Great question. At MINT, we take a whole-person approach that focuses not just on symptoms, but on the root causes of what's driving them. Here’s how the journey unfolds:

Step 1: Detailed Intake Form

Before your first appointment, you’ll complete a comprehensive intake form that covers:

• Symptoms
• Nutrition
• Lifestyle
• Sleep
• Stress
• Past trauma and medical history

This gives us a 360-degree view of your current health and saves valuable time during your consultation.

Step 2: Initial Consultation (30–60 minutes)

This is where we listen deeply, connect the dots between your symptoms, and begin identifying the root causes.
We’ll provide a first-stage management plan which may include:

• Targeted testing
• Nutritional and lifestyle advice
• Supportive education

We know this can feel overwhelming—so we go at your pace. The focus is on progress, not perfection.

Step 3: Second Consultation (30 minutes)

Here we review your test results together and provide a comprehensive treatment plan, which may include:

• Supplements or nutraceuticals
• Lifestyle and dietary adjustments
• Functional or pathology testing if needed
• Mind-body strategies for long-term health

Step 4: Ongoing Support

Your follow-up consultations are tailored to your needs:

• 15–30 minutes per review
• Reviews typically occur at 2–4 weeks, 2–3 months, then every 3–6 months

This is your unique journey. We're here to support you in a way that is sustainable, realistic, and effective. Our goal is to help you feel better, function better, and stay well, by creating long-term strategies that work in real life—not just on paper.

Absolutely—and we understand your hesitation. Integrative medicine is grounded in evidence, but it’s also holistic. It brings together the best of conventional (Western) medicine with scientifically supported lifestyle, nutritional, and mind-body therapies to treat the whole person, not just isolated symptoms.

Here's how it works:

• We still use blood tests, imaging, medications, and specialist referrals when needed—just like in traditional care.
• But we also consider your nutrition, sleep, stress, gut health, hormones, trauma history, and nervous system regulation—factors that are often overlooked but have strong scientific backing.
• Many of the therapies we use—like magnesium for sleep and anxiety, probiotics for gut health, or mindfulness for stress—are backed by decades of peer-reviewed research. We stay updated on the science, so our recommendations are safe and appropriate.

The biggest difference?
We take time to understand your story and explore the root causes—not just prescribe for the symptoms. If you’ve felt like things are being missed, or like you're just treading water with medication alone, integrative medicine may be the missing piece.

You don’t have to choose one or the other—we integrate both, so you get a more complete, personalised path to healing.

Holistic General Practitioner
A General Practitioner (GP) is a medical doctor who provides comprehensive care to people of all ages. Also known as family doctors or primary care physicians, they diagnose and manage a wide range of conditions—from infections to chronic diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure—and offer preventive care such as skin checks, immunisations, and health screenings.

At MINT Clinic, our Holistic GPs are conventionally trained doctors who view health through a broader lens. They consider how nutrition, stress, lifestyle, sleep, and emotional wellbeing contribute to illness and recovery. Their goal is not just to manage symptoms, but to help patients build long-term wellness.

Integrative Doctor
An Integrative Doctor takes this further by combining conventional medicine with evidence-based complementary therapies. They focus on identifying and addressing the root causes of illness, not just the symptoms. This may involve specialised testing for hormonal imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, gut microbiome dysfunction, methylation issues, or toxin burden.

Integrative medicine works at the intersection of body, mind, and environment—supporting healing through food, targeted supplementation, stress reduction, movement, and meaningful connection.

Example: Managing a Common Cold

• A conventional GP may recommend rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications to manage symptoms. Antibiotics may be prescribed if a bacterial infection is suspected.

• A Holistic GP might offer similar advice, while also exploring whether poor sleep, stress, or dietary choices are affecting immune resilience.

• An Integrative Doctor would look deeper—considering whether gut dysbiosis, blood sugar instability, micronutrient deficiencies (e.g. zinc, vitamin D), impaired methylation, or histamine intolerance are weakening the immune response. They might support recovery with immune-modulating nutrients, anti-inflammatory dietary strategies, and lifestyle interventions aimed at restoring metabolic balance and nervous system regulation.

If you would like to book an appointment with our Integrative Doctors, we have a couple of options to suit your needs.

• 30-Minute appointment: This is ideal if you have a single health issue that you'd like to discuss. It provides enough time for the doctor to evaluate your symptoms, suggest treatment, and answer any questions you might have.
• 60-Minute appointment: If you have a complex health condition or multiple health issues to discuss, we recommend booking a longer appointment. This gives the doctor more time to understand the full scope of your concerns and ensure you get the attention you need.

If you are unsure which appointment would suit your needs, call our reception team on 8689 3823. They will guide you toward the best option.

We know many patients have been on a long journey and spent a lot on their health. We get it. That’s why we work with you at your pace, tailoring a care plan that’s realistic, effective, and aligned with your goals.

At MINT...

• We practise whole-person, root-cause medicine—not just symptom management.
• We explore the full picture: nutrition, sleep, stress, gut health, hormones, lifestyle, and trauma history.
• Our clinicians are highly experienced, with additional qualifications in integrative medicine.
• We’ve seen thousands of complex cases, attend regular medical conferences, and stay up to date with cutting-edge research. As we often say—you’re not just paying for 30 minutes. You’re investing in years of clinical expertise, ongoing education, and deep patient insight.

We understand that cost is an important consideration—especially if you’ve already spent a lot trying to feel better. But it’s important to look at what you’re actually receiving in return.

• A standard 15-minute GP visit in Melbourne often costs around $120.
• At MINT, our consultations are longer—typically 30 minutes at $250 (Integrative Medicine).
• If you're eligible for a Medicare rebate ($82.90 for 30 minutes), your out-of-pocket cost is $167.10.

In fact, our fees are on par with many Melbourne city GPs when you compare time and service—but at MINT, you receive so much more.

The answer is 'no' unless an arrangement is made with your treating doctor.

Nurse-led IV appointments are only suitable for patients without complex or chronic medical conditions. If you have a history of autoimmune disease, gut issues (e.g., Crohn's, IBS), fatigue syndromes, or are experiencing ongoing symptoms that haven't been addressed by a doctor, you’ll need to book an IV Consultation with a MINT GP to ensure your IV plan is safe and personalised. Don't worry, if you are not sure, our team of nurses will guide you on next steps.

IV nutrients can support stress, energy and recovery, but they don’t treat the root causes of inflammation or fatigue. At MINT, we take a root-cause approach, and sometimes that means we recommend further testing or a consult with one of our Integrative GPs.

Please note: If you are requesting an Iron Infusion and do not have a prescription for iron from your regular GP, you'll need an IV Consultation with a MINT GP.

Dr Shami Barathan

Dr Sheetal Karande

Dr Sambridhi Adhikari

Yes! Our doctors prescribe medication for ADHD, providing the following treatment guidelines:

• Holistic care for ADHD
• Dietary support
• Nutrient support
• Lifestyle measures that proven to help ADHD patients
• Repeat medication prescriptions once a patient has been prescribed medications by their Psychiatrist

Our doctors do not:

• Provide a new diagnosis of ADHD
• Start patients on medication. Medication must be initially prescribed by a Psychiatrist.

Doctors that prescribe Ritalin for ADHD

• Dr Shami Barathan
• Dr Viv Chai
• Dr Sambridhi Adhikari
• Dr Manasi Deshpande
• Dr Sheetal Karande
• Dr Chris Tan

Doctors that treat female hormonal disorders

• Dr Shami Barathan
• Dr Manasi Deshpande
• Dr Sheetal Karande
• Dr Sambridhi Adhikari

Yes! Our doctors prescribe bio-identical hormones.

Doctors that prescribe bio-identical hormones

• Dr Shami Barathan
• Dr Manasi Deshpande
• Dr Sheetal Karande

Yes! Our doctors prescribe Rifaximin (Antibiotics) for SIBO.

Doctors that prescribe Rifaximin

• Dr Shami Barathan
• Dr Manasi Deshpande
• Dr Sheetal Karande
• Dr Sambridhi Adhikari
• Dr Chris Tan

We advise you to perform the 3 hour SIBO breath test. For any queries about SIBO breath testing, please call Nutripath directly https://nutripath.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/requests/new

The test involves drinking lactulose and hence if you suffer from severe gastrointestinal symptoms due to lactose, we advise against the SIBO breath test. However, you if you have mild symptoms of lactose intolerance, for example, wind and loose stools, then you are able to tolerate the SIBO breath test.

Please visit your nearest compounding pharmacist. We recommend Baraz Wellness located in Coburg.

Dr Shami Barathan has an interest in the Carnivore Diet.

Yes, all doctors at MINT treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Doctors with an interest in Low Carb diets

• Dr Shami Barathan
• Dr Sambridhi Adhikari
• Dr Manasi Deshpande
• Dr Sheetal Karande

Doctors that treat Chronic Fatigue & Fibromylagia

• Dr Shami Barathan
• Dr Sheetal Karande
• Dr Manasi Deshpande

Yes! Our doctors treat Pyrrole Disorder.

Doctors that treat Pyrrole Disorder

• Dr Shamistra Barathan

No, I do not treat or cure cancer.

However, I do support patients who are currently undergoing cancer treatment or in recovery. My role as an integrative GP is to work alongside your oncology team, never in place of them.

I offer supportive care that focuses on improving overall wellbeing, managing side effects, reducing stress and inflammation, and supporting immunity—always with a focus on evidence-based approaches and collaborative care.

For patients seeking integrative cancer care, I often refer to Dr Shala Rasouli, a highly respected practitioner from the Melbourne Integrative Cancer Group. She has a PhD in cancer immunology and is an experienced naturopath specialising in integrative cancer support.

We’re here to walk beside you—not to replace your medical team—and provide safe, supportive care that complements your oncology treatment

Please complete the DUTCH test on day 21 of your cycle. (Day 1 = first day of bleeding. If you have a longer cycle than 28 days, choose the day which falls 7 days before your next period). If you are post-menopausal, please perform the test on any day of the month.

The answer is YES. Your treating doctor has provided you a prescription for the iron infusion. Please take this prescription to your pharmacy who will give you the iron. Please bring the iron to your iron infusion appointment at MINT Clinic.

Nurse Luna works on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Please send your request via your vital.ly account and your doctor will respond to your message on their work days.

All repeat prescriptions require a consult with your treating doctor. This ensures:

1. Safety: Medications can have side effects or interact with other drugs. Your doctor needs to make sure that the medicine you're taking continues to be safe for you, especially if you've started other medications or have had changes in your health.
2. Relevance: Your health might change over time. What was right for you a year ago might not be the best choice now. By having a consult, your doctor can check whether the medication is still the best treatment for your current condition.
3. Dosage and Frequency: Sometimes the dosage or frequency of a medication needs to be adjusted. During a consult, your doctor can make sure you're taking the right amount and not more or less than you need.
4. Opportunity for Discussion: A consult gives you a chance to talk about any concerns or side effects you're experiencing. It also allows your doctor to update you on any new treatments or medical guidelines that might be relevant to you.

Appointment length

If you require a repeat prescription only, please book a consult with one of our General Practitioners.

You should fast for a period of at least 8 to 12 hours prior to your blood test. Fasting is usually done overnight with the collection in the morning although it is possible to fast during the day. Ensure you fast for at least 8 hours and no longer than 15 hours prior to your pathology collection later in the day.

Here is the link to the Nerva App and you will receive 25% discount. CLICK HERE.

Here is a link to our online educational resources which has all the handouts attached.  CLICK HERE.

Here is the link to the breathing video: CLICK HERE

Here is the link to the SIX HATS PODCAST by Dr Shami. CLICK HERE

MINT patients only can order more magnesium by using the links below:

2 Month Magnesium Supply +Postage = CLICK HERE

2 Month Magnesium + 2 Month Sleep blend +Postage = CLICK HERE

Vitamin B12 injections are administered intramuscularly by our wonderful nurses at MINT Clinic. The b12 injection is stocked at the clinic so you don't require a prescription. Please book online or call reception to make a booking for your b12 injection. Please note, the usual recommended dose is one b12 injection weekly for 3 weeks. However, this can change depending on the doctor's recommendation.

It’s great that you’re curious and proactive about your health—tools like ChatGPT and online research can be useful starting points. But your body is unique, and no AI or article can fully replace a detailed conversation with an experienced clinician.

Here’s why:

• AI and the internet provide generalised information, often based on patterns, studies, or symptoms that may not reflect your individual case.
• Your history, symptoms, lifestyle, and genetics all shape your health in complex ways.
• Many real-world clinical patterns and subtleties aren’t captured in online data or have yet to be thoroughly researched.
• Experienced clinicians have seen thousands of unique presentations—and that clinical wisdom can’t be replicated by algorithms.

Think of online information as a map. It’s helpful—but you still need a guide who understands the terrain. At MINT, our role is to help you filter information, avoid unnecessary testing or worry, and create a clear, tailored plan that supports your long-term health goals.

Yes—and here’s why. While normal blood results can be reassuring, they’re only one part of the picture. The art of medicine lies in listening to your story. In fact, 80% of a diagnosis comes from your history, not from test results alone.

Blood tests help us:

• Exclude red flag conditions (like cancer or significant inflammation)
• Assess your metabolic health, cardiac risk, and diabetes risk
• Check thyroid, liver, kidney, and methylation function
• Identify obvious nutrient deficiencies

But even with normal results, you might still feel unwell. That doesn’t mean “nothing is wrong”—it means we need to look deeper.

This is where functional testing and nervous system assessments can help. And if those are also clear, we explore the powerful drivers of health that don’t show up on blood tests:

• How you sleep
• What and how you eat
• How you move your body
• How you manage stress and emotions

The human body is not a machine—it’s a dynamic, multifactorial system. There’s rarely one single cause, and there’s never a one-size-fits-all fix. True healing is a journey that starts with understanding your unique story—and we’re here to walk that path with you.

We are happy to help with any clarifications or follow-up questions related to your recent appointment. If you have a simple question or need further explanation about what was discussed, we will book a short consultation with your treating doctor.

However, if you're raising a new issue or concern, or if you'd like to discuss something that wasn't covered during your appointment, we recommend scheduling a 15 min consult with your doctor. This ensures we give you the time and attention needed to address your concerns thoroughly.

We're committed to providing you with the best care, and having an appointment helps us do that.

Medical Certificates & Travel Letters

Your treating doctor can  issue travel letters and medical certificates during their practice days. Admin Fee: $50

Prescriptions

Prescription Renewal - Your treating doctor can reissue your prescription. Admin Fee: $50

New Prescriptions - Please discuss this with your treating doctor during a consultation.

Medical Reports

Medical reports require greater time. For a fee quote, please speak to our reception team.

It's important that pathology results are interpreted by your doctor as they need to be considered in the context of all information available. A test result can be flagged as 'abnormal' but be perfectly OK for you in your present situation.

When you receive and understand your pathology report, you and your doctor are better placed to make important health decisions. For this reason, it is important that all pathology results are discussed with your treating doctor prior to release. Following review of your results, your doctor will provide you with a copy.

Results cannot be released to another healthcare professional prior to your review appointment. Please ask your healthcare professional to contact the pathology company.

If our onsite team is helping patients in the clinic and unable to answer, your call may be picked up by our Australian-based virtual reception team. These are real people—not AI, and not an answering service. They’re a dedicated team of trained receptionists who know the MINT Clinic systems and processes inside out.

They can help you with:

• Booking or rescheduling appointments
• Answering general queries
• Taking detailed messages for your doctor or nurse

You can have a proper conversation with them just like you would at our front desk.

We understand your interest in gaining more clarity through testing. However, any additional tests—whether pathology or functional—require another consultation, even if it’s brief. This is because testing isn’t just a checklist; it’s a clinical decision that must consider your symptoms, medical history, and overall goals.

More testing doesn't always lead to better outcomes. In fact, it can sometimes create confusion or unnecessary worry, especially when results fall into the “normal range” but don’t reflect how you feel—or vice versa.

It’s important to remember:

• We treat you, not just your test results.
• Reference ranges represent the middle 95% of the population—not necessarily optimal health.
• What matters most is your unique story, your symptoms, and how things are changing over time.

If you’d like to explore further testing, we’re happy to support that through a follow-up consultation so we can assess whether it’s the best next step for your care.

“Hormones” can mean many different things—and this is exactly why a consultation is required before any hormone testing is done.

Hormones include:

• Metabolic hormones: insulin, thyroid (TSH, T3, T4)
• Reproductive hormones: oestradiol, progesterone, testosterone, FSH, LH, prolactin
• Stress hormones: cortisol
• and others depending on your symptoms and stage of life.

Patients often mean female reproductive hormones, but it’s important to understand why you want testing done. Before any tests are ordered, we need to ask:

1. What answer am I seeking? Am I trying to confirm or exclude a diagnosis?
2. Am I looking for reassurance that everything is okay?
3. Do I want to better understand my symptoms and how they relate to my hormones?

These are important questions that can only be answered through a conversation with your clinician. For example, if you're having regular menstrual cycles, testing FSH may not add meaningful insight—it might give a number, but not the why behind your symptoms.

In medicine, 80% of the diagnosis comes from your story—your symptoms, history, and patterns. Testing is a tool to support that story, not a standalone solution. It helps us identify deficiencies or imbalances, but must always be interpreted in context.

We’re here to guide you through this, one step at a time, with testing that’s relevant, purposeful, and aligned with your health goals.

While we understand the growing interest in genetic testing, reviewing entire genomic reports (which are often over 90 pages long) is not a service we currently offer at MINT. However, if there are specific gene variants that may be relevant to your symptoms (such as those related to methylation, detoxification, or nutrient metabolism), we can certainly look at those as part of your clinical picture.

It's also important to understand the difference between genes and epigenetics.
Just because you have a certain gene—or even a family history—doesn’t mean you’ll develop that condition. For example, having a genetic predisposition to diabetes doesn’t mean you will get diabetes.

What really matters is how your environment interacts with your genes. Factors like:

• Nutrition
• Stress
• Sleep
• Exposure to toxins
• Exercise
• Nutrient deficiencies

…all influence whether genes are switched on or off. This is the science of epigenetics—and it means you have more power than you think. Our role is to help you take action on the things you can control, and support your body in the most effective, personalised way possible.

Yes! Not only are you welcome to move between healthcare professionals, it may also be appropriate given your circumstances. An integrative medicine patient may elect to see a MINT General Practitioner for routine medical administration including scripts, referrals and pathology / radiology requests.

All patient information is securely stored on our medical software and accessible by all MINT healthcare professionals. This ensures safety and seamless continuity of care.

Please find a link to our Medical Release document. Please complete the following form and submit online. FORM LINK HERE.