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.
The writer Brene Brown once stated, “Vulnerability is not knowing victory of defeat, it’s understanding the necessity of both; it’s engaging. It’s being all in.” Sometimes admitting that you might have a mental health condition that needs assessment and possibly treatment can make you feel vulnerable. But it can also feel empowering to ask for help. From there, you can take control of your destiny and start making the best decision for your own health.
The board-certified psychiatrists and psychiatric nurses at Thriveworks in Littleton, CO don’t use one-size-fits-all treatment for everyone. Every client is different, and deserves individualized care. And Thriveworks psychiatrists are sensitive to the emotions that can come with confronting mental health issues for the first time. They’re here to support their clients through that journey and help them flourish.
Is a Psychiatrist a Doctor Too?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor with a license to practice the branch of medicine called psychiatry. These health professionals graduated from medical school with a specialized skillset: that of diagnosing, treating, and helping to prevent mental disorders that impair functioning. Psychiatrists (MDs) might work alongside other mental health professionals at Thriveworks in Littleton, CO as a collaborative team. Psychiatrists can prescribe medications like antidepressants that can support neurological health. Psychiatrists can be distinguished from the following Thriveworks providers:
- Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs): These board-certified nurses also specialize in treating clients for physical and mental issues.
- Psychologists (PhDs or PsyDs): Counseling and clinical psychologists have doctoral degrees and are licensed to do psychotherapy (talk therapy) approaches like dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). They do not, however, prescribe or manage medications.
- Licensed professional counselors (LPCs): They help clients solve specific problems in their lives.
- Licensed social workers (LCSWs, LICSWs, or LMSWs): Social workers help clients work through various life issues and difficulties.
- Licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs): LMFT help couples and families with relational issues.
- Licensed drug and addiction counselors: These counselors support people who are in recovery.
Is Taking Medication an Effective Treatment?
Taking psychiatric medication is one prong in a multi-pronged approach to treating mental illnesses like bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder (MDD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Medication is often necessary to control the symptoms of certain disorders, but other people may be able to manage their symptoms holistically or through psychotherapy modalities. It all depends on the client. Psychiatrists at Thriveworks in Littleton, CO might prescribe medication in the short-term to help a client get through a particular difficult time, then wean them off the prescription. But other clients may have a chronic mental illness that requires long-term medication management. They will work closely with the client to determine the best treatment plan.
When Should Someone Seek Mental Health Help?
If someone finds that their thoughts, emotions, or behaviors are impairing their daily functioning and causing problems in their relationships, occupation, or another area of their life, they may benefit from talking to a licensed psychiatrist for a full evaluation. The psychiatrists at Thriveworks in Littleton, CO may be especially alert to symptoms such as the following, which may indicate an underlying mental health disorder:
- Focusing issues
- Radical mood swings
- Enduring sadness or despair
- Extreme and uncontrollable worries
- New eating behaviors
- Mania or hyperactivity
- Lethargy or reduction in activity levels
- Hallucinations
- Insomnia
- Repetitive behaviors
- Obsessions
- Alcohol or drug abuse
- Uncharacteristic behaviors
- Noticeable changes in mood
How Do Psychiatrists Diagnose a Mental Illness?
To diagnose a mental illness, a psychiatrist at Thriveworks in Littleton, CO will spend ample time with a client, asking questions about their medical history, their family’s medical history, their symptoms, etc. They might perform psychological tests. They might also request lab work from the client’s primary care physician to rule out underlying health issues. The end result is a full picture of the client’s mental health so the psychiatrist can make an informed decision about the proper direction of care. This all happens in close collaboration with the client, keeping them informed every step of the way.
Get Premium Psychiatric Care at Thriveworks in Littleton, CO
If you’re ready to see a psychiatrist, you want to see them quickly. Thriveworks psychiatrists work full-time for their clients, ensuring that you can get in to see them as soon as possible. New Thriveworks clients can often see their psychiatrist for the first time within 24-48 hours of their initial booking.
Thriveworks psychiatrists also accept most major forms of health insurance coverage. If you’re not sure if your insurance covers psychiatry, our support staff can help you figure it out.
Call the Thriveworks office in Littleton, CO today to get matched to a great, affordable psychiatrist who can give you the care you deserve. We look forward to your call!