Phone:803.216.0850 Fax:803.216.0420
We care about our clients, their families and their mental wellbeing.
Barnabas is the historic, biblical character known for coming alongside and encouraging people who were wounded and/or undergoing wounding circumstances. In like manner we, at Barnabas Healthcare, professionally come alongside our clients to help them through their unique difficulties, struggles and circumstances.
THE PROCESS OF PSYCHIATRIC CARE
Similar to counseling, the process of psychiatric care also involves a collaborative relationship between the patient and provider. Psychiatric care is individualized for the unique needs of each patient; therefore, it is important to evaluate past medical and psychiatric history and overlay this with current medical and psychiatric presentation. At times, with the patient’s consent, this may involve gathering information from other sources such as family members and other medical providers. Screening tools and/or questionnaires may be utilized to aid diagnosing and gauge patient status. Lab tests are also an important component of some treatment plans, as these assist with tracking medication levels and overall response to treatment.
The goal of psychiatric care is to provide patient-centered, holistic care; therefore, the duration of psychiatric treatment and frequency of follow-up visits depends on multiple factors that are specific to each patient. On average, adult medication management follow-up appointments are initially scheduled at intervals of 3 to 4 weeks. Thereafter, the timeline between follow-up appointments increases to 3 to 4 months and expands from this point based on the needs of the patient and type(s) of medications prescribed. Follow-up appointments for pediatric and adolescent patients are typically scheduled at 2-week intervals, followed by 1-month med checks, and then quarterly (every 3 months). For pediatric and adolescent patients, “eyes on” care is an important factor in providing safe, high-quality care. Therefore, for these patients, if medication is prescribed for a mood or behavioral disorder, attending counseling is an important aspect of achieving long-term wellness, life-long coping skills, as well as gauging effectiveness of the current treatment plan.
THE PROCESS OF COUNSELING
Counseling is a special, safe, healing, and respectful process wherein a trained helper works with a wounded person to reach a mutually agreed upon goal and level of functioning that reflects psychological wellbeing. We work with a broad variety of individuals with differing life stresses, coping resources and abilities.
The INTAKE is the initial session wherein the client and practitioner meet to understand the presenting concerns and develop a plan to address change. It also allows the assessment of therapeutic good fit and the ability to work together in a mutually responsible manner. This initial stage may be further refined according to circumstances and progress made. Psychological testing may be utilized to understand and define inner dynamics more fully.
Everyone is unique and life circumstances vary widely so the process and length of treatment will differ among clients (even if someone else seems to be undergoing or has experienced similar problems).
The next phase of counseling involves gaining a fuller understanding and taking ownership of the identified problem(s) and the way psychological, relational, and/or medical components work and are addressed and repaired. You will try a personalized treatment strategy with teaching, coaching, and encouragement from your professional helper.
The final stage simply involves fine tuning until you are feeling that you can take it from there (it’s OK to need a few follow-ups from time to time).
Our licensed providers offer diverse therapeutic approaches to treatment. As a single source for both counseling and medication management, we are able to provide a high standard for coordination of care.
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