Psychiatric Consultation: Understanding Your Mental Health Needs
A psychiatric consultation can be a vital step toward finding effective treatment for various mental health conditions. Dr. Jesalva provides compassionate and professional psychiatric consultation services to residents of Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Calabasas, Simi Valley, Agoura Hills, and Camarillo in east Ventura County, Southern California.
What is a Psychiatric Consultation?
The purpose of a psychiatric consultation is to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the psychological, biological, medical, and social factors contributing to your mental health concerns. As a medical doctor specializing in psychiatry, Dr. Jesalva has the expertise to assess how physical health interacts with mental well-being. A typical consultation may take two or three sessions, while a more in-depth assessment could require four or more sessions.
Why Do I Need a Psychiatric Consultation?
If you’ve been working with your primary care doctor on mental or behavioral health concerns, they may refer you for a psychiatric consultation service to gain deeper insight into your condition. While psychologists provide therapy, they cannot prescribe medications in most states, making a psychiatric evaluation essential for determining the best course of treatment. In some cases, the consultation focuses on identifying the most effective medication regimen, while in others, it helps establish a long-term care plan tailored to your specific needs.
What Does the Psychiatrist Do?
Psychiatrists are uniquely trained in both medical and mental health care. During your consultation, Dr. Jesalva will assess your symptoms, review your medical history, and may prescribe medications if necessary to help manage your condition. Beyond medication, he will evaluate other aspects of your health that might impact your well-being, such as medication interactions, side effects, or underlying medical conditions. If intensive therapy or ongoing management is required, Dr. Jesalva may oversee your care before transitioning you back to your primary care provider once your condition stabilizes.
Is it Easy to See a Psychiatrist?
Accessing psychiatric care can be challenging due to a nationwide shortage of mental health professionals. As awareness of mental health grows and more insurance providers cover psychiatric services, the demand for qualified psychiatrists continues to rise. Dr. Jesalva is committed to providing timely and effective psychiatric consultation services to help patients treat mental health conditions with the care and attention they deserve.
If you're seeking a psychiatric consultation to better understand your mental health and explore treatment options, Dr. Jesalva is here to help.