How to Get the Most out of your Online Psychiatric Treatment
More and more people are choosing to receive psychiatric treatment online. This is a great option for those who have busy schedules, cannot travel, or live in rural areas. The treatment is just as effective as if you were to see a psychiatric provider in person, and you will have the added convenience of being able to do so from the comfort of your home.
What to expect from your online psychiatric treatment
When you receive online psychiatric treatment, you can expect to receive the same high-quality care that you would receive if you saw a psychiatric provider in person. Your online psychiatric provider will work with you to create a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific need and you will be able to communicate with your online psychiatric provider through a secure messaging system. During your first online consultation (60 to 90-minute duration), you should expect the psychiatric provider to:
Inquire about your medical and mental health history
Request copies of your medical records if/when necessary
Discuss any lab tests you may need and how the sessions work
Ensure you understand how to reach out in case of an emergency
Taking the time to understand your expectations, concerns, and goals
The recommendation and planning of the appropriate treatment.
The later sessions will likely be shorter, around 30 minutes, to discuss the effects of your treatment plan if you have other symptoms or the side effects of any medications you may be taking.
How is the medication administrated?
When you receive online psychiatric treatment, the medication you take will be administrated in the same way as if you saw a psychiatric provider in person. You will receive a prescription for the medication and you will be responsible for filling it at your local pharmacy. Psychotherapy is the leading treatment for some mental health disorders, while medication and therapy are effective treatments for others. The most effective interventions generally combine both medication and therapy. It is important that you take your medication as prescribed, and you should not stop taking it without first talking to your online psychiatric provider.
If you want to know more about the medications psychiatric providers usually use for mental health treatments, check the Levelheaded Mind youtube channel here.
Tips for getting the most out of your online psychiatric treatment
Online psychiatric treatment is not so different from the in-person treatment option. What differentiates each is convenience and what fits your schedule and personal needs. However, we have some tips to help you get the most out of your online psychiatric treatment:
Make sure that you are honest with your online psychiatric provider. For the treatment to be effective, you must be open and honest about your symptoms and about your feelings.
Be patient. It takes time for psychiatric medication to take effect, so you must give the medication a chance to work.
Stay in communication with your online psychiatric provider. If you have any questions or concerns, make sure to reach out to them.
And never get in or out of medication before talking to your psychiatric provider.
How to integrate your online psychiatric treatment with therapy sessions
If you are also seeing a therapist in person, there are a few ways that you can integrate your online psychiatric treatment with your therapy sessions. Here are a few tips:
1. Discuss your online psychiatric treatment with your therapist. Your therapist must be aware of the medication you are taking and the treatments you are undergoing.
2. Use your online psychiatric treatment to supplement your therapy sessions. If you feel like you are not making progress in therapy, or if you feel like you need additional support, reach out to your online psychiatric provider.
3. Keep a journal. Documenting your thoughts and feelings can be helpful for both your therapist and your online psychiatric provider.
However, at Levelheaded Mind, you can do both types of treatment with the same board-certified specialist. Check our services page by clicking here to know your options.
The benefits of a holistic approach to your treatment
A holistic approach to treating your mental health issues takes into account the whole person, not just the symptoms of your illness. This type of treatment can be beneficial for those with mental health conditions, as it can help you understand and cope with your symptoms more holistically. Online psychiatric treatment can be a part of a holistic approach to your treatment, and it can be used along with other forms of treatment, such as psychotherapy.
When it comes to mental health issues, a holistic approach incorporates every symptom, including:
Psychiatric and medical
Social
Spiritual
Lifestyle
Behavioral
Trauma can lead to chronic illness, depression can sap the spirit, and anxiety can lead to relationship breakdowns. Those mental health conditions can affect every aspect of life, so an efficient trauma treatment must include all of these aspects. Patients tend to experience treatment in separate pieces, with therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes being managed separately. Sometimes, it can lead to unsustainable results and frustration. However, the holistic approach promotes lasting wellness and encourages self-care.
Levelheaded Mind provides high-quality mental health education to empower you in making informed decisions about your mental health care. Our mental health coaching services incorporate a holistic approach that focuses on building resilience for our clients. If you would like to receive 1:1 guidance on how to move forward on your mental health care journey, consider scheduling an initial mental health coaching session to level up your mental health and get unstuck.
