Comprehensive Psychiatric Care

Board-certified psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and integrative treatment for mental health conditions.

Psychiatric Care

What is Psychiatry?

Psychiatry is the medical specialty dedicated to the diagnosis, prevention, study, and treatment of mental disorders. Our board-certified psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs) who can prescribe medication and provide comprehensive treatment plans.

Unlike psychologists and therapists, psychiatrists complete medical school and residency training, allowing them to understand the biological aspects of mental health conditions and provide medication management alongside therapy.

Medical Diagnosis

Comprehensive assessment of symptoms

Medication Management

Prescription and monitoring of medications

Biological Understanding

Knowledge of brain chemistry and function

Integrated Treatment

Combining medication with therapy

About Medication Management

Medication can be an important component of treatment for many mental health conditions. Our psychiatrists carefully consider:

  • Accurate Diagnosis: Ensuring correct diagnosis before prescribing
  • Individualized Approach: Tailoring medication to your specific needs
  • Minimal Effective Dose: Starting low and adjusting slowly
  • Regular Monitoring: Tracking benefits and side effects
  • Comprehensive Care: Medication as part of overall treatment plan

Our Psychiatric Services

Comprehensive Evaluation

Thorough 90-minute initial assessment including medical history, symptom review, and diagnostic formulation.

Diagnostic Interview Medical History Treatment Planning

Medication Management

Careful prescribing, monitoring, and adjustment of psychiatric medications with regular follow-up appointments.

Prescription Dose Adjustment Side Effect Monitoring

Genetic Testing

Optional genetic testing to guide medication selection based on your individual metabolism and response.

Pharmacogenetic Testing Personalized Medicine Metabolic Analysis

Treatment-Resistant Conditions

Specialized care for conditions that haven't responded adequately to standard treatments.

TRD Assessment Advanced Protocols Augmentation Strategies

Medication-Assisted Therapy

Combined approach of medication and therapy for substance use disorders and other conditions.

Substance Use MAT Protocols Recovery Support

Integrated Care Coordination

Collaboration with your other healthcare providers for comprehensive, coordinated treatment.

Provider Communication Care Planning Treatment Integration

Mental Health Conditions We Treat

Condition Common Symptoms Treatment Approaches
Major Depressive Disorder Persistent sadness, loss of interest, fatigue, changes in sleep/appetite Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs), therapy, lifestyle changes
Anxiety Disorders Excessive worry, panic attacks, social anxiety, specific phobias Anti-anxiety medications, SSRIs, CBT, exposure therapy
Bipolar Disorder Mood swings (depression & mania), energy changes, impulsivity Mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, psychotherapy, routine
ADHD Inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, executive dysfunction Stimulants, non-stimulants, behavioral therapy, coaching
OCD Intrusive thoughts, repetitive behaviors, compulsions SSRIs, exposure therapy, cognitive therapy
PTSD Flashbacks, avoidance, hypervigilance, emotional numbness Trauma-focused therapy, SSRIs, EMDR, coping skills
Eating Disorders Distorted body image, disordered eating, preoccupation with food Nutritional counseling, SSRIs, therapy, medical monitoring

The Psychiatry Treatment Process

Initial Comprehensive Evaluation (90 minutes)

Thorough assessment of symptoms, medical history, family history, and previous treatments to establish accurate diagnosis.

Diagnostic Formulation & Treatment Planning

Development of personalized treatment plan including medication recommendations, therapy referrals, and lifestyle modifications.

Medication Initiation & Education

Detailed discussion of medication options, potential benefits, side effects, and expected timeline for improvement.

Regular Follow-up Appointments

30-45 minute appointments every 2-4 weeks initially to monitor response and adjust treatment as needed.

Maintenance & Long-term Management

Less frequent appointments (every 3-6 months) once stable, with ongoing monitoring and support.

Psychiatry FAQs

Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs or DOs) who complete medical school and psychiatric residency. They can prescribe medication, provide psychotherapy, and understand the biological aspects of mental health.

Psychologists have doctoral degrees (PhDs or PsyDs) in psychology and provide psychotherapy and psychological testing but cannot prescribe medication in most states.

This varies by medication and individual:

  • Antidepressants: Typically 4-6 weeks for full effect, with some improvement in 2-3 weeks
  • Anti-anxiety medications: Some work immediately (benzodiazepines), while others take weeks (SSRIs)
  • Mood stabilizers: May take several weeks to reach therapeutic levels
  • ADHD medications: Stimulants work within 30-60 minutes; non-stimulants may take weeks

Your psychiatrist will discuss expected timelines and monitor your response closely.

While medication can help manage symptoms, therapy addresses the underlying thoughts, behaviors, and patterns contributing to mental health challenges. Research shows that combined treatment (medication + therapy) is often most effective for many conditions.

We often recommend concurrent therapy, and we can coordinate care with therapists in our practice or refer you to appropriate providers.

Many side effects are temporary and diminish within the first few weeks. We encourage you to:

  1. Contact us immediately for concerning side effects
  2. Do NOT stop medication abruptly without consulting your psychiatrist
  3. Keep a symptom journal to track side effects and benefits
  4. Schedule a follow-up to discuss adjustments

We have many strategies to manage side effects, including dose adjustments, timing changes, or switching medications if needed.

Schedule a Psychiatric Evaluation

Take the first step toward comprehensive mental health care. Our board-certified psychiatrists provide expert evaluation and personalized treatment planning.

90-Minute Evaluation

Comprehensive initial assessment

Same-Day Prescriptions

When clinically appropriate

Psychiatry Inquiry Form