If you are someone who has considered getting a checkup for your mental health, it is natural to be curious about what a psychiatrist in Little Rock, AR, can do. These professionals are medical doctors who specialize in treating mental health but differ from a psychologist that only has an advanced degree. Before making an appointment at an Arkansas psychiatric clinic, it is smart to understand what psychiatrists do and how you can benefit from it.
What Is A Psychiatrist In Little Rock, AR?
These are medical doctors who specialize in treating mental illness and health. A psychiatrist is either a DO or MD, and they have the ability to prescribe medications. Some psychiatrists might also use what is known as psychotherapy in the same way a therapist does when formulating a plan for mental health. However, most psychiatrists will focus on the main medical aspects of mental wellness, leaving the psychotherapy to psychologists or therapists that are part of their team.
An outpatient psychiatric doctor will see the necessity for working with a tailored approach to treating patients. Many will go hands-on to address all of their patient’s needs. This may include basic issues or spiritual, medical, interpersonal, and educational guidance. With some patients, if the use or misuse of alcohol drugs is present, this will require a change in approach.
Today’s outpatient behavioral health care model recognizes how important families are as an integral part of the treatment plan. Some enlightened interventions will help families dealing with a range of issues, including neglect, child abuse and community and domestic violence. You may also find some family treatment plans that integrate psychiatric consultations for substance abuse or school failure. Any or all of the mentioned interventions could get used by the best psychiatrists in Little Rock, AR, to develop a personalized plan for their patients.
What Does A Psychiatrist Do?
The top psychiatrists in Arkansas may do most or all of the following:
- Assess patients for mental conditions like bipolar disorder, depression, and schizophrenia
- Identify different cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia
- Evaluate people who have substance use disorders (SUD) like drug abuse or alcohol dependence
- Screen for medical issues that could bring on behavioral or emotional disturbances
- Provide group, family, or individual psychotherapy
- Work with patients and assess well-being to reduce the risk of violence toward others, self-harm, and suicide
- Assist courts with decisions about criminal and civil proceedings that involve people with substance use disorders and mental illness
When it comes to seeking help from a professional, there is nothing wrong with admitting that you could use assistance from a trusted psychiatrist in Little Rock, AR. For many patients, optimum well-being and mental health mean treating the person as a whole and diving into the root causes of mental disturbances. Here at R&H Wellness, we are ready to set up an appointment for you to get the guidance and support you need. You are not alone. Call us at (844) 474-9355 to learn more about available services and schedule your first appointment.