SERVICES
An initial psychiatric evaluation is a thorough assessment conducted for every new patient in order to understand and assess a person's emotional, psychological, and behavioral functioning. It helps diagnose mental health conditions, determine the severity of symptoms, and to guide treatment planning.
It typically includes:
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Personal and medical history: Past mental health issues, medical conditions, medications, family history, and substance use.
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Current symptoms: Mood, thoughts, behavior, sleep, appetite, and functioning.
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Mental status exam: Observations of appearance, speech, mood, thought patterns, memory, and insight.
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Interviews or questionnaires: Structured tools to assess mental health concerns.
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Collateral information (if needed): Input from family, schools, or other providers.
The outcome is usually a diagnosis (if appropriate) and recommendations for treatment, which may include therapy, medication, or other supports.​
Medication management is the process of prescribing, monitoring, and adjusting medications to treat various mental health conditions. It involves evaluating the patient's needs, selecting appropriate medications, educating them about the treatment, and regularly following up to track progress, manage side effects, and make necessary adjustments. The goal is to help reduce symptoms, improve functioning, and support overall mental wellness. Medication is not a one size fits all approach to treatment.
Supportive therapy is often used alongside medication management in psychiatric care to enhance treatment outcomes. While medications help manage biological aspects of mental illness, supportive therapy focuses on emotional and psychological support.
How it works with medication management:
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Emotional support: Provides a safe space for patients to talk about their feelings, struggles, and progress.
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Encourages adherence: Helps patients stay motivated and consistent with taking medication by addressing concerns, side effects, or doubts.
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Coping skills: Teaches tools for managing stress, symptoms, or life challenges that medication alone may not address.
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Psychoeducation: Helps patients understand their condition and treatment, empowering them to take an active role in their care.
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Therapeutic relationship: Builds trust with the provider, which can lead to better communication and more effective care.
Supportive therapy doesn't aim to deeply analyze past experiences like some other forms of therapy—it focuses more on present-day functioning, encouragement, and stability. It's especially useful for patients with chronic mental illness or those going through difficult life situations.
Holistic Services is an approach that combines traditional treatments for mental health, like medication and therapy, with natural and lifestyle-based methods to help you feel better overall—mentally, emotionally, and physically.
How it works:
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Whole-person care: It focuses on your overall well-being, considering things like sleep, nutrition, stress, and lifestyle.
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Personalized treatment: Your care is tailored to fit your unique needs, preferences, and values.
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Combining therapies: In addition to medications and therapy, integrative psychiatry may include diet changes, supplements, exercise, and mind-body practices like yoga or meditation to support your mental health.
The goal of integrative psychiatry is not just to treat symptoms but to help you feel healthier and more balanced in the long run, using both traditional and natural approaches to care.
Would you like to know how this approach could help with your specific needs?