Psychiatric Services

We provide Psychiatric Services:

• Assess and screen patients by conducting psychiatric evaluations,
• Prescribe and administer medications according to diagnosis.
• Monitor patients to determine efficacy and potential side effects of medications.

We have helped clients like you successfully address a wide variety of issues, including:

Why see a psychiatrist (prescribing provider)?

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in mental health and substance abuse.

Psychiatrists must train for 4 years at medical school before training in another 4 years for psychiatry. A psychiatrist is highly qualified to diagnose and prescribe medications to treat a variety of complex mental and substance abuse illnesses.

Psychiatrists will work with you as a team to develop a comprehensive and individualized treatment plan using evidenced based medicine with psychotherapeutic, psychosocial, psychoharmacolgical and holistic approach that best meets your needs.

Psychiatrists understand that both physical and mental health are equal partners in maintaining overall health. An example of this is Depression which is the most common mental disorder in the United States doesn’t just impact one’s mood it can directly affect the immune system. Depression increases the risks of many physical health problems like heart disease and diabetes and we understand that certain disorders that we may typically think of as only being a physical disorder are inextricably linked to anxiety, depression and other mental illnesses.

What is Medication Management?

A psychiatrist prescribes mental health or “psychotropic” medications to include antidepressant medications, anti-anxiety or “anxiolytic” medications, mood stabilizers, antipsychotic medication and other medications when safe and indicated or when potential benefits outweigh the risks.

Many people can achieve recovery through talk therapy without medication but many find psychotropic medications to be extremely helpful. Some patients may need medication management for a short period of time while they sort through particular difficulties while others may require long-term treatment for chronic conditions and the psychiatrist may need to adjust the dosages and re-evaluate patients regularly.

Myths about psychiatric medications (psychotropics)

Patients often have mis-information regarding psychiatric medication. In fact one in five Americans take medication for mental and substance abuse illnesses.

Many people believe that all psychiatric medication is addicting and will make them “feel like zombies”. The truth is that medication works differently for each patient and side effects vary by dose and type of medication. The psychiatrist will work closely with the patient to adjust and monitor as needed. While some medications can be addictive most doctors will not recommend unless absolutely necessary and will monitor the patient for abuse and benefit.

It should also be noted that medications are not “magic pills” and cannot improve someone’s self esteem or adjustment issues like loss of a love one. When a patient struggles primarily with low self esteem for example the recommendation will be counseling (talk therapy). Other times medication is the primary treatment while counseling enhances the plan when someone has a chemical imbalance for example they would need medication to rebalance the mind but also need counseling to help aid the healing process.

What happens in a psychiatric session?

In the first few sessions we will gather information about your background and the issues that led you to seek treatment at this time. You’ll be asked about your medical and psychiatric history (personal and family).

You can be prepared by bringing the following:

1) A complete list of medications, in addition to psychiatric medications

2) A list of any and all psychiatric medications you might have tried in the past, including how long you took them for

3) Your medical concerns and any diagnoses

4) Family history of psychiatric issues, if there are any.

5) If you’ve seen a psychiatrist in the past, it’s very helpful to send us a copy of those records,.

We will then discuss with you our impressions and recommendations for us to pursue in treatment. If you need a service that we cannot provide we will help assist you in obtaining appropriate providers. We may recommend or start treatment including various forms of psychotherapy, medications, psychosocial interventions and other treatments, depending on the needs of each person.

How often should I come to psychiatric sessions?

Most people attend an initial session then come back for a follow up after 1-2 weeks. After that, they are monitored once a month until deemed stable to move to an appointment every 3 months. However, the frequency is individualized depending on your current circumstances and needs, we can discuss whether treatment of greater or lesser frequency seems appropriate.

How long will I be in therapy?

The duration of treatment varies from person to person based on one’s goals and the nature of the presenting problem.

How long are psychiatric sessions?

The initial assessment session will be about 30 minutes. Typical follow up sessions are about 15 minutes, unless otherwise arranged. Out of respect for you and other clients, we will do our best to begin and end on time. You are welcome to come for your appointment if you are late, but the session will end on the original scheduled time.