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 Chicago, IL 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 Chicago 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?
Some individuals don’t believe their issues are severe enough to warrant a psychiatrist’s attention in the first place. However, if mental health concerns are interfering with your relationships and your happiness, it’s a good idea to address them. Mental and emotional disorders can cause uncomfortable symptoms and rob you of many of life’s small joys, leaving you feeling generally dissatisfied or unhappy.
If you’re struggling with a mental illness like anxiety or depression, it can be hard to know the best next step to take. The psychiatric nurse practitioners at Thriveworks Counseling in Chicago, IL are standing by to help you feel like your normal self again.
When Should I Consider Consulting with a Psychiatrist?
The word “psychiatrist” is one many people find intimidating. Perhaps the first thing they think of is a movie or TV show character who needed help with a severe disorder. While psychiatric providers do help many forms of extreme mental disorders, this isn’t their only function. Psychiatry deals with a broad spectrum of mental illnesses, including issues such as anxiety and depression.
It’s important to realize that mental illnesses can affect anyone. There are many symptoms that may lead you to visit a psychiatrist. These are just a few examples:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Personality disorders
- Insomnia
- Eating disorders
- PTSD and trauma
- Suicidal thoughts or self-harm
- Substance abuse or addiction
Psychological problems don’t have to control your life. If you’re struggling and in need of compassionate guidance and support, consider scheduling a virtual visit with one of our psychiatric nurse practitioners in Chicago, IL.
Schedule a Telepsychiatry Appointment at Thriveworks in Chicago, IL
Thriveworks Counseling is dedicated to meeting the needs of clients struggling with mental health issues of all kinds. This is why we strive to make our services as accessible as possible. If you have a busy schedule, you can take advantage of our evening and weekend time slots.
We also offer our psychiatry services by video for your convenience. Most clients find psychiatric services to be just as effective handled remotely as it is in an office environment.
You can take the first step toward making your mental health a priority. If you feel that mental disorders are holding you back from achieving your goals, you don’t have to feel alone. Schedule a virtual appointment with a licensed psychiatric nurse practitioner today at Thriveworks Counseling in Chicago, IL.
