According to 2019 data from the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly one in five adults in the United States are living with a mental illness. One of the most common treatment methods for mental illness is working with a psychiatrist.
A psychiatrist can study the mental and physical effects of a disorder. They are trained to diagnose, prevent, and treat disorders, through psychotherapy and behavioral interventions. Psychiatrists differ from psychologists in that they are trained medical doctors, so they can also prescribe medication.
Keep reading to learn all about the rewarding benefits of psychiatry services.
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The Flexibility of Psychiatry Services
One of the primary benefits of psychiatry services is the flexibility in treatment methods. Psychiatric services can be sought in-person as well as online. An in-person session would take place in a psychiatrist’s office and communication would occur face-to-face.
An online treatment service would still prioritize communication, but it may happen over the phone, via text or call, or otherwise through some method of video chatting.
Online psychiatry services are beneficial because they are often more accessible than in-person treatment. Take the COVID-19 pandemic, for example. When individuals are at home and quarantining, they still have the option to pursue mental health treatment.
Online services can also be more convenient for individuals with busy schedules or limited transportation services.
Online psychiatrists are held to the same standards as in-person psychiatrists. They must meet similar licensing requirements and must uphold the standards of privacy and patient-doctor confidentiality.
Choosing between online and in-person care is up to the patient, but there is little evidence found that one method is more effective than another.
Navigating Issues and Emotions
Another benefit of seeking a psychiatrist is their commitment to improving mental health and emotional health. Psychiatrists can help a patient identify current issues in their lives. This can include a diagnosis of a mental disorder, or it can be something as simple as navigating stress or a life change, such as an upcoming move or job promotion.
Once a psychiatrist has identified the issue, they can help their client manage the issue.
Their client may be struggling with fears surrounding the issue. Or, they may have other emotions that they are unsure how to manage. Working with a psychiatrist can drastically improve quality of life because clients can learn how to cope with change as well as interpret their emotions and distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate emotional responses.
Psychiatrists build trust with their clients. Clients can thus feel comfortable opening up about themselves and can gain objective opinions, whereas they might receive judgment or criticism from family or friends.
Benefits of Medication
When getting help, many individuals with mental health seek out a psychiatrist because they can prescribe medication.
Mental health stems from imbalances in the brain.
Medication works to counteract these imbalances. The right prescription can reduce symptoms of a mental disorder, making them easier for a person to manage. For individuals with substance use disorder, medication can reduce cravings and help promote abstinence.
Medication works best when it is paired with other methods of treatment, and may not be a solution for everyone.
Finding the Best Psychiatry Services
Psychiatry services are incredibly flexible, they promote mental and emotional health, and they can give individuals access to necessary medication. When looking for psychiatry services, it is important to find highly rated and licensed psychiatrists. A psychiatrist should be trustworthy and equipped to meet your needs.
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