Telehealth vs In-Person Mental Health: Which is Better?
When it comes to receiving mental health treatment, patients can choose between telehealth and in-person appointments. Telehealth allows patients to receive treatment from the comfort of their own homes, while in-person appointments require patients to visit a mental health professional's office. Both options have their pros and cons, so it's important for patients to choose the option that's best for them.
Telehealth has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. Telehealth provides access and convenience for those who live far away from mental health professionals or have mobility issues. Patients that are being seen via telehealth must be present in the state of Illinois at the time of their appointment due to our clinicians licensure.
While telehealth has its benefits, there are still times when in-person appointments are necessary. For example, the DEA has specific requirements surrounding patients that are prescribed controlled substances. Additionally, in-person appointments may be more effective for patients who prefer face to face treatment or who have difficulty communicating via video chat.
Ultimately, the decision between telehealth and in-person mental health follow-ups depends on the patient’s or providers preferences and needs.
- Psychiatry and Medication Management
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Psychiatry is a branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illnesses and disorders. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in the treatment of mental illness. They are trained to diagnose and manage a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, psychotic disorders, and substance use disorders.
The goal of psychiatric treatment is to relieve symptoms, improve functioning, and enhance overall quality of life for individuals living with mental illness. Treatment options may include medication management, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. In addition to treatment, psychiatrists also work to prevent mental illness by promoting mental wellness, identifying risk factors, and educating the public about mental health.
Medication management provided by qualified physician/prescriber(s) through an outpatient clinic assesses the individual need for psychotropic medications and provisioning. Through continued medical monitoring and documentation of the patient’s use and side effects, occasional reconciliations may be required to guarantee favorable outcomes, safety, and efficacy.
If a patient does notice unfavorable side effects, please reach out to the office right away to discuss possible alternatives with your doctor.
- Psychotherapy
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Therapy can be an excellent tool for improving your mental health and overall well-being. Several types of therapy are offered at Stillpoint Mental Health, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Psychodynamic Therapy.
CBT is a form of therapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. This type of therapy can be especially helpful for individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders. DBT, on the other hand, is a type of therapy that is often used to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder. It focuses on developing skills related to mindfulness, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
Psychodynamic therapy is a type of talk therapy that is based on the idea that our past experiences and relationships shape our current thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This type of therapy can be helpful for individuals who are dealing with more deep-seated emotional issues.
Regardless of the type of therapy, seeking help for mental health concerns can be incredibly beneficial. Our trained therapists can provide guidance and support as you work towards better mental health and overall well-being.
It's important to remember that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution. What works for one person may not work for another. It's essential to find a therapist who you feel comfortable with and who has experience in treating the issues you're dealing with.
In addition, therapy is not a quick fix. It takes time, effort, and dedication to see significant improvements in mental health. It's important to be patient with yourself and the process.
It's also important to note that seeking therapy doesn't mean you're weak or incapable of handling your problems on your own. In fact, it takes a lot of strength and courage to acknowledge that you need help and to take steps towards improving your mental health.
Overall, with the right therapist and a commitment to the process, individuals can see significant improvements in their mental health and quality of life.
- Psychological Testing
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Psychological testing is a process of assessing an individual's mental abilities, personality traits, and emotional functioning. Our psychologist uses different types of tests to evaluate a person's cognitive, emotional, and behavioral patterns. Psychological tests are often used to diagnose mental health disorders, identify areas of strength and weakness, and determine appropriate treatment options.
There are various types of psychological tests, including intelligence tests, personality tests, neuropsychological tests, and projective tests. Intelligence tests measure an individual's cognitive abilities, such as reasoning, memory, and problem-solving skills. Personality tests assess an individual's personality traits, such as their level of introversion or extroversion, openness to experience, and emotional stability. Neuropsychological tests evaluate an individual's cognitive functioning, such as attention, language, and memory. Projective tests involve presenting ambiguous stimuli to the individual and asking them to interpret or respond to them.
Each test is designed to assess specific aspects of a person's mental functioning. The results will be interpreted by our doctor(s). Psychological testing can be a helpful tool in understanding an individual's strengths and weaknesses, and in developing an appropriate treatment plan to fit your needs.