When we think of our health, what are the first things that come to mind? Often they are physical in nature: things like our heart, our blood sugar, our weight, our backs, or our knees. We figure if all of these things are in check, we’re doing pretty well.
But what we may not think about is our mental and emotional well-being. Are you constantly anxious and overwhelmed to the point where it’s impacting your life? Have you been struggling with substance abuse or having trouble dealing with the loss of a loved one? When mental health issues start getting in the way of your ability to live your life, they can be just as detrimental as if you were diagnosed with a physical disease.
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 can provide a medical perspective to help get your mental health back on track.
Seeing a mental health professional is far more common than you may realize. Take famed actress and model Dakota Johnson, for example. She’s suffered from consistent panic attacks throughout her entire life. She put off getting treatment for some time but after scheduling a therapy session, she realized how important that was in allowing her to feel better and refocus on her personal life and professional career.
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 psychiatrists 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 medical doctors. They are able to provide psychotherapy, prescribe medications, 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 psychiatrists 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 psychiatrist located in Allentown, PA. We are ready to help you get the treatment you need.
How Psychiatrists Help Their Clients
Psychiatrists attend medical school to earn an MD (Doctor of Medicine) or a DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine). They then go on to complete a three- or four-year psychiatry residency to get hands-on medical training. They may choose to specialize in a specific field within psychiatry but are capable of treating a variety of mental and emotional disorders.
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 psychiatrist 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 psychiatrists 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 psychiatrist 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.
If you’re ready to work with a psychiatrist, contact us at Thriveworks in Allentown, PA to schedule your first appointment.
Schedule a Psychiatry Appointment at Thriveworks in Allentown, PA
At Thriveworks in Allentown, PA, scheduling an appointment with a licensed psychiatrist 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 psychiatrists offer remote therapy appointments by phone or video for your convenience and are even available in between sessions as questions arise.
As a Thriveworks client, you’ll also enjoy access to our counselor-moderated discussion boards, video resources to support your recovery, and a free e-copy of “Leaving Depression Behind.”
Ready to take the next step? Contact Thriveworks in Allentown, PA today to schedule your first psychiatry appointment with one of our licensed professionals.
