Finding a psychiatrist can be like standing at the edge of a large expanse with no idea where the start of the path is. You may have been thinking about it for weeks, even years, and now you've got some practical questions to go with your emotional ones. Where do I look? Who can I trust? What if I select the wrong person? It's much easier than it sounds and will help if you know how things typically go before you start.
A psychiatrist is a physician with expertise in psychiatry. So, What Does a Psychiatrist Do? They may be able to diagnose and evaluate mood, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, and other conditions and prescribe and monitor medication. It is often unexpected that psychiatric services are provided by a team. A psychiatric nurse practitioner or physician assistant may also be qualified to assess, diagnose, and prescribe medication within their scope of practice. Having a consultation with one of these professionals can be a good way to access high-quality care and may help you get an appointment sooner.
Knowing how to find and choose a psychiatrist in Penfield, NY, can make the process feel more manageable. The first step is to get an idea of what you require. No need to have a diagnosis. Just knowing that you can't concentrate, that you haven't felt like yourself for months, or that the drugs you are taking don't seem to be helping. You will find directions on where to go based on an assessment, medication support, therapy, or a combination of those. It can also be beneficial to consider if you are looking for care for yourself or for your child, as some practitioners specialize in certain age groups.
Then review your insurance policy. Before booking, review your plan's provider directory or call your plan's phone number to make sure that a practice is in network. It's taken for granted, and it can be the most aggravating when it fails. Good practice will be transparent regarding the content before entering their premises.
From there, you're asked to fill out an intake form, which asks questions about your history, your concerns, and what you are currently taking. It's like paperwork, but it saves you from having to explain everything from the ground up on the day and provides your clinician with a head start.
Then comes the first appointment; a discussion, not a test. The clinician asks you what's been going on, and how long and what you have done so far. You're not required to tell your complete story. A list of your current prescriptions and a few notes about what you've observed are sufficient, and you can say, "I'm not sure how to explain this."
You and your healthcare professional agree on a treatment plan, such as therapy, medication, additional evaluation, or a combination of treatments. Treatment is evaluated on an ongoing basis, and you always have the right to say if it doesn't work or if it does.
Finding mental health care at Penfield Psychiatry starts with choosing the appointment option that works best for you. Penfield offers the option to start anytime one is prepared. If the idea of a phone call seems too daunting, our website has an online intake and appointment form available 24/7. If you would rather speak to a person, you can call the office at (585) 388-6000.
We accept numerous large insurance companies such as Aetna, Excellus, MVP, Highmark, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Medicare. Each plan is unique in terms of coverage, so please check with your individual plan for specifics. You can see them in person or via telehealth; telehealth service is offered to patients in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. When it's a rough day, it can be a major motivator to make an appointment from the comfort of your own home.
All of our health practitioners, from therapists to psychologists, nurse practitioners to physician assistants and physician providers, treat children and adults. That's a range that will allow you to find a person who will be able to match your needs to the suitable option, such as talk therapy, an ADHD assessment, a psychological evaluation, a learning evaluation, medication management or group therapy. In addition to giving you a single place to find all these services, you will not have to begin anew with a new provider should your needs shift. If you're experiencing depression but haven't gotten better with other treatments, we also offer the following treatments: TMS therapy and Spravato.
One of the main reasons many people eventually quit waiting is that the wait is often longer than 90 days for mental health care, particularly at a national level. Our goal is to have our short when you're done, so it's best to get it over with as quickly as possible! If your doctor/school recommends you, then they are able to refer you using our referral page.
It's fair to ask before booking if the practice is part of your plan, if they accept your specific concern, and when you will be seen after you have booked your intake. Knowing which questions to ask before choosing a psychiatrist can help you make a more informed decision. You may also want to ask whether therapy and medication can be provided at the same time and what happens if the provider isn't the right fit. As well as what a practice says, how the practice answers are important. You're looking for patience and clarity, and for someone who doesn't rush you.
If psychiatrist appointments are unavailable, there are steps you can take while waiting for care. If you have to wait to meet them, request to be on a cancellation list and continue searching until you do meet them. If an appointment is available, it's better to book it sooner rather than later, since earlier appointments may not become available unexpectedly.
Should you ever find yourself in crisis or having thoughts of hurting yourself, please don't wait for an appointment. Dial or text 988 or immediately go to the nearest emergency room.
There is no need to start with the right words. Even if you don't know what is wrong, you can still take the first step. Knowing how to schedule a mental health appointment in Penfield can help you take that first step. One form, one phone call is all it takes and we can go from there. The rest, such as finding answers, developing a plan, and finding the right fit, can work itself out over time as you work together.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Finding the right support starts with a conversation. Contact Penfield Psychiatry at (585) 388-6000 or complete our online intake form to explore your mental health care options.
