Naperville Clinical Associates provides a unique combination of highly trained mental health professionals covering the complete spectrum of care. Having a psychiatrist as part of the team in addition to clinical psychologists and professional counselors allows for the kind of coordinated care that is hard to achieve when you are seeing professionals split between separate practices. Providing all of your care under one roof, from a compassionate and committed team of professionals is our primary goal.
Why See A Psychiatrist?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor with advanced training and specialization in the treatment of mental health disorders. Because of their extensive training, psychiatrists understand the complex relationship between mental health disorders and other medical conditions. Given the complexity of mental health conditions and how they relate to your overall physical health, having a psychiatrist as part of your treatment team helps ensure that you are receiving the best and most comprehensive care possible.
What Conditions Does a Psychiatrist Treat?
People see a psychiatrist for a wide range of problems. People struggling with depression and anxiety will often see a psychiatrist as part of their care, as do people with more complex diagnoses such as Schizophrenia or Bipolar Disorder. A psychiatrist can also help effectively treat people that have both mental health and medical conditions, as the treatment must be carefully coordinated in such cases.
Should I See a Psychiatrist or Psychologist?
The services of these two types of professionals are frequently combined, which often provides the greatest likelihood of success. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (M.D.) that focuses on your physical and emotional health from a medical perspective. A psychologist has a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology (Ph.D. or Psy.D.), and focuses on a wide range of other aspects of your emotional and social health, including thought patterns, behavioral patterns and social / relational functioning. Psychologists also provide diagnostic testing, which can help guide your overall treatment plan. Psychiatrists provide the most specialized medical training possible to your treatment team, and represent a crucial part of a comprehensive approach to your health.
How Do I Start Seeing a Psychiatrist?
Beginning treatment with a psychiatrist starts with a first visit, or “intake” appointment. This provides an opportunity for your psychiatrist to learn about the background of your symptoms, as well as your overall health. It also provides an opportunity for you to learn about your various treatment options, and the benefits of different approaches. To request a first visit with a psychiatrist, fill out our contact form, and one of our intake coordinators will be in touch to help you get started!