therapist talking with patient psychiatric evaluations vaInsight Into Action Therapy provides psychiatric evaluations VA residents know they can turn to and trust when they need objective insight. Whether you or a loved one is struggling with substance use disorder or need help to improve mental health, Insight Into Action Therapy can help. Our psychiatric services can help individuals, couples, and families identify their issues, recognize triggers, adjust negative habits, and learn new, healthy coping mechanisms.

What Does Psychiatric Evaluation Involve?

Psychiatric services involve the combination of therapy with prescribed medications. We work with you to identify symptoms for when medication-assisted treatment may be needed. Medications can play a pivotal role in helping to address mental health and substance abuse issues. Studies prove that when appropriately prescribed and combined with therapy, medication helps to significantly improve outcomes. Therefore, when clients come to us at Insight Into Action Therapy, our counselors and therapists conduct a rigours psychiatric evaluation to first determine what mental health issues clients need treatment for and second discuss what therapies and medications may be the best fit for their individual needs.

Medications for Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety disorders and depressive disorders can respond well to several medications, the most common of which include SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), SNRIs (Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), and serotonin antagonists. These are the common antidepressants prescribed. Your appropriate medication choice and the length of time you will need to remain on it will always be the result of a careful discussion between you and your psychiatrist. Everyone’s genetic makeup is different, so medication that works well for one person may not work well for another.

When medications for anxiety or depression are prescribed and taken appropriately, many people report significant improvements in symptoms including:

  • Worrying
  • Depressed Mood
  • Restlessness
  • Fatigue
  • Motivation/Interest
  • Zest for Life

Addictive vs. Non-Addictive Medications

Addictive medications such as benzodiazepines are recommended only for very short-term relief of extreme anxiety. They are never used as a long-term option and require a specially-written prescription. At Insight Into Action Therapy, we believe in using appropriate non-addictive medications, proven for their results in long-term treatment.

For people with a known dependent pattern of drinking, and who now intend to maintain complete sobriety, we can recommend Acamprosate (Campral®). This drug has been proven to delay the number of days to relapse into dependent drinking, as well as limit the severity of relapse if it occurs.

If someone is attempting a period of abstinence or looking to moderate their drinking, Naltrexone (Vivitrol®) is known to blunt the pleasurable sensations that lead to wanting to drink more once a person has begun consuming alcohol. Regular use has been proven effective in helping people to moderate their alcohol use in one sitting.

Clients receive a full hour intake, and appointments within a week. You don’t just get a rushed 10 minutes with a prescription. Patients receive 30 minute follow-ups within 20 minutes once things stabilize and symptoms are managed/under control.

Insight Into Action Therapy

At Insight Into Action Therapy, we believe good mental health requires the same attention as physical health does. One way to measure and monitor an individual’s mental wellbeing is through psychiatric evaluations. This gives you and your loved ones the tools necessary to succeed and stay healthy. However, if an issue does arise and begins to derail your ability to function the way you would most like, a psychiatric evaluation can provide a diagnosis and gesture towards treatment. 

Insight Into Action Therapy is committed to getting you or your loved one the treatment necessary. Therefore, we provide several other therapeutic services, such as:

These treatments help improve mental health. So reach out to us today at 703.935.8544 to learn more. Explore our options and discover how we can help.