Psychiatric Services

One of the biggest differences between a psychiatrist and a therapist is that a psychiatrist can prescribe medications, and a therapist cannot prescribe medications. Psychiatrists receive more training on how to assess medical conditions and the symptoms contributing to those conditions, with deeper medical training that contributes to the larger clinical treatment plan for individuals. Newly prescribed medications can take a few weeks to start working, so you may see a psychiatrist less frequently than you see a therapist. After initial medications are prescribed, follow-up may be about a month later, and once medications are working and stable, appointments may take place every three to six months depending on your diagnosis (with more frequent check-ins with the psychiatrist or nursing and medical assistant team when needed).

During a psychiatric evaluation, we start off with some basic questions: what brought you to Rosecrance, what challenges are you experiencing, and how can we help you. We discuss symptoms, medical history, and medications (both for primary medical needs and any psychiatric medications). The evaluation takes about an hour, and the goal is to complete a thorough medical history so we can understand any existing medical conditions, your psychiatric treatment history, and anything else to plan your behavioral health treatment moving forward.

We will also discuss any previous psychiatric medications, history of therapy or counseling, any psychiatric hospitalizations, any past history of suicide or self-harm behaviors, and any history of violence or aggression. Family history will also be covered in case there are any potential genetic factors contributing to your conditions. Social history—where you were born, where you live, trauma history, work history, housing, relationships, gender identity, military background—will also be discussed, as will any current or past substance use.

Our Rosecrance team may also ask for existing medical records, including lab work, psychological testing, any imaging (CT, MRI, X-rays, etc.), and they may want to order some labs and tests based on your evaluation. Lab tests help us determine if medications can be started right away or if any other medical needs need to be addressed before starting medications.

If you’re not already seeing a therapist, a referral to a therapist may be made. 

Yes, our Rosecrance care continuum offers psychiatric services within residential treatment and in our outpatient centers, as well as through Rosecrance Virtual. 

Rosecrance psychiatrists treat children, teens, and adults for a variety of mood and anxiety disorders, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and substance use disorder. They can also treat disruptive mood and behavioral disorders, schizophrenia, and psychotic disorders. Check out many of the conditions we offer hope for here.