The actress Torrey DeVitto once stated, “When you cry out in pain from a broken wrist, no one questions it. You just go to the hospital and take the necessary steps. Mental illness is just as real, even if it can’t be seen.” Mental health conditions can be even more debilitating than broken bones, affecting not only one’s physical movements, but thoughts and feelings as well. But there are ways to treat mental health concerns compassionately and individualistically, so someone can achieve the level of functioning they wish to achieve without sacrificing who they are. This requires the guidance of an insightful, highly-qualified psychiatrist.
The psychiatrists and board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNP-BSs) at Thriveworks in Georgetown, TX are all fully licensed and equipped to handle a wide range of concerns, from behavioral issues to autism to personality disorders. Thriveworks psychiatrists tailor treatment plans to each client’s goals. They might use medication treatment or different forms of psychotherapy to help address a client’s symptoms. These psychiatric medical doctors and providers treat the person, not the psychiatric disorder, so Thriveworks clients can get the best support available.
What Is a Psychiatrist?
A psychiatrist is a doctor of medicine (MD) who graduated from medical school after specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. Psychiatrists understand how underlying neurological issues can contribute to emotional, cognitive, and behavioral issues. They are qualified to prescribe medications like antidepressants to treat conditions like depression and anxiety.
Thriveworks in Georgetown, TX offers a full suite of psychiatric services as well as additional mental health support. Here’s a quick guide to how psychiatrists differ from other Thriveworks mental health professionals:
- Psychologists (PhDs or PsyDs). These providers use psychotherapy (talk therapy) to help people understand themselves and overcome their obstacles.
- Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNP). These are specially licensed advanced practice nurses (APRNs) who can prescribe medications and treat psychiatric issues.
- Therapist. This is a somewhat generic term for any provider who is licensed to do talk therapy.
- Licensed professional counselors (LPCs). These providers offer solution-focused counseling.
- Licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs). These providers have masters degrees in social work and can counsel clients.
- Licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs). These providers treat individuals, couples, and families.
When Should You See a Psychiatrist?
Mental health conditions can manifest in a variety of ways, from mild to acute. But as a general rule, if you are having difficulty functioning at home, school, work, or in your personal relationships, you may benefit from an assessment with a psychiatrist at Thriveworks in Georgetown, TX. Someone who could profit from psychiatric services might notice any of the following symptoms:
- Extreme mood swings
- Sadness or despair that lasts longer than two weeks
- Extreme fears and worries
- Focus or attention difficulties
- Disordered eating behaviors
- Mania
- Hallucinations
- Insomnia
- Lethargy
- Repetitive behaviors
- Obsessive thoughts
How Long Does It Take to Get a Mental Health Diagnosis?
Every person is different, thus every psychiatric affliction is different, no matter what the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) says. But qualified psychiatrists like those at Thriveworks in Georgetown, TX can look for commonalities between diagnoses. They can also perform a comprehensive initial assessment of a client, which may include the following elements:
- Medical history of both client and family
- Psychological tests
- Discussion of symptoms
- Psychoeducation
- Discussion of lifestyle (nutrition, exercise, etc.)
- Discussion about client’s psychosocial environment
Depending on the information the psychiatrist collects, they may use their clinical judgment to determine that someone has a condition like bipolar disorder (manic depression) or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Or they may determine that the client does not have a psychiatric condition and is simply in need of psychotherapy in order to achieve their goals. This clinical process can take anywhere from one session to many sessions, depending on complexity.
Does Psychiatry Work?
Psychiatry at Thriveworks has helped thousands of clients reduce their symptoms and regain balance in their lives. At Thriveworks in Georgetown, TX, psychiatry isn’t just about medication management and prescriptions. It’s can also involve talk therapy and holistic interventions like the following:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Exposure therapy, especially for specific phobias
- Systematic desensitization therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Mindfulness
- Meditation training
- Nutrition and exercise
- Motivational interviewing
- Strength-based therapy
- Psychosocial interventions like support groups
- Biofeedback
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR)
Manage Your Mental Overload with an Exceptional Psychiatrist at Thriveworks in Georgetown, TX
The psychiatrists at Thriveworks in Georgetown, TX can meet with new clients quickly, online or in-person, usually within the span of 24-48 hours. And Thriveworks members can reach out to their provider between sessions by phone or email. Call the Thriveworks office today to schedule your first appointment with an exceptional psychiatrist or PMHNP. We look forward to helping you achieve your goals!
