Psychiatry/Medication Management:
An effective, convenient way to receive psychiatric care and support
Expert psychiatry services at Thriveworks: Find healing and hope
For the one in five Americans who experience mental illness–including depression, anxiety, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and more–medication management and therapy together are the gold standard to provide full symptom relief. That is why we offer psychiatry, also called medication management, in addition to therapy services here at Thriveworks.
Our comprehensive psychiatric services are provided by licensed and experienced psychiatric nurse practitioners. Whether you’re seeing a psychiatric provider for the first time or are looking to transfer existing care, at Thriveworks you’ll find comfortable, safe, and timely care with our team of psychiatric nurse practitioners, available in most states. You’ll also have the option to engage with psychiatry and therapy services under the same roof, leading to better collaboration, support, and outcomes.
What Is Psychiatry?
Psychiatry is a branch of medicine concerned with diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental health disorders. Thriveworks’ psychiatry program offers evaluation, diagnosis, and medication management for the treatment of various mental health issues. Psychiatry services at Thriveworks are entirely remote, via telehealth, offering optimal comfort and convenience.
Psychiatry vs. Psychology
Psychology is the study of mind and behavior. Psychologists are doctorally prepared and can perform psychological testing in addition to evaluation and therapy for mental health issues. While psychiatry also includes the study of psychology, its focus as a medical specialty is on the evaluation and treatment of mental health issues, including therapy and medication management.
Why Would You See a Psychiatrist?
You might decide to see a psychiatrist or another psychiatric provider if you are experiencing symptoms of mental illness and are in search of help, including diagnosis and/or treatment.
As mentioned previously, the Thriveworks psychiatry team is made up of psychiatric nurse practitioners. They can evaluate, diagnose, and treat psychiatric conditions just as psychiatrists can. Their care is usually focused on medication management, though they can also provide additional therapeutic services.
Psychiatrists and other psychiatric providers, such as psychiatric nurse practitioners, have an in-depth understanding of mental health and the underlying neurobiology that can contribute to mental health disorders.
Is It Better to See a Psychiatrist or Psychologist?
A psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner will be helpful if you are interested in medication management for a mental health issue.
Unlike psychologists, psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners are medical providers with specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions including medication management.
Psychiatrists vs. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners
Psychiatric nurse practitioners and psychiatrists both assess, diagnose, and prescribe medication. Psychiatric nurse practitioners complete a bachelor’s in nursing and a master’s and/or a doctorate in psychiatric care, while psychiatrists attend medical school and have specialized training in psychiatry.
At Thriveworks, our nurse practitioners practice under the supervision of board-certified psychiatrists. In some states, a nurse practitioner is able to practice independently, just like a psychiatrist.
What Are the Benefits of Meeting with a Psychiatrist or Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Online?
Accessing care online means you have fast, easy access to care no matter where you are or what barriers to care you may have. Instead of taking time off of work or spending time driving to a clinic, you can simply find a comfortable, private location wherever you are to access effective, personalized care with our team.
Consider the following examples of improved access:
- You live far away from a psychiatric clinic, don’t have access to transportation, or simply prefer not to spend the time on travel to a clinic.
- Log on and meet with a clinician exactly where you are, no driving required.
- You are a parent or primary caregiver for an elderly or disabled family member, and find it difficult to arrange care during appointment times
- Have your visit from the comfort of home, no need to arrange extra care.
- There are no psychiatrists in your local area who specialize in your issue or their wait time is too long
- Access providers from across your state, and book within days, not weeks or months!
- You feel more comfortable talking to someone from the comfort of your own home or office, or you have physical or mental health condition makes it hard to leave the house
- Join your session from wherever you are, no office visit required!
- Your work hours are restrictive, and you are unable to attend appointments within your working hours
- With a statewide team of clinicians, we offer visit times that fit your schedule.
In short, online psychiatry at Thriveworks is ideal for people who want speed to care that emphasizes comfort and convenience without sacrificing quality of care.
What Will Happen When I See a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at Thriveworks?
When you see a psychiatric nurse practitioner at Thriveworks, you’ll first have an initial psychiatric evaluation, scheduled for 45-60 minutes via video. This is a time to meet your clinician, review your mental health history and current needs, discuss treatment options, and get answers to any questions you may have.
The first session is also a time for your psychiatric nurse practitioner to ensure that telepsychiatry and remote care can meet your needs, and to discuss alternative options if this environment of care cannot meet your needs. We encourage you to come with questions about medication or other treatment options so that our psychiatric nurse practitioners can discuss these concerns with you in depth, and ensure you feel that telemedicine is right for you before filling a prescription.
Will a Psychiatrist Tell You Your Diagnosis?
During your initial evaluation with one of our psychiatric nurse practitioners, you will have time to discuss any diagnoses that they have confirmed, and any other aspects of a diagnostic picture that they are still exploring.
What Medications Does Thriveworks Prescribe?
Our psychiatric nurse practitioners are able to prescribe psychiatric medications such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and other non-stimulant medications.
We practice safe medical care according to current best practices. We do not prescribe any controlled substances, though we are happy to evaluate alternative medications that could potentially be beneficial to you.
What Medications Does Thriveworks Not Prescribe?
Our psychiatric nurse practitioners are unable to prescribe controlled substances, including but not limited to stimulant medications (such as Adderall, Concerta, Focalin, and Vyvanse), benzodiazepines (such as Xanax, Ativan, and Lorazepam), and hypnotics (such as Lunesta, Sonata, and Ambien).
Thriveworks clinicians do not currently treat substance use and are also therefore unable to prescribe any medications to treat substance use disorders (such as Methadone and Suboxone).
Personalized Treatment Plans for Better Mental Health
At Thriveworks, our clinicians will work closely with you to create a treatment plan tailored to meet your mental health needs. When you engage in treatment with one of our psychiatric nurse practitioners, this plan may include medications, education about other medication options along the way, referrals to other services including therapy at Thriveworks, and more, depending on your needs.
Addressing Depression, Anxiety, and More
At Thriveworks, we treat a wide variety of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), personality disorders, and more.
Again, your treatment will be personalized to your unique experiences and needs—it is central to our values here at Thriveworks that your treatment plan is co-created with your clinician to ensure it works well for you.
Trusted Psychiatric Providers, Trusted Care
Thriveworks, clinician-founded and clinician-led, has been trusted to provide care to clients for 15+ years and counting. We truly care about our clients and helping them live happier, more fulfilling lives.
If you are struggling with a mental health problem, consider scheduling with one of our psychiatric providers–you’ll be in good hands, as they work to help you better understand and manage your unique challenge(s).
