What do psychotherapists do?
Psychotherapists provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and creative blocks. Many people also find that therapists can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem and help point you in the direction of a solution.
What is a psychiatric nurse practitioner?
A psychiatric nurse practitioner is a nurse who has an additional master's degree and highly specialized training in psychiatry that allows them to assess, diagnose and treat psychiatric issues in the same way psychotherapists and psychiatrists do.
How can medication help me?
Sometimes we feel so down, so anxious or distracted that we can't function well. Our work and relationships suffer and we lose the joy in life and can't seem to get it back. The goal of medication treatment is not to change who you are but to help you return to your highest level of function functioning, experience joy and feel like yourself again.
Do I really need medication? I can usually handle my problems on my own.
ADHD, mood and anxiety disorders are now known to be highly genetic. Sometimes we can manage the symptoms on our own, but sometimes the symptoms can be so intense that they are beyond what we can handle. When symptoms become that intense, it doesn't mean we're weak, it means that ADHD, depression, anxiety and mood swings are real medical conditions - as real as asthma, diabetes or heart disease. Seeking an evaluation for treatment with medication when your symptoms are affecting your functioning is actually a way of taking care of yourself.
What about medication vs. psychotherapy?
I will work closely with you to evaluate how you are feeling, make a plan, and help you decide whether psychotherapy, medication or a combination of the two will provide the optimal path toward feeling your best. Our sessions will be a collaboration in which I will offer guidance and you ultimately decide what is best for you.
How will I know if medication is right for me?
Sometimes finding the right medication can be frustrating. It may take a period of trying different doses or different medications in order to feel better. If you stick with the process though, it is very likely that medication can be an important tool in we can use to help you feel like yourself again. Ideally, when a medication is working well, you should have a good amount of energy during the day, a more positive outlook, improved concentration, less irritability, less anxiety and a good night's sleep.
Will my information be confidential?
Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and a mental health clinician. We will provide you with a written copy of our confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in your appointments will not be shared with anyone. This is called “Informed Consent”. Sometimes, however, you may want your clinician to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (primary care doctor, psychotherapist or medical specialist), but by law your psychiatric clinician cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.
State law and professional ethics require mental health clinicians to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:
* Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders requires clinicians to report to the authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources.
* If the clinician has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threatened to harm another person.