What can a Psychiatrist do for me?
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. Psychiatrists 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 has specific areas of interest and specialization but has the skills to provide treatment from multiple approaches.
Will my treatment be kept confidential?
Southern Psychiatry will not reveal any information regarding what happens within the work that we do together unless you have signed the Authorization to Disclose Information form. In the instance that you are in danger of harming yourself or another, then we are obligated by law to notify the authorities of this.
How long will my treatment last?
There are no precise determinations that we can make regarding the length of your treatment. The longer your mental illness has gone unacknowledged, the longer the treatment will take. Certain conditions do not require a lot of time to treat, and others considerably more. Certain mental illnesses require just a couple of visits, and others require life long maintenance. For the best outcome, treatment should be sought out as soon as possible.
What will happen during my first appointment?
We will meet with you and your family for an extensive interview and psychiatric evaluation in which we will gather some information such as your history, symptoms, and family dynamics. Southern Psychiatry will also review previous records, evaluations, or medication trials. Within this first session together, we will then discuss diagnostic considerations, treatment options, and determine the best plan of action to move forward.
Will the cost of my treatment be covered by my insurance plan?
Depending on what type of insurance provider you are currently using, coverage for our services will vary. Many insurance companies reimburse anywhere from 50-80% of the total cost of services. If there is a co-pay, you will be expected to pay the fee prior to initiation of service. Cash, Credit or Debit are accepted.
What if I have an emergency or an urgent situation come up?
If you find yourself in the midst of an emergency, please immediately call 9-1-1. If you have an urgent situation, call our office, and we will see you as soon as we can.