The psychiatrist Vikram Patel once stated, “Mental health can improve overall wellbeing and prevent other illnesses. And since mental health problems have a serious economic impact on vulnerable communities, making them a priority can save lives and markedly improve people’s quality of life.” There are countless excellent reasons to prioritize one’s mental health. You do it for yourself, for your loved ones, and for the community at large. Psychiatric conditions can impair both functioning and happiness. But mental health services are becoming more accessible every year as people recognize how critical they are.
The board-certified, fully licensed psychiatrists (MDs) and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) at Thriveworks in Bristol, VA treat each client with care, compassion, and expertise. Thriveworks providers know that people are much more than their diagnosis. They tailor treatment plans around what works best for someone’s personality, lifestyle, and medical needs. And they always make the client’s goals their own.
What Is a Psychiatrist?
A psychiatrist is someone who studied the branch of medicine dealing with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders in medical school. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication treatment for depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions. In the United States, psychiatrists use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) as a guide for the treatment of mental health conditions.
Thriveworks clients in Bristol, VA may also encounter the following mental health providers at the Thriveworks office:
- Psychologists (PhDs or PsyDs), who use psychotherapy (talk therapy) approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
- Licensed professional counselors (LPCs), who offer solution-focused counseling to a wide range of life issues.
- Licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), who have masters-level degrees in social work and can counsel clients.
- Licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs), who treat interpersonal issues in individuals, couples, and families.
What Are the Symptoms of Mental Health Disorders?
The symptoms of mental health disorders can vary widely depending on what kind of psychiatric disorder you may be experiencing. For example, symptoms of personality disorders may only present in the context of relationships, while the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may be invisible to others. Here are some of the symptoms that may indicate to a psychiatrist at Thriveworks in Bristol, VA the need for further assessment:
- Difficulty focusing or paying attention
- Extreme mood swings
- Persistent sadness that lasts longer than two weeks
- Extreme fears and worries
- New eating behaviors
- Manias
- Hallucinations
- Difficulty sleeping or staying awake
- Repetitive behaviors
- Obsessive thoughts
How Do I Know If I Have a Psychiatric Condition?
In order to determine whether or not you have a psychiatric condition, a doctor may need to perform a patient physical to rule out medical causes like thyroid disease or side effects of a new medication. A qualified psychiatrist at Thriveworks in Bristol, VA can walk you through all the steps necessary to diagnose someone with a mental health condition–or to find another root cause for distressing emotions or behaviors that are impairing your daily functioning. The process of diagnosis may include taking a medical history of you and your immediate family members. It may also include a comprehensive discussion of your symptoms, your lifestyle, and your psychosocial environment. A full evaluation could incorporate psychological tests.
Some psychiatric conditions may only last a few months, while others may be chronic conditions that require long-term care and treatment. But for most people, it’s a relief to find a psychiatrist who can help them understand what’s going on and treat mental difficulties, no matter how long it takes.
What Happens in a Psychiatry Session?
A psychiatry session may include medication management, psychotherapy, meditation training, mindfulness exercises, CBT, exposure therapy, or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR). The most effective approach will depend on the doctor’s unique skill sets and the client’s individual needs. Initial sessions with psychiatrists are typically longer, then follow-up sessions can be shorter if clinically indicated. But ideally, a client will develop a trusting, open relationship with their psychiatrist at Thriveworks in Bristol, VA.
Prioritize Your Mental Wellbeing with an Exceptional Psychiatrist at Thriveworks in Bristol, VA
The psychiatrists at Thriveworks in Bristol, VA are currently accepting new clients. In fact, they can often see new clients for an initial assessment within 24-48 hours of a booking. Thriveworks also accepts most major forms of health insurance, helping to relieve clients’ financial stress.
Psychiatrists can meet with Thriveworks clients virtually through online counseling appointments–a convenient and secure way to get the mental health care you need from the comfort of your own home. Finally, Thriveworks clients can reach out to their provider by phone or email between sessions, so they know their therapist or psychiatrist is always within reach.
Call Thriveworks today to get started with an exceptional psychiatrist!
