Common Questions
A psychiatrist is a certified medical professional who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of mental illness and psychological problems. A psychiatrist has completed medical school, in addition to at least four years of training in the field. They are not only trained to diagnose and manage mental illness, but are also adept at providing psychotherapy. Certain specializations within psychiatry require additional years of training and qualification. Within the profession, each psychiatrist generally has specific areas of interest and specialization but also has the skills to provide treatment from multiple approaches.
We will meet with you for an extensive interview and psychiatric evaluation in which we will gather some information such as your history, symptoms, and family dynamics. In this first session together, we will determine the best plan of action for moving forward.
We will not reveal any information regarding what is said or done by either party in our work on your case, unless you have signed the Authorization to Disclose Information form. If we determine that you are in danger of harming yourself or another person, we are obligated by law to notify the authorities.
Depending on the insurance provider you are using, coverage for our services will vary. Many insurance companies reimburse anywhere from 50-80% of the total cost of services. We request payment at the beginning of each session, and can be paid with cash, checks, or all major credit cards.
There are no precise determinations that we can make regarding the length of your treatment. Generally speaking, the longer your mental illness has gone undiagnosed or untreated, the longer the treatment will take.
Some conditions may not require a long time to successfully treat, while others will need considerably more.
Certain mental illnesses may need just a couple of visits, and others require life-long maintenance. We believe that you should seek treatment as early as possible for the best long-term outcome.
We give you guidance and protocols to adhere to, both inside and outside of our office. Follow the treatment regimen and plan of action that we prescribe. Make sure that you follow the medication regimen, attend the psychotherapy and counseling sessions, and keep your life as balanced as you can. It is very important to try and avoid stressful situations, let your loved ones help you whenever possible, and seek help the moment you feel like your mental illness is coming back or getting worse.
There are certain predictable circumstances that may trigger the recurrence of mental illness.
Coexisting or compounding stresses are especially important to watch for. A mental illness is more likely to recur if there are additional life stressors such as family or marital problems, starting a new job, or losing someone close to you.
Age: More often than not, if someone is diagnosed with a mental illness earlier in life than later, there is a higher likelihood of the illness recurring.
Diagnosis: Some mental illnesses more commonly recur than others. Conditions that are more likely to come back include OCD, drug and alcohol addiction, eating disorders, and bipolar disorder.
If you find yourself in the midst of an emergency, please immediately call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency room. If you have an urgent situation, please contact our office.
INPATIENT & OUTPATIENT
TREATMENT
158 C Avenue, Coronado
CA 92118
