To hear a patient say, “I finally feel like myself again, thanks to you,” is a reminder, not only of the immense suffering that people contend with every day, but also the huge inroads that medical and mental health professionals have made to alleviate the symptoms of suffering and to assist their patients in building more fulfilling and satisfying lives.
Patients often seek psychiatric treatment because they experience feelings of anxiety, depression, anger, mood swings, or destructive behaviors that take a toll on their relationships and diminish their quality of life. At that point, a psychiatrist can be instrumental in helping to identify the condition, explain the nuances of the diagnosis, and recommend specific treatments to remedy it.
In my own psychiatry practice, I strive to create an environment in which patients can feel comfortable discussing their symptoms, experiences and concerns. I place maximum value on really listening to my patients and establishing an honest and trusting doctor-patient alliance. When it comes to treatment, I ensure that my patients fully understand the diagnosis, as well as the risks and benefits of all possible treatment options, whether they involve medication, psychotherapy, or education. Then, collaboratively, we decide upon a plan that will lead to health, wholeness, and optimal functioning.
To learn more, call Joseph Gulino, MD at Beverly Hills Psychiatry: 424-202-4477.