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 Allentown, PA 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 Allentown 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?
Mental health conditions can get in the way of your productivity, your career, your relationships with others, and your overall happiness. Just as you would go to see a doctor if you felt physically unwell, psychiatrists and other psychiatric providers can provide a medical perspective to help get your mental health back on track.
As a result, Johnson has spoken publicly about the importance of professional mental health services in order to raise awareness and encourage others to do the same. When you feel ready to take the next step in your mental health journey, our licensed psychiatric providers at Thriveworks in Allentown, PA are here to help.
What Disorders Do Psychiatrists Treat?
One thing that sets psychiatrists apart from other mental health professionals is that they are able to provide psychotherapy, prescribe medication, and administer other treatment options. This gives them the ability to treat clients with a wide range of mental, emotional, and behavioral health issues.
Here are some of the most common disorders psychiatric providers treat:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Bipolar disorder
- Borderline personality disorder
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Eating disorders
If you are experiencing symptoms of a mental illness that are interfering with your daily life, consider reaching out to a Thriveworks psychiatric provider located in Allentown, PA. We are ready to help you get the treatment you need.
How Psychiatrists Help Their Clients
A psychiatrist’s main role in your care is to help diagnose and treat whatever underlying mental health issues you may be experiencing. Once a diagnosis is reached, your psychiatric provider can create a treatment plan that incorporates talk therapy and/or medication. Various forms of talk therapy are often used, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, interpersonal therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). While psychiatric providers are equipped to carry out talk therapy on their own, they may also refer you to a Thriveworks psychologist or therapist to conduct more consistent therapy sessions.
If medication would be helpful for your symptoms, your psychiatric provider will ensure that you are taking the proper amount and can adjust your prescription to work best for your needs. Some of the medications a psychiatrist may prescribe include:
- Antidepressants: Antidepressants are used to elevate mood and are sometimes prescribed to treat certain mood disorders.
- Anti-anxiety medicines: Anti-anxiety medications can reduce the occurrence of panic attacks and other symptoms of severe anxiety disorders.
- Mood stabilizers: Mood stabilizers can help control mood swings.
- Stimulants: Stimulants increase focus and are sometimes used to treat ADHD.
Schedule a Psychiatry Appointment at Thriveworks in Allentown, PA
At Thriveworks in Allentown, PA, scheduling an appointment with a licensed psychiatric provider couldn’t be easier. Click our booking widget or give us a call to take advantage of early morning, afternoon, and evening appointments, with availability on Saturdays and Sundays too. Our psychiatric providers offer remote therapy appointments by video for your convenience.
Ready to take the next step? Contact Thriveworks in Allentown, PA today to schedule your first psychiatry appointment with one of our licensed professionals.
