What is psychiatry?
Psychiatry is a branch of medicine that focuses specifically on the medical and psychotherapeutic treatment of mental conditions and disorders.
How does psychiatry work?
Psychiatry allows people struggling to manage mental conditions or disorders to get access to medications that will make daily functioning easier, as well as work through any mental factors that might be causing or worsening their condition. Though medications can't cure mental disorders, medication can make symptoms more manageable, making the process of psychotherapeutic treatment easier and more effective. Psychiatric care can be available through in-person psychiatry and online psychiatry, depending on where you live and your own preferences. However, psychiatric providers at Thriveworks in Bethlehem, PA specifically offer online psychiatry to their clients.
Does psychiatry deal with anxiety?
Psychiatrists are among the mental health professionals who can prescribe anxiety medication, and they are also capable of offering therapeutic treatment for anxiety as well, though not every psychiatric professional offers therapy. Medication management can be offered via in-person or online psychiatry.
What is the difference between a mental health therapist and psychiatrist?
A therapist has an education specifically rooted in therapeutic practice, approaches, techniques, and treatment. They cannot prescribe medications for clients, thought they often refer clients to psychiatrists for medication management. Psychiatrists are medically trained doctors who specialize in mental health treatment, mainly through medication management and prescription, though they can also practice therapy.
What's the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
Psychologists and psychiatrists receive differing educations, as psychologists are not medically trained the same way that psychiatrists are. Psychologists mainly specialize in providing therapy services and diagnoses for mental disorders — something that most therapists cannot provide — while psychiatrists manage medications and sometimes provide therapy services. The main difference is that psychologists (generally) cannot prescribe medications the way psychiatrists can.
Do psychiatric NPs treat mental disorders?
Psychiatric nurse practitioners (NPs) treat and diagnose disorders, prescribe and manage medications, and offer psychotherapy services, too.
How do psychiatriac providers diagnose?
Oftentimes, psychiatrists or psychiatric professionals will perform a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, which involves an in-depth discussion about your symptoms, medical history, and current medications. Once they reach a diagnosis, they may suggest starting certain medications depending on your condition and the intensity of your symptoms.
Is psychiatry/medication conducted in person or online?
At Thriveworks, we offer online psychiatry as well as in-person therapy services for optimal comfort and convenience.
How long does psychiatry last?
Psychiatric services at Thriveworks Bethlehem can last for as little or as much time as the client needs to reach their treatment goals, whether that be a month or two or over the course of years. treatment length is heavily dependent on the condition(s) being treated, the course of treatment, and the client's goals for treatment.
Need more help deciding?
Bethlehem Psychiatry—Psychiatric Services in Bethlehem, PA
We are all inundated with personal mental health challenges weekly or even daily. One day you might feel on top of the world and then the next, you get knocked down a peg or two. When those mental health challenges come to a head, it’s important that we talk to a psychiatrist or another mental health provider who can assess, diagnose, and treat.
If you’re experiencing anxiety or another mental health condition, consider talking to an online psychiatric provider at Thriveworks in Bethlehem, PA. They can assess your problem and offer treatment online. They might need you to come in on occasion, but the majority of your sessions can occur over the phone or video conference.
Should I Meet with a Psychiatrist or a Psychologist?
A major difference between psychiatric providers and psychologists is that the former can prescribe medication. If you are experiencing any of the following, you may benefit from talking to a psychiatrist over a psychologist:
- Harmful symptoms like depressive feelings, anxious thoughts, thoughts of self harm, irritability, lack of focus
- Symptoms of an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia
- Addictive behaviors
- Symptoms of emotional disorders
- Problems with long term sleep disturbances
- Difficulty managing a condition you were already diagnosed with
- Trouble returning to normal life after experiencing trauma
A psychiatrist can help you in the above scenarios as well as others. The bottom line is that if you have a serious mental health problem, you should talk to a professional.
Schedule a Psychiatry Appointment at Thriveworks in Bethlehem, PA
The Thriveworks psychiatric team is ready to see you now. You can schedule an appointment with one of our online psychiatric providers with ease. Just call our office and a member of our scheduling team will assist you.
In addition to working with a psychiatric provider conveniently online, you can look forward to the following benefits:
- Scheduling support and assistance 7 days a week
- Appointments within the same week as scheduling
- Flexible scheduling options in the evenings and on weekends
- Most major insurances accepted
If you are struggling with symptoms of a mental disorder or another serious mental health problem, our team wants to help. We can assess your specific situation, offer a diagnosis (if warranted), and offer an effective treatment regimen, which might involve therapy, medication, or both. Reach out today to schedule your first session.
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