Frequently Asked Questions

Your Functional Wellness Assessment (60 minutes) is a comprehensive intake session designed to understand your full health picture.

During this visit we will:

• review your medical history and current symptoms
• discuss lifestyle factors such as nutrition, sleep, stress, and movement
• review previous laboratory results if available
• identify patterns that may be contributing to your symptoms
• begin developing a framework for your personalized wellness program based on the healing opportunities identified through your intake and data

This session establishes the foundation for your personalized health strategy and programming.

No. Lab testing is not always required, though it is often recommended.

Many clients experience meaningful improvements through strategic nutrition, lifestyle adjustments, and strength-focused programming alone.

When appropriate, advanced functional diagnostic testing can provide additional insight into areas such as:

• gut health
• hormone signaling patterns
• nutrient status
• inflammation
• metabolic function

If testing is recommended, we review options together and prioritize the tests most likely to provide meaningful and actionable insight.

No. EMBODY operates outside of the traditional insurance-based healthcare model so that care can remain personalized and comprehensive.

Insurance-based medical care follows strict billing and reimbursement requirements that often require shorter appointments, diagnostic coding, and treatment plans focused primarily on disease management.

These structures can limit the time providers spend with patients and the types of services, testing, and education that can be offered.

By operating independently of insurance, EMBODY is able to:

• spend more time with each client
• provide comprehensive health assessments and education
• focus on prevention and physiology
• offer personalized nutrition, lifestyle, and strength-based strategies

This model allows us to prioritize long-term health, education, and empowering clients to actively participate in their wellness.

EMBODY focuses primarily on nutrition, lifestyle interventions, movement, and functional diagnostic insights to support optimal physiology and long-term health.

While Shelly brings extensive clinical experience as a board-certified medical provider, the EMBODY model emphasizes education, prevention, and personalized wellness strategies rather than medication-driven treatment plans.

EMBODY does not function as a primary care practice and does not replace medical care.

Clients are required to maintain an active relationship with their primary care provider (PCP) for medical evaluation, diagnosis, and prescription management when needed.

When appropriate, EMBODY may collaborate with your existing healthcare team to ensure your overall health strategy is aligned and well supported.

Transparency is important to us. One of the most common frustrations in healthcare is not knowing what services will cost until after the fact, so EMBODY aims to keep pricing clear and straightforward.

Integrative Consultation (20 minutes)
Complimentary. This introductory call allows us to discuss your health goals, concerns, and determine whether EMBODY is the right fit.

1:1 Coaching Rate
$300 per hour. This hourly rate serves as the foundation for EMBODY services.

However, clients do not typically work with EMBODY on a single-session basis. Care is delivered through carefully curated and structured programs that provide the time, support, and strategic framework needed to create meaningful and sustainable change.

Comprehensive Programs
Programs typically run 4–6 months and begin at $2,400, depending on the level of testing, program structure, and support required.

Additional costs may include supplements, optional advanced testing, or additional services requested by the client.

Final program recommendations and pricing are discussed during your consultation based on your health history, goals, and level of support needed.

Yes. EMBODY is a hybrid practice offering both virtual and in-person appointments.

Our office is located in the ViBE District in Virginia Beach inside Kaizen Wellness Center.

Virtual consultations allow clients to receive the same personalized guidance regardless of location, while in-person visits may include additional assessments such as:

• body composition measurements
• metabolic data and BMR
• longevity-focused testing
• additional wellness assessments

Meaningful physiological change takes time.

Many health concerns develop gradually over months or years, so improving underlying patterns requires a thoughtful and consistent approach.

EMBODY programs typically run 4–6 months, allowing time to evaluate health patterns, implement nutrition and movement strategies, review laboratory data when appropriate, and adjust recommendations based on your progress.

Some clients notice improvements in energy, digestion, sleep, or mental clarity within a few weeks. However, more complex concerns—such as hormonal imbalance, metabolic dysfunction, or long-standing gut health issues—often require several months to see meaningful and lasting change.

Regular check-ins, ongoing education, and the implementation of personalized strategies help ensure improvements are sustainable rather than temporary.

Most advanced functional laboratory tests
are not covered by traditional insurance plans.

These specialized diagnostics are designed
to provide deeper insight into physiology and metabolic function, often
evaluating areas beyond the scope of standard screening labs typically ordered
in conventional medical settings.

Because of this, they are typically
paid out-of-pocket.

When testing is recommended, we review
available options together and prioritize the tests most likely to provide the
most useful and actionable information.