Getting What You Need Out Of Counseling

People who live with anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, schizophrenia, and other mental illnesses need the support of mental health care providers. In some cases, therapy alone is a suitable treatment, but sometimes, psychiatric drugs are also required. Psychiatrists have the ability to prescribe medication to patients, which can be of great help when it comes to treating mental illnesses. Some psychiatrists combine counseling with other psychiatric duties, allowing patients to receive all of their mental health care from a single provider. Here are some of the things a psychiatrist counselor can do for you:

1. Evaluate your mental health

Psychiatrists can provide psychiatric evaluations for patients. This is an integral aspect of mental health care since mental illnesses must be correctly diagnosed before treatment can begin. A psychiatrist counselor may have you fill out a written assessment to get an idea of the types of issues that you're struggling with. They will also have a conversation with you to find out more about your symptoms. Once your psychiatrist reaches a diagnosis, you can begin discussing your treatment options with them.

2. Prescribe medication according to your needs

People often see psychiatrists because they are interested in utilizing medication to treat their mental illnesses. There is a wide range of psychiatric medications available to treat mental health conditions, including SSRIs, SNRIs, antipsychotics, and benzodiazepines. Each type of drug works on a different part of the brain. Some medications affect the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin, while others provide a hypnotic effect to reduce overall anxiety. Your psychiatrist will use their expertise to choose medications that are indicated for your conditions.

3. Adjust your medication regimen

Like other types of medication, psychiatric drugs can sometimes cause side effects. These side effects may be more or less pronounced in certain patients, depending on their body chemistry. Often, medication adjustments are required to find the correct type and dosage of drugs to treat your concerns. A psychiatrist counselor will work with you to change your medication regimen until you are both satisfied with your progress and results.

4. Provide talk therapy

Psychiatrist counselors can also provide talk therapy for their patients. Medication can help patients control the symptoms of their mental illnesses, but there are often underlying behaviors and thoughts that need to be addressed in order for true healing to occur. Psychiatrist counselors can help their patients work through past trauma and current struggles to become healthier and more resilient people.