FAQ’s
Here are the answers to some of the most common questions we receive at Weston Psychiatric. Please contact us to learn more about our mental health clinics.
A: Referrals are always welcome, but they are not required at Weston Psychiatric.
A: Education: A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who completed medical school and earned a M.D. or D.O. degree. A psychiatrist typically studies four years as an undergraduate, followed by four years of medical school. Next, a doctor completes a residency in psychiatry, which takes a minimum of four years.
Scope of Practice: Psychiatrists are trained to diagnose and treat mental health disorders. They can prescribe medication, provide psychotherapy and offer a combination of both. Some may also specialize in specific areas like child and adolescent psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry or addiction psychiatry.
Medical Perspective: Psychiatrists are trained in the biological and physiological aspects of mental health. They can order and interpret medical tests and consider physical health in their assessments and treatment plans.
A: Education: A psychologist holds a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in psychology, which involves extensive coursework, research and clinical training. Earning a doctoral degree typically takes 5-7 years after a bachelor’s degree.
Scope of Practice: Psychologists focus on providing psychotherapy and psychological assessments to test for specific conditions and disorders. Psychologists are experts in human behavior, emotions and mental processes. They use various therapeutic techniques to help individuals cope with and manage their mental health challenges.
Non-Medical Perspective: Unlike psychiatrists, psychologists do not prescribe medication. They primarily use talk therapy, behavioral interventions and psychological testing in their practice.
A: Education: A psychotherapist holds a master’s degree in professional counseling, marriage & family therapy, or social work. Psychotherapists may also earn various certifications in specific therapeutic treatment modalities.
Scope of Practice: Psychotherapists specialize in providing talk therapy to individuals, couples, or groups. They use various therapeutic techniques to address a wide range of emotional and psychological issues.
Non-Medical Perspective: Like psychologists, psychotherapists do not prescribe medication. They provide emotional support, insight and coping strategies.
A: One benefit is coordination of care. Coordination of care can be lacking for individuals who see providers from different healthcare systems or within a large healthcare system. The Weston Psychiatric team collaborates regularly. Clinicians ensure that individuals receive comprehensive, quality care. All treatment components support the same wellness goals.
The second benefit is easier, more time-efficient access to service. Lives are busy and finding time to schedule and receive treatment can be challenging. Managing appointments, services and treatment bills can be a headache, especially when individuals need more than one type of treatment service. At Weston Psychiatric, patients can access psychiatry, psychology and psychotherapy services all in one place. Plus, patients work with one scheduling and billing team for any and all services. Weston Psychiatric can group appointments together for individuals seeing more than one provider at the clinic.
A: Choosing to pay direct for mental health services can be beneficial in a few ways. By paying direct, individuals avoid the complications of insurance, copays and deductibles. They don’t need to wait to determine insurance coverage before treatment begins and they don’t face health insurance limits or restrictions. Plus, they avoid having a mental health diagnosis logged in their insurance history.
A: Weston Psychiatric understands that privacy and confidentiality are important, especially concerning mental health care. Decreasing stigma around mental health is important, but protecting an individual’s preferences for privacy is equally important. Weston Psychiatric clinic offers a more private location than larger clinics. Plus, the clinic offers options for billing and communications which protect anonymity. Additionally, individuals can schedule appointments when no other patient appointments are adjacent to or during their appointment (requires an additional fee). Lastly, Weston Psychiatric offers Telehealth appointments. Patients receive treatment from the privacy of their homes. Contact us to learn more.
A: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is a groundbreaking, non-invasive, FDA-approved mental health treatment. TMS therapy incorporates a special magnetic coil placed over a specific site of a patient’s head. The coil emits a light stimulation, felt as a tapping sensation, aimed at specific areas within the brain. The stimulation helps to reconnect the neural pathways involved in depression.
A: Individuals struggling with major depressive disorder who have not responded well to antidepressant medication or psychotherapy can benefit from TMS.
A: TMS therapy is widely accepted by private and public health insurance companies. Contact us to schedule an evaluation.
