Psychiatry in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Jane is anxious all the time. She manages to juggle the same responsibilities as most adults her age. She’s a mom and a full-time employee at a great company. She enjoys many hobbies and can always be found hanging out with friends. Everyone who knows her thinks she has it made and is living a great life.
What Jane’s friends and family don’t realize is Jane has to expend a lot of effort to seem “normal.” The truth is Jane worries all the time if she’s a good mom to her kids, if she’s succeeding at work and meeting expectations, and if she is valued and appreciated by her friends.
Whether you can relate to Jane’s story or you have other mental health issues, a psychiatrist can help.
If you are searching for psychiatry in Fort Lauderdale, FL, consider scheduling an appointment with an online psychiatrist at Thriveworks. You can easily schedule your appointment at the Thriveworks office in Fort Lauderdale, FL today and meet with a psychiatrist virtually within 24-48 hours.
What Is A Psychiatrist?
Psychiatrists are medical doctors and mental health professionals specially trained in mental disorders and in the field of psychiatry. In addition, they can prescribe medications to help treat a host of mental disorders.
To become a psychiatrist, an individual must complete medical school, take a written examination for a state license, and complete residency training in psychiatry. After finishing residency training, they become board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. They must re-certify every 10 years.
Some psychiatrists also complete further training after their four years and become specialized. For example, they may specialize in child and adolescent psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, and sleep medicine.
Psychiatrists are employed in a variety of locations, such as medical centers, psychiatric hospitals, private practices, universities, community agencies, and emergency rooms.
What Is the Difference Between a Psychiatrist And a Psychologist?
Both professions treat mental disorders, but there is a distinct difference between the two—one is a medical doctor and the other is not.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has completed medical school and received specialized training in psychiatry. They can run psychological tests and oversee medication treatment.
A psychologist usually has an advanced degree, typically in clinical psychology, and receives training in clinical practice or research. They treat mental disorders with therapy and may also specialize in psychological testing and evaluation.
What Treatments Do Psychiatrists Use?
There are a variety of treatments available utilized by psychiatrists, but it all comes down to what works best for your needs.
Let’s look at a few common treatment methods:
- Psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, involves a talking relationship between a psychiatrist and a client. It’s used to treat many emotional problems and mental disorders. The goal of this therapy is to control or eliminate bothersome symptoms so the client can function better. The therapy can be done one-on-one, with couples, with a family, or in a group setting.
- Cognitive behavior therapy is another type of treatment used to help clients change negative behaviors or thought patterns. In this setting, a psychiatrist will ask you to discuss the effects of your relationships and experiences as well as your present behaviors. This treatment is effective for depression, anxiety, marital problems, as well as many other mental disorders.
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a type of medical treatment that is used directly on the brain. This method is sometimes used when a client hasn’t responded well to standard treatment. One example of ECT is called transcranial magnetic stimulation. Here, a magnetic field is created by a device held over the patient’s head, causing a weak signal to be applied to an area of the brain called the prefrontal cortex; this region of the brain is connected to mood.
According to Duke University, between 70 and 90 percent of patients who are treated with ECT experience rapid improvement in their symptoms.
Scheduling An Appointment with a Psychiatrist at Thriveworks in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Do you think you could benefit from talking with a psychiatrist about your symptoms? Or do you think medication, therapy, or a combination of the two could help? Then contact Thriveworks in Fort Lauderdale, FL, today. We have psychiatrists available for you who want to help you live a happy and successful life.
Our psychiatrists can also conduct many of your appointments online. It’s possible you’ll have to come into the office on occasion for an assessment or check-up, but otherwise, your psychiatrist will be more than happy to help you over video chat or phone.
Thriveworks in Fort Lauderdale, FL, also has many benefits to offer, including same- or next-day appointments and convenient scheduling by phone or online. We also accept most forms of insurance.
If you’re ready to meet with a psychiatrist, our scheduling assistants are available to set you up with an appointment and help get you on a path to thrive again.
