Locating the right mental health provider is more than just getting the address of a provider in your area. Individuals are curious about who will take care of them, what services the practice offers, options for appointments, both in person and online, and the provider's perspective on their needs. Equally important as clinical skills are access and continuity for adolescents, adults, families and those living in rural communities.
Such a well-crafted mental health practice should simplify those questions and provide care that is focused on the person, not the model.
The Four Corner Model of a Quality Mental Health Practice
Establishing a quality behavioral health practice should start with careful assessment and the understanding of the person's concerns, history, goals, and daily functioning. Therapy, medication management, psychiatric evaluation, behavioral support or a combination of these may be used.
Some of the most common treatments for mental health conditions are psychotherapy and medication, and treatment plans should take into account an individual's needs, preferences, and medical history.
Selecting a psychiatrist provider is not just a question of "Who is the closest psychiatrist?". It's also about the question of whether the practice offers the right sort of care you might need and whether you feel at ease in communicating, follow-up, and planning for treatment.
Check out more than just one appointment.
Mental health care is seldom confined to a single discussion. Symptoms may vary, medications may need to be monitored and treatment may change over time.
When things change, a provider must be ready to re-evaluate care. Additionally, NIMH advises the conversation about progress in treatment and the evaluation of other professionals or methods if there doesn't seem to be improvement after a reasonable amount of time.
This sustained connection may be helpful for those who suffer from depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma-related issues, ADHD or drug or alcohol abuse.
A clear understanding of why IMC matters. An explanation of the importance of IMC.
Some people may have more than one health-behaviour problem. Some people, for instance, may have mental health symptoms that are associated with problematic drinking or drug use. Assessment and treatment may become more complex in these circumstances.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) suggests integrated approaches for co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, noting that there is more integrated care possible when both are addressed.
This is a key difference between providers. A practice that takes a "whole person" approach may be better equipped to recognize the need for further evaluation, referral or coordinated treatment.
What is Whole Person Care?
Treatment does not have to be the same for all concerns, otherwise it is not whole-person care. Rather, it involves taking into account a variety of factors which can influence an individual's health.
This can be mental health symptoms, physical health, medications, developmental issues, family issues, substance use, lifestyle, and access to care.
Emotional Health, Cognitive Clarity, Physical vitality, psychiatric care, recovery planning, and restorative wellness are the elements of Lumora's model of "Inside-Out Care".
This is particularly applicable if a person's needs go beyond the diagnosis.
Who Is It For?
Individuals who have continued or recurrent emotional, behavioral or psychological problems may receive psychiatric services. Care level is determined by a person's symptoms, function, medical history, safety and treatment objectives.
The populations served at Lumora include adolescents and adults, individuals with ADHD and autism-related support needs, those with anxiety and/or depression, those with bipolar disorder, those with trauma-related disorders, those who are experiencing mood instability, and those seeking dual-diagnosis or recovery-oriented care.
However, this is a broad scope and does not imply that everyone should be treated in the same way. A psychiatric evaluation may be ordered to identify the type of support that may be needed.
When is a Psychiatric Evaluation Considered?
Consider a psychiatric evaluation if emotional or behavioral symptoms are persistent, impact functioning, or are not clearly understood or managed.
It can also be helpful if a person doesn't know whether their symptoms are caused by a mental health problem, side effects from a medication, substance use, another health issue or a combination of these.
The aim is not to make a diagnosis. The evaluation should be helpful in resolving the person's concerns and determine reasonable next steps.
Telehealth can enhance access to care. Telehealth can improve access to care.
Diffusion of reality can be an actual obstacle to mental health care. In particular, this is relevant in rural areas where there are fewer behavioral health providers.
For eligible patients, telehealth can provide an alternative to travel for psychiatric appointments. Reported activities include providing in-person care at Richmond, and telehealth services throughout Virginia, with a particular emphasis on rural areas and school partnerships.
If you are considering comparing providers, you may want to inquire if telehealth is offered, what locations are covered, and how the follow-up works, plus if any services require in-person visits.
Before you select a provider, what should you ask?
Actually, a short list of questions can help the choice to be made much easier.
Please ask questions about clinical fit.
Check to see if the provider has experience working with your age group and concerns. If you're looking for help with ADHD or autism, for instance, you should make sure you inquire about the provider's experience working with these types of needs.
Inquire about treatment options
Discuss if psychotherapy, medication management, psychiatric evaluation, behavioral support, and/or referrals to other professionals may be necessary for care if the patient would benefit from such services.
A prescription should not be considered the first treatment approach for mental health issues. No two people respond to medication exactly the same, and it may require adjustment due to response and side effects, says NIMH.
Ask About Follow-Up
Explain how frequent follow-up visits will be made, how progress will be evaluated, and what will happen if the treatment plan isn't working.
Ask About Access
Things like insurance coverage, access to telehealth, location, scheduling, and communication after the appointment can impact whether care is feasible to keep up.
More Individualized Model of Care
The best practices for mental health make acknowledgement that people come with a range of histories, expectations, and needs. The plan for an older adult taking multiple medications and a college student with anxiety will look completely different. The plan for an older adult taking multiple medications and a college student with anxiety will be completely different.
Lumora Psychiatric & Rejuvenation PLLC's mission is "Compassion, Clinical excellence, Accessibility, Integrity, Neuro-affirming care, Whole-person healing. The mission of its founder and clinical director Madu Nwajiauk, PMHNP, is to increase psychiatric access and promote holistic wellness in Virginia.
The Lumora Health About page offers some background information for those interested in learning more about the practice's philosophy, populations served, and its general perspective on psychiatric and wellness care.
Conclusion
Providers of mental health care are a personal decision and depend on clinical needs, treatment preferences, access and type of ongoing support required. A robust practice should ensure the services are clear, set realistic expectations, and enable a care model that is centred around the person rather than all patients being forced into the same mould.
There's a whole person approach to psychiatry, recovery services, neurodevelopmental and wellness services at Lumora Psychiatric & Rejuvenation PLLC.
Learning about Lumora's services and its approach to psychiatric and behavioral health care can be helpful for those who are exploring psychiatric and behavioral health services in Virginia.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What should I look for if I want to find a mental health provider?
Ensure that the clinical qualifications are suitable, there is experience with the concerns and age group, there are appropriate treatment options, reasonable follow-up, accessibility and willing to offer explanation of benefits and limitations of care options.
2. What is covered under psychiatric treatment?
Psychiatric care may encompass assessment, diagnosis, medication management, supportive treatment, monitoring and coordination, and other mental health professionals (where necessary).
3. Is it always necessary to take medication in psychiatric treatment?
No. Treatment will vary based on individual symptoms, diagnosis, preferences, medical history, clinical situations, etc. Medication, psychotherapy or both may be indicated.
4. Is mental health care possible by telehealth?
Yes. There are numerous mental health service delivery options available virtually when clinically and legally suitable. Lumora claims to provide telehealth to the entire state of Virginia.
5. What is a psychiatric provider able to treat?
Depending on scope of practice and specialization, psychiatric providers can assess and treat patients for depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), trauma-related disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and substance use disorders.
6. What are co-occurring disorders?
Integrated treatment treats any mental health and substance use issues simultaneously as opposed to seeing them as two separate issues. Integrated care is recognized as an important strategy for co-occurring disorders by SAMHSA.
7. Is a psychiatrist or therapist necessary or desirable?
Psychotherapy usually is a focus of a therapist's job and psychiatric providers can assess the mental health condition and, within the scope of their practice, prescribe and oversee medications. Some practices have arrangements in place for coordinated care.
8. During a psychiatric assessment, what goes on?
The provider can talk about their current symptoms, medical and mental health history, medications, daily functioning, past treatment, and goals. The information guides next steps that are appropriate.
9. Can adolescents be treated for psychiatric disorders?
Yes. Depending on the training and services provided, an appropriate level of care will be provided. Adolescents and adults are some of the populations served by Lumora.
10. When is urgent mental health help needed?
Do not delay getting emergency help if someone is in immediate danger, suffering from a psychiatric emergency or in danger of hurting themselves or another person.
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