramento, but it is worth the time. I highly recommend Dr. Kat Toups for a multitude of psychiatric and chronic physical illnesses. She has had many years of training and experience in psychiatry, and she truly cares about her patients' health and well-being. With a lot of research and full certification, her practice has morphed from a more traditional approach to functional medicine psychiatry. It's sort of "wholistic psychiatry". She will do a lot of testing to determine if and what the physiologic basis might be for the illnesses, and treat accordingly. Inflammation, toxins and other metabolic problems are often at the root of many autoimmune and psychiatric disorders. She treats with diet and lifestyle change and detoxification, allowing patients to take the minimum of presrciption medications. If you don't want to just take a bunch prescriptions meds, and deal with their sometimes very unpleasant side effects (and varying degrees of success), this is truly the way to go. read more

Dr Kat Toups is a phenomenal doctor. She is committed to finding and working with the patients NORMAL rather than forcing the patient to fit the statistical normals. This is vitally important to truer health and wellbeing. I highly recommend her and her practice. read more

Finding Dr. Toups has truly been a blessing. For the last twenty years my mother has suffered with both psychiatric and digestive disorders. We've visited countless doctors who simply layered drugs on top of drugs without care for side effects and who had less than desirable bedside manners. Aside from her considerable knowledge and background Dr. Toups is the first doctor who truly acknowledged my mother during an appointment. Her kindness and preparedness is remarkable, it was clearly evident that she had read every detail of the very thorough and lengthy intake packet prior to our appointment, and her demeanor is supportive beyond measure. She is able to explain complex medical and psychiatric situations in a manner that is tailored and understandable for each individual. She has gone out of her way to help treat my mother despite some complicated matters, and the level of information, testing, and correspondence has completely surpassed expectation. For the first time in a long time we finally have hope and have already seen improvement in my mother's health. What's also wonderful is that many of the dietary treatments are not just applicable to my mother but also to our whole family. I would highly recommend Dr. Toups if you are seeking a physician who will truly listen and be invested in your well being, and who will help you get to the root cause of your illness. This is a doctor you can trust to have YOUR best interests at heart. Also, the staff is very personable and helpful and the office is warm and welcoming exuding a naturaly calming atmosphere complete with a wonderful assortment of tea. I am looking forward to the free nutritional seminars hosted by Dr. Toups as she continues to bring health and hope to our family. read more

Dr. Toups is an amazing doctor! She goes above and beyond in understanding your condition and finding the root of what is causing your problems. Her in-depth knowledge and expertise in addition to her compassionate care and kindness have been healing and have nourished my soul. I have loved working with her. read more

Dr. Toups is highly skilled in "functional" medicine assessment, bringing her extensive knowledge about dietary interventions, allergies, supplements, potential drug interactions, and traditional psychiatric psychopharmacology together for improved patient care. I have used her consultations with patients in my practice with good result. Many would travel to her if they get an opportunity to do so. I plan to continue to refer to her, and feel grateful she offers what is considered state of the art care. It has been difficult to find a practitioner in my area for my patients, so I would highly recommend her. I need to state that I do not receive any compensation for referrals. My compensation is knowing my patients will get a comprehensive evaluation from an exceptionally compassionate professional, and will feel significantly better. Dr. Toups is invested in offering the highest level of care. I am grateful she is in this field. read more

Dr Toups is worth every penny. I am not exaggerating when I say she saved my wife's life. My wife had been to numerous doctors and felt really awful and was deeply depressed. She was given multiple meds that only seemed to make her worse over the years. She is now completely med free. Dr Toups did a very thorough exam, asked detailed questions, listened, and spent many hours with my wife at their first visit figuring out what was wrong. My wife's health improved 100% within a few months. She literally started living again. We also credit Dr Toups with finding my wife's cancer. She went to her PCP and many others and no one diagnosed it correctly. Not only did Dr Toups properly diagnose the cancer, she then cared for my wife after 18 grueling rounds of chemo with vitamins and supplements to get her body healthy again. My wife has been seeing Dr Toups for 2 years now. We tell everyone we know about Dr Toups - she is dedicated to her patients, intelligent, does detailed research, and in depth laboratory testing that is difficult to find anywhere else. She is a one of a kind doctor. We have never experienced this level of care and compassion. We feel blessed that we found her. read more

I truly cannot put my gratitude for Dr. Toups into words - she is truly amazing, one of a kind, genuinely kind, the most dedicated doctor I have ever met!! I trust her completely - she has changed my life for the better. With her help and support (and her support is unlike ANYTHING I've ever experienced), my health has greatly improved. She has helped me managed fibromyalgia pain with truly effective and cutting edge treatments. To say Dr. Toups changed my life is an understatement - she has given me back my life! I truly thought the rest of my life would be consumed with chronic pain and disability, but in the past several months I have known her my health has improved dramatically. Dr. Toups advocates for you and brings a staggering amount of knowledge, compassion, and experience as a clinician (as well as out-of-the-box thinking), but makes clear that you are the healer, that the locus of control is within you for optimal health. This is not a witch doctor who charges exorbitant fees while peddling dubious potions and asking you to rely on her alone for healing. Dr. Toups is a functional medicine doctor and psychiatrist who targets "layers" of healing, beginning with making dietary changes - she recommends the Paleo diet. By changing my diet and adding in some supplements, I am able to eliminate the 14 prescription medications I was taking that weren't helping. In the past, medical doctors didn't know what to do with me and they kept adding medication after medication to address symptoms while never treating the core illness. (These were great doctors who acted in good faith, but it just wasn't helping!) Dr. Toups is incredibly thorough and kind, taking hours to get to know you and assemble a full picture of illness/health. She brings the body into balance so it can facilitate healing. I am so eager to continue down this path to health with Dr. Toups as guide. I truly hope that if you are suffering with chronic, intractable illnesses (or even just want to improve your health), you seek her out. You will get your life back, a version better than before. read more

Very helpful and understanding of complex chronic medical issues. Dr. Toups is the best. She showed great compassion and empathy with our family. We had been to so many other doctors prior to Dr. Toups. She was willing to listen and look at the "whole picture" and keep searching for the cause of our son's severe illness. . . Dr. Toups was able to diagnose neuropsychiatric Lyme disease. She has taught us about supporting his immune system and has been immensely helpful with all the nutritional supplements. read more

Dr. Toups gave our 24 year-old son hope--that he wasn't crazy and that there were physical reasons for his brain inflammation and the onset of mental conditions. Without Dr. Toups, I feel that our son may have been permanently disabled by antidepressant "medication" which damaged rather than helped him. Dr. Toups used extensive testing to uncover root causes of our son's brain dysfunction; she determined that he had been exposed to mold toxins in addition to tick borne toxins, and he was particularly vulnerable because he had the "double mold gene." She prescribed the supplement protocol that our son needed. She was the only psychiatrist (and our son had been to quite a few during the five years he was disabled) who determined that the antidepressants were not a match for our son's genetics. Even when our son's brain dysfunction, extreme anxiety, and major depression seemed never-ending, Dr. Toups never gave up. After a four year leave from college, our son is getting ready to return to academics. We are so grateful to Dr. Toups! read more

Dr. Toups is keenly intelligent and intuitive, but her kindness and supportive nature set her above. At this stage of my life and experience, I no longer believe going to the doctor can fix everything if it is a traditional western medicine doctor. It used to be, I would go to my doctor and supplement everything he would say with extra reading because he was not as well versed in nutrition and nutritional supplements, nor the benefits of meditation and other holistic approaches to maintaining health. At Bay Area Wellness, Dr. Toups looked at my current health state from top to bottom with extensive testing and history, and from there guided me to make dietary changes with food and supplements. Her emotional support and intuitive nature instructed around the mental adjustments I could make (ie. how to add more exercise into my day, how to reduce the stressors, how to free myself from some of the damaging self-doubts, etc). These changes have made a world of difference for me and come with no negative side effects that we otherwise suffer with from pharmaceuticals. Dr. Toups is very informed, reads extensively across many disciplines and brings to her practice a wealth of knowledge that is so beneficial. She has a superior brain and an amazing heart and generous spirit. I feel lucky to have found her in my life. read more