Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

16,958 people sought psychiatry/medication help in California in the last year

Discover how starting psychiatry/medication therapy can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

Good news! We have 3 psychiatric NPs in California available for an online psychiatry session.

Starting Psychiatry/medication

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 Sunnyvale, 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 Sunnyvale 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?

Unless you inhabit a comic book or Marvel made a superhero movie based on your life, you’re probably not superhuman. We can all use a little extra help sometimes, especially when we’re facing psychological issues. Emotions can feel complex and overwhelming. Sometimes life seems to pick you up and spit you out. And there’s not always an objective answer to what ails you. But mental health experts at Thriveworks in Sunnyvale, CA can help you identify what’s not working in your life, and what modifications could reap the most rewards.

Psychiatrists at Thriveworks in Sunnyvale, CA are here to help diagnose and treat mental disorders of all stripes and severities. Psychiatrists are licensed doctors who have extensive knowledge of psychology and physiology and how the mind and body interact on a cellular level. At Thriveworks, psychiatrists can prescribe medications like antidepressants and mood stabilizers to help allay the worst symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other common mental disorders. Clients who seek treatment early often have better results, so don’t hesitate to connect with one of our licensed, top-rated, clinical psychiatrists today.

What Conditions Can a Psychiatrist Diagnose and Treat?

Our vast mental differences are partly what make the human species so interesting. But if your psychological issues are beginning to interfere with your daily life, it may be time to seek professional treatment. Quick and early interventions can help prevent further disruptions to your routine. A psychiatrist at Thriveworks in Sunnyvale, CA can diagnose and treat all kinds of major and minor mental disorders, including:

  • Bipolar I disorder (manic depression)
  • Bipolar II disorder
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder
  • Clinical depression
  • Anxiety
  • Phobias
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Personality disorders
  • Eating disorders
  • Schizophrenia
  • Substance abuse disorders
  • Insomnia
  • Sex addiction
  • Self-harming behaviors
  • Hyperactivity and attention disorders

Some of these conditions may require drug interventions. Thriveworks psychiatrists can help manage drug side effects, dosage issues, and other medication concerns. They may even consult with your licensed counselor in order to supplement the psychotherapy you may already be receiving with medication. It’s not unusual to need frequent follow-ups after you begin a new medication so your psychiatrist can evaluate its effects and ensure nothing needs to be altered

Psychiatrists at Thriveworks in Sunnyvale, CA can even see most of their clients online as well as in-person. But if you’re under 18 or suffering acute symptoms, we recommend that you visit the office instead of making a virtual appointment.

How Do Psychiatrists Diagnose and Treat Psychological Conditions Like Bipolar Disorder?

If you are seeing a psychiatrist at Thriveworks for the first time because you have been experiencing symptoms of depression and mania or hypomania, your doctor may want to evaluate you for bipolar I or bipolar II disorder. That process may involve:

  • A comprehensive discussion of your symptoms.
  • Filling out a self-assessment.
  • Psychological and physical tests.
  • Physical exams.
  • Talking through your medical history.
  • Talking through your family’s relevant medical history.
  • Your doctor consulting with any other doctors or counselors you may see.
  • Mood charting.
  • Psychosocial evaluations.
  • Education on bipolar disorder.
  • Education on different medications and their potential side effects.
  • Deciding on a treatment plan together.

If your psychiatrist reaches the conclusion that you have manic depressive disorder or type II bipolar disorder, they may recommend one or a few of the following treatments for the chronic condition:

  • Psychiatric medications like antidepressants, mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, or anti-anxiety drugs
  • In-person or online psychotherapy
  • Long-term treatment as opposed to quick fixes
  • Substance abuse treatment if necessary
  • In-patient treatment (hospitalization)
  • Lifestyle changes (improvements in dietary and exercise patterns)

Every year, bipolar disorder affects about 2.8% of American adults. If left untreated, this chronic illness can cause serious impairment. But with the right mental health support team at Thriveworks in Sunnyvale, CA, you can learn how to control your symptoms with medication and other therapy options.

Get Exceptional Support from a Thriveworks Psychiatrist in Sunnyvale, CA Today

It’s not always easy to access a psychiatrist, but when you become a Thriveworks client, you can often be seen by a top-rated, licensed psychiatrist in as little as 24-48 hours. Our psychiatrists can see you online or in-person at your convenience. Online (telehealth) appointments are HIPAA-compliant and secured with the latest telehealth technology. You can also reach your Thriveworks psychiatrist via phone or email between appointments in Sunnyvale, CA.

Whether you’re seeing a psychiatrist for the first time or trying someone new, Thriveworks can match you to a supportive, experienced mental health provider who can help you successfully manage your psychological and behavioral issues. Call us today to learn more about our providers and Thriveworks benefits.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Sunnyvale therapists and counselors accept 21 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Shield of California | BCBS

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

  • Humana HMO/POS

  • Humana PPO | EPO | HDHP

  • Imperial Health Plan Medicare Advantage

  • JP Farley Corporation

  • Magellan

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Self-pay costs at Sunnyvale
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

5.0 Thriveworks Sunnyvale reviews are collected through Thriveworks.com.
★★★★★
Dr Stephanie Field is an amazing clinician, she has a tremendous amount of care and insight. She cares deeply about her work and patients.
Read more Dr Stephanie Field is an amazing clinician, she has a tremendous amount of care and insight. She cares deeply about her work and patients.
Sunnyvale Mar 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Not just the website, but I have worked with Stephanie Field in past as a colleague and co-author of a book, and she is an excellent addition to their services.
Read more Not just the website, but I have worked with Stephanie Field in past as a colleague and co-author of a book, and she is an excellent addition to their services.
Sunnyvale Jan 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

We share a building with the dental office of Dr. Satinder R. Singh. We are at the intersection of W Freemont Ave and S Mary Ave. Across the street is an Arco gas station, Country Gourmet American Bistro, and De Anza Square Shopping Center.

Phone number

(408) 741-9636

Languages spoken by CA providers

  • English
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in PT

Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in PT

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