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Psychology and psychiatry are two different fields that focus on mental health. Psychology is the study of the human mind, behavior, and emotions as they relate to normal development. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who diagnose and treat mental illness using a combination of psychological treatments and medications. Psychiatric specialists are trained to recognize and understand the biological components of mental illness, whereas psychologists (such as licensed therapists or counselors) typically focus on behavior and cognitive processes. Overall, psychology focuses on understanding people in order to make recommendations for treatment, while psychiatry emphasizes the use of treatments such as medication management and psychotherapy in order to diagnose and treat mental health conditions.

Anyone who is struggling with mental health issues or has been diagnosed with a mental illness may benefit from seeing a psychiatric specialist. Even if an individual does not feel they have a diagnosable disorder, talking to a psychiatric professional can still be beneficial. Psychiatrists and other psychiatry experts can help people understand their emotions and behavior better, as well as provide strategies for managing distress.

No, psychiatrists may not always prescribe medication. Your Geode psychiatric provider is trained to assess a patient’s mental health and can recommend medication as part of an overall treatment plan if needed. However, the decision to prescribe medication is ultimately up to the provider and the patient. It is important to talk to your Geode provider about what type of mental health treatment will be most effective for you.

When you meet with your Geode psychiatric specialist for the first time, they will ask you questions about your symptoms and medical history. They may also perform physical tests to rule out any underlying medical conditions that could be contributing to your symptoms. Based on these evaluations, the provider can make an accurate diagnosis regarding your mental health and make treatment recommendations as needed.

At Geode Health, we believe in a comprehensive approach to mental well-being. We offer a variety of psychiatry and psychotherapy services under one roof to ensure our patients have access to high-quality holistic mental health treatment that meets their needs. After your initial evaluation, your Geode provider can offer more guidance on the type of treatment plan that may work for you. Many patients find that a combination of medication management with a psychiatric specialist as well as ongoing psychotherapy produces the best outcomes, while others prefer one type of treatment over the other. The choice to see a therapist or psychiatrist is ultimately dependent upon your goals and unique needs.

Psychiatrists can prescribe a variety of medications to treat mental health conditions. Common types of medication prescribed by psychiatrists include antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and anti-anxiety medications. Your psychiatrist may also recommend lifestyle changes such as exercise or dietary modifications to help manage symptoms, as well as non-medical treatments like talk therapy.