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 Dumont, NJ 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 Dumont 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?
Psychiatry in Dumont, NJ—Psychiatric Providers and Medication Management
A psychiatrist will be able to help discern whether your symptoms are due to a medical cause, such as hypothyroidism or fibromyalgia, or a mental illness. Once a diagnosis has been made, a psychiatrist can recommend a medication that is designed to treat the biological factors associated with your diagnosis.
If you think you may benefit from psychiatric care, consider scheduling an appointment with one of our online psychiatric nurse practitioners at Thriveworks. You can schedule your appointment at our Thriveworks office in Dumont, NJ today and potentially even have a video session within the same week.
What Disorders Can Be Treated With Psychiatry?
As previously mentioned, a psychiatrist can treat a wide array of different mental illnesses, including:
- Anxiety: This is the most common mental disorder in the world, affecting 1 in 13 people worldwide. Anxiety symptoms can involve feelings of panic, danger, or dread, rapid heart rate, nervousness, restlessness, and more. A psychiatrist will investigate to discern the medical component to these anxiety symptoms and provide a tailored treatment plan to manage them.
- Depression: This condition is also extremely prevalent and affects 264 million people of all ages and genders globally. Symptoms of depression can include loss of interest in activities, decreased mood, feelings of hopelessness, weight changes, and many others. Once a psychiatrist has conducted an evaluation, they may recommend the client undergo psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as begin taking medication, such as an antidepressant.
How Do I Know If I Should See a Psychiatrist?
You might want to see a psychiatrist or another psychiatric provider if…
- You are exhibiting symptoms of a serious mental illness (e.g. anxiety, loss of interest, decreased mood, disturbing thoughts, hallucinations, or mania)
- You have addictive behaviors including substance abuse and gambling
- You have low-self esteem or body image issues
- You have violent or aggressive thoughts and behaviors towards yourself or others
- You’re feeling overwhelmed or hopeless
- You are a victim of any form of abuse (e.g. emotional, physical, or sexual)
- You have been referred by a medical professional or therapist
What Do I Need To Know About Starting Medication?
When discussing the possibility of medication for your symptoms, you will need to communicate with your psychiatric provider about any current medications you are taking, as well as any allergies you may have to medications or ingredients. You also will need to provide them with your medical history before starting any new medications.
Once a medication has been chosen, your psychiatric nurse practitioner will inform you of how to properly take your medication and any potential side effects it may cause. It is important to take your medication safely and properly to ensure that it is yielding the desired results.
If your medication is not yielding the desired results, tell your provider. They will be happy to prescribe a different medication, one that is a better fit for you.
Scheduling Psychiatry at Thriveworks in Dumont, NJ
If you believe that you may benefit from psychiatric care, consider working with a psychiatrist at Thriveworks in Dumont, NJ. Our psychiatrists accept many different insurance plans, offer evening and weekend appointments, and new clients may see a psychiatrist the same week as scheduling. You can schedule an appointment online or by calling 201-654-6401.
Your mental health is important to us, and we look forward to helping you thrive.
