Making the decision to address mental health concerns can be difficult and sometimes be an anxiety-provoking process, however, it is also a very brave decision. According to National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), only 1 out of 20 Americans with mental health symptoms seek treatment, only 1 in 5 people have some form of a mental health issue that needs to be addressed by a medical professional, and 1 in 6 people takes a psychiatric medication. Failure to obtain proper attention and treatment only propagates symptoms, often causing a decline in daily function, risk of self-harm, loss of relationships, and more. While it may seem overwhelming, seeking psychiatric care from Epic Health Partners can provide real help in a time of need.
Psychiatry in Today’s Practices
Psychiatry teams include several kinds of medical professionals capable of making diagnoses and/or prescribing medications, including psychiatric doctors (MD), psychiatric nurse practitioners (NP), and physician assistants (PA). These providers are qualified in medication management and can implement pharmacology into the mix of treatment interventions for mental health diagnoses. Teams may also include psychologists, licensed professional counselors (LPC), and licensed clinical social workers (LCSW). These team members may also be doctors because they hold Ph. D.s, however, do not prescribe medications. Because of their specialized training, they are able to diagnose and offer psychotherapy, support, and guidance.
Pharmacology and medication management need can be met by a psychiatric doctor (MD), physician’s assistant (PA), or nurse practitioner (NP). Medications can be prescribed for long-term or short-term use and are monitored by these providers to assure their effectiveness. Monitoring symptoms of depression, anxiety, mood, and overall functioning assure that interventions are providing a positive effect on mental health symptoms.
Therapy can be provided by licensed professional counselors (LPC), and licensed clinical social workers (LCSW). These providers are master or doctoral-level clinicians with licenses to practice counseling by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. The license and title will vary depending on the state in which they practice. They are generally called psychologists, therapists, social workers, counselors, and marriage and family therapists. Therapists can specialize in a certain type of treatment, like trauma, grief and loss, substance use, and play therapy). They can also specialize in specific populations like young children, couples, families, and adults. Therapy can be scheduled weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly and can last anywhere from a few weeks to several years depending on the circumstance and need.
Once a Comprehensive Needs Assessment is completed, and a diagnosis is given by the healthcare provider, they may have recommendations for treatment options, based on individual needs. Many psychotherapists use a combination of techniques from different therapy models. It is also normal to try one approach, decide it does not address the current needs, and then try another type. It is also perfectly normal to meet with one provider, and decide they are not a good fit for you or your needs. Remember, it is OK to change therapists or therapy types if one isn’t working for you. It is not that the therapeutic process does not work, it means another provider is needed to maximize the full benefit of the service. Keep trying until you find someone who feels right to you.
Therapy can be difficult, and often there are feelings of being uncomfortable or nervous about discussing mental health symptoms and personal thoughts with a stranger. This often gets easier with time as rapport is built in the therapeutic relationship. Whether it is just a difficult time in life or the treatment of mental health symptoms that is causing distress, therapists are trained to help without judgment.
At Epic Health Partners, we have a team of providers who will specialize in meeting your individual needs and addressing your concerns.
Psychiatric Services through Epic Health Partners in Richmond, VA
At Epic Health Partners, we offer both onsite and telehealth psychiatric services including outpatient counseling for children, adults, and families, group therapy, intensive outpatient counseling, medication prescription and management, community-based programs, and more.
For a consultation with Epic Health Partners’ team of licensed professionals, call us today at (434) 835-4601, or request your visit by completing the online appointment request form. We have convenient locations in Richmond, Danville, and Martinsville, Virginia.
For an immediate crisis, please call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-TALK (8255). Also, you can text HOME to 741 741, or call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Hotline.
