General Psychiatry
At TheraMind Center of Newport Beach, our board-certified psychiatrists offer general psychiatric treatment including medication management, cognitive behavioral and psychotherapy and, as necessary, neuromodulation techniques, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and neurofeedback.
What is Psychiatry?
Psychiatry is the branch of medicine focused on diagnosing and treating behavioral disorders such as depression and anxiety. Medical doctors who specialize in behavioral disorders and mental health are called psychiatrists. They assess both the physical and mental states of their patients, are able to order diagnostic lab tests, perform psychological testing and prescribe drugs or other treatment regimens. Such testing, combined with one-on-one communications with patients, provides the basis for determining the state of a patient’s health and informs the appropriate treatment regimen for each patient. Treatment typically varies according to the specific needs of patients and may include psychotherapy, drug therapy and/or neuromodulation techniques.
Psychotherapy refers to a talking relationship between a physician and patient or a couple, family, or group, with the goal of altering behavior patterns. CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), another form of psychotherapy, focuses on specific problem-solving techniques. Psychoanalysis is an intensive form of psychotherapy which often takes many sessions over months or even years.
Drug Therapy is used by psychiatrists in an effort to correct imbalances in brain chemistry believed to be involved in mental disorders. These include several different drug classes including:
- Antidepressants for depression, OCD, PTSD and similar disorders;
- Anxiolytics for anxiety and sleep disorders;
- Antipsychotics for psychotic conditions;
- Hallucinogenics for depression and similar disorders; and,
- Stimulants for ADHD
Neuromodulation Techniques include transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and neurofeedback therapy.
How are Psychiatrists trained?
Psychiatrists are physicians licensed to practice in the same way as other physicians. They are trained in medical school like all other physicians and are required to complete comprehensive tests to achieve a state license to practice medicine. Residency programs in psychiatry following graduation from medical school usually take 3-5 years to complete and begin in hospitals and clinics where the doctor hones his or her psychotherapy and pharmacology skills. In California, once a doctor has completed a residency program he or she is required to take another round of tests, both oral and written, to achieve State Board Certification and become admitted to the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
Why might I need a Psychiatrist?
If you or a loved one is suffering from depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, ADHD or sleeplessness, a psychiatrist is the medical specialist you should consider making an appointment to see. These types of problems often become more severe if left untreated. Many patients struggle with such symptoms for months or even years and many believe their condition is not curable. The Board-certified psychiatrists at the TheraMind Center of Newport Beach use the most advanced treatment options available today to address patients’ behavioral issues. Options include TMS therapy, neurofeedback and psychotherapy in addition to medication management. Mindfulness techniques are often combined with TMS therapy by our team to help each person develop long term life skills rather than mechanically addressing symptoms. Our medical staff will also develop an after-care strategy for you which is supported by our entire TheraMind team. Our goal is to help you develop the skills you need for achieving long-term wellness.