When you hear the word “psychiatrist,” what comes to mind? Does it conjure up images from childhood cartoons or video games? Are you reminded of scenes from popular movies and TV shows of a client reclining on a couch speaking to a licensed professional who nods and answers, “Mmhmm” every so often?
There are many misconceptions about psychiatrists. While part of their job is to listen to their clients, they are also medical doctors who diagnose and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral health issues across a wide spectrum of severity. They can prescribe medication, administer talk therapy, and even provide actionable self-care recommendations to ease your symptoms.
One of the biggest myths around psychiatrists, however, is that they only treat the most severe mood or personality disorders. The reality is that those cases make up just a small percentage. Millions of people every year seek out psychiatry services to help them alleviate their depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
If you’re struggling with some sort of mental illness, there is no shame in seeking help from a licensed professional. Our board-certified psychiatrists at Thriveworks Counseling in Tempe, AZ look forward to helping you find your way.
What Issues Do Psychiatrists Treat?
How do you know when it’s time to visit a psychiatrist? While psychiatrists treat clients with suicidal thoughts and debilitating personality disorders, they also treat clients struggling with substance abuse, eating disorders, trauma, and a wide range of mental illnesses and other issues.
These are just a few of the reasons people reach out for help from a licensed psychiatrist:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Bipolar disorder
- Eating disorders
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Mood changes
- Substance abuse
- Phobias
- Abuse and trauma
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Addictive behaviors
- Self-harmful behaviors
If you’re dealing with a mental or emotional disorder, it’s important to remember that help is available. Speak to a board-certified psychiatrist at Thriveworks Counseling in Tempe, AZ today.
The Benefits of Seeing a Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are trained medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating mental illnesses, mood disorders, personality disorders, and other psychological problems. Many mental health issues can cause both psychological and physical symptoms; others may have a genetic or chemical factor that contributes to worsening symptoms. In either case, having a professional with a medical background can be invaluable.
Diagnosis can be a fairly complex process. Depending on your situation, your psychiatrist may guide you through a physical examination, ask you to fill out psychological questionnaires, or request lab tests. They may also ask you a series of questions to better understand your symptoms and how they may be affecting your life.
Once a board-certified psychiatrist has made a diagnosis, they are also highly qualified to provide the full range of treatment options. They may prescribe medication to make symptoms more manageable, administer psychotherapy, or prescribe a combination of treatments. The goal is to help alleviate your discomfort so you can live a healthier, happier life in both the short and long term.
If talk therapy is part of your treatment plan, you will work with your psychiatrist to better understand the emotional distress you are experiencing. You may dig deep into your past, your thought patterns, and your current stressors to identify the most effective way for you to move forward. Your psychiatrist can also audit your sleep, exercise, and other self-care habits to help you find a regimen that works for you.
If you’re dealing with a mental health problem, consider making an appointment at Thriveworks Counseling in Tempe, AZ.
Schedule Your First Psychiatry Session at Thriveworks in Tempe, AZ
Are you having difficulty making time for your mental and emotional health? At Thriveworks Counseling, we’ve removed as many barriers as possible so you can access quality mental health care services on your own terms. We offer remote psychiatry appointments — either by phone or video — and accept most forms of insurance so you can focus on getting better, not your out-of-pocket expenses.
Weekend and evening sessions are available and we’re often able to schedule new clients to see a provider within 24-48 hours of reaching out. Plus, when you enroll with Thriveworks Counseling, you can also begin taking advantage of a wide variety of exclusive benefits, including:
- Access to your mental health provider between appointments
- Exclusive video content
- Life coaching Q&A with 24-hour responses
- Therapy Buddy mobile app
- Text support for scheduling and billing questions
- Community discussion board
If you want to experience the benefits of seeing a licensed psychiatrist, make an appointment with Thriveworks Counseling in Tempe, AZ today.
