How a Psychiatrist Can Help You with Your Mental Health

Mental illness is isolating when facing it without a support system. Don’t accept a lifetime of managing your symptoms by yourself. If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, or another mental health condition, meeting with a psychiatrist can offer a solution. However, you may be wondering how a psychiatrist can help you with your mental health. Read on to learn more about the benefits of seeing a psychiatrist and how to start your journey to relief during Mental Health Awareness month.

What Is a Psychiatrist?

First, it’s important to understand what a psychiatrist is.

A psychiatrist is classified as a medical doctor who specializes in mental health therapy. To become a licensed psychiatrist, a doctor must earn their M.D. by attending medical school followed by a residency at either a hospital or a clinic. Upon completing their residency, which is usually about four years long, a psychiatrist will take the state medical board exam to become board certified. Many psychiatrists receive additional training in specific types of mental health conditions.

There are several different treatment options that a psychiatrist can offer for mental illness, from medication to state-of-the-art treatments such as ketamine and TMS therapy. The most effective treatment for you will depend on your mental health condition.

What Conditions Can a Psychiatrist Treat?

Psychiatrists are trained to treat a variety of serious psychiatric conditions and mental health related symptoms, including:

• Major depressive disorder (MDD) 
• Anxiety disorders 
• Bipolar disorder 
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) 
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) 
• Postpartum depression 
• Eating disorders 
• A suicide attempt or suicide ideation

Why Should I Consider Seeing a Psychiatrist If I Already Have a Therapist? 

While both psychiatrists and therapists can help patients navigate their mental health disorders, only a psychiatrist can prescribe medications to patients as medications must be prescribed by a medical doctor.

Here are a few other benefits a psychiatrist can provide:

• Diagnosis: Though therapists will walk you through emotions and experiences that contribute to a mental health condition, only psychiatrists can diagnose patients with mental health disorders.
• Understanding your mental illness: Thanks to their specialization in mental health, a psychiatrist can help you better understand the cause behind your mental illness. They can determine if your symptoms stem from a medical or physical condition or if it is solely a mental health issue.
• Personalized treatment plan: After making a diagnosis, a psychiatrist can prescribe medication for the condition or offer treatment options that fit your symptoms. A psychiatrist can also issue exams and tests to determine the root cause behind your condition to determine a fitting treatment.
• Teamwork: A good psychiatrist should focus on collaboration between them and their patients. They will work with you one-on-one to find the most effective treatment solution for your mental illness.

At Serenity, our team of board-licensed psychiatrists across Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, and Texas  are dedicated professionals and eager to help you take back your life from serious mental illness. Schedule an appointment today to begin the healing journey.