General Psychiatry FAQ

A psychiatric evaluation is a comprehensive clinical assessment where your practitioner reviews your symptoms, medical history, family history, current medications, and daily life. At CARMAhealth, initial evaluations typically last 60 to 90 minutes and are conducted by board-certified psychiatrists or psychiatric nurse practitioners. Your practitioner will discuss findings and outline a personalized treatment plan before you leave. Learn more on our psychiatric evaluation page.

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe and manage medication, order laboratory tests, and oversee treatments such as TMS therapy and ketamine therapy. A therapist or counselor provides talk therapy and behavioral interventions but cannot prescribe medication. According to the American Psychiatric Association, psychiatrists complete medical school plus a four-year psychiatry residency, giving them unique training to evaluate both the biological and psychological aspects of mental health. Many patients benefit from working with both a psychiatrist and a therapist. Read our full Psychiatrist vs. Therapist guide for a detailed comparison.

Your psychiatrist will ask about your current symptoms, when they started, and how they affect daily life. Expect questions about sleep, appetite, energy, concentration, and mood. You will also be asked about your family's mental health history, current medications and supplements, substance use, and any previous mental health treatment. Bringing a list of current medications with dosages and any prior psychiatric records helps your practitioner develop the most accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Medication management is an ongoing partnership between you and your psychiatrist. After your initial evaluation, your practitioner may recommend medication as part of your treatment plan. You will have regular follow-up visits to monitor effectiveness, adjust dosages, manage side effects, and assess whether a change is needed. The American Psychiatric Association notes that psychiatric medications work best when combined with a clear treatment plan and consistent follow-up.

It depends on the type of medication. Antidepressants such as SSRIs and SNRIs typically take two to six weeks to reach full effect. Anti-anxiety medications may work more quickly but are often prescribed for short-term use. Mood stabilizers and antipsychotics may take several weeks to reach optimal levels. The National Institute of Mental Health recommends giving medications adequate time before making changes, and your psychiatrist will monitor your progress through regular follow-ups.

Side effects are common when starting or adjusting psychiatric medication, and most are mild and temporary. If you experience bothersome side effects, contact your practitioner rather than stopping medication on your own. Your psychiatrist can adjust the dosage, switch to a different medication, or add a medication to manage the side effect. At CARMAhealth, follow-up visits are specifically designed to monitor for side effects and fine-tune your treatment plan.

Yes. Many patients come to CARMAhealth with overlapping conditions such as depression and anxiety, ADHD and insomnia, or PTSD and a substance use disorder. Board-certified psychiatrists are trained to evaluate the full clinical picture and develop a treatment plan that addresses all diagnoses together, rather than treating each one in isolation.

Medication is never mandatory. Your treatment plan depends on your diagnosis, symptom severity, preferences, and prior treatment history. CARMAhealth offers advanced non-medication treatments including TMS therapy for depression and anxiety, and ketamine therapy for treatment-resistant conditions. Spravato (esketamine nasal spray) is another option for treatment-resistant depression. Your psychiatrist will discuss all available options during your evaluation.