What do you Really Want to Know About Psychiatric Care?
While one in five adults in America encounter mental illness each year, only about one-half of those individuals seek treatment. Without question, one of the topics of debate when navigating where to turn for help is: Why choose psychiatry? You may be wondering: What can I expect, How effective is treatment, and What does this say about me? At City Psychiatry Inc we understand the anxiety that comes with uncertainty and the unfortunate stigma surrounding mental illness. We are here to help provide clarity regarding expectations and logistics of psychiatric services. We are also determined to provide understanding and most importantly trust between our patients and provider. Contact us today at CityPsychiatryInc or call us 18135990159 to discover more.
Treatment Details and Expectations
Psychiatry is a medical specialty that is the essence of diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental illness. Psychiatrist and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners provide these services. Treatment options range from medication management to therapy and all the in between. There are additional treatment options psychiatric providers may provide and/or recommend including Trans-cranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), Ketamine, Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), as well as dietary supplementation and lifestyle changes. While each of these options may prove more or less effective depending on the individual and circumstance, a deliberate integration of services has favorable effectiveness. Treatment time also varies, dependent upon the individual and their circumstances, and is unique to each. Nevertheless, individualized treatment plans are crucial to the optimization of care and prime outcomes.
When should I seek out psychiatric care?
There is no wrong answer when determining need of psychiatric consultation, except dismissing this option all together. When mental illness is negatively impacting quality of life, relationships, and/or ability to function at home or work it is time to seek out psychiatric services. An inability to regulate emotions or manage sleep, energy, and focus are also a good indicator psychiatric expertise is justified. Other conditions warranting psychiatric treatment include irrational fears, changes in sleep or eating patterns, social withdrawal, thoughts of self-harm, substance use concerns, and decline in work/school performance.
Desiring a deeper understanding of life experiences and their impact on daily life is a valid reason to seek out psychiatric care. Questions regarding potential causes of and risk factors associate with various condition may also be reviewed under psychiatric treatment. Finally, those individuals searching for strategies to cope with daily stressors, tackle acute concerns, improve daily life skills, and stress management are all appropriate candidates for psychiatric treatment.
Stigma
Most people would not think twice before treating conditions such as hypertension or diabetes. Likewise, questioning a loved one’s decision to seek medical expertise when facing cancer, thyroid disease, or neurological decline is unlikely. While individuals are typically encouraged to treat medical conditions, there is so often stigma surrounding psychiatric illness and treatment. In fact, this stigma is so profound, only 50% of adults and children seek treatment for mental illness. Also, the average delay to treat mental illness is seven years.
Perhaps as a result of this failure to treat or at least contributing to, 40% more adults in America with mental illness suffer from medical conditions such as heart disease and stroke and 35% have a substance use disorder. While suicide was the 11th leading cause of death in 2023, 90% of those labeled “death by suicide” were reported to have a mental health history upon psychological history.
Even still, mental illness is not widely recognized with such veracity. While structural stigma limits the rights of those with mental illness, public stigma consists of those negative thoughts and beliefs stimming from individuals or groups of individuals. Self stigma can easily be associated with self-blame and guilt. While typically, stigma is the result of ignorance and insecurity, the antidote is education and understanding. Supporting those with mental illness, having open conversations, and exposure all help reduce the burden of stigma surrounding mental illness.
Personal Experience
Open communication and a collaborative approach to care enhance outcomes for those with mental illness. Confidentiality, judgement free space, professionalism, and trust are all paramount to overcoming stigma and embracing psychiatric care. Psychiatric professionals with lived personal experience are not only knowledgeable but relatable in their field. They are able to provide both insight and appreciation through lived experience.
At City Psychiatry Inc we provide a nurturing environment focusing on individual needs and comprehensive care. We know how practical concerns may be a major barrier to seeking psychiatric help. Therefore, we provide details of logistics and allow for ease of accessibility and communication with your provider. Are you ready to find out if our psychiatric services are right for you? Contact CityPsychiatryInc today at 1(813)5990159 to find out more. I have been there, I know what it is like, and I want to help you.
Mental health by the numbers. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). (2025, October 15). https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-by-the-numbers/
Singhal, N. (2024, March). Stigma, prejudice and discrimination against people with mental illness. Psychiatry.org - Stigma, Prejudice and Discrimination Against People with Mental Illness. https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/stigma-and-discrimination