Psychiatry Overview
Clarity Clinic offers comprehensive adult psychiatric and medication management services with the highest quality of care and the safest, most effective treatment options utilizing the latest in research and scientific developments, individualized to meet the unique needs of each person.
We specialize in the assessment and treatment of mood and anxiety disorders, including:
- Major depressive disorder
- Bipolar disorder and manic depression
- Anxiety disorders including panic disorders
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
- ADHD
Our process includes a comprehensive evaluation to ensure proper assessment and diagnosis to determine the best course of treatment. We also work in conjunction with Clarity Clinic therapists to identify other lifestyle and external factors when developing the individualized treatment plan and medication management recommendation.
The Difference Between Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychological Assessment
While many people use these terms interchangeably, there are very distinct differences between psychiatry, psychotherapy and psychological assessment.
Psychiatry is the medical practice of assessing, diagnosis and treating mental disorders, primarily through prescription and medication management. Psychiatrists are medical doctors with specialized training and are licensed to prescribe psychotropic medications to reduce and stabilize symptoms associated with emotional and behavior disorders. While some psychiatrists do conduct psychotherapy or talk therapy, many focus primarily on assessing and prescribing medication, but work in conjunction with psychotherapists to provide collaborative treatment options for successful treatment options. Because of the collaborative nature of Clarity Clinic NWI’s practice, many times our psychiatrists encourage psychotherapy as the best treatment option in lieu of medication. Clarity Clinic NWI is also a suboxone service provider.
Psychotherapists, which can include mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, social workers, and psychologists, are trained to treat those struggling with emotional and behavior problems, and utilize a variety of talk-therapy modalities, including Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interview (MI), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), among others. Psychotherapists are Master’s Level graduates and can specialize in treating children, adolescents, adults, as well as couples. While psychotherapists cannot prescribe medication, they work in conjunction with psychiatrists to assess and diagnosis to determine if medication management, coupled with therapy, is the best course of treatment.
Psychological assessments are clinical evaluations to examine an individual’s behavior, personality, and cognitive functioning. These series of tests, conducted by a licensed psychologist who is specially trained in psychological testing, are used to identify a person’s psychological strengths and weaknesses which may be inhibiting their ability to behave or think in more appropriate or productive ways.
Psychological evaluations can assess for:
- ADHD
- Learning disabilities
- Development delays
- Autism-spectrum disorders
- Intellectual testing
- Personality tests
- Sensory disorders
- Mood disorders and other mental health disorders
- Cognitive disorders
- Career testing
Psychological assessments are used to provide insight into an individual’s emotional and behavioral struggles and can provide a foundation for identifying effective treatment options, which may include medication management, psychotherapy, as well as school or work accommodations to assist in improved functioning and quality of life.