The late actress Carrie Fisher was a mental health advocate who often spoke about her bipolar disorder. She once stated, “Bipolar disorder is a mood system that functions like the weather.” She said that things in her life wouldn’t determine when the bipolar episodes would occur. Her disorder was independent of external influences. Fisher stated, “I have problems, but they don’t have me!”
There are two glaring truths in these statements. The first is that people can’t control whether or not they experience mental disorders. The other is that people aren’t their diagnosis.
If you’re wondering “Is there a psychiatrist near me?” know that Thriveworks in Rowlett, TX offers convenient psychiatry online. Our psychiatric nurse practitioners treat the whole person, not just the mental health disorder. They will find and use treatment options that work specifically for you.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution to mental disorders — if you think you could benefit from talking to a psychiatric nurse practitioner or going on psychiatric medication, consider scheduling a psychiatry/medication session at Thriveworks in Rowlett, TX.
What Is Psychiatry?
Psychiatry involves assessing, diagnosing, and treating psychiatric disorders. Our licensed psychiatric nurse practitioners do this first by gathering the best, most comprehensive information they can about their clients. For example, a complete evaluation may include the following:
- Discussion of symptoms
- Self-assessment
- Psychological tests
- Physical exams
- Lifestyle questions
- Medical history
- Family’s medical history
- Consultation with other doctors and caregivers
- Mood charting
- Psychosocial evaluation
A Thriveworks psychiatric nurse practitioner will also want to rule out other medical conditions like thyroid issues that can sometimes cause symptoms of depression.
Is Psychiatry Right for Me?
If you’re struggling with a mental health disorder or you’re experiencing mental and emotional symptoms, psychiatry might be the right mental health service for you. Mental health disorders are any behavioral or psychological conditions that cause significant impairment in functioning or happiness to the person experiencing them. The licensed psychiatric nurse practitioners at Thriveworks in Rowlett, TX can offer treatment for the following mental health issues:
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Panic disorder and panic attacks
- Type I bipolar disorder (manic depression)
- Type II bipolar disorder (which involves hypomanias)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Specific phobias
- Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Personality disorders
- Eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia
- Sleep disorders like insomnia and nightmares
- Sex disorders
What’s the Difference Between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?
A psychologist (usually PsyD or PhD) can be a clinical or counseling psychologist who is qualified to conduct psychotherapy but cannot prescribe medication. A psychiatrist, on the other hand, is a medical doctor (MD) who attended medical school and is qualified to evaluate a client’s physiological state. They can determine whether a client has an underlying neurochemical imbalance that requires medication. They can also write prescriptions for psychotropic drugs like antidepressants.
Today, board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioners (NPs) can provide the same services. Given that psychiatrists in the community have become less available and wait times can be months, we choose to employ psychiatric nurse practitioners so that we can better serve the demands of the growing mental health crisis.
Psychologists and psychiatrists often work together for the overall benefit of a patient.
How Does a Psychiatrist Treat Anxiety and Depression?
The psychiatric nurse practitioners at Thriveworks in Rowlett, TX primarily use medication in the treatment of anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. That said, they often collaborate with our therapists who may use a few overlapping treatments for anxiety and depression. For example:
- Psychotherapy (talk therapy)
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Other evidence-based cognitive and behavioral therapies
- Lifestyle changes (diet and exercise)
- Holistic treatments like meditation, mindfulness, and deep breathing
- Group therapy or couples counseling from a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) at Thriveworks
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR)
Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry in Rowlett, Texas
Thriveworks in Rowlett, TX tries to make the process of booking an appointment with an exceptional psychiatric nurse practitioner as easy and fast as possible.
You can quickly schedule yourself online or call our support team for matching assistance. When you call the Thriveworks office during extended business hours, you’ll reach a human resource who can match you to a provider quickly. Most Thriveworks clients can meet with their mental health provider within the same week as scheduling.
Thriveworks psychiatric nurse practitioners also accept most major health insurance plans (covering 98% of commercially-insured Texas residents), which helps make therapy sessions affordable and accessible. Thriveworks psychiatric providers offer online sessions so clients can talk to their providers at their convenience, from the comfort of their own homes.
The diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders does not have to be intimidating. Thriveworks psychiatric nurse practitioners care for clients with insight and compassion. And they can also help prevent future mental health issues through psychoeducation, medication management, and follow-up appointments.
Early intervention is best when you’re suffering from a mental health disorder. Don’t wait until your symptoms worsen or more areas of your life are negatively affected. Get the help you deserve today at Thriveworks in Rowlett, TX.
