Psychiatry Services
When should someone seek psychiatric care?
If a person is suffering from mood fluctuations, anxiety, sleep problems, substance use, symptoms stemming from prior trauma, suicidal thoughts, persistent behavioral problems and psychotic symptoms which interfere with their normal, day to day functioning they may seek psychiatric care. It is especially important to seek care if these symptoms are ongoing and are not improving with adequate sleep, exercise, behavioral interventions and support from loved ones.
What is a Psychiatrist?
A psychiatrist is a physician (MD or DO) who obtains further training in Psychiatry after graduating medical school. A psychiatrist spends at least four more years training in Psychiatric Residency and Fellowships which includes completion of more than 10,000 hours of direct patient care. This training provides a broad base of knowledge in general medicine with expertise in evaluating and treating mental illness with modalities including medication, therapy, interventional treatments and lifestyle changes.
A psychiatrist who is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology has completed all training requirements and has passed extensive testing which demonstrates that a physician has sufficient experience and knowledge in the care of psychiatric patients, and upholds the standards of care of the general psychiatric community in the United States.
What is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner?
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners have an extensive medical background as a registered nurse prior to obtaining a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. The psychiatric nurse practitioner incorporates a holistic approach to promote mental health and wellness with advanced knowledge and skills in evidence-based treatments including: psychiatric-mental health diagnosis, prescriptive practice of psychotropic medications, psychotherapy, nutritional approaches and lifestyle interventions.
A Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who obtains board certification by the American Nurses Credentialing Center has completed all training requirements and passed extensive exams which demonstrate sufficient experience and knowledge to care for psychiatric patients and uphold the standards of care of the general psychiatric community in the United States.
