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 Portage, MI 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 Portage 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?
Psychiatric services have proven helpful for countless people dealing with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. If you’re experiencing symptoms of a mental health issue or think you might be struggling with a mental illness, consider making an appointment with one of our licensed psychiatric providers at Thriveworks in Portage, MI.
When To Consult With a Psychiatrist
Your symptoms might vary, but here are some that might prompt an appointment with a psychiatrist:
- Persistent sense of doom
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Thoughts of self-harm
- Changes in eating habits
- Panic attacks
- Changes in personality
- Substance abuse
- Mood swings
- Frequent outbursts of anger
- Addictive behaviors
If you find yourself experiencing symptoms that are interfering with your ability to live your life to the fullest, the licensed psychiatric providers at Thriveworks in Portage, MI are here to help. Call today if you’re ready to speak with a mental health professional.
What Does Psychiatric Treatment Involve?
Psychiatric providers are able to perform a range of medical exams, lab tests, and psychological evaluations to complete a diagnosis. Once a diagnosis is made, a psychiatric provider’s next job is to customize a treatment plan, developing the right playbook for each client. They might use cognitive behavioral therapy to address dysfunctional thought patterns. They might incorporate medication to address underlying issues as is often done for those with high cholesterol or high blood pressure.
If medication is right for your situation, your psychiatric provider is licensed to prescribe it directly and monitor for any potential side effects. If ongoing talk therapy sessions are deemed helpful, your psychiatric nurse practitioner might collaborate with other Thriveworks staff members to deliver that form of treatment.
Your symptoms don’t have to define you any longer. At Thriveworks in Portage, MI, we look forward to helping you move beyond your mental health issues so you can live a fuller, happier life.
Schedule a Psychiatry Session in Portage, MI
Feeling anxious, trapped, or depressed doesn’t have to be your normal. At Thriveworks, we offer remote psychiatry appointments, by video, so you can address your concerns and overcome your symptoms without ever leaving your home. When you’re ready to make an appointment, give us a call to schedule a session with a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner — we’re available with extended hours, seven days a week for your convenience.
Mental and emotional disorders can feel terribly isolating but you don’t have to deal with your symptoms alone. When you’re ready to take control of your mental health, we’re here to help. To consult with a licensed psychiatric provider, click our booking tool or call to make an appointment today at Thriveworks in Portage, MI.
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