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 Thousand Oaks, CA 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 Thousand Oaks 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.
Need more help deciding?
Psychiatrists and other psychiatric providers specialize in treating mental heatlh disorders. They can diagnose, treat, and prevent mental and emotional illnesses using their years of expertise. We know that facing your fears is difficult. But together, we can form goals and create practices that help you lead a more productive and joyful life.
Be the hero of your story. Team up with one of our online board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioners at Thriveworks in Thousand Oaks, CA.
Common Disorders Treated by Licensed Psychiatrists
There’s a saying that we’re more alike than we are different, and this rings true in the world of mental and emotional health. We may believe that no one else could possibly be undergoing the same types of psychological challenges we face, but the truth is that millions of people are dealing with disorders and illnesses that impact their lives.
Psychiatric care can help. Treatment is available for a number of mental illnesses and disorders including:
- Personality disorders that impact our perception of ourselves and the world around us. Examples include borderline personality disorder and avoidant personality disorder.
- Substance abuse of alcohol, drugs, and other legal or illegal substances that are consumed to achieve a high or avoid difficult feelings.
- Mood disorders that impact a person’s emotional state and often cause mood swings from emotional lows to extravagant highs. Examples include seasonal affective disorder, major depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder.
- Anxiety disorders which include excessive, enduring feelings of anxiousness or fear. Examples include phobias, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder.
- Addictions, or the compulsive need to engage in a certain behavior or use a certain substance. Sex, shopping, and gambling are common addictions.
Psychiatric Next Steps and Treatment Plans
While your exact treatment plan will vary, psychiatric providers typically do the following:
- Diagnose: Your provider will learn more about your behavioral, environmental, and family experiences to diagnose your illness or disorder.
- Treat: With the help of prescribed medication, therapy, and/or self-care recommendations, your provider will provide treatment that works to mitigate your symptoms.
- Prevent: Your provider will discuss tools and techniques you can use to prevent future challenges from overwhelming you. This can include grounding techniques, meditation, and other skills.
To schedule a session, call us at Thriveworks in Thousand Oaks, CA. We can get started whenever you’re ready.
Schedule an Appointment with a Board-Certified Psychiatric Provider
Our psychiatric nurse practitioners at Thriveworks can be seen remotely and conveniently by video. To begin the next chapter of your story and set up an appointment, give us a call or schedule online today. Our team members in Thousand Oaks, CA are standing by.
