The psychiatrist Dr. Mark Epstein once stated, “Depressed people think they know themselves, but maybe they only know depression.” When someone is suffering from a serious mental health condition like severe depression, their perception of the world around them can change drastically. Depression has the power to color everything. And depression can erase any feelings of positivity a person has about him or herself. It’s an awful place to be. Fortunately, depression is highly treatable. And that’s where Thriveworks can help.
The licensed psychiatrists at Thriveworks in San Antonio, TX have the experience and extensive knowledge to diagnose, treat, and help prevent mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. Everyone suffering from a psychological or behavioral health issue deserves expert, compassionate, affordable care. Thriveworks provides that care and helps clients get back on the road to recovery.
What Mental Health Conditions Do Psychiatrists Treat?
The top-rated, board-licensed psychiatrists at Thriveworks in San Antonio, TX treat a wide variety of mental health issues, including the following:
- Depression disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Panic disorder and panic attacks
- Type I bipolar disorder (manic depression)
- Type II bipolar disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Violent behaviors
- Sex addiction
- Child psychiatric issues
- Specific phobias
- Self-harming behaviors
- Adverse side effects from psychiatric medications
- Uncontrollable anger
- Personality disorders
- Hallucinations
- Anorexia and bulimia eating disorders
- Sleep disorders
Personality Disorders: Types, Symptoms, and Treatment
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) defines a personality disorder as “an enduring and inflexible pattern of long duration leading to significant distress or impairment and is not due to use of substances or another medical condition.” Personality disorders come in several types, including the following:
- Paranoid
- Schizoid
- Schizotypal
- Antisocial
- Borderline
- Histrionic
- Narcissistic
- Avoidant
- Dependent
- Obsessive-compulsive
Personality disorders are fairly uncommon. To diagnose a personality disorder, a psychiatrist at Thriveworks in San Antonio, TX might look for symptoms like eccentric thinking or behavior. Personality disorders can be treated with medications and psychotherapy.
What’s the Difference Between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist?
The simplest way to distinguish between psychiatrists and psychologists is prescription power. The licensed psychiatrists at Thriveworks in San Antonio, TX are medical doctors (MDs) who graduated from medical school and can prescribe medications and manage medication. The counseling and clinical psychologists (PhDs or PsyDs) at Thriveworks do not have medical degrees, but they often have doctorate degrees. They can perform psychotherapy, but cannot prescribe medication.
Thriveworks mental health providers also include licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), licensed counselors, and licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs). Psychiatrists can refer clients to any of these additional providers if necessary.
What Is a Psychiatry Session Like?
Psychiatric treatment at Thriveworks in San Antonio, TX begins with an initial assessment that may include the following diagnostic tools:
- A talk about therapy goals
- A comprehensive discussion of symptoms, both cognitive and behavioral
- Psychological tests and physical examinations
- Lifestyle questions about substance use, diet, exercise, sleep habits, etc.
- A full medical history
- Family medical history
- Consultations with the clients other doctors and caregivers
- Mood charting
- A full psychosocial evaluation of a person’s core relationships, support system, and home life
The session takes place over secure, HIPAA-compliant video conferencing software. After the psychiatrist gets to know the client, they can begin developing a treatment plan together. The treatment plan should have buy-in from the client as well as the doctor. Medication compliance is especially important. Psychiatric treatment may include the following:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Psychodynamic therapy
- Other evidence-based cognitive and behavioral therapies
- Lifestyle modifications
- Psychosocial interventions
- Holistic treatments like meditation, mindfulness, and deep breathing
- Group therapy or relationship counseling from a Thriveworks licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT)
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR)
- Medication management
See a Psychiatrist Online at Thriveworks in San Antonio, TX
Mental health services are essential to a person’s overall wellbeing and daily functioning, especially when they’re dealing with a serious psychiatric issue. The licensed psychiatrists at Thriveworks in San Antonio, TX can apply their knowledge to each individual client’s case, treating the whole person, not just the diagnosis.
Thriveworks psychiatrists can meet their clients online through virtual psychiatry sessions. During these comprehensive online appointments, doctors can prescribe medications like antidepressants, educate their clients about side effects, and modify drugs and dosages as needed. Thriveworks clients find that online sessions are just as effective as in-person sessions, plus they’re comfortable and convenient.
Thriveworks psychiatrists in San Antonio, TX can meet with clients quickly. Most clients can have a session within 24-48 hours of their initial call to the office. And Thriveworks clients can access their provider by phone or email between sessions. Appointments begin on-time or early over 97% of the time.
Thriveworks psychiatrists accept most major health insurance plans, making it easier and more affordable to get the necessary care. Call Thriveworks today and see a psychiatrist as early as tomorrow. We look forward to helping you!