Being the largest city in the state of Washington, Seattle has gone through several economic ups and downs over the last decades. However, this city has always managed to rise above expectations. This year marks the beginning of a series of changes that will revolutionize the health care and education systems in this city. In terms of mental health, the plan is to bring every Seattle psychiatrist as well as other health care professionals into the 21st century and provide affordable services to all Seattlites.
Seattle Psychiatrist
The Emerald City has plenty of capable psychiatrists and health care professionals. And with the new policies adopted by legislators, things are about to become even better for Seattle’s citizens.
Psychiatric Services: Institutions in Seattle
With a population of nearly 4 million people (including the metropolitan area), Seattle has numerous organizations and clinics that operate in the health sector.
Kitsap Mental Health Services
Kitsap Mental Health Services is a recovery-oriented nonprofit organization that provides housing to children, families, adults, and seniors in Kitsap County.
Harborview Medical Center
The Harborview Medical Center is a teaching hospital that offers top-quality mental health and addiction services. That includes everything, from psychiatric care and psychotherapy to crisis intervention and suicide prevention.
Overlake Medical Center
The Overlake Medical Center is one of the top hospitals in the state, providing quality psychiatric services for people of all ages.
Seattle Children’s Hospital
Being one of the largest facilities in the state, Seattle Children’s Hospital offers a wide range of mental health services for the young generation.
Psychiatric Care in Seattle
The main problem with Seattle’s health care system is that it’s old and outdated. As Gov. Jay Inslee explained in one of his policy briefs, “We are trying to provide 21st-century medical care using a 19th century model of care.”
But modernizing the entire health care system is a daring goal, especially when there are numerous obstacles to overcome.
Obstacles of Behavioral Health Care
When it comes to mental and behavioral health, most experts stress the importance of a comprehensive and eclectic approach. But that’s easier said than done.
Since mental illness affects all aspects of a person’s life, a brief consultation and a drug prescription aren’t enough. Quality mental health services require the involvement of psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers.
Mental health care is a mix of primary care and community support. That’s why government officials need to focus on bringing various organizations together to revolutionize our approach to health.
Comprehensive Strategy
Gov. Jay Inslee’s plan to transform Washington’s behavioral health care system is pretty straightforward. His main goals are to:
- Invest in state hospitals that offer inpatient care.
- Expand community-based facilities that can provide outpatient care.
- Invest in educational programs for the next generation of Seattle psychiatrists and mental health professionals.
- Provide housing support for individuals who are ready for hospital discharge but lack stable homes.
Bills to Improve State’s Troubled Behavioral Health System
To meet these daring goals, state legislators have passed a series of bills which will revolutionize the health care system.
By unlocking serious funding and adopting policies that promote a modern approach to mental health, these bills will allow Seattle psychiatrists and health care professional to provide 21st-century care for all citizens.
Mental Health Treatment in Seattle
So, what does quality mental health services mean, and how will the citizens of Seattle benefit from the new measure adopted by the legislature?
Residential Inpatient Treatment
Not everyone who struggles with mental illness should be admitted to a hospital. This is where residential treatment comes into play. These centers allow patients to receive mental health services while remaining within the community.
Outpatient Mental Health
Outpatient mental health refers to various health care services that people with mental illness receive outside of hospital settings. That involves both for-profit and nonprofit organizations that aim to promote mental health through different community programs and services.
Community Psychiatric Clinic
Community psychiatric clinics provide accessible and affordable care for people with mental illness. This alternative takes some of the burden off hospitals that are too overcrowded and understaffed to address the needs of all citizens.
Integrative Psychiatry
As mentioned before, 21st-century health care focuses primarily on a holistic approach. This has given rise to integrative psychiatry, a patient-centered model which considers both biological and sociocultural factors that contribute to mental illness. Seattle psychiatrists collaborate with other health experts (psychologists, counselors, nutritionists, social workers, etc.) to provide the best possible services.
What Forms Part of a Psychiatric Treatment Plan?
In a nutshell, psychiatric care boils down to the following points.
Psychiatric Evaluations
When you’re dealing with mental illness, the first step is consulting a psychiatrist who can evaluate your condition and determine the right course of action.
Medication Management
Depending on the severity of your condition, psychiatrists can prescribe drugs, plus a set of instructions that ensure safe medication use.
Therapy
Most experts agree that the best treatment approach for mental health disorders is a mix of psychiatric care and psychotherapy.
Finding a Good Seattle Psychiatrist
Take advantage of what Seattle has to offer. If you’re looking for a licensed Seattle psychiatrist, here’s a useful link.
How Are Psychiatrists Trained?
To become a psychiatrist in Seattle you need to complete medical school, then take an exam to obtain your state license. Lastly, you will begin a four-year psychiatry residency program.
Resources to Help You Find a Psychiatrist in Seattle
Aside from contacting the clinics mentioned before, you can always find a professional by googling “Seattle psychiatrist.” Or, you can ask a friend, neighbor, or colleague to recommend someone.
Online Therapy
This form of therapy is a quick and easy way to gain access to quality mental health services. Online platforms can put you in contact with licensed professionals that can help you manage your emotional and behavioral problems.
New Expectations
The people of Seattle are excited to see what will happen with the implementation of the new policies.
