How Psychiatric Care Can Help Parents Cope With Family Stressors

A psychiatrist is a doctor who is trained in the mental health field. They follow the same steps as other physicians, which include a bachelor’s degree and medical school.

A family psychiatrist near me often works in hospitals with other specialists to address complex mental health concerns. They can also work in private practice.

Medication

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor specializing in treating mental illness. They take the traditional steps to become a doctor: earning a bachelor’s degree and completing a four-year medical school program to earn a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) or a Doctor of Medicine (MD).

After receiving their degrees, psychiatrists undergo additional training in psychiatry. They complete a psychiatry residency, gaining hands-on experience treating patients with various mental health disorders.

A person may receive inpatient or outpatient psychiatric care. Inpatient psychiatric hospitals specialize in treating serious mental health conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. Individuals stay at the hospital during inpatient care for around-the-clock supervision and treatment. During this time, they must participate in psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, which focuses on changing behaviors, or psychoanalysis, an intense form of individual psychotherapy that requires frequent sessions over several years.

Therapy

When you visit a psychiatrist, they’ll complete a thorough psychiatric assessment. This can include physical exams, lab tests, and psychological evaluation. They’ll also consult the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to determine if you have a psychiatric disorder.

Then, they’ll work with you to find effective treatment options. This may include psychotherapy or other types of counseling. Psychotherapy is often called “talk therapy” or simply “therapy.” Some mental health professionals, including psychologists, social workers, and licensed counselors, can provide this treatment.

Therapists can also offer individual, group, and family therapy. Depending on the situation, they might ask you to document your thoughts in a journal or practice coping skills outside your sessions. If your therapist recommends medication, it’s important to follow their advice. This is essential to ensure your therapist has the right information and can treat you effectively.

Support Groups

When a mental illness strikes, the whole family suffers. Thankfully, treatment facilities offer group therapy sessions that focus on helping families understand and cope with their loved ones’ mental illnesses.

While individual therapy can be helpful, many parents find comfort and camaraderie in a support group where they can share experiences and discuss ways to help their ill family member. These groups are typically run by volunteers with experience in the mental health field and offer a safe and confidential space to discuss feelings.

A support group has many benefits, but finding the right one for you and your family can be challenging. Some groups are mutual, meaning they’re open to anyone who needs support; others have specific conditions or circumstances they address. Some are facilitated by people with training in counseling or other clinical roles; professionals staff others, and some are exclusively online. If you decide to join a support group, be aware that participants may disclose traumatic or sensitive information that can cause feelings of shame or distress.

Family Therapy

Family therapy can benefit everyone, whether you or your child with a mental health problem. In addition to counseling sessions with a family counselor, you may be taught skills for communicating and resolving disputes more effectively.

Your family therapist will likely start with a three-generation genogram to assess how family members interact and identify behavior patterns that may contribute to negative symptoms. Depending on the type of family therapy your therapist practices, you may be asked to complete other assessments, such as communication style tests and an emotional awareness inventory.

Families of individuals with psychiatric disorders often receive psychoeducation, which includes information about their condition and its course, possible causes, treatment options, and prognosis. Your family therapist will likely discuss your coping strategies and help you develop new ones. The types of family therapy vary, but you can expect your therapist to use both behavioral and psychodynamic techniques.