Psychiatric-Medication Services
What is Psychiatric and Medication Services?
Psychiatric and Medication Services are typically provided by a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor with special training in mental health conditions. Upon receiving a referral the psychiatrist meets with the individual to conduct a Psychiatric Evaluation. Based on the information he obtains from the evaluation, the psychiatrist will assign a diagnosis and make treatment recommendations. A person who sees a psychiatrist may need medication to treat a mental health condition or to manage serious behaviors. The psychiatrist will prescribe the medication and will monitor how well the medication is working by meeting with the person for regular medication reviews/medication monitoring.
Psychiatric and Medication Services may include the following:
- Psychiatric Evaluations
- Psychiatric Medications
- Medication Reviews through on-going monitoring by a psychiatrist and/or a nurse
- Education on the medication, it's uses, benefits and side effects
- Referrals for lab work or other medical tests
Who can benefit from Psychiatric and Medication Services?
Adults and children who have a mental illness, developmental disability or serious emotional disturbance may be eligible to receive services from a psychiatrist.
How do Psychiatric and Medication Services help and individual?
Each person who requests services from Bay Arenac Behavioral Health or (one of its contract agencies) receives a comprehensive evaluation by a case manager, supports coordinator or clinical specialist when they enter services. Based on the assessment, if the mental health worker needs assistance in clarifying a diagnosis or if they believe the person's mental health condition can be effectively treated with medications then they will refer the person to a psychiatrist. Mental illnesses are physical illnesses that affect the chemicals in a person's brain. Psychiatric medications are not a cure but they can help restore the brain chemicals to a level that reduces the symptoms and improves the person's quality of life.
There are some situations where a person only receives psychiatric and medication services (commonly referred to as Meds Only). In most circumstances, though, it is best that the person also receive other supportive services in addition to medication to help them understand and manage their illness, to help them learn coping skills, to help them connect with community resources and also to help them become an active part in their community.
How can you access Psychiatric and Medication Services?
To obtain more information about Psychiatric and Medication Services
In Bay County call (989) 895-2300 or 1-800-327-4693.
In Arenac County call (989) 846-4573 or 1-800-891-2472.
To request services call the Access Alliance of Michigan (a division of Bay-Arenac Behavioral Health) at 1-888-212-3689 (M-F, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.).
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