Psychiatrists Clinics
A psychiatric clinic is an important piece of any mental health care center. This type of clinic is often free of charge. These clinics are especially valuable to those without regular access to physicians. In addition to their psychiatrists, these clinics may also have pharmacies that offer free medication. The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics lists more than 1,400 facilities across the country. You can search for one near you by ZIP code, city, or state.
Psychotherapy is an important component of a psychiatric clinic. In the last two decades, cognitive behavioral therapy and inter-personal therapy have shown impressive results. These forms of therapy are not only effective alternatives to pharmacotherapy, but they also produce lasting benefits. Many clinics now offer different forms of psychotherapy, but it is rare to find true evidence-based psychotherapies. Furthermore, pharmacotherapy is rarely coordinated with psychotherapy. As a result, patients often receive only short visits for "medication checkups."
Psychiatrists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. They are medical doctors with expertise in their field and up-to-date knowledge of research. They are able to prescribe psychotropic medications, but they can also diagnose additional disorders that may be exacerbating symptoms. Psychiatrists work in conjunction with therapists to provide comprehensive care.