Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in prescribing medications that can help treat mental health disorders. To diagnose and treat these conditions, they perform a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation that is intended to diagnose emotional, behavioral, or developmental disorders. This evaluation is done face to face to assess client’s safety, as well as signs, symptoms, or disorders requiring immediate treatment with psychiatric medication. Based on this initial evaluation, a diagnosis can be developed that aids in the proper medication choice. During the evaluation, the psychiatrist will gather prior medical and psychiatric treatment information, collect input from family members or important people connected to client’s life, and discuss the risks and benefits of different treatment options.

Bloomingdale Psychological Services has several consulting psychiatrists to whom we refer. This coordinated relationship between psychiatrist and therapist offers continuity of treatment for the client and ensures maximum improvement in their conditions. It is not unusual for treatment medications to be changed or adjusted throughout the treatment, sometimes based on input from the psychotherapist.