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 Ashland, VA 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 Ashland 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.
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How Effective Is Online Psychiatry?
Numerous peer-reviewed studies have shown that online psychiatry (also referred to as telepsychiatry) can be just as effective as in-person psychiatry. The psychiatric NPs at Thriveworks in Hanover, VA have adapted all their exceptional therapeutic practices for virtual (or telehealth) clients.
Almost all of the services of an in-person psychiatric NP, including diagnosis, medication management, and psychotherapy can be conducted online through Thriveworks in Hanover, VA.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of a Potential Mental Health Condition?
Mental health conditions can present in several ways, including the following symptoms:
- Self-harming behaviors
- Addictions to sex or gambling
- Violent thoughts or actions
- Unmanageable anger
- Isolating yourself
- Obsessions or compulsions
- Hyperactivity
- Manic feelings or talking too fast
- Inability to experience pleasure (anhedonia)
- Lack of motivation
- Slowness of thought and/or movement
- Sad feelings that won’t go away
- Eating too much or too little
- Inability to sleep or stay awake
- Auditory or visual hallucinations
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Panic attacks
- Severe stress
How Does a Psychiatric NP Treat Mental Health Conditions?
The psychiatric NPs at Thriveworks in Hanover, VA conduct comprehensive evaluations of their clients before coming up with a treatment plan. Psychiatric treatments may include the following:
- Psychotropic medications like antidepressants, mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, or anti-anxiety drugs
- Psychotherapy techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Holistic remedies like exercise, meditation, and dietary modifications
A psychiatric NP at Thriveworks may only need to see you for brief, 15-minute medication management appointments to monitor the efficacy and potential side effects of medications. In that case, a psychiatric NP may refer you to a Thriveworks counselor or therapist for longer psychotherapy sessions.
Find a Licensed Psychiatric NP at Thriveworks in Hanover, VA
The psychiatric NPs at Thriveworks in Hanover, VA are ready to meet with you and offer compassionate, effective care and support for your mental health or behavioral condition. You do not need to suffer alone with your symptoms.
Don’t cut corners when it comes to your mental health. Book an appointment with the best.