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People with mental health, behavioral, and developmental disorders benefit considerably from psychiatric treatment. Holly Giarratano, LCMHC-A, and James Manning, MD, at Hampstead Therapy and Wellness in Hampstead, North Carolina, are experts in psychiatry. They use their skills and experience to help people with conditions ranging from anxiety disorders and postpartum depression to attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Call Hampstead Therapy and Wellness to learn more about psychiatry’s benefits or request an in-person or telehealth consultation via the online form today.
Psychiatry Q & A
What is psychiatry?
Psychiatry is the area of medicine that focuses on mental, emotional, and behavioral health. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor trained to diagnose, treat, and help prevent mental health conditions.
At Hampstead Therapy and Wellness, the psychiatry team works closely with you to support your mental well-being and overall quality of life.
How is a psychiatrist different from a therapist?
Both psychiatrists and therapists care for your mental health, but they play different roles.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs or DOs) who can prescribe medication, order lab tests, and treat more complex mental health conditions like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and major depressive disorder.
Therapists (like psychologists or counselors) focus on talk therapy to help you explore feelings, develop coping tools, and work through challenges.
The Hampstead Therapy and Wellness team often combines both approaches to provide well-rounded care.
What conditions can psychiatry help?
Psychiatry can help treat a wide range of mental health issues, including:
- Depression and other mood disorders
- Anxiety
- Bipolar disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Schizophrenia
- Eating disorders
- Substance use disorder
- Postpartum depression
- Sleep problems
Psychiatrists are also experts in behavioral and developmental conditions like attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
If you’re struggling with thoughts, emotions, or behaviors that make daily life hard, psychiatry might be a helpful next step.
What happens during a psychiatry appointment?
The Hampstead Therapy and Wellness team provides compassionate psychiatric care. They always take the time to listen and make sure your treatment feels personal and respectful.
Your first visit usually includes a complete evaluation. Your provider asks questions about your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, and any medications you’re taking. From there, they create a treatment plan that may include:
- Medication
- Talk therapy recommendations
- Lifestyle suggestions
- Regular follow-up visits to track your progress
Medications can be very helpful for some people, especially when symptoms are severe or incurable. But treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your provider works with you to decide what makes sense for your body, mind, and goals.
Whether you’re new to psychiatry or looking for expert support, call Hampstead Therapy and Wellness to arrange an in-person or telehealth evaluation or use the online booking feature today.