Services
Evaluations
(Initial psyciatric evaluation) A psychiatric evaluation is, in its simplest terms, an evaluation designed to diagnose emotional, behavioral, or developmental conditions or disorders. These are conducted in our office by our Psychiatrists or Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners.
The initial evaluation will explore many aspects including developmental history, medical history, family history, social and environmental influences, academic/work concerns, and emotional and cognitive (thinking) strengths and weaknesses.
Each provider has his or her own system for the initial evaluation and an absolute diagnosis may not be made in the first visit.
Depending on who is being evaluated – child, adolescent, or adult – there are different components involved in the psychiatric evaluation.
For example, the evaluation of a child may consist of an initial session with parents without their child prior to the child’s first individual session, or it could be a session with the parents and child together. An adult evaluation, however, may consist of one long session that ends with a clinical formulation and recommendation.
Structure of the Psychiatric Evaluation
While this is dependent on the individual provider and his or her expertise, the following are topics that will likely be covered in a psychiatric evaluation prior to making a clinical formulation and recommendation.
- Individual History
- History of the Problem
- Family History
- Substance Use
- Developmental History
- Medical History
- Social History
- Mental Status
Medication Management
Based on this assessment, a diagnosis is made and a treatment plan is designed with the patient at the clinic. If it is in the patient’s best interests, medications will be discussed and education will be provided on the actions, uses, and side effects of the suggested medication options. When the patient agrees on a medication and treatment option, the medication is prescribed for a trial period to observe the effectiveness. This is the “medication management,” aspect of psychiatric care. We monitor the effectiveness of medication over a course of time to determine if the treatment meets the patient’s goals. Due to how psychiatric medications react differently within a patient’s brain chemistry, the effectiveness of the medications may vary from person to person. Every individual is unique. Medications are often utilized at the same time as other forms of treatment such as counseling, life management skills, and/or behavioral therapies. Through careful monitoring and on-going discussion we find the right medication and treatment plan to improve the patient’s mental health.
The use of prescription medications introduces potential risks and side effects, as with any medication. These are all discussed in detail, and weighed against the benefits of the medications, with each patient. Not all patients and not all psychiatric problems need medicines, but there are certainly instances where prescription medicines are the best treatment available to relieve a patient’s suffering. Medicines are commonly an important and effective part of the treatment of many mental illnesses to include depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety, panic, sleep problems, attention deficit disorder and several other disorders.
Psycho Therapy
Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is a way to help people with a broad variety of mental illnesses and emotional difficulties. Psychotherapy can help eliminate or control troubling symptoms so a person can function better and can increase well-being and healing. It can help people learn better self-awareness and healthier coping skills to improve their lives and overall functioning. Problems helped by psychotherapy include difficulties in coping with daily life; the impact of trauma, medical illness or loss, like the death of a loved one; and specific mental disorders, like depression or anxiety. There are several different types of psychotherapy and some types may work better with certain problems or issues.
Marital and Family
Family and/or couples counseling allows family members, couples, and others who care about each other to express and explore difficult thoughts and emotions safely, to understand each other’s experiences and views, appreciate each other’s needs, build on strengths and make useful changes in their relationships and their lives.
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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is a unique type of psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences or trauma. Research has demonstrated the effectiveness of this special type of therapy and it is particularly beneficial for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. It is usually an 8-phase treatment involving eye movements guided by the therapist’s hand or other movements involving both sides of the body while processing memories or trauma. One theory behind its effectiveness and why it is different than other forms of therapy, is that it targets healing in the limbic system of the brain where emotional processing occurs and traumatic memories are maintained. Therapists must receive special training to conduct this type of treatment.
Suboxone
SUBOXONE® Film is a narcotic medication indicated for the treatment of opioid dependence, available only by prescription, and must be taken under a doctor’s care as prescribed. It is illegal to sell or give away your SUBOXONE® Film. Please go to www.suboxone.com/Default.aspx for more information. Please click HERE if you are interested in SUBOXONE® treatment.
Genetic Testing
We are one of the few psychiatric clinics in our region that uses a specialized lab to conduct genetic testing. Cutting edge psychiatric research has demonstrated that certain genetic variations affect the body’s metabolism and response to medications. This can help prescribers make medication choices based on your individualized genetic make-up. There is a $25 processing fee for this service. The lab we use bills private insurance for the cost of the test. The test involves taking a saliva sample. Results are usually received within two weeks. Please let your provider know if you are interested in this testing.
Telemedicine
Telemedicine is the distribution of health-related services and information via electronic information and telecommunication technologies. Here at Norman Psychiatry are aware that in these times it is important to stay safe. With Telemedicine we are able to provide you a great visit while remaining safe within your home.
