Psychiatry at BetterPlace
What is Psychiatry?
Psychiatry is a branch of medicine focused on the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of mental and behavioural health disorders. Psychiatrists are licensed medical professionals who can prescribe medication, provide therapy, and recommend behavioural interventions.
What's 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 but do not prescribe medications.
Do psychiatrists always prescribe medication?
No, psychiatrists do not always prescribe medication. Treatment is tailored 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.
What if my medications don’t work or cause side effects?
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 about it in-depth, and answer all your queries.
Compassionate care from trusted Psychiatrists
Experts at BetterPlace are highly trained mental health professionals who have treated over 50,000 patients with a range of conditions.
- Depression
- ADHD
- Generalized Anxiety
- OCD
- Schizophrenia
- Anorexia
- Agoraphobia
- Panic Disorder
- Social Anxiety
- Bulimia nervosa
- Bipolar Disorder
- Personality Disorders
- Binge Eating
What makes BetterPlace 'better' for you?
We believe mental healthcare should never be one-size-fits-all. We have built an end-to-end care model that is evidence-based, and adapts to the needs of you and your loved ones.
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.
Personalised treatment plans
We understand that every individual’s needs are unique — based on their circumstances & personality — so we tailor every treatment plan to meet your specific goals & preferences.
Continuous and evolving care
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 are able to collaborate in real-time with doctors and specialised physicians, giving you a more seamless treatment experience.
Visiting BetterPlace? Here’s what to 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 Doctor
A 15-minute break while your psychologist discusses your detailed history with our in-house psychiatrist
Have a 1:1 with an Expert
Speak to a Psychiatrist or Psychologist - depending on what works for you - to get your personalised treatment plan
Begin your Treatment
Your care at BetterPlace begins with regular progress tracking and continuous support
Mental Health Partners to the prestigious National Heart Institute
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Frequently Asked Questions
Psychiatrists can diagnose and treat several mental health issues like depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and personality disorders. They can also treat addiction and substance abuse.
The duration of treatment with a psychiatrist differs on a case-to-case basis. For some individuals, 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.
Like all medications, those prescribed by a psychiatrist may also carry side effects. Nevertheless, medication is prescribed only if its advantages in addressing a mental health issue outweigh the possible side effects. Your psychiatrist will thoroughly review the potential risks and benefits of any medication with you before prescribing it, and will closely monitor you for any adverse effects, so they can adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
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 individuals in managing symptoms, improving mental health, and developing 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.
When faced with treatment-resistant mental illnesses, psychiatrists may reassess the diagnosis, explore alternative treatments like changing the medication or applying a multi-therapy model, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals. Psychiatrists may also consider safe and scientific techniques like repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for individuals 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 afterward. 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.
