Psychiatry and Medication Management in Massachusetts

What is a Psychiatrist?

Battling mental illness is a difficult and exhausting process that can take years to overcome. When talk therapy and counseling aren’t enough, it may be time to turn to psychiatry and find an experienced psychiatrist in Massachusetts.

Psychiatry helps those in need of both mental health treatment and treatment for underlying medical issues such as chemical imbalances and physical conditions that affect mental health. Handel Behavioral Health recognizes that although all mental health struggles are important and should be treated with compassion, some illnesses stretch beyond just our mind and behavior, and thus need different types of treatment. Reach out to us today and find out how we can help you on your journey to recovery through psychiatry and medication management. We have offices in:

• Amherst
• Franklin
• West Springfield
• Wilbraham

We service the entire state of Massachusetts such as the Pioneer Valley, Hampshire County, Hampden County, Norfolk County, MetroWest Boston, the Greater Boston Area, and also offer teletherapy services to accommodate your needs! Establishing strong relationships and trust is at the heart of all mental health treatment. Psychiatry and medication management are no different

What is Psychiatry?

The American Psychiatric Association defines psychiatry as the branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders.

As a trained medical doctor (M.D. or D.O.), a psychiatrist conducts psychotherapy and prescribes medications and other medical treatments.

Many people confuse the terms psychiatrist and psychologist. While both professionals understand how the brain operates, and can treat clients with psychological treatment (talking therapies), psychiatrists can order and perform a full range of medical laboratory and physiological tests which, combined with discussions with patients, can lend a picture of the patient’s mental and physical state.

What is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)?

Similar to a psychiatrist, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNP) are highly trained mental health care professionals who provide care to individuals, families, and communities who experience current or potential mental health needs. Like psychiatrists, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners conduct physiotherapy and can prescribe medications in the treatment of mental illness, whereas psychologists and social workers, or “talk therapists,” cannot.

What is Medication Management?

Medication management is a process through which a psychiatrist or other medical professional provides medicinal prescriptions and recommendations to a patient. This process is conducted over time after an initial evaluation and assessment; as more developments happen with your mental and physical health, your provider will monitor these changes and make further decisions to either increase or decrease the dosage, or even change the medication or stop treatment altogether.

Our psychiatrists and Mental Health Nurse Practitioners at Handel Behavioral Health are highly trained and experienced which enable them to make the correct assessments and judgments during your treatment and help guide you through your mental health recovery process. We will always put your needs first and make the best decision for your health. Some patients need very little medication intervention and do well with a greater focus on talk therapy, others need more medication to help treat underlying physical and chemical conditions that can affect mental health. Whatever your case may be, we will guide you through every step and be by your side. Trust and communication are two of the most important factors in any mental health treatment and our psychiatrists value them greatly. If you are considering psychiatry or medication management in Massachusetts, reach out to us today and see how we can help you!

Our Psychiatry Treatment

Our trained psychiatrists in Massachusetts are both compassionate and highly specialized within the field so they will know the best way to treat any condition or co-occurring disorder you might be battling. Whether they decide you will need medication management or some form of therapy and counseling, you can rest assured, they will be making the right choice for your specific needs and wants. Psychiatrists can prescribe medication to treat mental health conditions, while a clinical psychologist cannot.

Psychiatric Treatment might look like:

• Medication
• General medical care (checking your physical health and the effects of medication)
• Psychological treatments
• Brain stimulation therapies such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

Our psychiatry team is experienced and treats a wide array of mental health issues. Because of this, it is important to understand you are in capable and caring hands that have the experience to make an informed decision for your treatment. The more information you can give them about your mental health and what you are going through, the better chance they will have of treating you and helping you feel your best again soon.

Our Psychiatrists in Massachusetts Treat Syndromes Including:

• Mood Disorders such as anxiety or depression
• Attention Deficit and Hyperactive Disorder (ADD and ADHD) in children and adults
• Bipolar Disorders
• Sleep Disorders
• Thought Disorders
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorders (OCD)
• Psychotic Disorders such as Schizophrenia, Delusion Disorder, and Substance-Induced Psychotic Disorder
• Pain Management

Contact a Psychiatrist in Massachusetts Today

The Certified Family Nurse Practitioners and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners at Handel Behavioral Health are experts in their field. With their education and training, they can help people overcome severe physical symptoms and psychiatric conditions. Our providers are ready to work with you. We have a team of schedulers who will happily help you schedule an initial appointment. Contact us today and begin your mental health journey!