Category: <span>Therapy</span>

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Don’t Let Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Destroy Your Life

People who have obsessive compulsive disorder experience repetitive patterns of behavior, or “compulsions.”

These actions, which are a result of anxiety, can take a lot of time and might be exhausting.

Fixation or preoccupation are often companions to OCD behaviors. In other circumstances, the event that sets off the behavior may be connected to a specific item or location. OCD sufferers may clean with extreme care or become fixated on scrutinizing everything.

Obsessive compulsive disorder

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder affects approximately 2.2 million people in the United States.

Typical symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder include excessive washing, cleaning, praying, or performing rituals based on religious fear.

Other OCD symptoms may involve compulsive behavior about food or eating habits, body image, exercise, or being consumed with worry about forgetting something. For example, after leaving the house, obsessing over the thought that water was left running or a stove or heater was not turned off.

These behaviors can be especially disruptive to a person’s ability to concentrate and complete tasks.

For a proper diagnosis, it’s crucial to seek professional medical attention because children may exhibit comparable symptoms.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder does not have any potentially fatal side effects. Anxiety frequently sets off the obsessions.

Obsessive compulsive disorder causes irrational thoughts and disrupt a person’s life.

OCD can manifest at any age, however the behavior typically emerges in kids between the ages of 7 and 12. When a person has the disorder, their compulsions frequently increase in frequency and duration during stressful situations.

The whole health of the OCD sufferer depends on accurate diagnosis and therapy.

According to recent research, OCD is caused by abnormal neurological function that interferes with brain transmission. The relationship between the frontal cortex and the ventral striatum, a region of the brain, is disrupted by OCD, research reveals.

SSRI (anti-depressant) medicines and counseling are frequently used to treat OCD. A patient may receive assistance during therapy to lessen the erroneous thinking that fuels their obsessions.

Although the symptoms cannot be cured, they can be controlled. Obsessive compulsive disorder can be treated in a variety of ways, therefore it’s crucial to comprehend its causes in order to manage it effectively.

Treatment for OCD using cognitive therapy is beneficial. The patient’s fears are gradually exposed to throughout this therapy in a secure setting. Over time, the individual discovers that resisting the compulsion does not result in negative outcomes. Children with OCD can be effectively treated with this kind of therapy. Both the child and the family benefit from the treatment. The youngster should receive medicine to manage the symptoms if the disease is severe.

OCD is a condition that can be managed with medication. These drugs are intended to lessen symptoms and manage compulsions. Only a doctor’s prescription is required to purchase the drugs.

It’s critical to be aware that these drugs can have adverse effects like nausea and headaches. Any side effects should be discussed with your doctor. Only take the drugs if absolutely necessary. If you are concerned about the treatment’s side effects, you should also see a psychiatrist.

In Summary

Medication and cognitive treatment can help control the symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder. OCD is an illness that frequently has no symptoms, yet treating it is a difficult procedure. The symptoms of OCD can be treated with a variety of medications, but they do not provide a cure.

Finding the best course of treatment may require some trial and error with several drugs. If the correct mix of therapy is used to treat the illness, the quality of life may potentially improve. Understanding OCD is the first step in treating it.

Therapy By riverview 0 Comments

Discover the Difference Between Psychologists and Psychiatrists

If you are considering mental health care options, you should know the difference between psychologists and psychiatrists.

Choosing to seek the help of a psychiatrist or psychologist can often be overwhelming for the person in need of mental health services. Many psychiatrists do not offer all the services that people are seeking.

Because many psychiatrists do not work in the specialized areas of treatment that people need, it can become confusing as to which services psychiatrists provide vs. psychologists.

When people are searching for mental health care treatment optioPsychologists ns, they often do not want to have to search among numerous psychiatrists, each with different services, waiting to find out if they will be able to treat their needs.

This type of situation can quickly become frustrating and can even cause the person who is seeking mental health care to lose interest and give up the idea of getting the help they need.

So What is the Difference Between Psychologists and Psychiatrists?

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. Psychiatrists must complete four years of medical school after earning their bachelor’s degree, and then serve another 4-year residency in the psychiatric field.

Psychologists earn their bachelor’s degree and then continue to doctoral-level training. They do not go through medical school, but rather pursue a Ph.D. or a PsyD. A PsyD has a stronger focus on clinical training and behavioral therapy treatment and a Ph.D. focuses more on research.

The main difference between psychologists and psychiatrists is that psychiatrists are medically trained in the diagnosis of physical and mental diseases, and treatment with prescription medications

Most psychiatrists work in private offices. To ensure that a psychiatrist treats all the individuals in his or her office with a high level of care, the patient and his or her family or friends should be involved in the process of selecting a psychiatrist.

Having the patient’s close friends and family members be part of the selection committee can prove to be greatly beneficial. With this approach and the support of the patient’s loved ones, the mental health professional will always be able to receive feedback on the progress of the individual’s therapy.

If a psychiatrist is willing to stay in communication with those family members and close friends, this also indicates that the professional cares about his or her patients.  Often, the person seeking mental health services needs the encouragement and support of those closest to them.

In addition to the services that a psychiatrist provides through his or her private office, a psychiatrist may also refer the patient to alternative specialty services if the individual feels that his or her treatment methods are not working. For instance, a patient might benefit from group counseling.  A good psychiatrist will be able to make the appropriate referrals.

To avoid spending additional money for the services of a psychiatrist who offers specialty services, many patients turn to a psychologist who may be able to provide appropriate services for the individual. Because many psychologists are trained in a variety of behavioral treatment methods, they can offer a wide range of effective care solutions.

In conclusion, the main difference between psychologists and psychiatrists is that psychiatrists are trained medical doctors who prescribe medications. They spend much of their time with patients on medication management as a course of treatment.

Psychologists are a little different because they focus extensively on psychotherapy and treating emotional and mental suffering in patients with behavioral intervention. Patients often benefit the most from both services combined.

 

One way to make sure that a psychiatrist offers the services that will meet all your needs is to make an appointment to meet with him or her personally.

Whichever course of treatment is right for you, Riverview CMHC is here to help.

Contact us today. We have offices in Stuart and Port Saint Lucie, Florida.

Stuart, FL office  772-266-4713

Port Saint Lucie, FL office at 772-301-1354

 

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The 4 Types of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) Explained

 

borderline personality disorder

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is one of the most misunderstood mental conditions in the US.  Some believe it is a mental disorder caused by genetic predisposition and chemical imbalances in the brain, while others think the affected person is simply difficult to handle. A few mental health professionals believe that BPD is nearly always brought on by childhood trauma, or PTSD.

The truth is, we are still learning and experimenting with medication and therapy treatments. The good news is the success rate for easing severe symptoms has improved and showing better results than ever before.

A borderline personality disorder is often confused with bipolar disorder. Most patients suffer from more than one condition. Both borderline personality disorder and bipolar disorder include anxiety and depression disorders and may manifest in eating disorders, substance abuse, and other physical illnesses.

Further, the perception of the severity of the mental illness may be subjective, and the diagnosis is often based solely on information the patient provides the therapist. Severely depressed people are often mistrustful by nature and have difficulty communicating or admitting the symptoms of their condition. 

The 4 types of borderline personality disorder – symptoms, and treatment options

If you or a loved one suffers from BPD, it is helpful to understand and recognize the four different types of borderline personality disorder. 

After reading this article, you will know more about the symptoms, causes, and treatment options, as well as the similarities and differences of bipolar disorder. 

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is defined by its psychological impact on emotional regulation, impulse control, and interpersonal relationships. 

The difference between borderline personality disorder and bipolar is that BPD manifests with an outburst of anger triggered by an interaction with a person the borderline perceives as critical or judgmental. 

Bipolar disorder is a physical affliction where the person experiences a manic-depressive state with periods of emotional depression (with lack of energy and fatigue) and alternating manic episodes (feeling high with excessive energy and euphoria). The bipolar state can last from days to months. Unlike borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder manic episodes are generally triggered by seasonal weather changes, disrupted sleep patterns, or stressful events.

To be officially diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, an individual must have four of these characteristics: 

  • Feelings of sadness or guilt for even the smallest of things
  • A constant overwhelming need to control the lives of others
  • Experiencing significant swings in emotions (such as anger or fear)
  • Experiencing chaotic emotions that can include rage, jealousy, helplessness, and fear of abandonment.

Additionally, a sufferer will have impulse-based thoughts that are unreasonable and unrealistic. This negative perception causes intense distress and leads to detrimental behaviors and strained relationships. These thoughts and actions usually stem from deep-seated feelings of inadequacy, shame, fear, and helplessness. 

Most people who suffer from BPD exhibit behaviors that overlap all four of the subtypes. In most cases, the illness is predominantly one of the four types. 

The 4 Subtypes of Borderline Personality Disorder are defined as follows:

  • Impulsive – The impulsive BPD is prone to reckless and risk-taking behavior and often acts without regard for the consequences. This type demands to be the center of attention and often complains of chronic or recurring illness to gain attention and sympathy. 
  • Petulant – Characterized by childish and ill-tempered behavior. The petulant BPD exhibits uncontrollable anger and feeling of worthlessness and self-loathing. They possess an intense need to control and manipulate others, and their volatile mood swings and rage can lead to violence and conflict in their relationships.
  • Discouraged – These traits are overly dependent on others, low self-esteem, hopelessness, depression, and anger. The discouraged borderline personality is susceptible to substance abuse. They may have an intense fear of rejection, anxiety, vulnerability, and weakness.
  • Self-Destructive – This BPD is prone to be overly sensitive to perceived criticism. They cannot empathize with others and lash out in hostility when they feel threatened. The self-hatred and bitterness may be so severe and deep-seated that they tend to react irrationally and push away the people who care about them the most. The self-destructive type is impulsive, moody, and prone to risky behavior and self-harm.

Treatment

Borderline Personality Disorder treatment combines psychotherapy and medication. The goal is to help the client recognize and manage their debilitating emotions. Effective medications such as antidepressants and antipsychotic drugs are the most prescribed for BDP. These medications are an effective tool to control mood swings and behaviors out of the patients’ control. 

A borderline personality disorder is a serious condition that needs to be treated by professional therapists. It often goes untreated for long periods. Family members are often afraid to seek help, as they fear the consequences and possible outbreak of anger if they suggest counseling or drug therapy. 

When left untreated, the disorder can worsen very quickly, and the person’s quality of life can suffer. Because Borderline Personality Disorder has so many potential symptoms and complications, it is imperative to identify them when they first occur.

If you suspect that someone close to you may be displaying these symptoms, do not hesitate to make an appointment with a physician. The doctor will perform diagnostic tests and determine if the patient has a borderline personality disorder.

Your doctor will also be able to offer helpful information and referral options for treatment. If you are diligent about seeking treatment, you can get your loved one the help needed to gain control over their life. It is possible to regain the ability to love yourself and live as independently as possible.

Medications

Medications will not cure borderline personality disorder, but they can effectively manage the symptoms, including mood swings, impulsivity, and obsessive-compulsive behavior. 

Common medications used to treat mood swings are sedatives like Valium and Ativan. Other common medications to treat the symptoms of BPD include antidepressants and mood stabilizers.

Antipsychotic drugs like Ritalin, Concerta, and Temoxazole can also be helpful to treat borderline personality disorder symptoms. 

However, all these medications carry risks and possible complications. You will have to work closely with your doctor to find the best course of drug therapy.

Behavioral Therapy

A very successful treatment approach for borderline personality disorder is called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This treatment approach focuses on changing how a person thinks and how they respond to situations. CBT is sometimes combined with medications to treat people who suffer from BPD. Some doctors will use antidepressant medications alongside therapy to treat people with a borderline personality disorder. 

People who suffer from BPD tend to experience more severe emotional symptoms than those with other personality disorders. Because of this, it can be more complicated to treat co-occurring conditions when they are part of borderline personality disorder. Although some people with borderline personality disorder have enjoyed successful treatment for co-occurring conditions. 

The best way to treat borderline personality disorder is with medications to treat the symptoms and not the disorder.

If you choose to use medication to control your symptoms, make sure that you select FDA-approved drugs. Some prescription medications can cause your symptoms to get worse rather than better, however, medications remain one of the most effective treatment options available for people diagnosed with a borderline personality disorder.

Call  Riverview CMHC today.  Offices in Stuart and Port St. Lucie FLA – Contact Riverview CMHC

 

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Depression Telehealth Therapy By riverview 0 Comments

Has COVID-19 Impacted Your Mental Health? Feel Better Today!

Mental Health During The Covid-19 Pandemic

Just as it is important to take your temperature regularly, as a COVID-19 precaution, it is equally important to do a mental health check. COVID-19 is weighing heavy when it comes to our mental health and overall well-being.

Those that have never experienced a mental health condition are finding themselves wondering what is wrong with themselves, and what they can do to get back to their “happy place.” It may be difficult to pinpoint a fracture in mental well-being for those that have never suffered from a mental health condition before.

Symptoms that could indicate a mental health condition

  • Feeling sad for more than half of your waking hours
  • Excessive worry or fear
  • Frequent uncontrollable mood changes
  • Fatigue and low energy levels
  • Impaired concentration
  • Thoughts that the world or others are better off without you
  • Inability to cope with daily stressors
  • Drug or alcohol dependence
  • Changes in diet

Of course, the above list is not all-inclusive; However, if you find yourself suffering from one or more of the bulleted symptoms above, you should seek the assistance of a medical professional at your earliest convenience.

For those that have suffered from mental illness in the past, COVID-19 is increasing the chance of relapse. If you feel triggered to go back to old habits, it is important to consult with a mental health professional. It may be a bit easier for those that have suffered or currently suffer from mental illness to pinpoint that they need to seek help than for those that have not experienced it before.

Keeping up with your regular self-care regime is important. Taking care of yourself is the first step to maintaining your mental health. This will better prepare you to cope with the challenges that you are faced with. Do your hair. Buy the new face mask. Continue yoga. Do what makes you feel good.

If you are feeling a bit off, talk to a friend or loved one. It may be difficult to talk about your feelings, but it can help! If you still feel like you could use more help, speak to your primary care doctor for a referral to a mental health professional, or contact a mental health professional directly. They will give you professional advice, and guidance that is specifically tailored to your needs. In-person and virtual meetings are available at Riverview CMHC, depending on your comfort level during the ongoing pandemic.

Mental Health
Depression Telehealth Therapy By riverview 0 Comments

How to get help with mental health during COVID-19?

Coping With Mental Health During Covid-19

In the past year, lives have been taken, jobs have been lost, and many businesses have shut their doors for the last time. Vacations and celebrations have been put on hold, and people are becoming depressed and overwhelmed. The Covid-19 pandemic has caused a mental health crisis, and those that have never experienced a mental health issue previously, may not know where to turn. If you find yourself wondering how to get help with mental health during Covid-19, keep reading.

Telehealth to address concerns about mental health during covid-19 is an option that has expanded greatly during the pandemic, and those that need support for their mental health have the ability to consult with a professional remotely. This is the safest way to have a session with the doctor, as no one has to leave the comfort of their own space or come in contact with others. For those that have seen a mental health professional on a regular basis before the pandemic to keep their mental health at an optimum level, telehealth may seem like a difficult transition. While there is less of an in-person connection with virtual meetings, it is still a starting point, or a way to continue monitoring mental health for relapse. 

If you think that you may be suffering from a mental health issue, ask yourself the following:

  • Am I having severe negative thoughts?
  • Am I relying on substances, such as drugs or alcohol, to cope with day to day stressors?
  • Have my eating habits changed?
  • Are people constantly asking if I am okay?
  • Do I constantly feel like I am just in a mode of survival?
  • Has my sleeping pattern changed?
  • Am I restless most of the time?
  • Am I more tired than before?

If you answered “yes” to one or more of these questions, you may be suffering from deteriorating mental health. You can get assistance with this by scheduling an in-person or telehealth appointment with your primary care physician, trying to talk it out with a trusted individual in your circle, or by contacting a mental health professional directly.

If you feel overwhelmed more often than not, it is in your best interest to be seen (in-person or virtually) by a mental health professional. Their main job is to help in determining the cause of your mental health deteriorating and to come up with a plan in order to combat the issue. 

Most importantly, if you have thoughts that your life isn’t worth living or you seem to be feeling hopeless, this is a mental health emergency. Go to your nearest emergency room, or contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255.

mental health during Covid-19
Anxiety Depression Stress Therapy By riverview 0 Comments

Inspiring Mental Health During Covid-19

Taking Care Of Mental Health During Covid-19

During the Covid-19 health crisis, it is important to concentrate on your physical health by taking the proper precautions both in and outside your home. Taking care of our mental health during Covid-19 is also just as important.

With the pandemic comes a whole new lifestyle. You aren’t going out as often, seeing as many friends and loved ones that you usually do, and some are even working inside of the home. If you find yourself struggling with anxiety, stress, depression, or negative feelings in general, do not refrain from seeking the help of mental health professionals.

Anxiety

Anxiety is common to experience in the wake of a pandemic. Coping with fear and uncertainty can be difficult, especially for those that have never experienced these feelings to this extent previously. The best way to tackle any fear is to become educated on the topic. The more you know about the dangers, and your risk, the easier it is to put your fears into perspective. The news is a trigger for anxiety– turn it off! Having some time “media-free” can help to reduce anxiety levels. If the anxiety you are feeling begins to feel more like panic, seeking help from a medical professional is the best way to begin your road to recovery.

Stress

Covid-19 has also brought on feelings of stress to many people in both the USA and the world as a whole. Routines are turned upside down and daily life doesn’t seem real. Parents are even becoming teachers! With all of these changes, life can begin to feel overwhelming, and these issues can take a toll. With people isolated or seeing too much of each other within the same walls, families can begin to experience extreme frustration. These stresses are temporary, and you will get through them. Talking with a professional may help to relieve some of the stress, as they can provide specific techniques to help you feel a better sense of wellbeing.

Depression

Depression is becoming more widespread than ever before. Many people have lost their jobs, are socially distancing to prevent themselves and their immediate family from getting the virus, and have to adjust to completely new schedules. If you find yourself in a bad mood for no particular reason on a daily basis, have difficulty feeling pleasure in things that used to interest you, are experiencing a lack of appetite, or have feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, or feel that life is not worth living, seek medical assistance immediately.

An evaluation with a mental help professional is the first step to leading a better life. There are many effective treatments available to help you take care of your mental health during Covid-19. Our comprehensive services will evaluate and identify and the effects that it has had on both you and your family. It is important to make sure that you can be the best version of yourself to get through this pandemic and tackle it head-on.

If you are feeling overwhelmed or just need to talk with a caring mental health professional to help you cope with your mental health during Covid-19, Riverview Community Mental Health Services is here for you.  We have a highly qualified staff of trained professionals available at our offices in Stuart and Port Saint Lucie, FL.

Riverview Community Mental Health Center

Stuart
865 SE Monterey Commons Blvd
Stuart, Florida 34996
772-266-4713

Port Saint Lucie
451 SW Bethany Drive, Suite 103
Port Saint Lucie, Florida 34986
772-301-1354

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Therapy By riverview 0 Comments

What Is Outpatient Therapy?

Outpatient Therapy

As with all medical situations, there are times where the necessary treatment or patient is safe to leave afterward. The latter type of situation where a procedure or treatment is performed and the patient then returns home without any type of extended stay in a medical facility is referred to as outpatient treatment or outpatient procedure.

The term “outpatient” can refer to a wide variety of treatments and procedures including outpatient therapy for mental health issues.

It is the process of providing medical treatment or services to patients in either one-on-one or group settings for a set period of time, with the patient(s) leaving the facility when the session is over. Outpatient therapy is different from inpatient therapy, such as rehabilitation therapy for addiction or other disorders, that require a patient to remain at the facility for a designated period of time.

Common Outpatient Therapy Includes:

• Physical Therapy is used to rehabilitate the body as a whole or a certain part of the body after injury or surgery.

• Counseling is a type of therapy that is generally recommended when a person suffers trauma or has depression, anxiety, or any type of mental health issue where they need to talk with a trained professional.

• Psychotherapy refers to therapy that uses a variety of techniques to treat mental disorders including but not limited to schizophrenia, personality disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and more.

• Drug/Alcohol Addiction Therapy can be both outpatient and inpatient depending upon the stage of addiction the patient is in, but typically uses various coping techniques to help patients get past their addiction.

• Behavioral Therapy is used when a person has extreme behavioral issues that are affecting their daily life and the lives of those around them.

• Speech Therapy is a therapy aimed at helping a patient with a part or part of speech that they may be struggling with such as a stutter, speech impediment, or inability to say certain phonetic sounds.

How Outpatient Therapy Works

Those seeking outpatient therapy are typically stable enough with their health that they can take care of their daily responsibilities and tasks, but are in need of therapy for one reason or another. Sessions usually last around 60 minutes or so and consist of either a one on one environment with a therapist and a patient or at times a group of patients and a therapist.

Therapy may consist of simply talking with a therapist about certain issues in your life, doing targeted physical activities, or specific practices to target whatever it is you need to work on.

If you are considering outpatient therapy, or if it has been recommended that you participate in some type of therapy, then we always recommend doing your research. Read reviews, talk to friends and family, and choose the best therapist and option for you and your needs.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy
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How Successful Is TMS?

TMS therapy, which stands for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation therapy, is a therapeutic method that uses magnetic fields in order to stimulate nerve cells inside the brain to improve symptoms caused by depression or anxiety. This type of therapy is typically only used when other means of treating depression or anxiety aren’t effective.

How Does TMS Work?

Prior to engaging in TMS therapy many patients want to know exactly how it works.
Typically, an electromagnetic coil is pressed to the scalp closer to the forehead. This electromagnetic pulse delivers a pulse that while painless works to stimulate nerve cells that directly affect mood control. TMS therapy is painless and is supposed to activate parts of the brain that have decreased activity due to depression or anxiety. Activating these parts of the brain has been said to improve mood in those suffering from depression or anxiety.

Possible Risks & Side Effects

While TMS therapy is relatively safe and because it is non-invasive there are minimal risks and side effects. Common side effects of TMS typically include headache, scalp discomfort in the area that was stimulated, tingling or twitching of facial muscles, and possible lightheadedness. If you do experience any of these side effects, your doctor will likely adjust the level of stimulation or have you take a standard pain reliever such as Ibuprofen.

Serious side effects are rare with TMS therapy, but it is important to know what to look for just in case. These side effects include seizure, mania in the case of someone with bipolar disorder, or hearing loss if your hearing isn’t protected during the procedure. If you experience any of these side effects, contact your doctor immediately.

Results Of TMS Therapy

According to tmsbrainhealth.com “most TMS providers find that TMS has a success rate at between 70%-80%, meaning that the vast majority of individuals find significant relief after the treatment.” These statistics show that for the majority of patients, TMS therapy is successful in either improving symptoms of depression or anxiety or relieving symptoms altogether. If your symptoms do improve, you should still discuss with your doctor whether or not ongoing, repetitive TMS therapy treatments are needed. Typically your doctor may also recommend common treatments for
depression such as medication or psychotherapy to keep your depression or anxiety at bay. Riverview Community Mental Health Center is well-known for its successful TMS treatment in ME.

If you are interested in TMS therapy and how it can help you, be sure to ask your doctor to see if this could be a good fit for treating your depression or anxiety.

Psychiatry Near Me
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Things to Look for in Psychiatry Near Me

“Psychiatry Near Me” Is Often The Most Common Search When Looking Online For Mental Health Services        Psychiatry Near Me

It may feel like a difficult task to find a good psychiatric facility if you are feeling symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, depression, or other common mental health illnesses. There are many factors to consider when you are looking for psychiatry services. It is always most important to keep in mind that the doctor is there to help you, and will not judge you. If you feel that you don’t have a good relationship with the psychiatrist that you choose, their assistance will be minimal.

It is important to be able to connect with the professional in order to achieve the results that you desire. Look into different doctors before making the decision to see one exclusively. They should be willing to consult with you before jumping into treatment.

Referrals are important! If you look on Google in the general search field for “psychiatry near me,” you will find many different doctors that will seem to be able to help you, but there are also reviews! Take a peek at what other people have to say about them. Of course, a better form of referral is a referral from your primary physician, or friends and family members that have seen them in the past. It is great to go to someone that you know has helped someone that you are familiar with, and they are willing to refer them to you based on their services.

Some insurance companies even require a referral from your primary physician in order to cover the expenses related to your sessions with the psychiatrist. Take a moment to check with your insurance company to see if this is a requirement so you don’t end up with a hefty bill.

In some cases, when you search for “psychiatry near me,” there may only be a few that pop up. This depends on where you live, as there is a shortage of practicing psychiatrists nationwide. This is especially true in rural areas. If this happens, search for telepsychiatry. Telepsychiatry is a great option for you to get the treatment that you need, without the travel expenses. It is just as effective as a traditional session and is ideal for those that don’t have services offered near them. It can be done from home, or through your doctor’s office. Some insurance companies cover this, while others do not.

Through the Affordable Care Act, most small private and group insurance plans have to cover mental health services. If you have health insurance, it is most likely that mental health services are covered with the exception of your normal copayments.

There are also psychiatrists that do not accept health insurance at all. Based on percentages, only 48% accept it in the North East, 57% in the West, 43% in the South, and the Midwest leads with 88% of psychiatrists accepting insurance for payment.  If you live in an area where most psychiatrists don’t accept insurance, it is important to compare prices. Some may charge a lot compared to others in the area. Shop around, and look into the medical professionals in your area. 

After doing your research with Google and referrals, the next step is to look into the credentials of the psychiatrists that have made your list. Make sure they are licensed and board-certified. If the referral came from your current doctor, chances are they are. But, if the referral came from a relative or friend, it is important to make sure that they are still certified and license to practice in your state.

You can contact the Board of Psychiatry to find out. Unfortunately, anyone can create a website these days and add a title to the end of their name, so doing your due diligence will ensure that you get a high level of care.

Next- meet them! Set up a consultation with psychiatrists that have made the cut in order to get a feel for them and discuss your mental health concerns. 

This appointment will ensure that you can work with the doctor before you make a commitment to care as a treatment plan. Good psychiatrists will want to get to know you first, too! Payment arrangements should also be discussed. This meeting typically serves as an interview, with you being the interviewer. If anything seems off or you don’t believe the doctor is right for you, stop and continue on your search.

A good psychiatrist needs great observation and listening skills. They really need to pay attention and take what you are saying into account in order to get the most out of the session. If they don’t notice when you are feeling anxious or depressed, they aren’t going to be able to effectively treat the condition that you are suffering from. They also need to be aware of any side effects or symptoms that you show from medications that they prescribe, as they may not be the best fit for you. Other options are always available.

Communication is different for everyone, and you need to be sure that you mesh well with your doctor. Their communication style needs to fit with yours so you can understand each other. If you feel that they aren’t communicating effectively, let them know and give them a chance to change their style. If it doesn’t work, move on.

Your psychiatrist should take the time to educate you and your family about the condition at hand. They shouldn’t just listen and prescribe medication. They need to dive deep into it, you can develop a treatment plan with them and be willing to educate you on the methods that will be used for treatment. You also need to be aware of your medication and the side effects that you may incur. A good doctor will tell you what to expect upfront, without leaving you to learn on your own.

A good psychiatrist needs to be empathetic. They won’t dismiss your feelings or emotions, and they will listen to what you have to say and observe your actions in regard to it.

Your psychiatrist should be knowledgeable about a wide range of mental illnesses. Many symptoms can be indicators of more than one type of illness and it is their job to determine what one you are really suffering from. Without a broad knowledge of the mental illness, they won’t be able to effectively diagnose your condition and treat it. They should also be aware of different therapies and medications so they can come up with the ideal treatment plan for you as an individual.

The psychiatrist that you pick should offer various types of treatment, especially when it comes to medications. Although some medications can take up to two months to show signs of improvement, the psychiatrist should have an alternate plan if you go several months without feeling any relief. Your opinions regarding treatment should matter, and if you experience any negative side effects, you should entertain the option of a change in treatment.

How regularly you see the psychiatrist also matters. If you are stable and responding favorably to treatment, you may be able to go up to three months without an appointment. If treatment is just starting or symptoms are in full force, the patient may be seen more often. For this reason, it should be easy to make an appointment with your doctor. Mental illnesses are oftentimes unpredictable. You may feel fine one week, and be suffering from severe depression the next. It is important to b able to see your doctor often during these times.

If you aren’t happy with your treatment for any reason at all, don’t be afraid to make a change! You need to have trust in your doctor and also need to feel completely comfortable with them in order for treatment to be effective. It is more important to respond well to treatment than to stick with a doctor that you feel stuck with. Do what is best for you and look into other options if this is the case.

If you feel that you may be suffering from a mental health illness, it is important to begin searching for psychiatry near me. Contacting a medical professional is the first step to creating a happy, healthier you. When you find a psychiatrist, set up a consultation to ensure they are a good fit and that all of your needs will be met. This may take a bit of time, so starting the process early will ensure results in a timely manner.

When you type in that Google search “psychiatry near me”, keep these tips in mind, and be sure to find a provider that you trust.

individual counseling
Individual Treatment Therapy By riverview 0 Comments

Individual Counseling – 5 Amazing Benefits

Get the support you need with individual counseling

Medical professionals have been assisting people by providing individual counseling sessions for numerous years. Individual counseling has many advantages and benefits that will help those that take part in their daily lives. 

Individual counseling is a more personalized session that really digs deep and addresses the client’s specific problems. A plan can be drawn in order to coincide with a specific recommendation, and include tailored treatment options for the situation.

Below are the top five benefits of individual counseling:

  1. Regain a sense of self-control. Individual counseling helps the patient develop positive behaviors to use in their day-to-day activities. It helps to get the patient to a level where they are ready to take on more responsibility when it comes to their lives and confront challenges that would otherwise make them feel hopeless or helpless.
  2. Improve relationships with loved ones. Individual counseling helps to address issues within relationships, which creates a fresh outlook. Relationships improve with friends, loved ones, and the community as a whole. The patient is better able to interact with those around them and may choose to take part in social gatherings more often.
  3. Confront addictive behaviors. Individual therapy helps the patient get specific advice when it comes to substance abuse, eating disorders, relationship issues, and alcoholism. There is no cookie-cutter method when it comes to confronting these behaviors, but when the sole focus is on you individually, you achieve better results.
  4. Relate and address emotional hindrances. Individuals sometimes act irrationally without even realizing that they are doing it. Individual therapy can help with ways to deal with emotional challenges in a better manner, without giving in to anger or depression. This will result in better communication skills and better interactions with others.
  5. Develop fresh ideas about life. Individual therapy helps to create a positive mindset and acquire useful techniques for patients to deal with patterns of depression, anxiety, and other destructive behaviors and thoughts. Learning various techniques can assist when times get hard and help the patient cope a bit better.

Consulting a professional for an individual counseling session is a great step toward a better life and a better quality of life. While group and family therapy sessions are helpful, it is also important to focus completely on yourself.

No matter what is troubling you, individual therapy sessions are beneficial. With programs designed specifically for you, you can be sure that the session will provide great resources, techniques, and advice to help you put your best foot forward.

Individual counseling is the most common type of therapy that people take part in. Many different treatment styles are utilized depending on the situation and the medical professional of your choosing.

When the client and the professionals have the time to focus on each other in an individualized setting, rapport and trust are built. This, along with the techniques used, are a recipe for success.

The safe, confidential, and caring office that you choose will prove to be a great resource for you to achieve the results that you desire.

 One in six people will experience some degree of depression at some time in their life. Individual counseling or talk therapy can be used to treat many types of mental illness issues and emotional difficulties. The goal of psychotherapy is to control troubling symptoms so the patient can function better.

A trained therapist can help people make positive lifestyle changes and identify the causes of symptoms. In time a good therapist can provide strategies to change unwanted thoughts and behaviors. Therapy can equip people with the skills to manage symptoms, reduce anxiety, shame, fear, and stress and improve their quality of life.