A psychiatrist is an MD who has undergone specialized training to diagnose, prevent and treat psychological disorders. While all psychiatrists are able to prescribe medication, some also provide talk therapy. In San Antonio some recent changes to the psychiatric scene have made it easier than ever to find a qualified psychiatrist and with the development of online therapy you can find one by simply doing an online search for: “psychiatrist San Antonio.”
San Antonio Psychiatrists: A Changing Scene
When it comes to psychiatry in San Antonio, new and exciting developments are occurring every day.
Mental Health Care Obstacles
Cost, accessibility, education, and stigma are all serious barriers to mental health care provision. A lot is being done in San Antonio to break these barriers!
The New Face of Psychiatry
With increased knowledge and awareness about mental health, the way that today’s psychiatrists are trained is changing. Knowing which medication to prescribe is no longer enough. These mental health professionals are starting to look at every patient as a whole person. Psychiatrists in San Antonio are now managing entire medical and interdisciplinary teams, fostering collaboration and communication so that the patient’s needs are prioritized.
Mental Health Statistics
Mental illness is a growing epidemic, affecting millions around the world. According to the Suicide Prevention Resource Center’s 2018 report, 18% of all adults in the USA have a mental health condition. That’s nearly one in five people! Data from America’s Anxiety and Depression Association shows that Anxiety disorders are the most common, affecting 40 million adults. Depression, which is the leading cause of disability in the USA, is also very common, affecting about 16.1 million adults!
Psychiatric Care Facilities in San Antonio
Most psychiatrists in San Antonio treat conditions like PTSD, personality disorders, addiction, pain, psychosis, phobias, eating disorders, sexual dysfunction, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and dementia. But what sorts of settings do psychiatrists work in?
Treatment Centers
Psychiatric treatment centers are often linked to a larger hospital, providing intensive care for acute crises. The idea is to provide focused treatment to stabilize patients well enough to be discharged.
Outpatient Programs
Outpatient programs provide mental health care with far more flexibility than inpatient units. As an outpatient, you won’t need to live in a facility. Rather, you’ll visit your psychiatrist for consultations just as you would any other medical professional.
Psychiatry Residency
A psychiatric residential facility is a stand-alone unit that exists separately from other hospitals. The setting is usually homier and the duration of the stay depends on what’s required. Residential programs provide intensive medical management along with support groups, therapy, and other creative treatment approaches.
San Antonio Ketamine Clinic
Ketamine infusion is an exciting new treatment. It’s a great option for people who are not having any success with standard treatments. The clinic in San Antonio is run by a team of highly trained medical experts who are committed to reducing psychiatric illness.
The New San Antonio State Hospital
The San Antonio State Hospital is a massive mental health treatment facility. Recently, nearly $50 million in funds was allocated to renovating and renewing the hospital. There’s a lot of excitement about the new San Antonio State Hospital.
2020 Anxiety and Depression Conference
In 2020, San Antonio will host an illustrious event: the 40th Annual Anxiety and Depression Conference.
What’s it About?
This event is all about finding cures and treatments for anxiety, depression and related disorders. The conference is centered on resilience; how some humans are able to bounce back even in the face of the hardest of times.
Learning Objectives
There will be a focus on understanding resilience, what it is, and how can we make sense of it in the context of anxiety and depression. Presenters will take an in-depth look at the factors that affect resilience. From genes and neurology to a person’s development, environment, and psychological functioning. The conference will explore cutting edge methods for, not only treating, but also preventing conditions like depression and anxiety.
Who Will Be Attending?
The conference is open to researchers, therapists, and psychiatrists who want to address the anxiety and depression epidemic. An expected 1400 experts will attend from the US and from all around the world.
Psychiatrist San Antonio: Finding a Qualified Mental Health Professional
If you’re looking to find a psychiatrist in San Antonio, the process is fairly straightforward.
Referrals
The best way to get connected with the right psychiatrist is by starting with your local General Practitioner (GP). If they agree that a psychiatry consult is necessary, they’ll refer you to an appropriate psychiatrist. If you’re seeing a clinical psychologist, they may also be able to give you a referral.
Online Resources
You don’t always need a referral. With some San Antonio Psychiatrists, you can book a session online. The American Psychiatric Association, for example, has an online psychiatrist finding tool which can be accessed here. Simply key-in your location and this resource will bring up a list of psychiatrists near you.
Questions to Ask a Possible Future Psychiatrist
It’s important to ensure that you and your psychiatrist are a good fit. Here are some helpful questions to ask:
- Are you accepting new patients?
- When will I be able to see you?
- Where did you train?
- Are you board certified?
- How will you be able to help me?
- What are your rates?
- Will my insurance cover the cost of treatment?
Mental Health as a Human Right
Today, with increased funding and education, mental health care is more accessible than it has ever been. As the stigma surrounding mental illness starts to dwindle, folks who need psychiatric care are getting their mental health needs met. If you, like so many other San Antonio residents, are living with a mental health condition, don’t hold up. Invest in your future by consulting with a psychiatrist today!
