Jim had anxiety and a gastrointestinal disorder that he suspected was related to his anxiety. Together, these conditions made it difficult for him to leave the house. But he knew that he needed superior mental health treatment for his anxiety. He was sick and tired of having his life disrupted by persistent worries. These constant fears were interfering with his professional life and his personal life. But traveling to an appointment seemed daunting. Could Jim book an online appointment with a psychiatrist so he could do the session from his own couch, in the comfort of his own home? Would he have to sacrifice any medical quality if he met with a doctor virtually?
Jim should contact a licensed psychiatrist at Thriveworks in Colorado Springs, CO. These psychiatrists can meet with clients online and perform almost all of the same services that a specialized psychiatric doctor can perform in-person. For example, online psychiatrists (telepsychiatrists) at Thriveworks in Colorado Springs, CO can diagnose mental disorders and prescribe medications like antidepressants. And these appointments are usually covered by medical insurance. Online psychiatric appointments are an effective, affordable, and convenient option for individuals like Jim who may have trouble making it to in-person sessions.
How Do Psychiatrists Diagnose Mental Health Conditions?
Psychiatrists at Thriveworks in Colorado Springs, CO use a variety of assessment tools to diagnose mental health conditions like depression and bipolar disorder. When you have your initial appointment with your psychiatrist, you may expect it to include some of the following steps toward diagnosis:
- A comprehensive discussion of your symptoms
- A self-assessment
- Psychological and physical exams
- An explanation of your medical history
- A discussion of your family’s relevant medical history
- Consultation with your other doctors and caregivers
- Mood charting
- A psychosocial evaluation
- Psychoeducation
- Education about medications and other treatment options
- Deciding together on a treatment plan together
How Do Psychiatrists Treat Mental Health Conditions?
Psychiatrists at Thriveworks in Colorado Springs, CO are experienced in a broad range of evidence-based therapies that can help support individuals who are suffering from mental conditions and disorders. One key difference between a clinical psychologist, who treats individuals with psychotherapy, and a psychiatrist, is that psychiatrists are able to prescribe medications to their clients. This is because psychiatrists are MDs who graduated from medical school with extensive training in underlying physiological as well as psychological causes for mental health conditions. In addition to prescribing medications, psychiatrists can also use any of the following treatment tools:
- Online psychotherapy
- Substance abuse treatment as needed
- In-patient treatment (hospitalization)
- Lifestyle changes (improvements in dietary and exercise patterns to improve physical/mental health)
- Medication management
Does Psychiatry Count As Primary Care?
In medical school, psychiatry is a specialty that is not considered primary care. Primary care specialties include family medicine, general internal medicine, pediatrics, and obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN). Because many individuals may first bring their mental health symptoms to their primary care doctor, that physician may sometimes serve as a liaison between individuals and psychiatrists. Primary care physicians typically do not have the specialized knowledge and training needed to diagnose and treat mental health and behavioral conditions, but they may refer you to a psychiatrist for a more comprehensive assessment.
If you know that you are suffering from a mental condition or you’re concerned about your behavior, you can reach out directly to an online psychiatrist at Thriveworks in Colorado Springs, CO. These virtual medical (telehealth) appointments are usually covered by medical insurance. They are secure, HIPAA-compliant, and use the latest in Thriveworks telehealth technology. Plus you can rest assured that all our psychiatrists are licensed and rated at the top of their specialty field.
Manage Your Mental Health with an Exceptional Online Psychiatrist at Thriveworks in Colorado Springs, CO
When you have a plumbing problem, you call a plumber with the best reviews. When you have a mental health or behavioral issue, you call one of the high-rated psychiatrists at Thriveworks in Colorado Springs, CO. Our licensed psychiatrists have extensive knowledge of and experience in all kinds of mental health conditions and their best treatment strategies.
Thriveworks makes it easy to schedule an appointment with a psychiatrist through our online booking system or with a phone call to a human being (not a voicemail) during our office’s extended business hours. Our clients love that we can usually get you a quick appointment with a mental health provider, often within 24-48 hours of your initial call.
We also offer numerous added benefits when you enroll at Thriveworks, like unlimited phone and email access to your provider between appointments, and a wealth of educational resources like e-books and videos. The Thriveworks office in Colorado Springs, CO handles the administrative side of things for our psychiatrists, enabling them to focus 100% on caring for their clients.
Call today to find out what makes our psychiatrists so phenomenal. We can’t wait to match you to the mental health support you deserve.
