One of the biggest struggles with mental health is knowing when to seek help. When mental health conditions, like depression and anxiety are affecting your life and when traditional talk therapy isn’t enough to help you feel better and regain control, it’s worth considering psychiatric care.

At Handel Behavioral Health, our team of psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners provide psychiatric medication management and personalized treatment plans to help clients achieve optimal mental wellbeing.

Our psychiatrists are here to provide psychiatric care in Massachusetts to treat a wide range of mental health conditions. Our team works collaboratively with clients, developing individual relationships and creating treatment plans to address specific challenges, needs, and goals. Above all, clients will find compassionate, responsive, and evidence-based mental health care when working with our psychiatrists in Massachusetts. 

To start working with one of our psychiatrists online in Massachusetts or in-person from our offices in Amherst, Franklin, Wilbraham, Natick, and West Springfield, contact us today at (413) 343-4357. 

To learn more about psychiatric treatment at Handel Behavioral Health, please read on!

What is Psychiatry?

Psychiatry is a branch of medicine that focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral conditions.

What is the Difference Between Psychiatrists and Psychologists?

Psychiatrists are trained medical doctors (M.D. or M.O.) who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, management and prevention of mental health and emotional issues. Psychiatrists also provide on-going mental health services which can include therapy. 

Psychologists are trained mental health professionals who are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions with evidence-based therapies, such as psychotherapy (talk therapy), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and many other therapeutic modalities. 

If a psychologist believes that you might benefit from medication for a mental health condition, they’ll refer you to a Psychiatrist or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNP) to manage that form of treatment.

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 assess, diagnose, and treat the mental health needs of individuals, families, and communities. 

Both psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners and psychiatrists are trained to prescribe medications in the treatment of mental health conditions.

Psychiatric Specializations at Handel Behavioral Health:

Our psychiatrists offer treatment in a range of mental health conditions, including:

• Anxiety Disorders
• Depression
• Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD) 
• Bipolar Disorder
• Sleep Disorders
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Psychotic Disorders such as Schizophrenia, Delusion Disorder, and Substance-Induced Psychotic Disorder
• Personality Disorders
• Pain Management

What Does Psychiatric Treatment Involve?

1. Psychiatric Evaluation and Diagnosis: Our psychiatrists begin treatment with a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment options. They will ask questions about your medical history, symptoms, and any challenges that you’re facing. Your psychiatrist will work collaboratively with you to find the best treatment options that fit your individual needs. 

2. Medication Management: For many mental health conditions, a combination of therapy and medication offers effective treatment. Our team of psychiatrists are trained in prescribing and managing medications for a wide variety of mental health conditions. Your psychiatrist will work closely with you to find the most effective type of medication, discussing potential side effects and finding the right dosage of medication for your symptoms.

3. Collaborative Psychotherapy: In many cases, medications which stabilize mood, reduce anxiety, and manage other symptoms work best with therapy. Therapy helps you address the root causes of your struggles and develop healthy coping tools to meet life’s challenges. Our psychiatrists offer talk therapy and may also refer you to one of our many psychologists who offer long term, evidence-based and personalized therapy.

Schedule an appointment with a Psychiatrist in Massachusetts today:

The first step toward seeking psychiatric treatment is often the hardest. At the same time, your desire for change demonstrates your courage to begin a brighter and healthier future for yourself. 

Our team of trained psychiatrists in Massachusetts are here to support you with appropriate treatment options and highly personalized care that meets your unique needs. 

If you’re ready to take the next step in your mental health journey, our experienced team of psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners are ready to work with you.

Contact us today at (413) 343-4357 to start working with one of our psychiatrists online in Massachusetts or in-person from our offices in Amherst, Franklin, Wilbraham, Natick, and West Springfield.

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