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 Modesto, CA 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 Modesto 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?
Are you struggling with a mental health condition or another challenge that is negatively affecting your well-being? If so, we recommend speaking with a psychiatrist or another psychiatric provider.
Thriveworks in Modesto, CA has a team of psychiatric nurse practitioners who would be more than happy to help you. Reach out today to schedule your first psychiatry appointment, which will take place conveniently over video.
Should I See a Psychologist or a Psychiatrist?
Some Thriveworks clients see either a psychologist or a psychiatrist, and other clients see both. It depends on your mental health needs. If you have an underlying chemical imbalance that requires medication, then you can benefit from the support of a psychiatric provider. But it’s okay if you don’t know what you need ahead of your first appointment.
Psychiatrists and other psychiatric provider can prescribe medication while psychologists can’t (though they can refer you to psychiatrists). But both professionals have extensive training in treating psychological obstacles and disorders.
You should consider reaching out to a psychiatrist if you experience any of the following behaviors or symptoms:
- Self-harm
- Gambling or sex addiction
- Violent thoughts or actions
- Uncontrollable anger or aggression
- Self-isolation
- Violent fantasies
- Obsessions or compulsions
- Trouble getting out of bed in the morning
- Anhedonia (inability to experience pleasure)
- Attention and/or concentration problems
- Severely restricting your calories (anorexia) or purging after you eat or binge (bulimia)
- Abusing someone physically or emotionally
- Memory loss
- Hallucinations
- Panic attacks
- Severe social anxiety
- Fear of being in public
The Advantages of Online Psychiatry
Telepsychiatry can remove a lot of the stress and burdens surrounding mental health help. After all, opening up to a mental health provider can be hard enough without having to deal with a long drive, parking lots, waiting rooms, and so on.
Psychiatric nurse practitioners at Thriveworks in Modesto, CA accept your medical insurance even when they meet with you online, so the option is both convenient and affordable. And the telehealth technology that our providers use is more secure than ever.
Schedule Psychiatry at Thriveworks in Modesto, CA
It’s never been easier to reach out to a licensed mental health provider. The Thriveworks office opens early and stays open late so you can call us when it’s convenient for you. After you schedule your first session, you’ll receive immediate exclusive benefits. Reach out today to get started.
