Mental health care, treatment, and advocacy.
When people enter mental health treatment, they have all sorts of different expectations about their diagnosis. Some people benefit from just knowing that what they’re experiencing has a name, while o
When people enter mental health treatment, they have all sorts of different expectations about their diagnosis. Some people benefit from just knowing that what they’re experiencing has a name, while others may benefit from the treatment they receive without ever thinking about their diagnosis. There is also a chance that some people may experience some stigma around their diagnosis. However, it’s still important to understand what purpose a diagnosis can serve for you and your treatment. Here, we’ll discuss how providers, like Talkiatry, arrive at a diagnosis, what benefit a mental health diagnosis can provide, and what life can look like after you’ve been diagnosed.
It might seem like mental health providers arrive at a diagnosis about your condition without doing very much. Still, they’re actually using a variety of techniques to come to their conclusion. Mental health providers receive training to evaluate a person through an assessment that includes a series of questions coupled with your answers and observations about your behaviors and patterns. With all this information, the provider can refer to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) to decide the patient’s diagnosis. The American Psychiatric Association created the DSM-5 to help classify and categorize different mental health diagnoses. This manual allows mental health providers to maintain a common language and outline a patient’s condition. However, keep in mind that no two patients are alike. So, despite the name of your condition, your provider will be treating you as a unique individual.
You may feel scared or even confused when you receive an official mental health diagnosis. These are essential thoughts to mention to your provider. Discussion with your provider can allow you to feel better informed and empowered by the knowledge of your diagnosis. It’s important to try to avoid looking at a diagnosis as a “stamp” that’s been placed on you. More importantly, you’re getting the treatment you need to lead a more fulfilling life. We understand that you may have some self-stigma about your diagnosis, or it may feel heavy to you. However, the last thing we want is for you to avoid getting the help you need because of fear and stigma. We want the name of the condition you’ve been given to be far less important than the improvement you feel from receiving effective treatment.
An official mental health diagnosis can be helpful to the provider in a few ways. The provider can use this information to guide the development of your treatment plan. For example, if you’ve been diagnosed with depression, your provider may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as your treatment. This recommendation is evidence-based, given this is one of the first-line treatments for depression. Additionally, the diagnosis will be used to bill your insurance for your visits with your provider. Remember, this information sharing would stop there because of HIPPA laws that protect your private health information. What all providers will keep in mind, however, is that diagnoses are made at a point in time with the information they have available. As time goes on and your provider gets to know you better, it’s possible that the diagnosis may shift.
As we mentioned above, the diagnosis may be meaningless to you, but it can seriously impact how some people choose to live their lives. Let’s consider the example of being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Knowing this condition can help you understand where your symptoms stem from and may lead to specific decisions about how the illness is cared for in daily life. Like someone who has diabetes would need to stay away from carbohydrates, someone with bipolar disorder may find it more important to focus on their sleep schedule. Making lifestyle changes and developing a routine for taking care of your diagnosis can help you feel a sense of control. Talking to your provider about these changes can help you prioritize which ones will work best for you.
We have come a long way in battling stigma related to mental illness, but that doesn’t mean we still don’t have a long way to go. People who know you well probably know if you’ve been struggling emotionally. That said, letting your loved ones know that you’ve been given a name for the problem you’re struggling with might be a relief for you. Also, having trusted friends who are aware of your condition will mean more informed support when you need it.
Disclosing this sensitive information to your current or potential employer is a very personal decision. Under no circumstances do you need to tell a potential employer about a mental health diagnosis during an interview. However, after securing a job, some would argue that telling your employer can be protective. That way, if your diagnosis somehow impacts your work and you’ve made your employer aware of your condition previously, the ADA law protects you from any unfair treatment. We know stigma is still out there, so it’s understandable that some people might have reservations about disclosure, despite legal protection.
Overall, receiving a mental health diagnosis can arm you with valuable information. Staying informed about your condition helps you to better take care of yourself and allows you to own your wellness. Otherwise, your diagnosis may end up feeling like something that overwhelms you. Make sure you talk to your mental health provider about what your diagnosis means to you and work through those thoughts and feelings together.
Talkiatry provides outpatient mental health care services including diagnosis, psychotherapy, and medication management.
At Talkiatry, we are dedicated to providing you with accessible and affordable mental health care solutions. We provide customized treatment plans focused on helping you feel better, faster. We also offer flexible telemedicine and in-office appointment options to match our therapeutic and modern approach to psychiatric care.
We believe there’s no one size fits all approach to mental healthcare, which is why our experienced staff includes 30+ board-certified psychiatrists with diverse backgrounds and specialties. Using a proprietary algorithm, we match you with a psychiatrist on staff who has the expertise for your specific needs and can help you understand and manage your diagnosis.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, more than 50% of us will experience trauma in our lifetime. We may develop different reactions to trauma including feeling n
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, more than 50% of us will experience trauma in our lifetime. We may develop different reactions to trauma including feeling nervous or shaky or having repetitive, racing thoughts. But Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) occurs when the brain cannot effectively manage our anxious thoughts and feelings of fear after a traumatic event. According to the National Center for PTSD, about 7-8% of all people will experience PTSD in their lifetime. However, trauma can affect your life and functioning even if you don’t suffer from PTSD. Let’s examine what trauma is, how trauma may impact your life, and the treatments available for PTSD.
We’ve all been through stressful life events, but what is trauma exactly? A traumatic event used to be defined as an experience in which the person perceived their life as being threatened, feared serious physical injury, or sexual violence. But this definition has shifted over the years. The current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) decided to expand upon the definition of trauma. It now includes all of the above, in addition to witnessing any of the aforementioned things happening to another person. It also includes suddenly discovering that any of these things happened to a loved one.
A few examples of trauma may more readily come to mind, including suffering physical abuse, rape, or having a near-death experience during the war. Less obvious examples of this could include repeated emotional abuse over time, the sudden death of a close family member, or living through a natural disaster. Any of these events could lead to the development of PTSD characteristics that may be noticed after a trauma, even if they don’t meet diagnostic criteria for PTSD.
There are many features that make up a diagnosis of PTSD. The clinical terms for these features are hypervigilance, avoidance, and re-experiencing. Additionally, we typically see mood and thought changes that happen in PTSD as well.
Hypervigilance is a heightened sense of fear and increased reactivity.
Avoidance applies to staying away from particular activities or places related to the trauma due to fear.
Re-experiencing can mean reliving the traumatic event in a variety of ways. This can sometimes occur in vivid nightmares, or flashbacks while you’re awake.
Even though having all of these symptoms could mean that you’re suffering from PTSD, having just one or a couple of these symptoms could still be reactions to trauma that feel unmanageable.
Read our blog “What is PTSD and How Does Talkiatry Treat it?” for a more detailed list of the symptoms, behaviors, and conditions as listed and defined in the DSM-5.
There may be small things that you notice. Maybe you got into a car accident at a particular intersection. Subsequently, this was so distressing for you that you now avoid that particular intersection at all costs. Or maybe you have stressful and vivid dreams about the car accident, even if some details about it are different. Another more mild example is that some people experience mood changes related to the weather time of year when their event occurred. Or a more severe example, continuing to use the car accident example, the sound of screeching tires causes your heart to race and your breathing to quicken because you feel that you’re reliving your car accident.
Experiencing any of these types of reactions to trauma can cause people to feel isolated and very alone. It may even seem like these reactions to trauma are frustrating and inconvenient in some ways. But really they’re just your body telling you, “No! Don’t do that. It’s not safe. We don’t want to go through that again”. When your system pipes up and tries to tell you something, don’t ignore it. Especially, if any of these symptoms are getting in the way of you living your life, it may be time to get help.
The best treatment for traumatic psychological wounds is a combination of medication management and trauma-focused psychotherapy, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Learn more about how Talkiatry treats PTSD.
If you are having a reaction to trauma that is becoming unmanageable for you, we’re here to help. At Talkiatry, we have psychiatrists and nurse practitioners trained in a variety of modalities to meet your needs. Start by taking our assessment to receive a preliminary diagnosis, then we’ll match you with our psychiatrists who specialize in treating PTSD so you can get the tailored treatment you need for your diagnosis.
Talkiatry is a local, accessible and complete mental healthcare solution that accepts insurance. We close the gap for individuals who want to get better but feel that mental health care has been challenging to navigate up until this point and want a more convenient way to take the first step. Talkiatry takes the traditional local mental health visit and combines it with technology, scale, efficiency, and design to provide the best possible environment for healing.
Learn more about Talkiatry and our treatment options for PTSD.
The Talkiatry branded mental health practice is independently owned and operated by a licensed psychiatrist.
The Talkiatry branded mental health practice is independently owned and operated by a licensed Psychiatrist.
Content from the Talkiatry website and blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The intent of the information provided on this website is for general consumer understanding and entertainment only.
With orders from Governors instructing us to stay in our homes to ensure our safety and the safety of those around us, it’s easy to feel cooped up and even develop some anxiety about COVID-19 (coronav
With orders from Governors instructing us to stay in our homes to ensure our safety and the safety of those around us, it’s easy to feel cooped up and even develop some anxiety about COVID-19 (coronavirus). There are cases of all over the country, and unfortunately New York has been hit particularly hard. Especially for those of you that can’t leave home, you may feel very isolated. During this time, it may also feel easy to slip into unhealthy habits. Here, we’ll remind you of ways that you can focus your energy on developing habits to keep your anxiety in check, and keep your body ready for anything.
One of the most important ways to alleviate anxiety is to make a plan. This can be as basic or detailed as you need it to be. Generally, a good rule of thumb is to organize your blocks of time in no smaller increments than 30 minutes. In terms of routine, waking up and going to sleep at the same time is crucial for managing anxiety about COVID-19 and for boosting your immune system. Writing out a schedule for the day will help you avoid falling into a binge watching black hole or wasting time in general. Furthermore, it’ll help you hold yourself accountable and stick to additional healthy habits.
It's important to try to keep your anxiety in check by limiting the amount of stressful information you ingest every day. Build check-ins into your schedule and try to keep it to a total of 30-60 minutes of TV news or reading articles for the day. Keeping yourself informed with reliable and trustworthy sources is important because it reminds you of the facts. However, it's easy to become consumed with information. So if you set some limits on this, you'll notice that you can probably have a more positive and fulfilling day.
Knowing that you are doing something to protect yourself can help mitigate your anxiety about COVID-19 in addition to decreasing your risk. Good hygiene is the easiest step you can take. This includes throwing tissues away immediately after blowing your nose, coughing into your elbow, and washing your hands for at least 20 seconds. Routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces is also important. Also helpful are social distancing (avoiding others by at least 6 feet) and avoiding crowds in general.
The nutrients we put in our bodies are responsible for so much more than we give them credit for. Getting extra doses of fruits and vegetables in your diet helps your body get the vitamins and minerals it needs to keep your immune system up. Additionally, certain vitamins including B vitamins, vitamin C, and vitamin D are all important in helping balance mood and anxiety. And minerals including magnesium, iron, selenium, and zinc do the same. These essential nutrients allow our bodies to run like well oiled machines and will help fend off bad moods and bad germs alike. As you've probably noticed cooking has become more popular. It might be an important tool in managing anxiety about COIVD-19. Knowing that you can prepare food and care for yourself can help you feel in better control.
Is right now the time for you to get in the best shape of your life? No. But, 30 minutes of exercise at least 4 times a week is a good goal. This is so important for your sanity and your immune system. Mood boosting endorphins aren't a bad plus either. Additionally, increasing your heart rate during exercise can help the body produce more norepinephrine to help you think more clearly during stressful situations. There are many options available for exercise apps, and videos available on streaming devices. Working out at home can provide you with a variety of choices of exercises that you can do at your convenience, and many don’t even require additional equipment. If you want to maximize the return on your investment in decreasing anxiety about COVID-19, you can incorporate yoga which integrates movement, breathing, and meditation.
Humans are social by nature and, in fact, there is a Zulu word for this: ubuntu. It means, “a person is a person through other people”. We need each other - to do for each other and have done for us; both to be listened to and to hear others. You had friends and family before all this began and, thanks to how advanced our technology is, you’ll be just as close with them, if not closer, when this is all over. Call and text with people, and video chat with someone if you need some actual face to face time. Sharing your feelings and anxieties with others can be cathartic. Keeping in touch will help you feel less isolated. And friends that you're talking to, will probably share similar feelings, which is important for us each to know that we're understood.
Sleep is vital to allow your system to recharge, and recover physically and emotionally. And let’s be honest, if there is a time to aim for 8 hours of sleep, this is it! There are several well established sleep hygiene techniques that are generally useful. These are just a few:
*If you can't fall asleep without the TV because it helps distract you into falling asleep, set a sleep timer! The light and noise from the TV after you’ve fallen asleep, are detrimental to the quality of your sleep.
We're all well aware of the current guidelines advising us to stay home at much as possible. But if you're having difficulty keeping your anxiety about COVID-19 under control, you might want to consider professional help. One way you may note your anxiety to be uncontrolled, is if you notice that your worried thoughts keep you from accomplishing daily tasks. There are many mental health services available through telemedicine or telepsychiatry. Just because you have to stay at home, doesn't mean you have to be without the services you need. At Talkiatry, we can provide you with therapy services and medication management remotely. So no matter where you are or what your situation, we can reach you. Meet our team of providers here.
Talkiatry is a local, accessible and complete mental healthcare solution that accepts insurance. We close the gap for individuals who want to get better, but feel that mental health care has been challenging to navigate up until this point and want a more convenient way to take the first step. Talkiatry takes the traditional local mental health visit and combines it with technology, scale, efficiency, and design to provide the best possible environment for healing.
The Talkiatry branded mental health practice is independently owned and operated by a licensed Psychiatrist. For more information about the relationship between Talkiatry Management Services, LLC and the branded group practice please click here.
Content from the Talkiatry website and blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The intent of the information provided on this website is for general consumer understanding and entertainment only.
At Talkiatry, we provide mental health treatment because we believe that it is a vital aspect of overall health. However, we understand that many people may experience barriers to mental health treatm
At Talkiatry, we provide mental health treatment because we believe that it is a vital aspect of overall health. However, we understand that many people may experience barriers to mental health treatment or have misconceptions about it. Providers have heard a few different concerns and questions from patients or their families about why they may be hesitant about getting the help they need. We’ll address some of those concerns here.
You would not believe how many different treatment modalities and professionals are available. Chances are, we can find a therapy, group, medication, or clinician that will help you. Each individual is unique and there is no perfect “one size fits all” treatment for any person or diagnosis. Given that, your treatment is tailored to you and your specific needs. You can collaborate with your provider to find a treatment plan that's right for you.
You’ve probably heard something along the lines of people seeing the same therapist for 20 years, but that is actually not the norm in mental health treatment. Many people seek treatment for episodes of anxiety or depression that are effectively managed with treatment that is considered to be more brief. Typically, this treatment takes place over a period of months. However, here are some diagnoses that are considered chronic and require monitoring for extended periods of time. For instance, schizophrenia would need to me monitored by an outpatient team long term. Generally, the earlier any patient is able to receive mental health treatment, the better the prognosis, no matter what condition you’re seeking treatment for.
Your medical records are protected by HIPPA and can only be used for billing and insurance purposes, and a person outside of that situation only has access to your records and your personal health information if you give them access. There is no universal health record that follows you everywhere you go.
If you choose to enter mental health treatment as an outpatient, no one can force you to accept treatment you don't want. Your provider will make recommendations and those might include an option for medications. Understandably, you might have concerns about accepting a prescription for medication. It's important to make sure you discuss this with your provider, because your treatment is a two way street!
This is a very important barrier to mental health treatment and something to consider closely. Of course, it may be true that you have financial difficulties. There are resources that you should take into account before you decide you can’t afford mental health treatment, including insurance. The easiest way to figure out which provider will accept your insurance, is to get a list directly from your insurance. If you don’t have insurance, you could decide to private pay a clinician. Though, like most all other things that involve fees, the fee could be negotiable depending on your personal circumstance. If you need more guidance on how to start the process of finding a provider that takes your insurance, click here.
This barrier to mental health treatment is something we're all familiar with. Mental health providers know that you have a regular schedule that probably includes a job, and seeing friends. Given this, providers have appointments at all times of day and night and many people see patients on weekends too. Some providers also use telepsychiatry to connect with you even if you can’t make it into the office. There are many options for making time for your mental health and treatment.
In sum, it's important to recognize is that your questions and concerns are valid. Given this, your providers should be able to address your concerns to put you at ease. At Talkiatry, we're happy to work with you to address anything that you feel is a barrier to mental health treatment. In addition, we'll collaborate and help you find a treatment that can help you heal and make living life a little easier.
Talkiatry is a local, accessible and complete mental healthcare solution that accepts insurance. We close the gap for individuals who want to get better, but feel that mental health care has been challenging to navigate up until this point and want a more convenient way to take the first step. Talkiatry takes the traditional local mental health visit and combines it with technology, scale, efficiency, and design to provide the best possible environment for healing.
The Talkiatry branded mental health practice is independently owned and operated by a licensed Psychiatrist. For more information about the relationship between Talkiatry Management Services, LLC and the branded group practice please click here.
Content from the Talkiatry website and blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The intent of the information provided on this website is for general consumer understanding and entertainment only.
You might have a variety of reasons for making your first mental health appointment—whether it’s panic attacks that you can’t get under control or postpartum depression that keeps you from getting out
You might have a variety of reasons for making your first mental health appointment—whether it’s panic attacks that you can’t get under control or postpartum depression that keeps you from getting out of bed in the morning. Whatever the reason, you’ve decided to get help. If you’ve never seen a mental health professional, the idea of your first mental health appointment might be overwhelming. Here, we’ll try to help you understand what to expect so you can feel more comfortable about your first visit.
Every provider will have a different style, but most initial appointments will include these elements.
You need to understand the provider you’re working with since every provider will offer a different experience. Typically, your provider will explain a bit of their background, their availability to you, and your working relationship. There will be an opportunity here for you and your provider to develop a set of guidelines that you agree to, which will remain throughout your treatment.
We want to know why you’re here today. More specifically, what was the “last straw” that convinced you to make an appointment. Everyone has what we would consider a “baseline” level of functioning. At some time before you booked your first mental health appointment, the way you were functioning shifted to a point that was no longer tolerable. We must understand when that shift happened and (if you know) why it happened.
We want to get a sense of how you live your daily life. How often do you go out with friends? Do you have friends? Do you have family nearby? How many hours are you sleeping at night? Do you exercise? and so many more. Some people might find these questions personal and intrusive, but honestly, we want to get the best and most complete picture of you. Who better than you to paint that picture for us?
Your medical history is comprehensive, but we’ll help narrow it down. We’ll need to know about any medical problems, allergies, and medications you’ve taken. Then, if you start medication for your mental health, we can safely recommend the right medication. In addition, we’ll ask you some questions about your mental health treatment history and family history. We’ll also need to know if you have ever been hospitalized. In some cases, we might ask your permission to contact and collaborate with other providers you see.
When you go to your first mental health appointment, there is a chance that you’ll feel that safety questions don’t relate to you or your circumstances. But we as professionals know that emotional problems and stress can potentially lead to unfamiliar or even unsafe thoughts. The most important thing about these questions is that you answer them honestly. When we discuss safety, we’ll make sure that we do everything we can to help you feel safe and assist you in making a plan in case a time arises when you don’t feel safe.
This is the part where you let us know what you hope to gain from your visits with us. This information is a crucial element of your treatment. Based on this, your provider may also have you fill out some scales or questionnaires that will help us track your progress.
We will obtain all the information we need, which could take more than one session. Then, you and your provider will work together to devise a treatment plan to help you reach your goals. Your provider will offer you various concepts that can be a part of your treatment plan, including therapies and modalities that we’ll work on routinely, and possibly medications.
Providing feedback to your clinician is an integral part of the treatment process, both at your first mental health appointment and along the way. We know every patient is unique and will adapt our skills and style for your treatment to be the most successful.
Talkiatry is a local, accessible and complete mental healthcare solution that accepts insurance. We close the gap for individuals who want to get better but feel that mental health care has been challenging to navigate up until this point and want a more convenient way to take the first step. Talkiatry takes the traditional local mental health visit and combines it with technology, scale, efficiency, and design to provide the best possible environment for healing.
At Talkiatry, we have a talented team of psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners ready to collaborate with you and provide warm and empathic treatment to make your first mental health appointment a breeze. Meet our team of providers! Content from the Talkiatry website and blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The intent of the information provided on this website is for general consumer understanding and entertainment only.
With so many different types of mental health providers, it can be challenging to keep them all straight. You’ve probably seen the myriad titles like MDs, DOs, NPs, PsyDs, PAs, LCSWs—the list goes on.
With so many different types of mental health providers, it can be challenging to keep them all straight. You’ve probably seen the myriad titles like MDs, DOs, NPs, PsyDs, PAs, LCSWs—the list goes on. If you’re wondering what all of these acronyms mean, you’re not alone! Broad terms like “therapist” can add even more confusion to the mix, but the above titles are not interchangeable and have significant differences.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the differences between the types of mental health providers so you can find the right care for your specific needs. But first, let’s discuss what exactly a mental provider is.
In health care, and for the purposes of this article, a provider is an individual who is licensed to provide health care treatment services, which may also include medication. At Talkiatry, we have a few types of mental health providers, including psychiatrists, who are Medical Doctors (MDs) or Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs), and Nurse Practitioners (NPs) who are board-certified in psychiatric mental health treatment. Below, we’ll explain these types of providers and several other types of licensed mental health providers, so you can understand them all.
Psychiatrists are mental health providers who have attended medical school. Medical Doctors, or MDs, attend conventional medical school and their coursework focuses on disease management. Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, or DOs, attend schools that integrate the MD education model with additional study of the musculoskeletal system. To become a psychiatrist, both MDs and DOs must complete an additional 4-year residency specializing in psychiatry. They are exposed to various clinical settings during residency, from psychiatric emergency rooms to outpatient mental health clinics. Typically, psychiatrists focus on the adult population but may specialize in additional areas such as child & adolescent psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, consult liaison psychiatry, or addiction medicine. While it is not a requirement, a psychiatrist must pass an exam to become board-certified by the American Board of Physician Specialties.
Psychiatrists can diagnose conditions and prescribe medications. A psychiatrist can assist in determining which medications and doses are appropriate for a patient whose diagnosis involves medication. They have also trained in a range of therapeutic techniques to address patients’ needs in conjunction with or instead of medication. Simply put, psychiatrists can do everything that other mental health providers on this list can do, and more.
Psychiatrists represent the highest level of mental health providers. These physicians have completed medical school and a 4-year residency in psychiatry. Some have also completed board examinations in a particular specialty, such as Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, or Addiction Medicine. Because psychiatrists are medical doctors, they are best for those who are experiencing mental health issues and are seeking medication management and psychotherapy since they are trained in diagnosing, treating, and preventing disorders of the mind.
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) attend nursing school and graduate with a bachelor’s degree in nursing, then complete a master’s or doctorate in nursing with a specialty in psychiatry (thus becoming PMHNPs). PMHNPs complete their clinical practice in hospital and clinical settings during their training, including group, individual, and family therapies. Once training is complete, they must pass a clinical exam to receive board certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center which must be renewed every five years.
PMHNPs can make diagnoses, prescribe medication, and provide different therapies. Many NPs are certified to treat patients across the lifespan. The independence of a PMHNP varies from state to state, but since the Nurse Practitioner Modernization Act in 2015, in New York, NPs with more than 3,600 hours of relevant clinical experience can practice without a collaborating physician.
PMHNPs are next to psychiatrists in terms of being able to provide the highest level of mental health care. Although PMHNPs are not medical doctors, they do share similar responsibilities to psychiatrists, including diagnosing and prescribing medications. No other mental health providers on this list (with few exceptions) can provide the same level of care or range of solutions as psychiatrists and PMHNPs. You should consider seeing a PMHNP if you are looking for a treatment that involves therapy and prescribed medication.
Psychologists have completed a bachelor’s degree plus 4-5+ years in a doctoral program. The focus on these programs is either research for a Ph.D. or clinical application for a PsyD. Unlike psychiatrists, psychologists have not gone to medical school.
Both psychologists with PhDs and PsyDs can diagnose conditions and provide a wide range of specific therapies and diagnostic testing tools. However, in most states (including New York), psychologists cannot prescribe medications.
Often, when the term “therapist” comes to mind, we think of psychologists, but there are many types of therapists and they are quite different in their approach, training, and education. Psychologists have an advanced degree in psychology while therapists can have any number of degrees in a variety of disciplines such as social work, clinical psychology, or psychiatry. In addition, a psychologist can help make a mental health diagnosis, while therapists typically do not. Overall, a therapist is a more broad term for an individual who is trained to provide a variety of treatments whereas a psychologist primarily focuses on diagnosing and treating mental health issues.
Psychologists are highly educated mental health providers. They are well-versed in clinical research and will meet your needs in terms of specialized therapies. If you are looking to start medication, a psychologist may not be the right choice, though you may find it helpful to see both a psychologist and a psychiatrist or PMHNP in order to receive the most effective treatment for mental health and behavioral disorders.
Physician assistants must complete a master’s degree in a physician assistant program, which is typically 2-3 years in length. PAs complete education based on the medical model during school, an approach that suggests mental conditions are related to the brain's physical structure and functioning. For this reason, mental health disorders are treated as physical diseases, and prescribing medication is common. PAs focus on primary and acute care and complete 2,000 hours of supervised clinical practice. After this program, they must take a clinical exam to receive board certification by the American Academy of Physician Assistants. In almost every state, PAs must have an agreement with a physician who collaborates with and supervises them.
The scope of what PAs can do is relatively broad compared to many other providers. PAs do not specialize, per se, meaning they practice a wide variety of specialties. After their schooling, they may choose to focus their career and “self-specialize.”
They diagnose conditions and prescribe medications but do not receive training in therapeutic modalities. Details about supervision from a physician vary between states, but PAs must practice with physician supervision or collaboration overall.
Physician assistants are mid-level mental health providers who can do the basics—provide diagnoses, develop treatment plans, and prescribe medications. They have a strong foundation in primary and acute care and must practice under the supervision of a physician. PAs are trained to conduct comprehensive medical and mental health assessments, which makes them a great first step in receiving mental health care. However, if more assistance is needed, they can also refer you to a more specialized physician such as a psychiatrist.
Many of us are probably familiar with the role of social workers in the way that they help clients get the benefits and services they need. But a social worker who has a clinical license (LCSW) has completed a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree in social work, completed three years of relevant clinical work in psychiatry and passed a clinical exam.
These providers can diagnose conditions and provide therapies to patients without supervision, but they do not prescribe medications.
Licensed Clinical Social Workers are an excellent choice for someone who wants therapy, but they don’t tend to practice specified types of therapy. They can often provide personalized treatment plans and prevention strategies to help patients cope with issues that are affecting their mental health.
Licensed mental health counselors receive either a master’s or doctorate in counseling, including coursework and supervised clinical work. In addition, they must pass a clinical exam to receive certification.
LMHCs can practice independently at the advanced level once they have completed 3,000 hours of supervised clinical practice. They’re able to diagnose psychiatric conditions and provide a range of supportive therapies.
Licensed mental health counselors are a good choice for someone who wants to pursue therapy. However, LMHCs are not the right choice for someone who would like a specific form of therapy unless their provider specializes in it or is seeking medication management.
As you can see, there are many different mental health care providers who specialize and provide a variety of different services. It’s important that you find a provider who can provide you with the best level of care and treatment for your needs. While credentials are definitely an important factor to consider, one more factor to consider is the fit. Therapeutic style and personality vary from person to person and provider to provider. It is crucial that you feel comfortable and open and have a good connection with your mental health provider(s) in order to receive the best care and best outcome for your treatment. If you need more guidance on where to start this process, begin by taking our free assessment to receive a preliminary diagnosis and recommended Talkiatry provider, or combination of providers, for your specific situation.
About Talkiatry
Talkiatry is a local, accessible and complete mental healthcare solution that accepts insurance. We close the gap for individuals who want to get better but feel that mental health care has been challenging to navigate up until this point and want a more convenient way to take the first step. Talkiatry takes the traditional local mental health visit and combines it with technology, scale, efficiency, and design to provide the best possible environment for healing.
We have providers including psychiatrists, PMHNPs, and therapists on staff who can provide outpatient mental health care services including diagnosis, psychotherapy, and medication management to ensure every patient receives the right level of care to start feeling better, faster. At Talkiatry, we believe that our MDs, DOs, and PMHNPs who offer a wide variety of specialties and services are best equipped to meet your mental health needs. Meet our team of providers!
The Talkiatry branded mental health practice is independently owned and operated by a licensed Psychiatrist. For more information about the relationship between Talkiatry Management Services, LLC and the branded group practice please click here.
Content from the Talkiatry website and blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The intent of the information provided on this website is for general consumer understanding and entertainment only.
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