Psychiatry Services in San Diego

Psychiatry is a medical specialty focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health and are trained to understand the complex relationship between emotional and physical health. At Daydream MD, our psychiatrists incorporate a holistic approach to address whole person healing and maximize your wellness.

• Diagnosis: Psychiatrists diagnose a wide range of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, eating disorders, and more.
• Treatment:  This can include a combination of psychotherapy, medications, and other interventions.
• Medication Management: Psychiatrists can prescribe and manage medications to help alleviate symptoms of mental health conditions.
• Therapy: Some psychiatrists provide psychotherapy (talk therapy), though this is often also provided by psychologists, social workers, or other mental health professionals.
• Crisis Intervention: Immediate support for those experiencing severe mental health crises.
• Prevention: Guidance on lifestyle changes and coping strategies to prevent the onset or worsening of mental health issues.
• Consultation: Collaboration with other medical professionals to provide comprehensive care, especially in cases where mental and physical health are interconnected

• Severe or Persistent Symptoms: If someone is experiencing severe, persistent, or worsening mental health symptoms, such as major depression or panic attacks.

• Complex Conditions: – For conditions that may require a combination of therapies and medication.

• Medication Management: If there's a need for prescription medications to manage mental health symptoms.

• Unsuccessful Previous Treatments: If previous treatments with other mental health professionals have not been successful.

• Diagnosis Confirmation: – To get a second opinion or confirm a diagnosis.

• Specialized Expertise: – When a specialized assessment and treatment plan are required for complex or rare mental health disorders.

• Integration with Physical Health: When there are significant physical health issues that may be affecting mental health.

• Clinical Interview: An in-depth discussion about symptoms, medical history, family history, lifestyle, and other factors.

• Mental Status Examination: Observing behavior, mood, thinking, reasoning, and memory.

• Questionnaires and Screening Tools: Standardized tools to assess the severity and type of symptoms.

• Physical Examination: Sometimes a physical exam is conducted to rule out medical conditions that might be causing symptoms.

• Diagnostic Tests : Lab tests or imaging studies if needed to rule out other conditions.

• Criteria from DSM-5 : Using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) criteria to make a formal diagnosis.

Yes, at Daydream MD you can see a psychiatrist even if you do not want to be prescribed medications. Here are some points to consider:

• Discuss Your Preferences : Be upfront about your preference to avoid medication. Our psychiatrists are open to discussing and respecting patient preferences.
• Therapy and Other Treatments: Some psychiatrists also provide psychotherapy or can refer you to a therapist for non-medication-based treatments.
• Holistic Approach : At Daydream MD our psychiatrists can work with you to develop a holistic treatment plan that may include lifestyle changes, therapy, and other non-pharmacological interventions.
• Monitoring and Consultation : Even if you choose not to take medications, having regular consultations with a psychiatrist can be beneficial for monitoring your condition and making adjustments to your treatment plan as needed.

It's important to have an open and honest conversation with your psychiatrist about your treatment preferences and any concerns you might have regarding medications.

At DayDream MD, we provide the option to engage with psychiatry and therapy services under the same roof, leading to better support, collaboration and outcomes.

Is a holistic approach to mental health care that combines conventional psychiatric treatments with complementary and alternative therapies to address the physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual aspects of a person's well-being. This approach aims to treat the whole person, rather than just focusing on symptoms, and often incorporates lifestyle changes, nutrition, mind-body practices, and other non-conventional methods alongside traditional psychiatric medications and therapies.

Therapy (Psychotherapy or Counseling):

• Focus: Primarily on treating mental health issues through talk-based methods.
• Professionals:  Conducted by therapists, counselors, psychologists, and social workers who typically hold a master's or doctoral degree in psychology, counseling, or social work.
• Methods: Includes various forms of talk therapy such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), psychodynamic therapy, and more.
• Goal: To help individuals understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, develop coping strategies, and improve their mental health and well-being.

Psychiatry:

• Focus: Medical field dedicated to diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental health disorders through a combination of medication and other interventions.
• Professionals:  Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MD or DO) with specialized training in mental health.
• Methods: Includes prescribing medications, conducting physical exams, and providing psychotherapy. Psychiatrists can also order and interpret lab tests and brain imaging studies.
• Goal: To manage and treat mental health disorders, often with a combination of medication and therapy.

• Discuss with Your Psychiatrist : Talk to your current psychiatrist about your interest in integrative approaches. They can provide valuable insights and may incorporate some integrative methods into your treatment plan.
• Complementary Therapy: Consider working with a Daydream MD therapist or coach in addition to seeing your psychiatrist. This can provide a more comprehensive approach to your mental health care.
• Integrative Psychiatrist : If you are interested in a more holistic approach, a Daydream MD psychiatrist who specializes in integrative psychiatry would be a good place to start. They can provide a broader range of treatments that align with your preferences.
• Communication : Ensure that all your healthcare providers are aware of each other’s involvement in your care. This helps in coordinating treatment plans and avoiding potential conflicts or interactions between treatments.
• Lifestyle Changes : Ask your psychiatrist about lifestyle changes that could complement your current treatment, such as nutrition, exercise, and stress management techniques.
• Educational Resources : Educate yourself about integrative psychiatry and discuss any findings or questions with your psychiatrist to make informed decisions about your care.