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 aim to care for their clients, relieve their mental suffering, and help them lead more fulfilling lives.
Psychiatrists at Thriveworks in Boulder, CO are highly qualified to diagnose and treat a full spectrum of mental disorders and impairments. They can manage medications, provide psychotherapy, and address behaviors that clients find disruptive to their daily lives. Taking a page from Freud’s playbook, our psychiatrists help their clients work through their vulnerabilities so they can feel stronger and ready to face the world.
What Is a Psychiatrist? And What Can They Do That a Psychologist Can’t?
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
Because they graduated from medical school, psychiatrists can prescribe medications to treat mental disorders, which a psychologist cannot do. If your psychologist suspects that you could benefit from a medication like an antidepressant or a mood stabilizer, they might refer you to a psychiatrist at Thriveworks in Boulder, CO for a full assessment.
When Should I Reach out to a Psychiatrist at Thriveworks in Boulder, CO?
There are all kinds of reasons to reach out to a psychiatrist at Thriveworks in Boulder, CO. You don’t necessarily have to be in crisis. Our clients might contact a psychiatrist 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 psychiatrist at Thriveworks can offer caring, expert assistance.
What Can I Expect from My Psychiatric Sessions?
If you’re nervous about seeing a psychiatrist for the first time, it can be helpful to know exactly what to expect. Psychiatrists 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
- Asking you to chart your moods
- Laboratory tests
- Psychological tests
- A physical exam
- A psychosocial evaluation
- Taking your medical history
- Asking about your family’s medical history
- Reaching out to your other doctors or counselors
Psychiatrists will probably 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.
Can a Psychiatrist Treat My Bipolar Disorder?
Psychiatrists at Thriveworks in Boulder, CO are highly qualified to treat bipolar disorder, which over 4% of American adults experience at some point in their lifespans. Bipolar disorder (manic depression) and type II bipolar disorder (which involves milder hypomanias) are both mental illnesses that may require lifelong treatment with medication. But just because you’ve been diagnosed with bipolar disorder doesn’t mean you can’t be happy and successful. In fact, many A-list celebrities have bipolar disorder, including Mariah Carey and Mel Gibson. As long as you receive the care and support you need from a psychiatrist, you can absolutely flourish even with a mental disorder.
Make Your Online or In-Person Appointment with a Thriveworks Psychiatrist
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 psychiatrist who can meet with you online or in-person at your convenience, often within 24-48 hours. In addition to your sessions with a highly qualified, top-rated doctor who can help you with medication management and other treatment options, you will have unlimited mail and phone access to your Thriveworks psychiatrist between appointments.
Our doctors at Thriveworks pride themselves on being readily available and responsive to their clients. Unlike many busy psychiatrists, Thriveworks psychiatry appointments start on-time or early over 97% of the time. And you can often meet with your doctor virtually as opposed to in-person, saving you travel time.
Reach out to the Thriveworks office now and find out if there’s a same-day or next-day appointment available with your ideal psychiatrist. We look forward to your call!
