Psychiatry at Livingston HealthCare
Psychiatry is the branch of medicine that is focused on the diagnosis,
treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (an MD or DO) who specializes in mental
health, including substance use disorders.
Psychiatrists are qualified to assess both the mental and physical aspects
of psychological problems. Because they are physicians, psychiatrists
can order or perform a full range of medical laboratory and psychological
tests which, combined with discussions with patients, help provide a picture
of a patient's physical and mental state.
Our team prides itself in our expertise with both the diagnosis and treatment
of the occurrence of mental illness. We believe that the relationship
between healthcare provider and patient is of the utmost importance. We
take a balanced approach in order to go beyond symptom relief and help
you find ways to revitalize your life so that you can thrive in all of
your endeavors. Our team is comprised of psychiatrists, clinical psychologists,
physician assistants-certified and licensed cinical social workers. To
help you find what type of provider is the best for you, here is a helpful
explanation of the different specialties:
Psychiatrists attend medical school and earn an M.D. (Doctor of Medicine) or D.O. (Doctor
of Osteopathic Medicine) degree. They go on for an additional 4 years
of specialized training in psychiatry during residency. Training for psychiatrists
focuses on biological and developmental aspects of mental illness. Due
to their medical training, psychiatrists can prescribe medications, and
their work with patients may include talk therapy combined with medications.
Clinical Psychologists graduate from an accredited clinical psychology educational program, earning
either a Master's (Psy.M.) or Doctoral (Psy.D.) degree. Psy.D. candidates
complete an additional 1-3 years of specialized training during residency.
They are board-certified through the American Board of Clinical Psychology.
Pscyhologists provide continuing and comprehensive mental and behavioral
health care for individuals and families, which includes diagnosing phsychological
illness and working with patients of all ages through talk therapy or
other behavioral therapies. Clinical Pscyhologists do not prescribe medications,
but can work with a Physician if medications are needed.
Physician Assistants-Certified (PA-C) are graduates of an accredited physician assistant educational program
and have completed testing by the National Commission on Certification
of Physician Assistants. PA-Cs are state-licensed to practice medicine
with a supervising physician. They complete at least two years of college
courses in basic science and behavioral science which is similar to pre-med
studies required of medical students. PA-Cs complete more than 2,000 hours
of clinical training in services such as family medicine, internal medicine,
obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, general surgery, emergency medicine
and psychiatry.
Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) attend graduate school and earn an MSW (Master of Social Work) and become
a LCSW after 2 years of clinical supervision. Training typically includes
coursework and practical experience working at agencies in the community.
LCSWs are trained in psychotherapy which helps individuals deal with a
variety of mental and behavioral issues, and daily living problems to
improve overall function.
Meet our psychiatric providers
here.
For more information or to make an appointment with one of the psychiatrists
at Livingston HealthCare, please call us at 406.222.3541.