Psychiatric Evaluation: 

A psychiatric evaluation consists of an interview to obtain information about emotional or behavioral symptoms as well as medical, psychiatric, and social history. In some cases, family members are also interviewed to help with understanding the patient's symptoms and history. This is followed by a mental status examination where questions are asked about other important symptoms with screening tests of thinking and memory. If applicable, a diagnosis is determined, and a treatment plan is proposed. The diagnosis and treatment plan is discussed with the patient. The psychiatrist may prescribe a medication to help alleviate emotional or behavioral symptoms if the patient agrees.

 

Psychiatric Medication Management:

Medications may be prescribed by your psychiatrist to help with mood, attention, or organization of thinking. Florida law and good medical practice dictates that patients on medications should be evaluated by the physician at regular intervals and whenever a change in status occurs. After several visits to assure that the effects of the medication are effective and stabilized, medication management visits typically run 10 to 15 minutes during which time the psychiatrist reviews the effects and side effects of the medication and makes adjustments as necessary.

 

Team Approach:

At CMPS, there is a team approach philosophy based on extensive research literature which documents that the most effective treatment of many emotional disorders is a combination of psychiatric medication management in conjunction with psychotherapy. In almost all cases, your psychiatrist will work together with your psychotherapist to monitor medication effectiveness, side effects, and overall treatment progress. The benefit of your psychiatrist working in the same offices as the psychotherapist is that there is a level of inter-communication which is not generally found. This allows for face-to-face communication of information to address any critical emotional and/or medication issues which need immediate attention and resolution.