Medical and Therapy Evaluations

Understanding Medical and Therapy Evaluations in Mental Health Care

Medical Evaluations in Psychiatry: Conducted by psychiatrists and Physician Assistants (PAs), these evaluations focus on diagnosing and treating mental health issues medically. They involve assessing your physical and mental health history, possibly including lab tests and physical exams. The goal is to identify any medical factors influencing your mental health and to manage treatment, which may include medication,holistic guidance, and referrals.

Therapy Evaluations: Led by psychologists, therapists, counselors these evaluations aim to understand your emotional and psychological state. Through discussions and psychological testing, they explore your personal experiences and challenges, with the goal of developing a personalized therapy plan that addresses your unique needs.

Collaborative Approach: Psychiatrists, PAs, and therapy clinicians often collaborate in your care, ensuring a comprehensive approach that addresses all aspects of your mental health.

Important Note for Patients Seeking Therapy at OBHN:

At OBHN, we are committed to providing comprehensive mental health care, which includes both therapy and regular medical evaluations. While our skilled therapists can offer excellent counseling and psychotherapy services, it's important to understand that therapy is just one component of overall mental health treatment.

Why Regular Medical Evaluations are Essential:

Comprehensive Care: Mental health involves both psychological and physical aspects. Regular medical evaluations ensure that any physical factors contributing to mental health conditions are identified and managed.

Medication Management: If medication is part of your treatment plan, medical evaluations are crucial for monitoring its effectiveness and making necessary adjustments.

Holistic Approach: Mental health is dynamic, and your needs change over time. Regular medical evaluations and visits help in adapting your treatment plan to these changes, ensuring that you receive the most effective care. Our mental health professionals work alongside our patients to consider behavioral changes such as healthy habits and stress management.

At OBHN, we encourage collaboration between therapists and medical professionals, such as psychiatrists, Physician Assistants (PAs) to provide you with a holistic treatment approach. Your mental health is our priority, and regular medical evaluations are a key part of ensuring you receive the best possible care.

Glossary of Mental Health Professionals

Psychiatrist: A medical doctor (MD, DO) who specializes in mental health. Psychiatrists are qualified to assess both the mental and physical aspects of psychological problems, diagnose mental health conditions, and prescribe and manage medication.

Psychiatric Physician Assistant (PA): A PA is a licensed medical professional who practices medicine under the supervision of a psychiatrist and are qualified to assess mental and physical aspects of psychological problems. PAs can conduct psychiatric evaluations, manage treatment plans, prescribe medication, and supportive therapy.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW): LCSWs are trained in psychotherapy and help individuals deal with a variety of mental health and daily living problems to improve overall functioning. An LCSW can provide therapy, counseling, and intervention services, and is often involved in case management and advocacy.

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT): An LMFT is a mental health professional specializing in relationship and family dynamics. They hold a master's degree in marriage and family therapy or a related field. LMFTs are trained to work with individuals, couples, and families, helping them address and resolve emotional and interpersonal issues. They focus on how these relationships impact an individual's mental health and work to develop strategies for improving communication and relationship dynamics.

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC): An LPC is a mental health professional licensed to provide counseling services. They hold a master's degree in psychology, counseling, or a related field. LPCs are trained to offer a variety of therapeutic techniques to help individuals, families, and groups deal with emotional, mental, and behavioral issues. They are skilled in creating a safe, supportive environment for clients to explore their feelings and develop coping strategies.

Psychologist: Psychologists typically hold a doctoral degree in psychology (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) and are experts in psychotherapy, psychological testing, and the study of human behavior. They conduct therapy, perform assessments, and contribute to treatment planning, but generally do not prescribe medication.

Nurse Practitioner (NP): An NP is a registered nurse (RN) with advanced training and education, often at the master's or doctoral level. In mental health, psychiatric NPs can assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders, and prescribe medication.