Overwhelmed? Here's Expert Advice from Your Anxiety Therapist in Cincinnati

Your mind is racing, but you can’t get anything done. Thoughts just go in circles without any solutions. There are so many things to do, you don’t know where to start. The only solution feels like dropping everything and driving to the beach, or getting in bed and staying under the covers for days.

Understanding Overwhelm: Insights from Your Anxiety Therapist in Cincinnati

Overwhelm is not a clinical diagnosis, but it can feel all-consuming and never-ending. It usually happens when our tasks, responsibilities, and emotional stressors become bigger than our ability to cope. Typically it’s when life gets out of balance, where there’s not enough down time to recover and we’re asking too much of our brains and bodies.

Sometimes we’re overwhelmed because there’s a problem we don’t know how to solve, or we underestimate our ability to do the thing. Or you’re just so tired your brain has no motivation to figure it out. If you have ADHD, anxiety, or depression, you can be more susceptible to overwhelm. The problems can also be systemic and bigger than you, which can feel helpless (also we might have unrealistic expectations driven by capitalism and patriarchy, but I digress…).

Coping Strategies Recommended by Your Anxiety Therapist in Cincinnati

When you’re in the pit of despair, first you need to recognize the signs. That might be panic attacks, irritability, physical tension, or pessimism. Yelling at your family, road rage, going off on some innocent customer service representative? Warning signs. First, name it and say it out loud. It can help to say it to someone who loves you, even if they can’t fix it. And give yourself compassion and grace for being a human.

Next, write down what’s going on. Journaling can help to process but also get the problems on paper, making them visual and easier to work through.

Once you’ve identified what’s contributing, take the time now to calm your body and mind. It might feel counter-intuitive, as there is so much to do. But you will be more effective once you take a break. Go outside and be in nature, move your body, and eat some good food. Even walking small laps in your house or apartment can get some endorphins flowing.

Music can help. Go to the songs you associate with a better mental state or time of your life. My go-to is the Yin Yang Twins station on Pandora.

Once you get your brain and body in a different state, start looking at the list and developing just one next step you can take on some of the problems. Maybe there’s nothing to do, like for anxiety or grief. So the solution there might be getting help, so write that down. Your brain can relax a little more when there’s a plan for each problem.

Seeking Support: How Your Anxiety Therapist in Cincinnati Can Help

Support is important for all of us, so leaning on friends or family is essential. If your feelings of overwhelm feel more chronic, or keep happening, or if you feel like the stressors “shouldn’t” be so overwhelming, it might be time for a therapist.

A therapist can help by taking a big picture look at what’s going on, and finding effective solutions. We have many techniques to solve problems and help you to cope better. Here’s a plug for seeing a Clinical Social Worker: we’re always going to be highlighting your strengths, looking at resources to connect you with, and considering systems and processes that might need to change.

As an anxiety therapist in Cincinnati, I’ve seen so many people come to therapy completely frazzled and panicking, and leaving calm and confident with a plan to feel better. You might feel like nothing will ever get better, but I know there is hope and growth for everyone.

If you’re looking for help with overwhelm, click here to schedule a free 15 minute consultation with an online anxiety therapist in Cincinnati, with online counseling in Indiana and Ohio. Or call/text 513-461-2045.

Navigating a Mental Breakdown: Expert Advice from an Anxiety Therapist in Cincinnati

If you’ve just had a nervous breakdown, you might feel disoriented, anxious and confused about what to do next. I’d like to talk a little about what just happened, whether you call it an emotional meltdown or mental break, and how you can get back to feeling okay.

Understanding a Mental Breakdown: Insights from Your Anxiety Therapist in Cincinnati

There’s not an actual diagnosis to define the symptoms, but we generally consider a mental breakdown to be any combination of severe anxiety, panic, depression, insomnia, or other symptoms that interfere with your functioning. This mean you may not be able to eat, go to work, concentrate on work, talk to friends and family, or take care of yourself or your space. It may happen in episodes or culminate in one incident where you might have a panic attack, crying spells, or inability to do much of anything.

What causes a Mental Breakdown?

When we’re living a life in balance, we can generally handle the stresses of life. We can problem-solve, ask for help, and get back to baseline when we’re feeling out of sorts. Sometimes, our ability to handle things is outweighed by the level of stress or intensity of something like anxiety or depression. This can be brought on by our responsibilities, events like loss of a loved one, or bigger issues like systemic discrimination, war, or definitely a pandemic. When we don’t get a sufficient break or can’t return to our normal coping, this can lead to a crisis.

Taking Steps Forward: Practical Strategies from Your Anxiety Therapist

If you’re in crisis, now is the time to call in supports. Tell your family, friends, therapist, even HR at your work. There is help available, and you deserve to feel better. Feeling alone will make it harder to overcome. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. Even if you’re not sure you’re at the point of being suicidal, go ahead and call. They can help you to think through what to do next. This feeling happens to all of us, and it can truly help to know you’re not alone and connect to another human. If you can’t keep yourself safe, call 911 or go to the nearest ER.

If you’re safe but feeling overwhelmed and not sure what to do, first know that this feeling won’t last forever. Panic attacks subside, crying spells end eventually, and your body will calm down. Once it starts feeling like a wave receding, start to think of your immediate needs. First thing, what does your body need? Water, food, and sleep are priorities.

Taking Steps Forward: Practical Strategies

Next, get back into a routine. This isn’t a forever routine and doesn’t have to be what “full functioning” looks like to you. But think about what you can do to keep some structure in your days. It’s calming for our brains to know what is coming next, even if it is bed – couch – shower – bed.

Try to get good neurotransmitters flowing. Exercise is a good way to do this, as well as laughter, connecting with others, spending time with pets, playing a game, or checking something small off of a to-do list. You aren’t looking for 100% cure, but feeling 10% better will help with next steps. Take some deep diaphragmatic breaths to calm your body and get to a place you can think.

Review. What is it that’s truly overwhelming? This can be a sneaky answer, because sometimes it’s not obvious. This is where a friend or a therapist can be helpful, as we can’t always see things objectively in our lives. Try to think about what the “thing” was that triggered the breakdown, and work backwards. Jot down all of what contributed – think about all areas of your life and if they were out of whack. Physical health, mental health, creativity, social connections, financial stability, spiritual or emotional wellbeing, etc. Journaling by hand can be super helpful for clarity – just ask the question and let your brain go where it will.

Going through all areas will help to list all the opportunities for change that might help moving forward. Then you can ask the bigger questions – am I living a life that aligns with my values? Am I in the right relationship, career, home? Am I being true to myself and what I prioritize? Where has my mind been focused lately? These types of questions can bring up important information. It doesn’t mean you have to change anything, but sometimes we realize we were putting too much priority on one thing and need to shift. Pondering these questions can give you a plan – like incorporating time in nature. That can be put into a calendar. Our brains like tangible solutions like this.

Meditation can be really useful when coming back from a nervous breakdown. Just five minutes of tuning into your breath can ground you in the moment, in your body, and help to bring you back from your mind and into your next physical steps.

Get care. Friends and family are super important. But they might not know what to do to help, or be too close to your situation to see the bigger picture. Getting in with a therapist, or reconnecting with a previous one, can be a huge relief because someone else can help you navigate your recovery. Especially if you’re having thoughts of self-harm, hurting others, or having symptoms of hallucinations or disconnecting from reality, getting a professional on board will streamline your road to getting better.

Ready to reclaim your mental well-being? Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation with an online anxiety therapist in Cincinnati to explore how counseling can support you. Or call/text 513-461-2045. Online counseling in Ohio and Indiana. Read more about how I can help here.

5 Strategies to Leave 2020 Behind: Tips from Your Anxiety Therapist in Cincinnati

Updated in 2024: This information can be used to move forward from any really terrible time. We will all go through seasons that turn our lives upside down. I hope this information can help guide your recovery.
I don’t have to explain why you’re here reading a blog post about kicking 2020 out of your life forever. It was the worst year for so many people for a lot of reasons. You might not be a person who is into the resolutions or rituals of transition, but a lot of people are asking what can be done to cleanse ourselves of this awful 2020 energy so we don’t bring it into 2021. Here are some tips I’ll be using as a mental health therapist and a human:

Acknowledge and Process: Insights from Your Online Anxiety Therapist in Cincinnati

Take some time to review all that has happened this year: what was lost, who was lost, all of the events and stresses of this year globally, nationally, and personally. For some of us, it seemed like the hits just kept coming and we didn’t have time to really process what was happening before something else hit the fan. Take time to think about it all, talk about it, and write.  

Writing about 2020 can be especially therapeutic. Earlier this year, I read Expressive Writing: Words that Heal by James Pennbaker and John Evans. I highly recommend this as a resource for a more structured healing through writing. It doesn’t take a lot of time, and it’s supported by research to help you - even physically. The book’s website is full of helpful information. 

i highly recommend this book!

When trying to let something go, we need to first acknowledge that it happened. Validating the effect it had on you, how you handled it, and how it’s impacted you long-term are all ways to process. There’s a quote by psychologist Carl Jung that’s often repeated in therapy: “What you resist, persists.” If you’ve been keeping your head in the sand in order to survive, take time now to deal with it so it doesn’t haunt you in the future.

Remember that feelings won’t kill you. Sometimes we fear bringing up painful memories because of how overwhelming the feelings can get. But you can handle distressing emotions. Allow them to move through you, and they will transform and subside. 

Reflect and Learn: Counseling in Cincinnati for Growth After 2020

Some of these lessons this year might be hard truths. A lot of ugly has happened in the US this year, and social media made it a million times more intense. You might have had family conflicts about holiday gatherings, or seen loved ones posting really offensive stuff on Facebook about Covid, racism, or politics.

So some lessons might be “I learned my cousin is a bigot” or “I have no hope for the future of our country.” The solutions there are long and complex. I recommend connecting with other people to share ideas of how to make forward progress on the bigger issues. 

More immediately, look at the things you learned about yourself personally. How did you handle each crisis? What are you most proud of? Is there something you would do differently in future crises now that you’ve made it through 2020? What would you like to change moving forward for your own growth, your family life, or your career?

What about getting involved in a cause that’s important to you? One lesson I’ve learned is that helplessly watching doesn’t feel good and doesn’t resolve the stress, but taking action helps. Also, giving time, money, or energy to help other people has a positive effect on your mental health. 

Also be sure to acknowledge any good things that happened this year. What was good in your life, however small? And for the bigger picture, remember the Mr. Rogers tip to “Look for the helpers.” For all the bad that happened this year, there were some really good people helping.

Prioritize Self-Care: Strategies from Your Anxiety Therapist in Cincinnati

Many of us were not taking great care of our physical and emotional health before 2020, but we squeaked by. This year we’ve blown past the reserves and most of us are truly on an empty tank. The emotional stress, financial strain, energy depletion, competing priorities, and uncertainty all take a toll. 

You might have noticed some emotional symptoms (irritability, crying, low patience, feeling down), cognitive issues (memory issues, trouble focusing, losing your train of thought), physical problems (pain, illness, random symptoms like my eye swelling for no reason), social troubles (being physically isolated and lonely, isolating yourself further, breakdowns in friendships) or spiritual issues (questioning your beliefs, struggling with not attending services).

Now is a great time to take stock of all aspects of your health, and start making a plan to address these things knowing the limitations for the next several months while the pandemic continues.

Start with a routine. Look at your schedule and responsibilities, and problem-solve to make sure you’re getting enough sleep, exercising consistently, eating regularly, and having time for relaxation. Figure out how and when you’ll connect socially. Make an appointment with a doctor, naturopath, or counselor to start addressing some of these issues so they don’t get worse next year. If you’re struggling with working from home, is there something you can change about your workspace, schedule, or routine that will ease some of the stress? Have you made time for creativity, meditation, or play? 

Plan for Progress: Setting Goals with Your Anxiety Therapist in Cincinnati

Set some personal and professional goals for yourself. What do you want to have accomplished at the end of 2021? This doesn’t mean an achievement necessarily, but something like “I really stuck to a yoga routine, and felt so much better in my body.”

Having a specific and measurable goal to work toward will keep you moving forward while we still deal with the pandemic and all the other fallout from 2020. Setting an intention for the year helps a lot of people. This can be “I’m focusing on my health” or having a word you focus on like “Connection.” Daily decisions can be made with that intention in mind. 

Closure Rituals: Moving Forward with Your Anxiety Therapist in Cincinnati

This is a great year to have a farewell ritual. You might take the writing you did about 2020 and burn it (safely) in a fire pit. Get creative and think of how you might say goodbye and put this year to rest. Of course this doesn’t mean anything is “over” or “done,” but it signals to your brain that something has changed. The end of one chapter, beginning of the next. 

There’s a reason we have graduations and funerals. It doesn’t mean the learning or grieving have stopped, but the ceremonial closure helps us emotionally move forward in the process. 

I truly hope that you realize the strength it took for you to get through this year and come out the other side still functioning. I’m amazed at the resilience of people. There are still good things happening, people being kind to one another, and life is moving forward. That is pretty amazing. Even if you had moments of collapse, you didn’t stay down. That’s pretty awesome. 

Ready to move forward and embrace a brighter future? Call me at 513-461-2045 or click here to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation with an online anxiety therapist in Cincinnati to explore counseling options, or for online therapy in Ohio or Indiana.

Demystifying Therapy: Exploring Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with Your Anxiety Therapist in Cincinnati

Why would your therapist ask you about socks? Well, unless they’re a creep, it might be a way to explain the type of therapy they do. I use the socks example all the time to demonstrate how Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) works.

I use CBT in my practice because it’s evidence-based (science backs it up) in the treatment of anxiety and depression. I use other techniques along with it, but I like to start with this because it’s so helpful to pretty much everyone. I’m going to explain the basics of CBT to give you an idea of how it can help. 

Unpacking the 'Sock Question': Understanding CBT Basics with Your Anxiety Therapist

Scenario: It’s a holiday or birthday, and you’re given a gift. You unwrap it, and discover it’s a pack of socks. 
Question: What’s your reaction?

What we’re looking for is the first thought that goes through your mind, and then the feeling that follows. 

I’ve gotten all sorts of responses to this one. When I worked with teens, the response was usually something like, “Socks?! But I wanted an Xbox!” They feel disappointed or mad. Following the feeling is the reaction or behavior. So the teen might say something rude, throw the socks, storm out, or get quiet. 

For me personally, my first thought seeing the socks would be, “Yes!! I love nice socks, and needed some new ones!” I would feel excited and grateful. This just happened recently on Christmas, and I noticed my behavior was to thank the person and start opening them. 

THESE ARE THE SOCKS. THEY’RE THE RIGHT THICKNESS AND SO SOFT!

The CBT Triangle: Thoughts, Feelings, and Behaviors Explained by Your Anxiety Therapist

The socks have no feelings attached to them. The “event” of opening a gift of socks doesn’t have a universal emotion. Socks aren’t good or bad. It’s how we think about the event that determines our feelings, and therefore our actions. 

The “behavior” isn’t always a physical action that you do. It could be a symptom like crying, or a panic attack. It’s basically what happens when you feel that certain feeling. And that can therefore reinforce the original thought, or lead to more.

Therapists will often use a triangle drawing to demonstrate the cognitive model. You might notice that the incident doesn’t end with the behavior, but that the behavior can cycle you back through. Have you ever noticed how you can work yourself up about something, and keep going down the rabbit hole and get even more upset? The cycle isn’t always linear, either. The feeling can then trigger more thoughts, and so on. 

Harnessing the Power of CBT: Practical Techniques for Mental Well-being

In CBT, we look at the content of our thoughts, and determine whether those thoughts are rational or helpful. If they aren’t, we develop alternative thoughts to replace the ones causing distress. With anxiety or depression, our thoughts tend to be distorted in a negative way.

The work is done by using worksheets in between sessions so you can catch yourself in the moment. Over time, you’ll start breaking those unhelpful thought habits and retrain your brain to think more rationally. You’ll also become more mindful of how you’re responding to triggers, which gives you the chance to make a choice in what you’ll do. 

This is a basic overview of the process of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in my counseling practice. Of course it gets deeper than that, but I find it’s super helpful for everyone to learn about.

Even if you don’t have anxiety or depression, we all have thoughts that drive our feelings and behaviors, and it can really help to be aware of them. Practicing CBT techniques can help you deal with stress, improve your relationships, and even help with road rage!

Ready to explore CBT techniques for managing anxiety or depression? Click here to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation with and online anxiety therapist in Cincinnati to discover how CBT can support your mental health journey. Online counseling in Indiana and Ohio. Or call/text 513-461-2045.

Embracing the Breakdown: Finding Growth Amidst Stress with Your Anxiety Therapist in Cincinnati

Update in 2024: Although the pandemic has improved, many of us feel like there’s a constant stream of urgent stressors leading to a crisis. I hope this information can help you process your experience if you’re struggling.

A global pandemic, racial injustice, the election... and winter’s coming. If you’re feeling like this year is a never-ending avalanche of stress, you’re not alone. Even those of us who are professional stress managers are falling apart. It might sound silly to say there’s anything good about overwhelming stress, breakdowns, and burnout, but hear me out. There are good things that can come from 2020, even when it feels like the world is burning down around us. We can see this as an opportunity for growth as people, families, and communities.

My definition of a mental breakdown is an event or series of incidents in which you experience overwhelming emotions, physical symptoms, and/or relational conflicts that reach a crisis point where you can’t function normally. It’s truly awful to experience. But I want to share some of the good things that can come from completely losing it: 

The Wake-Up Call: Insights from Your Anxiety Therapist

We are busy. We get into routines and ruts, and we have a lot of blind spots. We don’t often see the stress creeping up. You might be irritable and snapping at your partner or kids, and think it’s just a bad day. However, a full-on breakdown can really wake you up to how bad you’re feeling. And don’t underestimate the power of your body to scream that something is wrong! This can look like back pain, headaches, fatigue, or even more serious health problems. Sometimes you have to get to rock bottom to realize that you’re at a crisis point.

Breaking Down Barriers: Building Connections with Your Anxiety Therapist

Your family, friends, or co-workers might not realize you’re struggling. Even if you tell them you’re stressed, or they see you drinking more and more, or plowing through bags of chips after work, they might not think it’s that bad. It’s easy to assume that someone is just having a bad day or week, or that it’ll get better on its own. The 2020 stressors are not letting up, and sometimes a meltdown is super helpful in showing others just how bad you’re struggling.

Navigating Change: Practical Steps from Your Anxiety Therapist in Cincinnati

The end of your rope is a great place to make big changes. When you feel that bad, you’re pretty motivated to get relief. This is a great time to start problem-solving. Does this mean a job change? Getting more help with your kids? Committing to a self-care routine that used to seem self-involved, but now is essential? Look at everything that’s overwhelming you, write it down, determine what’s in your control and what isn’t. If it’s not in your control, explore how you can change your reaction to the stressor, or work toward influencing change. Ask for help determining how you can change the things within your control, because during a breakdown you might not be able to think of all the possibilities.

Self-Discovery Journey: Understanding Yourself with Your Anxiety Therapist

Breakdowns usually come when stress has been bottled up and we haven’t acknowledged it. You may not have told your family, friend, or partner what’s going on. When the floodgates open, it’s a wonderfully vulnerable place to be (as long as they’re a good support). When you let someone into the darkness, and they meet you where you are, bonding happens. Your relationship deepens. Trust is built when someone sees you at your lowest, and gets down with you to start digging out. You also connect deeply if you share your struggle with someone who has been there, or who is there right now (hello, support groups). A mental breakdown also builds relationships if you ask for help. Whether it’s helping with emotional support or something tangible, that builds a bond with the helper. 

Gratitude in the Chaos: Finding Strength with Your Anxiety Therapist

For most of us, 2020 is not the first year we’ve been overwhelmed by stress. The reality is, we might have breakdowns several times in our lives. If this is you, then it’s a great time to reflect back on these points of crisis and pull out the themes. What led up to each of those? How were they similar? When you can see the patterns, you can take an honest look at yourself and see what needs to change long-term. 

For example, you might look at various times of overwhelm in your life and see common themes of perfectionism, lack of boundaries with others, or trying to prove your worth through achievement. This gives you more concrete problems to start working through. You can also look back at the times you’ve been more calm and stable, and sort out what it was about those times that is consistent. This might be that you had a regular yoga practice, you were seeing friends every week, or you had a good sleep schedule. Plan to implement those things in your routine as non-negotiables. And because your partner or family has seen what happens when you don’t prioritize these things, they will probably be on board with you taking care of yourself.

Having a mental breakdown can feel scary and defeating. You might even be frustrated with yourself that it’s happening. But if you look at the benefits, you can start to appreciate and even feel gratitude toward the breakdown. By allowing the feelings to come, and acknowledging what your brain and body are trying to teach you, you can take the opportunity to make long-term changes in your life. 

Ready to find growth amidst the chaos? Click here to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation with an online anxiety therapist in Cincinnati to explore how therapy can support you. Or call/text 513-461-2045. Online therapy in Indiana and Ohio.

Finding the Right Psychiatrist in Cincinnati: A Step-by-Step Guide

You’ve made the decision to see a psychiatrist for a medication evaluation, and now you don’t know where to start. Finding a psychiatrist can be overwhelming, so I’d like to help walk through how I help clients find and schedule with the right person who can help.

Leveraging Referrals: Your First Step in Finding a Psychiatrist

The easiest way to find a psychiatrist is to get a referral from one of your other providers. Often a primary care office will have someone they regularly refer to, or have a list of doctors. Your therapist might have someone they like, or know who is in the area, who is taking new patients, and who to stay away from. You can also ask your OBGYN! They treat a lot of anxiety and depression, and will usually have a psychiatrist they’ll send patients to if their symptoms aren’t getting better. 

Navigating Insurance: Ensuring Coverage for Your Mental Health Needs

If you need to use your insurance, you will want to make sure the psychiatrist is In-Network. You can call the number on the back of your insurance card, and they’ll give you a list of who is nearby. While you’re talking with them, verify how much you’ll pay out of pocket for the appointments. You can also do a search on your insurance company’s website by location. This will give you options to start narrowing down. 

Utilizing Online Resources: Tips for Finding Psychiatrists Near You

Look for “psychiatry near me,” or by region like “psychiatrist Oxford Ohio” or “psychiatry in Cincinnati.” This will bring up a list to review. Remember, not everyone reviews their psychiatrist so don’t let the lack of reviews dissuade you! It does help though to see if they have good reviews, and especially if they have a website. You might also see Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners (NP) or Physicians Assistants (PA) in the list as well.

Making the Call: Steps to Schedule Your First Appointment

Once you have a name or a list of names, start calling. You want to ask, “Are you taking new patients?” first, and then “How soon is your next available appointment?” With a shortage of psychiatrists, some practices have waiting lists of a couple of months. If that’s the case, decide whether you can wait that long and keep trying other offices if you can’t. 

Ask about the fee.

While many psychiatrists take insurance, some do not. That doesn’t mean you can’t use your insurance, though! If you have Out of Network benefits, then you may be able to get reimbursed.  Ask if they provide a receipt for insurance. If paying out of pocket, ask what the fee is for the first appointment, and then for follow-ups. You can ask how often you’ll typically see the doctor so you can plan for that financially. 

Review your options and schedule.

You might call a few places to get an idea about the practice and availability. When you’re ready, book your first appointment! The initial assessment will be a longer appointment (around an hour), so plan around that. Understand that you might not get your ideal appointment time, but once you’re in the system, follow-up appointments are easier to schedule. Those are typically 15 minute med checks. 

Exploring Telehealth Options: Accessing Psychiatrists from Anywhere

Psychiatrists in private practice, as well as those using online platforms like Teladoc or Doctor on Demand, are available via telehealth. They will be licensed in your state, but might live elsewhere. The benefit of this is they’re easier to get into and the scheduling is easy for you without the drive. The downside is that they can be harder to get ahold of if it’s through one of the apps. It’s been hit-or-miss for me to collaborate with those types of providers, so consider that. You can also get started online while you’re waiting for an in-person appointment. Laws and clinic policies vary on prescribing controlled substances (typically used with ADHD, panic disorder, or insomnia) via telehealth.

I hope this makes it easier to get an appointment with a psychiatrist. If you’re having trouble finding someone, feel free to call me at 513-461-2045 or click here to schedule a free 15 minute phone consultation. I’d be happy to help guide you to the right person. If you’re looking for help with online anxiety counseling in Cincinnati, or online therapy in Indiana or Ohio, you can read more about how I help here.

Navigating Anxiety Treatment in Cincinnati: Do I need a Psychiatrist vs. Counselor?

When you’re at your breaking point with anxiety or depression and are ready to reach out for help, you might be wondering who can help you. One big question is whether you need to see a psychiatrist or a counselor. It’s important to know the difference, so you can get the help that’s right for you. I’d like to explore what each professional does, so you can be on the road to feeling better. In my next blog post, I talk about the ins and outs of scheduling with each.

Understanding Psychiatrists: Medication Evaluation and Management

Psychiatrists have gone to medical school, and got specialized training in treating mental health disorders with medicine. A psychiatrist is going to be well-versed in antidepressants, anti-anxiety medication, mood stabilizers, as well as antipsychotics for more severe illness. They have also had training in screening for any medical causes for your symptoms. They may run lab work or ask your medical history to determine if something is contributing (like a vitamin deficiency, thyroid issue, anemia, etc) before writing a prescription. 

Typically, a psychiatrist does not provide much counseling. 

Your first appointment will be a diagnostic assessment, where you answer a lot of questions to determine what the diagnosis is, then discuss treatment options. This may take an hour. Follow-up appointments are usually 15 minute medication check-ups. So you’ll talk about your symptoms, side-effects, and any changes they’ll want to make. You’ll usually see a nurse as well to take vitals and your weight to monitor any changes. 

Psychiatrists are people, too, and they are all different! 

Some may take more of an interest in your lifestyle and stressors. Some may suggest therapy exercises, books, or even diet and supplements. Some may not talk at all about this and simply treat your symptoms medically. They should ask if you’re in therapy, if you’ve tried it, and offer to refer you if you’re interested. You may also see a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner or a Physician’s Assistant who are also trained and able to prescribe medications (state laws vary on what they can prescribe, and if they have to collaborate with a physician). A great psychiatrist will be open to talking with your therapist so you can have a team approach to your treatment. 

Understanding Counselors: Therapeutic Solutions for Symptom Relief

A counselor or therapist is generally a Masters level professional trained in the treatment of mental health disorders. We do not prescribe medications (there are outliers where someone is doubly-licensed though!). They may have a Masters degree in Social Work, Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, or Psychology (depending on the state, they might be required to have a PhD or PsyD in Psychology). We are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat the same mental health disorders that a psychiatrist would; however, we treat with therapeutic techniques like talk therapy instead of medications. 

Each therapist is trained differently.

There are a variety of evidence-based treatments that can help you based on your specific problem. In the initial appointment, which can last 45-90 minutes depending on the counselor, you’ll be asked a lot of questions about your symptoms, environment, medical history, family history, and goals for therapy. We’ll want to know what medications you’ve taken, if any, as well as any relevant lab results or medical problems contributing to your symptoms (referring you to a doctor if needed). 

If you have a medical issue that is likely causing your anxiety or depression, then we’ll want that assessed and treated before digging into therapy. A great therapist will want to collaborate with your PCP (primary care provider) or psychiatrist so you have a whole team approach to treatment. 

Some counselors have more experience with medications than others.

We also have various beliefs about medications. This is important for you to know and to know yourself when deciding on a therapist. For instance, some clients don’t want to be pushed to take meds. So you don’t want a therapist who routinely refers everyone to psychiatry! Or on the flip side, if your medication is working well for you and you want to continue, you may not do well with a therapist who doesn’t believe medications should be routinely prescribed. 

Navigating Treatment Paths: Collaboration and Communication

Most of us have been trained to work with you where you are, regardless of personal belief, and have a base knowledge about medication. Often in my practice, this is an ongoing conversation. Many people want to try therapeutic or lifestyle changes before starting medicine. If therapy isn’t helping, it’s our responsibility as professionals to seek to understand why, and to change course, or make a referral to a different therapist, doctor, or psychiatrist if it’s appropriate.

I hope this helps to understand the difference in your options for medication or anxiety therapy in Cincinnati. Ready to embark on your journey to better mental health? Call/text me at 513-461-2045 or click here to schedule your free consultation today for virtual anxiety therapy in Cincinnati. Online therapy in Indiana and Ohio.