Psychiatry

Sometimes emotional distress or disturbance in one’s life can be so severe that it requires medical intervention. Medication may be recommended at intake or during a routine counseling or medical appointment if a provider becomes concerned that the distress or behavioral disturbance puts that student at risk for harm or jeopardizes their ability to meet the requirements or responsibilities of student life. Often a medical provider can address a medication need for issues such as uncomplicated depression or anxiety, or sleep impairment. However, more severe issues, complex diagnoses, history of non-responsiveness to medications, and complex medication regimens require an appointment with our psychiatrist. All psychiatry appointments begin with counseling OAAT (or One At A Time) Session for the completion of intake paperwork and referral. Assessment appointments are 50 minutes and medication follow-up appointments are 20 minutes.

How does a psychiatrist differ from a counselor or psychologist?

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor with an M.D. degree and expertise in the neurochemical interventions to address mental and emotional distress and disturbance. Psychiatrists primarily take a pharmacological approach to treating illness and at SHAC typically do not do therapy.