Is seeing a psychiatrist worth it?
The myths and stigma that surround mental health treatment can serve as significant barriers to accessing care. It’s not uncommon for people experiencing mental health challenges to find themselves on the fence when it comes to the decision to seek out professional support. Dr. Holly Betterly MD, Board-Certified Psychiatrist in Weston, FL separates the facts from the fiction, shedding light on the benefits of establishing care with a psychiatrist.
This post is provided for educational purposes only, and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have questions, always reach out to your doctor for more information.
Struggling with your mental health? Reach out for professional support. Dr. Betterly is a board-certified psychiatrist in Weston, FL dedicated to helping you overcome depression, anxiety, and OCD. She offers appointments at her office in Weston, FL, conveniently located in Weston Town Center, as well as via telehealth for patients across Florida. Request an appointment today to start your journey to better mental health.
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Specialized expertise in mental health problems
What is a psychiatrist?
Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MD or DO) who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions. Psychiatrists complete years of rigorous training, with an educational pathway that typically includes four years of undergraduate education, four years of medical school, and four years of residency training. Some psychiatrists complete additional years of fellowship training in order to sub-specialize in working with specific groups and conditions, such as children or older adults. Psychiatrists must complete multiple standardized tests in order to demonstrate competency in the field, including lengthy medical licensing and board certification examinations. An ABPN Board-Certified Psychiatrist is a true expert in the management of psychiatric disorders.
Extensive knowledge of psychiatric conditions
Psychiatrists spend many years learning to treat the full spectrum of mental health conditions. Throughout residency training, they gain experience working with patients across a variety of different practice settings, from outpatient clinics, to crisis response centers (aka psychiatric emergency rooms), to psychiatric hospitals, to general medical hospitals- to name just a few. Psychiatrists are trained to provide both medication management as well as therapy, which allows them to develop treatment plans that are tailored to the unique needs and preferences of their patients.
Expertise in mental health and physical health
As medical doctors, psychiatrists have expert knowledge of the ways in which our physical health can impact our mental health, and vice versa. It’s not uncommon for medical conditions, such as thyroid problems, to manifest with mental health symptoms. Similarly, many mental health conditions present with physical symptoms, such as headaches, digestive problems, or muscle tension. Determining the root cause of your mental health symptoms is critical, as the appropriate treatment is specific to the underlying cause, and varies significantly from one condition to another. As an example, depression that’s caused by a thyroid problem may be treated with thyroid medication, while depression that’s caused by a depressive disorder may be treated with therapy or antidepressant medications. Psychiatrists have a deep understanding of both the mind and the human body, which allows them to consider the full spectrum of potential contributing factors.
Precise, professional psychiatric diagnosis
Psychiatrists have specialized training in performing comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, through which they identify the precise cause of their patient’s symptoms. This process is referred to as diagnosis. It may involve a combination of a clinical interview together with standardized instruments or rating scales, blood tests, or imaging. Psychiatric evaluations are tailored to each patient’s unique health circumstances.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM, is a tool used by psychiatrists throughout the psychiatric diagnostic process. The DSM outlines the criteria for each specific psychiatric condition, describing the signs and symptoms that are typically seen in those who are experiencing a given disorder. Psychiatrists apply these criteria to the information that they have gathered from the patient in order to render a diagnosis.
It’s important to note that diagnosis isn’t as simple as checking off a list of symptoms. Many different mental health conditions can manifest with similar symptoms, thus psychiatrists must apply their expert knowledge of medicine and psychiatry to determine the root cause of their patient’s problems, considering the overall big picture. A precise diagnosis is crucial, as it guides treatment.
For many patients, the process of obtaining a formal psychiatric evaluation and diagnosis can be empowering. It’s not uncommon for patients to assume that the mental health symptoms that they are experiencing are just a part of who they are, or that they are alone in their experiences. It can be extremely validating to learn that others have experienced similar struggles. It often leads to a shift in mindset, with patients coming to view their symptoms as a challenge to overcome rather than as a burden that they are forced to endure.
Comprehensive, evidence-based treatments
Once a psychiatric diagnosis has been identified as the cause of a patient’s mental health symptoms, it opens the doors to exploring available treatment options. As medical doctors, psychiatrists have extensive training in and appreciation for evidence-based treatment, focusing on options backed by research. Treatment options vary depending on the specific psychiatric disorder in question, but often involve prescription medications, therapy, or a combination of the two. They may also involve lifestyle changes, such as healthful nutrition, restorative sleep, and finding joy in movement. Psychiatrists understand that no two patients are alike, and that when it comes to treatment plans, there is no such thing as “one size fits all”.
Early detection & relapse prevention
After the initial psychiatric evaluation, psychiatrists continue to see their patients on a regular basis. Follow up appointments provide an opportunity to check in on how things have been going since the last visit, which may include assessing whether symptoms are improving, or evaluating how the patient is responding to their medication. Many psychiatrists utilize standardized symptom rating scales, which are specialized evidence-based questionnaires that provide an objective means of measuring symptoms over time.
Careful monitoring of symptoms allows psychiatrists to pick up on subtle changes that patients may not notice on their own. This can help to identify potential problems before they snowball, helping to prevent a relapse of symptoms. There are often warning signs that a mental health crisis may be impending, which psychiatrists are trained to pick up on.
Build and develop healthy coping skills
Life stressors are an unavoidable part of the human experience. Psychiatrists can help you to identify healthy coping skills and stress management strategies so that you can feel confident in navigating the twists and turns of life’s transitions. Building your toolkit of coping skills promotes resilience, and teaches you to learn to ride the waves of life rather than getting overwhelmed or crushed under them.
Judgment-free & confidential space
Psychiatrists are bound by a code of professional medical ethics, which emphasizes the importance of patient confidentiality. While there may be some specific legal exceptions depending on your state (such as legally mandated reporting of child abuse, or a legal requirement to inform law enforcement of direct, targeted physical threats against a specific individual), psychiatrists are generally required by law to keep their patient’s sensitive health information secure and protected, only to be disclosed to outside parties with the patient’s express permission to do so. It’s extremely important that patients feel comfortable speaking freely with their healthcare providers, and a commitment to confidentiality helps to promote open communication by building trust that conversations will be held in confidence.
Find a Psychiatrist Near You
If you’re ready to take the first step, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) provides a free online search directory for locating a psychiatrist near you. This tool allows you to search by zip code, as well as to apply other filter preferences, so that you can find a psychiatrist that fits your needs.
Want to know if your psychiatrist is board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology? The ABPN provides a free verification tool on their website.
Located in Florida? Dr. Holly Betterly is a board-certified psychiatrist dedicated to helping you overcome depression, anxiety, and OCD. She offers flexible access to care, with in-person appointments in Weston, FL, as well as telehealth visits for patients across Florida. She is currently accepting new patients 18+. Click here to request an appointment.
