How to Find the Right Psychiatrist / Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Mental health is an essential aspect of overall health, and seeking help from a psychiatrist is a significant step towards improving one's mental well-being. However, finding the right psychiatrist can be a challenging task. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. In this blog post, we will discuss how to find the right fit psychiatrist for you.

1. Determine your needs

The first step in finding the right fit psychiatrist is to determine your needs. Are you seeking help for a specific condition, such as depression or anxiety, or are you looking for general mental health support? Understanding your needs can help you narrow down your search for a psychiatrist who specializes in treating your specific condition or has experience with the type of support you require.

1. Ask for referrals

Talking to your primary care physician, family members, or friends can be a good starting point when seeking a referral for a psychiatrist. They may know someone who has had positive experiences with a psychiatrist and can recommend them. However, keep in mind that their experience may not necessarily reflect yours, and it's essential to do your research before making a final decision. Another place to find referrals is Psychology Today. You can search by zip code.

1. Check credentials

It's crucial to ensure that the psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has the proper credentials. You can do this by checking with your state's licensing board or searching for the psychiatrist's name on the American Psychiatric Association's website. This will help you ensure that the psychiatrist is qualified to provide mental health treatment.

1. Consider their experience

When choosing a psychiatrist, it's essential to consider their experience. Some psychiatrists specialize in treating specific conditions, such as eating disorders or addiction, while others may have experience working with a broader range of mental health concerns. Consider their experience and how it aligns with your needs.

1. Look for compatibility

Compatibility is crucial when it comes to finding the right psychiatrist. You want to choose someone who you feel comfortable talking to and who understands your concerns. It's essential to feel heard and understood during your sessions. To determine compatibility, you may want to schedule a consultation or initial appointment to get a sense of their approach and communication style.

1. Consider their approach to treatment

There are different approaches to mental health treatment, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychoanalysis, and medication management. Consider the psychiatrist's approach to treatment and whether it aligns with your preferences and needs. For example, if you prefer a more holistic approach, you may want to choose a psychiatrist who also offers alternative treatments such as mindfulness-based therapy or acupuncture.

1. Evaluate communication

Effective communication between you and your psychiatrist is critical to the success of your treatment. Ensure that the psychiatrist is someone who listens attentively and provides clear and concise information about your diagnosis and treatment plan. You want to feel comfortable asking questions and expressing concerns during your sessions.

1. Check availability

Another important factor to consider is the psychiatrist's availability. Ensure that they have the flexibility to accommodate your schedule and that you can book appointments at a convenient time. Also, consider the frequency of appointments and whether it aligns with your needs.

1. Review patient feedback

Reading patient reviews and feedback can provide valuable insight into the psychiatrist's approach and effectiveness. Look for reviews on their website or other reputable platforms, such as Healthgrades or Zocdoc. However, keep in mind that reviews should be taken with a grain of salt and that individual experiences may vary.

1. Evaluate cost and insurance coverage

Cost and insurance coverage can be significant factors when choosing a psychiatrist. Consider the cost of sessions and whether they fit within your budget.

Remember, finding the right fit in a psychiatrist can take time. I hope that this process can ease that transition to find best fit!

Greg Roussett is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner offering treatment for anxiety and insomnia. He is a cognitive behavioral therapist, psychopharmacologist (prescribing practices similar to a psychiatrist ), and offers a combination of psychotherapy and medication management to individuals experiencing depression. His office is located in Rockridge in Oakland, CA and provides services across the bay area to those residing in cities inclusive of Piedmont, Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Berkeley, and San Francisco. One of his primary specialties is working with those looking for help with depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Book a complimentary consultation today here.

Day Light Savings Time and Its Effects on Depression and Anxiety: Simple Strategies to Reduce Its Effects!

Daylight Saving Time (DST) is when we change our clocks by one hour twice a year. It happens in the spring when we move our clocks forward one hour and in the fall when we move them back one hour. It is intended to help save energy and make better use of daylight hours. However, DST can have an impact on our mood and health. When we change our clocks, our internal clock or circadian rhythm can get disrupted. Our circadian rhythm is what helps regulate our sleep, mood, and energy levels. When our internal clock is disrupted, it can lead to feelings of tiredness and irritation. Some studies have also found that DST can lead to an increase in depression and anxiety. In addition, there can be an increase in workplace accidents due to a decline in cognitive function and alertness. In fact, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine has come out with a statement to End Daylight Savings Time. However rest assured there are changes you can make in order to reduce the associated concerns. In this blog we will explore ways to reduce the effects of Day Light Savings Time.

Practical Tips to Mitigate the Effects of Daylight Savings Time

There are several things we can do to help mitigate the negative effects of Daylight Savings Time:

1. Gradual Adjustment

It is recommended that we gradually adjust our sleep and wake times leading up to the time change. This can be done by moving our sleep and wake times forward or backward by 15-30 minutes each day, depending on whether the time is moving forward or backward.

2. Light Exposure

Light exposure can help regulate our circadian rhythm. During the spring, Daylight Savings Time transition, exposure to bright light in the morning can help reset our internal clock and promote alertness. In the fall DST transition, exposure to light in the evening can help promote relaxation and encourage the body to wind down for sleep.

3. Exercise

Regular exercise can help improve mood, reduce stress, and promote healthy sleep. Exercise can help regulate our internal clock and promote healthy sleep patterns. However, it is important to avoid intense exercise close to bedtime as it can interfere with sleep.

4. Healthy Sleep Habits

Establishing healthy sleep habits is important for mitigating the effects of Daylight Savings Time. This includes establishing a regular sleep schedule, avoiding caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime, and creating a relaxing sleep environment.

5. Avoid Technology before Bed

Electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and computers emit blue light which can interfere with our production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. To promote healthy sleep, it is recommended to avoid technology for at least an hour before bedtime.

Daylight Savings Time can have an impact on our mood and health, but there are practical things we can do to help mitigate the negative effects. Gradual adjustment, light exposure, exercise, healthy sleep habits, and avoiding technology before bed can all help promote healthy sleep, improve mood, and reduce the negative effects of Daylight Savings Time. By taking these steps, we can make the transition to Daylight Savings Time easier and maintain our health and well-being.

Greg Roussett is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner offering treatment for anxiety and insomnia. He is a cognitive behavioral therapist, psychopharmacologist (prescribing practices similar to a psychiatrist ), and offers a combination of psychotherapy and medication management to individuals experiencing depression. His office is located in Rockridge in Oakland, CA and provides services across the bay area to those residing in cities inclusive of Piedmont, Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Berkeley, and San Francisco. One of his primary specialties is working with those looking for help with depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Book a complimentary consultation today here.

What is the Link Between Insomnia and Depression?

Insomnia and depression are two common mental health issues that often co-occur. In fact, insomnia is a common symptom of depression, and individuals with insomnia are more likely to develop depression. The link between insomnia and depression is complex and bidirectional, with each condition contributing to and exacerbating the other.

Insomnia is defined as difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, or waking up too early and being unable to fall back asleep. Insomnia can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, anxiety, medications, and medical conditions. Insomnia can also be a symptom of depression, and individuals with depression are more likely to experience insomnia than those without depression.

Depression is a psychiatric disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness, as well as changes in appetite, sleep, and energy levels. Depression can be caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Insomnia is a common symptom of depression, with up to 90% of individuals with depression experiencing sleep disturbances.

The relationship between insomnia and depression is bidirectional, with each condition contributing to and exacerbating the other. For example, insomnia can increase the risk of developing depression by disrupting the body's natural circadian rhythm and reducing the amount of restorative sleep. Chronic insomnia can also increase the risk of developing other health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity, which can contribute to depression.

Similarly, depression can worsen insomnia by causing changes in the body's levels of hormones and neurotransmitters that regulate sleep. Individuals with depression may also experience racing thoughts, anxiety, and other symptoms that make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. Chronic insomnia can also increase the risk of developing other health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity, which can contribute to depression.

Treatment for both insomnia and depression often involves a combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Therapy options for depression may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to depression, and interpersonal therapy (IPT), which focuses on improving interpersonal relationships. Therapy options for insomnia may include sleep hygiene education, which focuses on promoting healthy sleep habits, and cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), which focuses on changing negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to insomnia.

Medication can also be effective in treating both insomnia and depression. Antidepressant medications can help regulate the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate mood, which can improve symptoms of depression and insomnia. Sleep aids, such as benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepine hypnotics, can also be effective in treating insomnia, but they should be used with caution due to the risk of dependence and other side effects.

Lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, and stress reduction techniques, can also be effective in treating both insomnia and depression. Regular exercise can improve sleep quality and mood, while a healthy diet can provide the nutrients the body needs to regulate mood and energy levels. Stress reduction techniques, such as meditation and relaxation exercises, can also help improve sleep and mood.

For more information on how to treat insomnia and depression, you may find this workbook helpful: Quiet Your Mind and Get to Sleep: Solutions to Insomnia for Those with Depression, Anxiety, or Chronic Pain

If either insomnia or depression are concerns you have struggled with, speak to your therapist or reach out to a psychiatry provider to explore treatment options.

Be Well and Sleep Well,

Greg Roussett NP

Greg Roussett is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner offering treatment for depression. He is a cognitive behavioral therapist, psychopharmacologist, and offers a combination of psychotherapy and medication management to individuals experiencing depression. His office is located in Rockridge in Oakland, CA. One of his primary specialities is working with those looking for help with depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Book a complimentary consultation today here.