Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

1,732 people sought psychiatry/medication help at Charleston in the last year

Discover how starting psychiatry/medication therapy can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

Good news! We have 26 psychiatric NPs in South Carolina available for an online or in-person session.

Starting Psychiatry/medication

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 Charleston, SC 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 Charleston 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?

Steve has always had anxiety, but he did a pretty good job hiding it. He dove into several activities during his youth that kept his worries and fears at bay and allowed him to focus on other things. These activities seemed to serve him well for a long time until his anxiety finally got the better of him.

As Steve aged, it seemed to get harder and harder to suppress his worries, negative thoughts, and almost daily uncertainty. It seemed that even the most minor setback caused him to tense up and become irritable. Soon, Steve found that he avoided other people and activities he usually enjoyed because he feared his anxiousness would be too obvious and that he would become embarrassed.

This avoidance only intensified Steve’s anxiety. Steve was now caught in a vicious cycle of anxiety, which left him unable to relax or apply his typical reasoned and logical approach to life. Now, Steve was stuck in a daily rut of worry, irritability, nervousness, and poor sleeping habits.

Steve decided enough was enough and decided to look for a psychiatrist who could tell him what was wrong and how to treat his symptoms properly.

Steve suffers from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), which affects 6.8 million adults, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA).

Generalized anxiety disorder symptoms vary, but common symptoms of this mental disorder include:

  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Inability to let go of worry
  • Difficulty handling uncertainty
  • Overthinking plans and solutions to all worst-case situations
  • Perceived threat, even when not in a threatening environment
  • Persistent worry or fear that something bad will happen

If you are like Steve and are looking for a psychiatrist in Charleston, SC, to help with your symptoms of a mental disorder, consider booking an appointment with an online psychiatrist. You will find it easy and convenient to schedule an appointment at the Thriveworks office in Charleston today and meet with a psychiatrist virtually within about 24-48 hours.

What Does A Psychiatrist Do?

Psychiatrists are trained medical doctors and mental health care professionals who diagnose and treat psychological and emotional disorders. They accomplish this through treatment programs, including psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of the two.

Psychiatrists must complete medical school to be certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. They must also take a written examination to receive a state license and complete residency training in psychiatry.

Psychiatrists work in hospitals, clinics, private practice, emergency rooms, universities, community agencies, the military, and many other locations.

Some psychiatrists choose to pursue specialized training in areas like sleep medicine, geriatric psychiatry, and child and adolescent psychiatry, to name a few.

How Will a Psychiatrist Treat My Symptoms?

Everyone has different symptoms and different needs. Some people may know they will benefit from therapy, while some have no idea what therapy is or if it will even work. That’s why it’s important to meet with a psychiatrist and allow them to use their training and experience to help you through any challenges you may be facing.

When you first meet with your psychiatrist, you’ll most likely be asked about your symptoms, the events or triggers surrounding your symptoms, your medical history, and any medications you may be currently taking.

Again, all clients are different, and there is no standard formula for treatment. A treatment plan may involve talk therapy. This is a form of psychotherapy: the way mental health professionals communicate with their clients. With talk therapy, clients discuss their emotions, feelings, triggers, relationship issues, stressors—anything that’s bothering them. Once all the issues are discussed, a psychiatrist can help clients reduce or eliminate unhealthy thoughts or behaviors.

If a psychiatrist thinks you could benefit from medication, there are several treatment options available. One commonly prescribed medication is an antidepressant. The class of medications is often used for clients like Steve, who suffers from anxiety. The medicine works on the brain by balancing chemicals called neurotransmitters that affect mood and emotions. Antidepressants can also help improve mood, help clients sleep better, and increase their appetite and concentration.

It’s important to note that not all medication works for everyone. Some may respond positively, while others experience negative side effects. If you experience any side effects, it’s important to tell your psychiatrist immediately.

Booking An Appointment with a Thriveworks Charleston, SC, Psychiatrist

If you are experiencing generalized anxiety disorder symptoms or symptoms of another disorder that differ from Steve’s, a Thriveworks Charleston, SC, psychiatrist may be able to help you.

Our scheduling process is easy and convenient, and you can also book an online appointment with a psychiatrist. While you may have to visit your psychiatrist in the office for check-ups, you’ll enjoy the many benefits of meeting with your psychiatrist from the comfort and safety of your home.

Thriveworks Charleston, SC, scheduling assistants are standing by to help you book an appointment and get you thriving again.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Charleston therapists and counselors accept 21 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Carolina | BCBS

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Carolina Medicare Advantage

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Carelon

  • Carolina Behavioral Health Alliance (CBHA)

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

Show more
Self-pay costs at Charleston
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

5.0 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
Mr Sachs has been outstanding with his handling of our sessions. Personally, I believe that therapy/counseling is truly a personal experience and the therapist needs to be matched to the patient as much as the patient with the therapist. I feel like he was a perfect fit for what we needed with our sessions.
Read more Mr Sachs has been outstanding with his handling of our sessions. Personally, I believe that therapy/counseling is truly a personal experience and the therapist needs to be matched to the patient as much as the patient with the therapist. I feel like he was a perfect fit for what we needed with our sessions.
Bill Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Mrs. Darby is an amazing LPC! She was my preceptor while attending MUSC. She came highly recommended by my colleagues and definitely met the expectations! She went above and beyond for her students and her clients. Very professional, caring, empathetic, practices excellent communications and dedicated to improving mental health for her clients and the community! I highly recommend her services!
Read more Mrs. Darby is an amazing LPC! She was my preceptor while attending MUSC. She came highly recommended by my colleagues and definitely met the expectations! She went above and beyond for her students and her clients. Very professional, caring, empathetic, practices excellent communications and dedicated to improving mental health for her clients and the community! I highly recommend her services!
Charleston Aug 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Rhonda is very dependable and a great listener. She has such a calming spirit!
Charleston Oct 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Emily Frichtl has been a fan resource for me. She is insightful, compassionate and caring. I am very thankful to have her!
Read more Emily Frichtl has been a fan resource for me. She is insightful, compassionate and caring. I am very thankful to have her!
Charleston Nov 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Emily Frichtl is a great therapist! I had the privilege of acting as both a clinical supervisor and then as a peer to Ms Frichtl and can attest that she is well versed in the field ethics, displays compassion, and is driven to help her patients.
Read more Emily Frichtl is a great therapist! I had the privilege of acting as both a clinical supervisor and then as a peer to Ms Frichtl and can attest that she is well versed in the field ethics, displays compassion, and is driven to help her patients.
Charleston Nov 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I worked with Adam for over 2 years as a colleague. He is client focused, dependable, and well loved among clients.
Read more I worked with Adam for over 2 years as a colleague. He is client focused, dependable, and well loved among clients.
Charleston Mar 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I was privileged to work alongside Adam recently and I was regularly impressed with how often his clients enjoyed him. He was respected for asking wise questions and for giving gentle suggestions. And his paperwork was to be envied. He's such a good guy!!!
Read more I was privileged to work alongside Adam recently and I was regularly impressed with how often his clients enjoyed him. He was respected for asking wise questions and for giving gentle suggestions. And his paperwork was to be envied. He's such a good guy!!!
Charleston Mar 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Charleston is located on E Bay St between Cumberland St and S Market St. Across the street, on the opposite side of E Bay St, you will find the US Custom House. We currently share the building with JB Hunt Transport Service and the Law Office of Jason S Stevens, among other businesses.

Phone number

(843) 376-6157

Languages spoken by SC providers

  • Russian
  • English
  • Creole
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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