About the Practice

What is Behavioral Medicine?

Bridging psychology and medicine to improve health, functioning, and wellbeing.

The Mind-Body Connection in Medicine

Behavioral medicine is an interdisciplinary field that integrates behavioral, psychological, and biomedical science to understand and treat physical health conditions. It recognizes that our thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and social factors significantly influence our physical health and well-being.

Rather than treating the mind and body as separate entities, behavioral medicine acknowledges their profound interconnection. This approach combines evidence-based psychological interventions with traditional medical care to address the whole person, not just symptoms.

The Framework

How Psychology Integrates with Physical Health

Stress & Physiology

Chronic stress and anxiety directly impact immune function, inflammation, hormone regulation, and digestive processes. Behavioral interventions can reduce these physiological responses.

Behavior Change

Many health conditions require lifestyle modifications. Behavioral medicine provides evidence-based strategies to support sustainable changes in diet, exercise, sleep, and medication adherence.

Symptom Management

Psychological techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and clinical hypnosis can directly reduce pain, improve symptom tolerance, and enhance quality of life.

Areas of Focus

Conditions Addressed Through Behavioral Medicine

Gastrointestinal Disorders

IBS, IBD, functional dyspepsia, chronic nausea, and other gut-brain axis conditions

Chronic Pain

Fibromyalgia, migraines, back pain, and other persistent pain conditions

Cardiovascular Health

Hypertension, cardiac rehabilitation, and stress-related heart conditions

Metabolic Conditions

Diabetes management, obesity, and eating disorders with medical complications

Sleep Disorders

Insomnia, sleep apnea complications, and circadian rhythm issues

Autoimmune Conditions

Managing stress and symptoms in lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and similar conditions

Ready to Begin?

Explore Behavioral Medicine

Discover how addressing the mind-body connection can support your health and healing journey.

Schedule a Consultation

Alana Friedlander, PsyD

Clinical Health Psychologist

Where Psychology and Medicine Meet

Telehealth — NY, IL, WI & PSYPACT States

In-person — Chicago, IL

Specializing in gut-brain disorders, chronic illness & pain, and sexual health psychology.

Specialties

  • Gastropsychology
  • Sexual Health & Sex Therapy
  • Chronic Illness & Pain

Telehealth Services

New York • Illinois • Wisconsin

PSYPACT States

Contact

© 2026 Alana Friedlander, PsyD. All rights reserved.

Insurance: Aetna • BCBS (NY, IL, WI)

This practice is HIPAA compliant. All personal health information is kept strictly confidential and protected in accordance with federal privacy regulations. Your privacy is our priority.