Individual Mental Health Support

Having ups and downs are a normal part of life. However, sometimes our mood fluctuates or stays low and anxious to such an extent that our daily lives are being affected to a large extent, impacting our performance at work and school or how we interact with others, making us more temperamental or irritable than usual. Sometimes the condition lasts for too long as well, or that we fail to experience any motivation or joy in life. In such cases, we do advise you to seek treatment as soon as possible so not to struggle for any longer. Please see our blog titled 'The Difference Between a Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Therapist & Counsellor' for further information

In short, a psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can help diagnose and treat various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, ADHD and PTSD, with medications and/or psychological treatments. A psychiatrist will also take note of your other health conditions and manage your condition accordingly. A psychologist, as with therapists and counsellors, use various therapeutic techniques to manage different conditions, such as various mental health disorders, as well as emotional issues, behavioural difficulties and interpersonal issues. Please see our blog for further information.

Your psychiatrist will always discuss the best solution for your problems and difficulties. In some cases, this may involve the use of medications, but in other instances medications will not be always needed, with psychological treatment being a better treatment option. Your psychiatrist will take all the factors into account, including your personal preference, to decide on the treatment direction.

Depending on which psychiatrist or mental health professional you see, the first session usually lasts from 60-90 mins. It is a little bit different from subsequent sessions, as it’ll provide some time for us to get to know each other. Questions usually asked include the difficulties that you’re currently facing, coping strategies adopted and some background information. Subsequent sessions build on the first session.

Unlike issues related to physical health, it often takes a while longer for mental health problems to improve, given the complex nature of psychological issues with multiple possible associated reasons. Very often, a proper understanding of the causes of mental health problems would also involve an understanding of the upbringing and childhood as well. Some medications, such as antidepressants or mood stabilisers, will start to show some benefits within two weeks or so. Depending on the type of therapy given, the duration of treatment may take longer, often exhibiting effects after 4-5 sessions.

Certain insurance companies include mental health treatment in their coverage. In some cases, a referral from a general practitioner or a psychiatrist may be required before reimbursement is provided. We also provide direct billing with many insurance companies, so you would not have to arrange for pay and claim. Please do check with your insurance provider, or contact us and we will help you with the enquiry.

All information will be confidential with your mental health practitioner. We will not disclose any personal information unless you provide us with your consent. Our electronic patient record system is designed such that even other practitioners in the clinic or the group will not be able to read notes written by mental health practitioners.

The optimal treatment of mental health issues sometimes requires the combination of medications and psychotherapy, or talk therapy. As such, in many cases, psychiatrists and psychologists often work together to provide a holistic and comprehensive treatment. They might also discuss the treatment strategy and direction, explore the causes of the current mental state and update each other on the latest developments, with your consent.

Seeing a psychiatrist doesn’t necessarily mean you will get a diagnosis. A visit to a psychiatrist is just to explore and understand the problems that you’re currently facing, whether the mood disturbance is severe enough to warrant a psychiatric diagnosis and a discussion on the best way forward, such as the need for medications or psychological counselling.

Whilst medications are one tool that psychiatrists use in providing treatment for mental health disorders, it is not the only tool that psychiatrists employ. In every session, your psychiatrist will ask about your recent condition, any physical symptoms experienced (such as changes to your sleep and appetite) and discuss whether addition or titration of medications is needed. As our follow up sessions with a psychiatrist are longer than many others, your psychiatrist will also employ techniques used by psychotherapists to help you navigate through your problems.