Psychiatry at BetterPlace
What is Psychiatry?
Psychiatry is a branch of medicine focused on the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of mental and behavioral health disorders. Psychiatrists are licensed medical professionals who can prescribe medication, provide therapy, and recommend behavioral interventions.
What does a psychiatrist do?
A psychiatrist is a licensed professional who evaluates, diagnoses and treats mental health and behavioral disorders.
Psychiatrists address problems by focusing on all three aspects of well-being; biology, sociology and psychopathology.
Before creating a tailored treatment plan, our psychiatrists study an individual’s
- Genetic Predispositions
- Neurochemical Imbalances
- Pre-Existing Conditions And Comorbidities
- Physical Health Conditions
- Lifestyle Factors Such As Diet, Sleep, Exercise
What are the Types of Psychiatry Treatments?
Medications: Our psychiatrists prescribe medications such as mood stabilisers, stimulants, neuroleptics and anxiolytics based on the patient’s unique need and neurochemical profile. These medications support treatment by regulating brain chemistry and address any chemical imbalances.
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): ECT provides relief to patients suffering from severe cases of depression and other psychiatric disorders when other treatments have not been effective. This technique provides rapid relief through controlled and therapeutically induced seizures.
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS): rTMS is a safe, non-invasive brain stimulation technique which uses magnetic fields to stimulate specific areas of the brain.
At BetterPlace, our state-of-the-art rTMS machine is integrated into our psychiatry treatment approach, providing non-invasive treatment for depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), substance use disorders, and treatment-resistant depression.
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS): tDCS is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique which modulates neuronal activity and treats conditions like depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairments. It involves delivering low electrical current to specific areas of the brain to stimulate and activate brain cells.
Neurofeedback: Neurofeedback is a brain training technique which helps patients biologically change how they think and feel. Neurofeedback helps patients monitor and modulate their brain’s reaction to various stimuli in real-time, to develop healthier patterns of brain activity. This technique is useful for the treatment of disorders such as ADHD and anxiety. At BetterPlace, we use specialised equipment to monitor brain waves and provide real-time feedback to alter patient behaviour as part of our comprehensive psychiatry services.
At BetterPlace, we use these neuroscientific interventions as a part of our integrated approach to mental health, ensuring each patient receives the most appropriate and effective psychiatry treatment services tailored to their unique condition and circumstances
Psychological Interventions
We understand that mental health is deeply connected to thought patterns and emotional processes. Recognising this connection, we use the therapeutic potential of psychotherapy to modify brain function, alter neural connections and enhance brain plasticity.
We offer a wide range of comprehensive psychological interventions that are central to our treatment philosophy. Our therapists work closely with patients to explore and address underlying psychological issues, foster resilience, and promote long-term emotional health.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT):
CBT is a form of psychotherapy Psychiatrists & Psychologists at BetterPlace commonly use for patients suffering from depression, anxiety, bipolar, Borderline personality disorder, PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), phobias, various addictions, eating disorders, insomnia etc. This technique restructures a person’s current thinking patterns by challenging their thought processes and equips them with problem-solving skills to cope with difficult situations.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT):
IPT is a talk therapy that Psychiatrists & Psychologists at BetterPlace use for patients suffering from eating disorders, social phobia, anxiety disorders and PTSD. This therapy focuses on a person’s interpersonal relationships by fostering effective communication and understanding relationship patterns
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT):
It is a modified version of CBT that Psychiatrists & Psychologists at BetterPlace use for treating treatment-resistant depression, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) etc. It incorporates mindfulness techniques such as present moment awareness, meditation, muscle relaxation, breathing exercises and more as a means to ground the patient and help them be in tune with their surroundings.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT):
It is a form of psychotherapy that Psychiatrists & Psychologists at BetterPlace use for patients suffering from generalised anxiety disorder, chronic depression, chronic pain, substance abuse and some other conditions. This therapy helps people accept their thoughts, feelings and emotions, and commit to actions that align with their long-term goals.
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT):
Psychiatrists & Psychologists at BetterPlace leverage DBT in the treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder, eating disorders and substance use disorders. It teaches people how to live in the moment and find healthy ways to cope with stress, and other problems in life.
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Problem-Solving Therapy (PST):
SFBT is a goal-oriented constructive psychotherapy that Psychiatrists & Psychologists at BetterPlace use for treating conditions such as addiction, child behavioural problems, and relationship problems. The SFBT helps the patient construct solutions to their problems by asking relevant questions, rather than focusing on the problem itself.
Psychodynamic therapy:
Psychiatrists & Psychologists at BetterPlace use psychodynamic therapy to treat anxiety disorders, depression, eating disorders, personality disorders, PTSD etc., especially in those patients who have lost meaning in their lives. Psychodynamic therapy uses techniques such as free association, dream analysis and the Rorschach inkblot test to uncover the patient’s unconscious desires and past experiences that manifest as behavioural issues in the present.
Social Interventions
Social interventions in psychiatry aim to improve the patient’s social functioning and overall quality of life. An individual’s environment, relationships, and societal context can significantly impact their mental health. Psychiatrists & Psychologists at BetterPlace adopt a comprehensive view of mental health by incorporating social interventions into our treatment plans:
Psychoeducation: Educating patients and their families about mental health conditions, treatment options, and coping strategies.
Family Therapy: Involving family members in the treatment process to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and support the patient’s recovery.
Social Skills Training: Teaching patients how to interact more effectively with others, manage social situations, and improve their relationships.
Vocational Rehabilitation: Helping patients with mental health conditions to find and maintain employment.
Community Support Programs: Providing access to social services, support groups, and community resources to help patients reintegrate into society and maintain their mental health.
This biopsychosocial model of care ensures that Psychiatrists & Psychologists at BetterPlace treat each patient as a whole person, integrating the biological, psychological, and social dimensions of psychiatry treatment to deliver the most effective and compassionate care. We also address social determinants of health, such as stress and socioeconomic factors, which may contribute to or exacerbate mental health issues.
What is the Difference Between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist?
Psychiatrists and psychologists both address mental health, but there are key differences. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medications as part of treatment, along with various types of therapy and specialised treatments. Psychologists focus on providing advanced psychotherapy to empower patients to feel and think more positiv ely, but do not prescribe medications.
Compassionate Care from Trusted Psychiatrists
Experts at BetterPlace are highly trained mental health professionals who have provided treatment for psychiatry and have successfully treated over 50,000 patients with a range of conditions.
- Agoraphobia
- Alcohol use disorder
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Anorexia
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Anxiety disorders
- Arachnophobia
- ADHD
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Binge Eating
- Bipolar disorder
- Body dysmorphic disorder
- Bulimia nervosa
- Claustrophobia
- Depression
- Dissociative disorders
- Gambling disorder
- Gender dysphoria
- Hoarding disorder
- Insomnia
- Mood disorders
- OCD
- Panic disorder
- Personality disorders
- PTSD
- Postpartum depression
- Schizoaffective disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Social Anxiety Disorder
- Sleep disorders
Our Approach to Personalised Psychiatric Care
Strong focus on assessments
Our psychiatric services place a strong focus on assessments and diagnostics, giving us deep insights into your unique condition and helping us create a plan that is tailor-made for you.
Integrated and holistic care
Our psychiatrists follow a multidisciplinary approach. We combine medication with therapy and lifestyle changes to address your mental health from all angles.
Continuous and evolving treatment
Be it the medication you’re taking or the therapy you’re undergoing — our psychiatrists will regularly monitor your case and ensure prompt adjustments in your treatment as needed.
Collaboration with medical staff
Since all BetterPlace clinics operate within hospitals, we collaborate with doctors and specialised physicians in real-time, giving you a seamless psychiatry treatment experience that takes care of the bio, social and psychological dimensions of any mental health condition.
Visiting BetterPlace for Psychiatry Treatment Services? Here’s what you can expect:
Every person is different. And so is every care journey. But our process is consistent.
Initial Intake Session
A 45-minute introductory session with a clinical psychologist so we can get to know you better.
Psychologist briefs Psychiatrist
A 15-minute break while your psychologist discusses your detailed case history with our in-house psychiatrist.
Assessment (if needed)
The psychiatrist may suggest you take a mental health assessment to gather critical information about you.
Diagnosis
You may be diagnosed with a specific mental health condition and discuss potential treatment options.
Customised Treatment Plan
The psychiatrist will prepare a customised treatment plan for you which could include medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, or a combination of these.
Ongoing Support
Your treatment at BetterPlace begins with regular progress tracking and continuous support. Depending on your case, the psychiatrist may also work with other mental health experts to ensure holistic and effective psychiatry treatment.
Mental Health Partners to the prestigious National Heart Institute
Visit our Experts today!
Frequently Asked Questions
The best psychiatrist is one that you feel comfortable around, someone who it is easy for you to open up to. Your psychiatrist must be able to understand how to positively support you on your mental health journey, and check in regularly to understand how different treatments and medications are affecting your day-to-day life. At BetterPlace, we ensure that each patient feels free to voice how they are feeling, and ask for any changes they want in how their sessions are conducted.
Yes, a psychiatrist can provide counselling, but it’s not their primary focus. Whether a psychiatrist provides counselling depends upon their individual practice style, training, and the needs of the patient.
If you want to get to know your psychiatrist better, you can ask them some questions to understand their background and areas of interest, such as:
- What are your qualifications?
- How much experience do you have in treating my condition?
- How did you arrive at my diagnosis?
- What are my treatment options?
- Will my treatment involve medication?
- Will my medication have any side effects?
- When can I expect to feel better?
- How will I know if I’m feeling better?
- What should I do if I feel worse?
No, psychiatrists do not always prescribe medication. Treatment is tailored (customised) to each individual’s needs and includes therapy, lifestyle changes, and other non-medical interventions. Medications are prescribed when symptoms are particularly severe, or when your doctor feels they are absolutely essential, but only if you are comfortable.
Like any other medicine, psychiatric medications work differently for each person – and how effective they are depends on how regularly you report your symptoms to your psychiatrist, so they can adjust your medication accordingly. If there are any side-effects associated with the medications, your doctor will counsel you and answer all your queries. What’s important is you give your doctor accurate and timely reports, and follow their instructions closely.
The duration of treatment with a psychiatrist differs on a case-to-case basis. For some patients, a few sessions may be sufficient for a particular concern, while others may need ongoing treatment for chronic or severe mental health issues. Your psychiatrist will work with you to create a personalised treatment plan that aligns with your needs and objectives.
Therapy is an essential component of psychiatric treatment, and offers various approaches to address diverse needs. Apart from cognitive-behavioural therapy and psychoanalysis, other effective therapies include dialectical behaviour therapy, interpersonal therapy, and mindfulness-based therapies. Such therapies help people manage their symptoms, improve mental health, and develop coping skills to navigate stress and difficult emotions.
Common misconceptions about psychiatry include the belief that all mental health issues can be resolved with medication alone or that seeking help from a psychiatrist implies weakness. Additionally, there’s often a misunderstanding that psychiatrists only treat severe mental illnesses, when in reality, they address a wide range of conditions, from mild to severe, using various therapeutic approaches that don’t always involve medication.
Psychiatrists may reassess the diagnosis, explore alternative treatments like changing the medication, applying a multi-therapy model, or collaborate with other healthcare professionals. Psychiatrists may also consider safe and scientific techniques like repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for patients who have not responded to traditional treatments.
Inpatient psychiatric care involves staying overnight in a hospital or specialised facility for intensive treatment and monitoring, typically for individuals with acute mental health issues that require round-the-clock care. Outpatient psychiatric care involves visiting a clinic or mental health centre for appointments and returning home afterwards. It’s suitable for individuals with milder symptoms or those transitioning from inpatient care.
Psychiatrists tailor treatment plans by understanding each patient’s unique needs, preferences, and circumstances. They consider factors such as symptom severity, personal goals, past experiences, and any co-occurring medical conditions. Based on this, they collaborate with patients to develop personalised plans, which may include medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, and other interventions, adjusted as needed to ensure the best outcomes.
Here are the top 3 cases when you should see a psychiatrist:
When your current therapy isn’t working: If you’ve been going to therapy for years but haven’t seen much improvement, it might be time to try a new psychiatrist.
When you’ve had a bad experience with psychiatric medication: Medication is a very complex science. Sometimes a psychiatrist’s treatment plan may not align with your specific needs. If you feel another psychiatrist might be able to prescribe you more appropriate medication, or if you simply want a second opinion about your current medication, don’t hesitate to explore other professional options.
When you feel something is wrong but don’t know what: Through assessments and expertise, psychiatrists help you diagnose the exact condition you are facing, its severity, and accordingly suggest the right treatment.
