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 Media, 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 Media 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?
If you are struggling with a mental health challenge, there is help available. When you feel ready to take the step in your mental health journey to get that help, the licensed professionals at Thriveworks in Media, PA are here for you. Plus, our remote psychiatry appointments via video are easy to fit into your schedule. To get started, contact us to schedule your first appointment.
Should I Meet with a Licensed Psychiatrist?
Psychiatry is particularly helpful for mental illnesses that may cause physical symptoms. For example, it’s quite common for those suffering from anxiety to experience restlessness, insomnia, or panic attacks.
Here is a short list of disorders that psychiatrists and other psychiatric providers commonly treat:
- Depression and other mood disorders
- Panic disorder and other anxiety disorders
- Borderline personality disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Eating disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Insomnia
- Bipolar disorder
If you are suffering from a mental or emotional disorder, consider reaching out to the licensed professionals at Thriveworks in Media, PA.
Will I Be Prescribed Medication?
If medication is helpful for your treatment, your psychiatrist will work with you to determine the right kind for your symptoms. Some of the most common medications prescribed include:
- Antidepressants: Antidepressants balance neurotransmitters in the brain to promote a more positive mood and stabilize emotions. They are sometimes prescribed to help with depression and other mood disorders.
- Anti-anxiety medications: Anti-anxiety medications can prevent panic attacks from occurring and can reduce other symptoms of anxiety.
- Mood stabilizers: Mood stabilizers are used to help regulate moods and prevent uncontrollable mood swings. They are sometimes prescribed to help mitigate the effects of bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder.
- Stimulants: Stimulants can promote focus and alertness and are sometimes used to treat ADHD or as part of treatment for depression.
Schedule a Psychiatry Appointment at Thriveworks in Media, PA
At Thriveworks, our psychiatry appointments are conducted online via video sessions so you can prioritize your mental health from the comfort of your own home. Appointments are available throughout the week (including Saturdays and Sundays) and if you need to cancel, you can take advantage of our flexible cancellation policy.
When you’re ready to speak with a psychiatric provider, reach out to make your first appointment. Our team at Thriveworks in Media, PA looks forward to helping you thrive.
