Information
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make a referral?
- Visit our website: mettapsychiatryny.com
- Click on the “Book Online” button
- Follow the prompts and required information
- Please allow up to 72 hours in response to your inquiry
What is the difference between psychotherapy and psychiatric treatment?
Psychotherapy, often referred to as talk therapy, involves sessions with a licensed therapist who helps you examine your thought patterns, emotions, and behaviors to better understand and manage mental health issues. Therapists also teach coping strategies to help manage symptoms. In contrast, psychiatry services focus on meeting with a medically trained psychiatrist who evaluates, diagnoses, and treats mental health disorders. This often includes evidence-based medication management. Psychiatric medications can also be prescribed by psychiatric nurse practitioners and primary care physicians, who aim to optimize the medication’s effectiveness through careful monitoring and management.
What is mental health?
How do I know if I need mental health services?
Consider seeking help if you experience:
- Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or hopelessness
- Difficulty functioning in daily life
- Changes in sleep, appetite, or energy levels
- Withdrawal from relationships or activities
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
Can mental health conditions be cured?
While there may not be “cures” for all mental health conditions, many effective treatments are available. The focus is often on managing symptoms and improving quality of life through a combination of therapy, medication, self-care, and support
Is my information kept confidential?
Mental health providers are required to keep your information private, with some exceptions for safety concerns. Ask your provider about their specific confidentiality policies.
Why are psychiatry services important?
Mental illness can hinder one’s career, social interactions, and relationships, sometimes leading to severe outcomes like self-harm or violence. Many people remain untreated due to stigma, which is why psychiatry services are crucial. These services can alleviate suffering, prevent disabilities, and help individuals reach their full potential in various aspects of life, ultimately saving lives.
Can psychiatric treatment help me manage my anxiety?
Psychiatric treatment is most effective in treating anxiety disorders in combination with psychotherapy but can also be effective by itself in some cases. Psychiatrists and mental health professionals can help you understand your anxiety disorder and come up with an effective treatment plan to reduce your anxiety symptoms, leading to a more productive and meaningful life.
What causes mental health problems?
Mental health problems can arise from a combination of factors, including:
- Biological factors like genetics or brain chemistry
- Life experiences such as trauma or abuse
- Family history of mental health problems
- Ongoing medical conditions
- Substance use
- Stressful life situations
What are common treatment approaches?
- Psychotherapy (talk therapy)
- Medication
- Combination of therapy and medication
- Support groups
- Lifestyle changes (exercise, nutrition, sleep habits)
- Alternative treatments like mindfulness
What can I expect at my first appointment?
The provider will likely:
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- Ask about your symptoms, medical history, and concerns
- Conduct an initial assessment
- Discuss potential treatment options
- Answer your questions
- Develop an initial treatment plan
What are some key benefits of telepsychiatry services:
-Improved Access and Convenience
-Patients may feel more relaxed and open when in their own environment
-Some patients, especially children, respond better to telepsychiatry than face-to-face interactions
-It can reduce stigma and increase privacy for those uncomfortable with in-person visits
-Flexibility and Time Optimization
- Allows for more flexible scheduling, including outside typical office hours
- Reduces time off work and need for childcare arrangements
- Decreases no-shows and cancellations due to travel issues
-Cost-Effectiveness
- Eliminates transportation costs for patients
- Can be more affordable than traditional in-person treatment
- Reduces healthcare system costs by decreasing emergency room visits
-Continuity of Care
- Enables ongoing treatment during disruptions like natural disasters or pandemics
- Patients can access specialists outside their local area
- Helps address shortages of mental health professionals in certain regions
Get the support you need
Making Mental Health Affordable & Accessible
Metta Psychiatry purpose is to improve the lives of those facing behavioral health needs by providing more equitable access to psychiatry services. Stay on top of your mental health and get access to the support you need.