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Seeking solutions for mental health symptoms is an important and vital step in improving the overall quality and enjoyment of life.
Treating mental health symptoms is truly no different than treating traditional physical symptoms. It takes a team to work together to treat any illness and we collaborate fully with your primary care provider and therapist. Through this collaboration, we are able to offer you the highest level of care and optimize your quality of life.
Our psychiatric nurse practitioner understands that the first visit can sometimes be intimidating, so we’ve compiled tips and basic information to help make your appointment successful and ease any nervousness about what to expect.
The first visit is usually the longest so we can truly get to know you and your needs. Prior to your appointment, you will be sent a link to fill out intake paperwork including assessments of different aspects of your life. This paperwork must be completed and submitted at least 24 hours prior to your appointment so our providers have time to review them. Your intake appointment will last about 45 minutes. During your appointment, we will take your vitals (height, weight, blood pressure, pulse) to establish a baseline, discuss your medical and psychological history, explore your needs, and create a treatment plan just for you.
There will be a lot of questions to answer, but the key to a successful appointment is to remain open and to be mindful that your providers are here to offer nonjudgemental care.
Before your appointment, write down why you are seeking help. Highlight critical behaviors which cause you concern. This exercise will help you stay on track and lessen the likelihood of you forgetting something.
After the initial intake, future appointments will be shorter; on average 20 to 30 minutes. During the appointment you will discuss with your provider how your medications are working, any improvements or concerns with the medications, and overall how you are feeling. At every visit, your provider will assess the safety and benefit of the medication. Keeping a journal of how you are feeling, any side effects of the medication, changes in mood, or sleep is very important. Please bring this journal along with you to your visits.
If you're in need of mental health evaluation, anxiety medication, bipolar disorder treatment or other psychiatry services, our trained St. Cloud psychiatrist can help. For more information about our psychiatry services in St. Cloud, please call our office. We're happy to serve the St Cloud area and surrounding cities such as Orlando, Kissimmee, Lake Buena Vista, and more.
A Helping Hand Counseling Center exists to significantly improve the mental health and well-being of all members of the community through counseling, education, support and advocacy.
