Lake Worth Psychiatry is at the forefront of addressing the growing prevalence of mental health issues. As a specialized mental health clinic located in South Florida, our team is dedicated to helping individuals navigate through mental illnesses and improve their quality of life. In today’s society, there’s a positive shift towards eliminating the stigma associated with mental health, recognizing the importance of caring for our mental well-being just as we do our physical health. Acknowledging the need for psychiatric assistance is a significant step towards recovery. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports that 1 in 5 adults in the United States experiences mental health issues at some point in their lifetime, with 1 in 20 facing serious mental illnesses. Recognizing the critical nature of mental health is essential for overall well-being.
Psychiatrists: Who They Are and What They Do
Psychiatrists are medical doctors specializing in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders, as well as substance use problems. After completing medical school, psychiatrists undergo four to seven years of additional training in various aspects of mental illness, including its biological, social, and psychological facets. They are uniquely qualified to integrate psychiatric diagnosis with pharmacological treatment, somatic treatments, and psychotherapy.
Some psychiatrists choose to further specialize by pursuing fellowships in areas such as child and adolescent psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, addiction psychiatry, and geriatric psychiatry. Psychiatrists can offer specialized treatments like psychoanalysis, community mental health, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), ketamine therapy, and transcranial magnetic stimulation.
Unlike psychologists, who primarily provide counseling and non-medical support, psychiatrists have medical training that allows them to prescribe medications and perform specific medical procedures.
Education and Training
To become a psychiatrist, one must first complete a bachelor’s degree and then a four-year medical school program, earning either a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) or Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. This is followed by a psychiatric residency program, providing hands-on experience in the field under supervision.
When to See a Psychiatrist
Seeking psychiatric help may be warranted for various reasons, including difficulty adjusting to life changes, persistent anxiety or depression, suicidal thoughts, sleep disturbances, self-harm, experiencing trauma, hallucinations, uncontrollable substance use, and more. Mental health issues are not indicative of personal weakness but can be influenced by genetics, environmental stressors, brain chemistry imbalances, and other factors.
Finding a Psychiatrist
Finding the right psychiatrist involves several steps, such as seeking referrals, using online search tools like the American Psychiatric Association’s Find a Doctor tool or Psychology Today’s website, or consulting with your primary care physician. Many psychiatrists now offer online therapy sessions, providing a convenient and flexible option for treatment.
Lake Worth Psychiatry is committed to providing comprehensive mental health care services. If you are experiencing mental health challenges, contact us to schedule an appointment and begin your journey toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.