Adult Psychiatry
A psychiatrist or mental health nurse practitioner can work with you to decide if medication is the right option for you and get the right prescription to your pharmacy.
What is Psychiatry?
Psychiatry, a specialized branch of medicine, employs medication as a primary treatment for mental and behavioral health disorders when necessary. Psychiatric care providers, licensed medical professionals, include medical doctors, advanced nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. Patients benefit from the expertise of these professionals who conduct thorough assessments, prescribe medications, and offer comprehensive care to address a spectrum of mental health challenges, ensuring a holistic approach to treatment and well-being.
In the realm of psychiatry, providers go beyond medication management, incorporating a holistic approach to mental health. They conduct in-depth assessments, considering the interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors in crafting comprehensive treatment plans. These plans may encompass psychotherapy, counseling, and other therapeutic interventions to address the diverse needs of individuals. Patients receive personalized care from licensed medical professionals, fostering a collaborative and supportive relationship. Whether under the guidance of a medical doctor, advanced nurse practitioner, or physician assistant, psychiatric care at Proactive Minds is a journey toward holistic well-being, where medication is just one facet of a multidimensional and patient-centered approach.
Psychiatry | Psychiatrist
Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in mental health. Think of them as the "doctors of the mind." They go through medical school and then additional training in psychiatry.
Approach
Psychiatrists often focus on the biological aspects of mental health. They can prescribe medications and use medical interventions to manage mental health conditions.
Example
If you're experiencing symptoms like severe anxiety, depression, or mood swings, a psychiatrist might assess whether medication could be helpful and prescribe it if necessary.
A Psychiatrist: In Summary
Medical doctor, can prescribe medication, focuses on the biological aspects of mental health.
Psychology | Psychologist
Psychologist
A psychologist, on the other hand, is a trained professional who studies behavior and the mind but does not prescribe medication. They earn a doctoral degree in psychology.
Approach
Psychiatrists often focus on the biological aspects of mental health. They can prescribe medications and use medical interventions to manage mental health conditions.
Example
If you're experiencing symptoms like severe anxiety, depression, or mood swings, a psychiatrist might assess whether medication could be helpful and prescribe it if necessary.
A Psychologist: In Summary
Doctoral degree in psychology, provides talk therapy, focuses on understanding and managing thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
In many cases, psychiatrists and psychologists work together to provide comprehensive mental health care. Your choice between them might depend on the specific issues you're facing and your personal preferences. Sometimes, a combination of both approaches can be the most effective for certain conditions. It's also important to note that mental health professionals, regardless of their title, are there to support and collaborate with you on your mental health journey.
Will My Psychiatrist Push Medication on Me?
At Proactive Minds, we empower patients to make their own decisions about their health. Our providers will not shame you into taking medication that you don’t want to take. Instead, they inform you about all of your care options, including benefits and risks. Then you make the decision.
What Kinds of Medications Are Prescribed?
If you and your provider determine that medication should be part of your treatment plan, your provider will walk through your medication options with you. Depending on your needs, the provider may prescribe medications such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, stimulants, or mood stabilizers.
What If My Meds Don’t Work or Cause Side Effects?
At Proactive Minds, we recommend ongoing medication management to ensure that medications work well for our patients. It’s important to attend these follow-up appointments or reschedule them as needed. During medication management appointments, your provider will ask about your symptoms, any side effects, and how you feel about your medication.
If you have serious or severe side effects, you can contact your provider before your follow-up appointment. They will give you directions on how to wean yourself off the medication if needed. If you have a life-threatening reaction to the medication, seek emergency medical attention.
Online Telepsychiatry Appointments Available
Online telepsychiatry is a secure and effective way to connect with therapists. In these sessions, patients talk with their therapists through live video. Patients can log on to the calls from anywhere with a secure internet connection, and we recommend having plenty of privacy as well.
Clinical studies have shown that video-based online telepsychiatry is as effective as its in-person counterpart. In fact, online telepsychiatry is more effective for some patients because they are able to attend more regularly.
Different Psychiatry Specializations
The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) classified psychiatry into subcategories, which were regarded as sub-specialties. Each category necessitates unique certification and training.
Addiction Psychiatry
Addiction psychiatry focuses on the identification of causes, treatment, and prevention of relapse.
Geriatric Psychiatry
Geriatric psychiatry is concerned with behavioral patterns, causes, age-related relationships, clinical issues, and psychological well-being.
Holistic Approach to Behavioral Care
Psychiatric Psychotherapy combines biological, psychological, and social views to motivate and unplug destructive emotional and behavioral patterns.
What is a Diagnosis?
Psychiatric diagnoses are a comprehensive diagnostic system that is normally carried out by certified healthcare professionals. A mental health condition diagnosis was based on several variables and a thorough study of the ailment.
Assessments Can Include:
Mental health status examination
Past trauma history
Pathological and Psychological Examinations
Personality testing
Cognitive testing
