Counseling and Consultation

Psychiatric Services

What are psychiatric services?

Sometimes psychiatric consultation is recommended as an additional form of treatment to ongoing counseling at Counseling & Consultation (C&C). Our staff consists of psychiatrists and a psychiatric nurse practitioner. An evaluation by either a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner may be recommended if your counseling provider (social workers, psychologists, and professional counselors) suspects that medical factors may be contributing to your problem or that medications might be helpful in alleviating distressing symptoms you are experiencing. The psychiatric provider may also provide additional information pertaining to your concerns.

What is the difference between a psychiatrist/psychiatric nurse practitioner and a social worker/counselor/psychologist?

Psychiatric providers are medically trained as physicians or nurse practitioners. They have specialized in mental health and behavioral sciences and have the expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of psychological and behavioral concerns, including the use of medication and psychotherapy. Social workers and counselors have a master’s degree (M.S.W., M.C., M.Ed., or M.A.) in social work or counseling and psychologists have a doctorate (Ph.D., Psy.D., or Ed.D.) in counseling or clinical psychology. They generally focus on situational/environmental and psychological causes of emotional and behavioral difficulties. In Arizona, social workers, counselors and psychologists do not prescribe medicine.

What will happen during my appointment with the psychiatric provider?

Your first appointment with the psychiatric provider will typically last about an hour. During this initial evaluation, she/he will want to discuss your concerns and symptoms, as well as any medical or emotional problems you or any family members have experienced. The psychiatric provider will also ask about your use of medications, drugs, and alcohol.

Does seeing a psychiatric provider mean I will be put on medications?

No. The psychiatric provider will make recommendations based on this initial evaluation. It will be your decision to accept or decline these recommendations. If it appears that medication would be useful, the provider will discuss with you all that is involved in taking this medication, such as benefits, risks, side effects, medication and dietary restrictions, and alternatives to the medication treatment. It is extremely important that you have sufficient information and time to make an informed decision about your treatment. You are encouraged to be open with the provider. Please do not hesitate to ask any questions you might have (e.g., onset of benefits and potential side effects).

What if I stop taking medication?

Stopping medication is, of course, your choice. However, please discuss this with your counseling and psychiatric providers before doing so. Some medications can cause extremely unpleasant and possibly dangerous effects when stopped abruptly.

How do I make an appointment to receive psychiatric services when I am not currently being seen by a counselor?

To receive psychiatric services you must make an appointment for a personal consultation. During this appointment you will meet with a counseling provider to help you determine the best course of action. We offer limited psychiatric services so not everyone that requests our services can be seen by our staff. Should this be the case for you, we will make every effort to help you access psychiatric services in the Phoenix metropolitan community. To schedule a personal consultation, call or visit us at either office location.

How do I make use of these services if I am currently receiving counseling services from C&C?

If you are already participating in counseling at C&C, discuss a referral to psychiatric services with your counseling provider. He/she will be able to discuss your options as well as inform you of fees for using psychiatric services. Should you stop seeing your assigned counselor, you will longer be eligible for C&C psychiatric services after your final visit. You may see the psychiatrist one last visit for a prescription and community psychiatric referrals.

Will information from my appointment with the psychiatric provider be entered into my records at the counseling center?

Your counseling provider enters basic information, such as the fact that you were referred to a psychiatric provider, in your C&C file. Additional information that is noted might include whether you attended your appointment, the outcome of the meeting, and your reaction to any medication you were prescribed. Psychiatric providers maintain more extensive files containing such information as psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, treatment plan, type and amount of medication prescribed and your reactions to the medication. Your counselor and psychiatric provider may share information in order to coordinate treatment. However, all records are confidential and no information will be released outside of C&C without notifying you and obtaining your written consent to release the information. Exceptions to this policy are made when there is the possibility of imminent danger to self or others, child/dependent abuse, court order, or where otherwise required by law.