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 Mt Pleasant, SC 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 Mt Pleasant 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’re experiencing mental health issues, professional mental health support can make a difference. Board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioners are standing by to offer guidance at Thriveworks in Mt. Pleasant, SC. When you’re ready, reach out to schedule a psychiatry appointment with a compassionate and experienced Thriveworks professional.
When to See a Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are medical doctors equipped to diagnose and treat situations ranging from mild and chronic to severe and sudden. You don’t need to be suffering from suicidal thoughts or panic attacks to benefit from psychiatric services (although psychiatrists do absolutely help people with these symptoms as well).
Here are some of the symptoms and situations that might prompt you to consult with a psychiatrist:
- Substance abuse
- Self-destructive behaviors
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Unexplained mood swings
- Trouble managing anger or stress
- Personality changes
- Eating disorders and body image issues
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Insomnia
- Feelings of low self-worth
- Trouble dealing with death or loss
Schedule a Psychiatry Appointment at Thriveworks in Mt. Pleasant, SC
At Thriveworks, you can rest assured you’ll be supported throughout your mental health journey. We’re here for you seven days a week with appointment times in the mornings and evenings. Plus, our telepsychiatry appointments empower you to take control of your mental health from the comfort of home. We also accept most major insurance.
When you’re ready to schedule your first appointment, click our booking widget or give us a call at Thriveworks in Mt. Pleasant, SC. We look forward to helping you soon.