A therapist has an education specifically rooted in therapeutic practice, approaches, techniques, and treatment. They cannot prescribe medications for clients, though 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.
The famous Austrian neurologist Sigmund Freud once stated, “Out of your vulnerabilities will come your strength.” In the 19th century, Freud used psychoanalysis to examine his clients’ dreams, sex lives, egos, and childhood traumas in order to understand their current mental states. These days, psychiatrists have many additional, effective, evidence-based clinical tools at their disposal, including medication, psychosocial interventions, and psychotherapy. But a century after Freud, their goals are still similar. Psychiatrists and other psychiatric providers aim to care for their clients, relieve their mental suffering, and help them lead more fulfilling lives.
Psychiatric nurse practitioners at Thriveworks in Boulder, CO are highly qualified to diagnose and treat a full spectrum of mental disorders and impairments. They prescribe and manage medications, can provide psychotherapy, and address behaviors that clients find disruptive to their daily lives. Taking a page from Freud’s playbook, our psychiatric nurse practitioners help their clients work through their vulnerabilities so they can feel stronger and ready to face the world.
What Is a Psychiatrist?
A psychiatrist is a highly-trained doctor (MD) who is qualified to examine and treat the physiological as well as the psychological roots of mental illness. But not every psychiatrist has the same expertise. At medical school, psychiatrists can get specialized training and certification in subspecialties, including:
- Neurology
- Child neurology
- Child and adolescent psychiatry
- Addiction psychiatry
- Brain injury medicine
- Epilepsy
- Geriatric psychiatry
- Hospice and palliative medicine
Psychiatrists can prescribe medications to treat mental disorders, which most other mental health providers cannot.
When Should I Reach Out to a Psychiatrist?
There are all kinds of reasons to reach out to a psychiatrist. You don’t necessarily have to be in crisis. Our clients might contact a psychiatric provider because they notice one or several of the following signs and want to seek help:
- Disordered eating (anorexia or bulimia)
- Hallucinations
- Panic attacks
- Fears and phobias
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Violent thoughts
- Inability to experience pleasure
- Uncontrolled anger
- Sex or gambling addiction
- Substance abuse issues
- Focus and attention problems
- Obsessions/compulsions
If you are suffering from thoughts or behaviors that you don’t feel you can control, a licensed psychiatric provider at Thriveworks can offer caring, expert assistance.
What Can I Expect from My Psychiatric Sessions?
If you’re nervous about seeing a psychiatric provider for the first time, it can be helpful to know exactly what to expect. Psychiatric providers at Thriveworks in Boulder, CO will want to give you a full evaluation before they begin treatment. Some of their routine intake procedures may include:
- A full discussion of your symptoms
- Filling out a self-assessment
- A psychosocial evaluation
- Taking your medical history
- Asking about your family’s medical history
- Reaching out to your other doctors or counselors
Psychiatrists consider all aspects of your health, from the function of your thyroid gland to the emotional impact of your childhood traumas. The more information they have, the better they can do their jobs of treating your unique issues.
Schedule Online Psychiatry with Thriveworks Boulder, CO
You can call the Thriveworks office in Boulder, CO during our extended business hours and reach a human, not a voicemail. Our representative will match you to a psychiatric provider who can meet with you online at your convenience, often within the same week as scheduling. We look forward to helping you.
