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The Doctor Will See You Now: A Look At Psychiatry

11/2/2020

8 Comments

 
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Psychiatrists can be a vital part of a mental health team. They have great knowledge of mental health diagnoses, symptoms, and medication. Along with therapy, Psychiatrists can help their patients make improvements in their mental health and well-being.
A diagnosis is not necessary to receive medication. This title is a way of communicating individual needs from one professional to another. These words should be considered health related, just as a medical doctor would communicate with their patients on physical symptoms and label what their patient is experiencing. ​

Symptoms are an important factor in psychiatry. Body sensations that we have are often indicators of how we are feeling.  I recommend telling your Psychiatrist about all your medication, vitamins, symptoms, family history, personal history, and diagnosis (if applicable) so they are more likely to to help you with your individual needs.

You most likely would have some questions before meeting with a new Psychiatrist. Before meeting with your new doctor, I recommend writing down a few questions that you may have, so you feel prepared. Each Psychiatrist will run their office a little differently, but all require some information before prescribing medication.  They will likely ask you about your mental health history, the history of your immediate family, medication history, current medications used, etc. I recommend bringing the information with you or writing it down beforehand so you can share it easily with your new doctor. 

After starting the medication, the psychiatrist will likely recommend some frequent appointments to follow up on any side affects and see how the medication is working for you.  This is also an opportunity to make any adjustments, if necessary. 
Something that I regularly discuss with clients who are considering medication is the consideration of medication "half life."  Some medications can be felt same day and others may take weeks.  

To note, in California Marriage and Family Therapists do not prescribe medications. To discuss specifics about your medication list or if you're considering using medication to reduce your mental health symptoms I highly recommend reaching out to a primary care physician and/or psychiatrist. 

Stay well,
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Author

Megan Bowling, M.A., LMFT is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  She has been in the mental health field for more than ten years and is passionate to share mental health wellness strategies. ​

 **For specifics on medication, please contact a Psychiatrist for additional information. ​
8 Comments
Rebecca Gardner link
11/9/2020 11:45:20 am

Thanks for explaining why we need to tell our psychiatrist about any vitamins or medications we've been taking. My sister is planning on finding a psychiatry service to talk with about her social anxiety soon. I appreciate you sharing this info I can pass along to help her get the most value from her appointments!

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Megan Bowling, LMFT link
11/11/2020 01:02:49 pm

Rebecca,
You're most welcome. I'm happy to help. I hope your sister feels better very soon.

Megan Bowling

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John Carston link
11/12/2021 07:55:01 pm

It helped when you mentioned that a diagnosis is a way of communicating individual needs from one professional to another. A friend of mine mentioned to me last night about having mental health consultation because of depression and asked if I have any idea what is the best option to do. Thanks to this informative article and I'll be sure to tell him that it will be much better if he consults a trusted psychiatrist as they can answer all his inquiries and will provide proper treatment.

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Mia Evans link
6/10/2022 03:21:35 am

It's interesting to know that our body indicators can tell how we are actually feeling. It would probably be time for my cousin to get her mom psychiatric services this year. It's because she has been really all over the place these days, and we are concerned about her.

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psychologist near me link
11/8/2022 06:29:53 pm

An individual with a mental health issue needs a mental health treatment plan, often called a "mental health care plan." Your doctor can draught a plan for you if you have mental health difficulties. The plan outlines the kind of medical treatment you require as well as the goals you and your doctor have set for yourself. You could also be referred to neighbourhood mental health services.

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Psychiatrist in McKinney, Texas link
7/25/2023 06:03:50 am

Great advice! It's crucial to be well-prepared before meeting with a new Psychiatrist. Writing down questions and organizing your mental health history, medication, and family history beforehand can help ensure a productive and efficient appointment. Open communication about symptoms and individual needs is essential for receiving the right treatment. Taking proactive steps to provide accurate information empowers the Psychiatrist to offer the best possible care.




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Victoria Addington link
12/7/2023 11:42:53 am

Thank you for explaining that symptoms are a crucial factor in psychiatry. My friend has been having mental struggles. I should advise him to see a psychiatrist for proper care.

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Onyx Therapy link
4/7/2024 04:58:50 am

This article offers a really informative and balanced perspective on the role of psychiatry in mental healthcare. I appreciate how it covers both the benefits and limitations of psychiatric treatment, highlighting the importance of an integrative approach that considers the full range of physical, psychological, and social factors impacting mental health. The insights about the varying levels of training and specialization among different mental health professionals were particularly enlightening. As someone who has navigated the mental health system, I know firsthand how crucial it is to find the right provider and treatment plan. What has your experience been like in working with psychiatrists or other mental health professionals? Do you feel the mental healthcare system is currently meeting people's needs effectively?

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    Megan Bowling, M.A., LMFT is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She has been in the mental health field for more than ten years and is passionate to share mental health wellness strategies.

    Megan Bowling LMFT is located in Orange CA 92868.  She specializes in individual and couples therapy.
Megan Bowling, M.A., LMFT 
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist | CA #100409
P: 714.519.6041  |  e:[email protected]
22600 Savi Ranch Pky Ste A28 Yorba Linda, CA, 92887
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