Psychiatry: What Is It?

Psychiatry is a branch of medicine focused on treating mental and behavioral health symptoms. Psychiatric providers treat symptoms of behavioral health disorders through assessment, diagnosis and comprehensive treatment planning. The word “psychiatry” is often synonymous with the word “psychiatrist”. While this is a common association, psychiatric nurse practitioners (NPs) and psychiatric physician assistants (PAs) are also able to provide comprehensive mental health care to include medication management. These providers are skilled in treating mental health symptoms in a holistic, comprehensive way.

Diagnoses Treated in Psychiatry

Psychiatric professionals diagnose and treat a wide range of mental health concerns, including:

  • Depression and mood disorders
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Schizophrenia and psychotic disorders
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • Substance use disorders
  • Eating disorders
  • Personality disorders

If you are concerned about mental health symptoms you are experiencing, consulting with a psychiatric professional can help you to get to the bottom of what is going on.

How Do Psychiatric Professionals Treat Symptoms?

Psychiatrists, Psychiatric Physician Assistants (PAs) and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are able to provide a wide range of services in the field of behavioral health. They are all able to provide assessment, diagnosis, prescribe medications, provide ongoing medication management, order and interpret lab results and collaborate with other providers as necessary.

In some States NPs and PAs can practice independently, however, in some States like North Carolina they require collaboration with a MD. Psychiatrists, NPs and PAs are able to provide quality behavioral health care that is comprehensive and individualized.

Finding the Right Provider

Psychiatry is an essential and expanding field that treats mental health symptoms through medication management. Many in the psychiatric field also encourage healthy lifestyle changes and overall mind body wellness. Psychiatric medication management often works most effectively when combined with mental health counseling.

Carolina Counseling Services in Sanford, NC contracts with caring licensed psychiatric professionals AND therapists. Find the individualized care you deserve with CCS. Call now to get started!