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 Palo Alto, 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 Palo Alto 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?
If you need help managing a specific mental health issue or need assistance in rebuilding or maintaining a healthy state of mind, consider speaking with a psychiatric nurse practitioner from Thriveworks Counseling in Palo Alto, CA today. You can schedule your first appointment online or by calling our office. We look forward to serving you!
Can a Psychiatrist Help Me?
Psychiatrists help people in all stages of life work through issues that affect their mental health. Whether you are struggling with the effects of a significant life change or working to manage a chronic mental health issue, a board-certified psychiatrist can provide guidance and keep you on track.
Working with a psychiatrist can help people dealing with a wide range of mental health issues. Some of the most common reasons people decide to work with a psychiatrist include:
- Depression or other mood disorders
- Anxiety and panic disorders
- Anger and stress management
- Specific phobias
- Personality disorders
- Grief or loss
- Trauma or PTSD
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Behavioral problems
- Substance abuse and addiction
- Eating disorders
Getting Help: What Does Psychiatric Treatment Involve?
When you decide to work with a psychiatrist or another psychiatric provider, you can rest assured you are getting thorough care for your mental health. Your psychiatrist will use their advanced training to offer a diagnosis for your mental health condition and develop a highly individualized treatment plan to work through the problems you’re facing. This treatment plan often involves medication when working with a psychiatric nurse practitioner at Thriveworks but can also include therapy.
Talk therapy is the most common form of therapy, but your treatment plan may involve one or more types of therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, and exposure therapy. In addition to talk therapy, your treatment plan may also involve certain lifestyle adjustments, the addition of prescription medication, and other stress-reduction techniques like meditation. The therapies included in your treatment plan may be implemented during therapy sessions or recommended as part of your daily routine at home to manage your condition and prevent future problems.
Schedule an Online Psychiatry Session at Thriveworks in Palo Alto, CA
You don’t have to wait any longer to get the support you need to build better mental health and overcome the issues that may be interfering with your life. Thriveworks in Palo Alto, CA makes it easy to connect with a psychiatric provider online and offers many benefits that include:
- Weekend and evening appointments
- Many insurance plans accepted
- Online appointments
Your mental health plays a huge role in your life and can impact each day for the better. Let a psychiatric nurse practitioner at Thriveworks in Palo Alto, CA show you how to nurture and improve your mental health so you can get the most out of what life has to offer. Call our office or schedule an appointment online to get started.
