Consider seeing a psychiatrist if:

• You are not able to enjoy the things you used to enjoy.
• You find yourself always on edge or constantly worrying.
• If you are having thoughts that life isn't worth living. 
• Family members have noticed a recent change in your behavior. This may include being more irritable or isolating more. 
• If you were or were not treated for ADHD as a child and are now experiencing problems with focus and concentration that is affecting your work and/or relationships.
• You have been using drugs or alcohol to deal with depression, anxiety or insomnia and you would like to stop. 

After doing a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, a treatment plan will be created tailored to your specific needs, with your input for prioritization of problems and treatment goals. Treatment plans usually entail pharmacotherapy (Medications), Psychotherapy, life style modifications like diet and exercise, and often a combination of these modalities. Sometimes medications are started right after the first visit, and sometimes it makes sense to wait and refine the treatment plan further and decide if medications are needed or indicated. At Nevada Mental Health, we believe in a Holistic treatment approach, and medications are not the automatic choice for every patient.

Psychiatrists are graduates from medical schools who then complete an advanced training in psychiatric conditions. This advanced training is known as a residency. Psychiatrists will often get further sub specialty training ( Fellowship) in fields like Child psychiatry, Forensic Psychiatry etc. This further training is known as a fellowship. As a result, psychiatrists are medical doctors and have the ability to oversee entire psychiatric treatment and have the ability to prescribe medications when medically necessary.

Yes, some people refer themselves while others may be referred by their primary care providers or their psychologist. Some people are referred by their family/loved ones.

Signs that your child may need to see a psychiatrist will vary depending on their age and medical history among other factors. While it is often a good first step to speak with your pediatrician, some of the common signs a child should see a psychiatrist are: 

• Prolonged feelings of sadness
• Risky or violent behavior
• Refusal to eat 
• School refusal
• Academic difficulties like inability to focus or declining grades
• Social and peer relationship troubles