Integrative Wellness & Research Center, Inc

Reviews

• DR

  Dave Russell

  May 22, 2026
  5.0
  So far so good. Have been seeking relief from neuropathy for years and this is the first time anyone has approached it from the angle of whole-body function. Very happy with the initial process as Dr John goes deep with explanations; which is what I need 😉. Will know more over the next 60 days.
• NS

  Nnenna Stella

  May 21, 2026
  1.0
  Edited May 28 after the clinic's response. I was NEVER offered a refund for the unused lab. I spoke directly with John and he said I signed a document agreeing to no refunds. Regarding him using another doctor's account for labs, just look at the attachment I uploaded. The NPI for Salaam is registered only to be used by an individual. It is not supposed to be shared with another person or clinic. This is a federal violation. JOHN SMOTHERS IN NOT A MEDICAL DOCTOR AND IS NOT LICENSED IN THE STATE OF TENNESSEE as a medical doctor. He is not supposed to do the following: -Diagnose diseases -Prescribe medication -Order laboratory tests -Bill insurance as a physician -Represent himself as "doctor" in a medical context without clear disclosure This is why he orders his labs via another doctor's lab account and NPI credentials. Im not sure about his relationship with Dr. Sayyida Abdus Salaam but he uses her name/account/credentials to order labs with Vibrant but the NPI is only to be used as an individual, not for sharing or clinic use. I wonder if this is why he inflates the cost of Vibrant testing. He charged me $1300 while my new doctor only charges $500. Is he sharing the inflated fee with Salaam? I also called Salaam and let her know her name is being used to order labs for Smothers. I did not receive a return call from her. Office visit: $500 Vibrant Lyme testing: $1,300 (standard cost is $500-750) Stool testing kit: $750 (I never submitted it, these kits are free to doctors from labs but Smothers will not refund it even though I'm no longer working with him and the request can be reversed.) Recommended supplements: $710+ Total for first visit + testing: ~$2550 I did not purchase the supplements and I'm now working with another provider. MAJOR RED FLAG Smothers also told me that Vibrant results take 28 days. I have this recorded. My new Lyme doctor says Vibrant takes 10 days. The Vibrant website quotes 14-21 days. Why did he lie? Was the delay so he could sell me the intro supplement package which is $710? He told me we would tailor my treatment again when the lab results returned. This would require additional supplements I would need to buy. He didn't just overcharge me. He misquoted the results timing, pushed supplements I do not need and uses another doctor's credentials for lab work. I found a legitimate Lyme-literate provider using a transparent subscription model with wholesale supplements. The same Vibrant test costs $800 less there.
• LK

  L. K.

  May 19, 2026
  1.0
  My overall experience with John Smothers’ clinic was disappointing for a few reasons. First, I was quoted $1,500 over the phone for lyme treatment and confirmed this multiple times—in fact I specifically selected this clinic based on this quoted cost. I budgeted accordingly. My husband took time off work, and we drove almost 2 hours, only to be informed upon arrival that the cost was actually $2,000. We were also told there would be an additional $300-400 in required supplements (see photo) and as much as $1,500 in testing. When I raised my concerns about this significant pricing discrepancy and miscommunication, John’s bedside manner changed and he became dismissive, unsympathetic and inconsistent with his previous email, in which he wrote: “Bring your affordable budget… we never turn anyone down due to financial reasons” (see photo). I was lied to. Second, I was informed that the treatment would not be effective on its own without purchasing his recommended supplements. I confirmed this directly with the laboratory/manufacturer, and they denied it, citing the treatment’s 95% success rate for lyme (see photo). Third, John stated that there are “aggressive” and “non-aggressive” versions of the treatment, recommending for me the aggressive one. Again, I verified this with the lab/manufacturer, as well as other clinicians, who confirmed this distinction only applies to cancer, not Lyme (see photo). The conflicting information, pricing discrepancies, and communication inconsistencies were disingenuous, deceptive, unprofessional, and misleading, and put us in a very difficult position after already committing the time, travel, deposit, and budgeting. It also raises serious ethical concerns regarding the clinic’s practices, accuracy of information, and familiarity with the treatment itself. It was apparent that there was a strong push to upsell additional (irrelevant) services, supplements, and testing far beyond the treatment discussed via phone and email. As for me, I had researched it thoroughly beforehand, know clinicians personally, and regularly communicate with the lab to stay informed and guarded against exact situations like this. Given the above, I could not in good conscience move forward with the clinic, nor can I recommend them. I did report my experience to the manufacturer’s corporate office. For documentation purposes, I have attached a copy of my receipt to prevent disputes of my visit and verify that I was seen and in their system. (Although the date says 4/2, my actual appointment was 4/14/26).
• EW

  erica wainwright

  Mar 17, 2026
  5.0
  Dr. John was incredibly knowledgeable and recommended something that has been working wonders for me! Thank you so much for your help.
• AB

  Akaysha Berry

  Feb 13, 2026
  5.0
  My initial visit was great. John is very knowledgeable and took his time breaking down all of the information. He answered all of my questions and reassured me as I am getting started with my journey to bettering my health. I felt comfortable and not rushed like other clinics. The environment is clean, bright, and very welcoming. Front desk was helpful and communicated clearly and professionally. I also appreciate that all payments are made clear up fron so you do not feel blindsided. Overall had a greay experience so far and look forward to results.

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