Our Psychiatry Services FAQ addresses essential Psychiatry services questions to help patients feel informed, prepared, and confident before beginning care. This section provides clear, straightforward guidance on psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and ongoing treatment, helping individuals understand how professional psychiatric services support mental health and long-term stability. Many patients begin with a brief consultation↗ before choosing a personalized psychiatry care plan—take the first step today to get the answers and support you need.
By thoughtfully addressing common Psychiatry services questions, we aim to reduce uncertainty and support informed decision-making at every stage of care. These answers are grounded in evidence-based practice and carefully designed to guide patients through what to expect before, during, and after treatment. Through transparent explanations and compassionate insight, our approach ensures that important Psychiatry services questions are addressed while encouraging open, collaborative conversations with licensed psychiatric providers.
FAQs
Bipolar Disorder – Common Questions
Here are answers to some of the most common questions patients ask about receiving bipolar disorder care through our clinic.
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How do I know if it’s the right time to get help for bipolar disorder?
It may be time to seek professional support if you’re experiencing intense mood swings, periods of high energy followed by deep lows, trouble functioning at work or home, disrupted sleep, or difficulty maintaining relationships.
You don’t need to wait for a crisis to get care — early evaluation can help you understand what’s happening and prevent symptoms from getting worse. Our psychiatric providers offer gentle, judgment-free assessments to help you get clarity and next steps. -
What symptoms of bipolar disorder should I seek help for?
You should reach out if you experience symptoms such as:
• Extreme highs (mania or hypomania)
• Deep lows (depression)
• Mood swings that feel out of your control
• Increased impulsivity or irritability
• Changes in sleep patterns or energy levels
• Difficulty functioning at work, home, or in relationships
Early support can prevent episodes from worsening and help you regain stability and balance. -
Can bipolar disorder be managed long-term with medication and therapy?
Yes. With the right combination of medication, therapy referrals, and consistent follow-up care, many people with bipolar disorder can maintain stable moods and live full, healthy lives.
Our PMHNPs create personalized treatment plans, monitor your response to medication, and adjust dosages as needed to ensure you are supported and safe long-term.
FAQs
Depression – Common Questions
Here are answers to some of the most common questions patients ask about depression care through our clinic.
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How do I know if what I’m feeling is depression and not just stress or sadness?
It may be more than “just a rough patch” if you’ve been feeling down, empty, or hopeless most days for at least two weeks, or if you’ve lost interest in things you used to enjoy.
Other common signs include changes in sleep or appetite, low energy, trouble concentrating, or feeling like you’re moving through life on autopilot. If these symptoms are affecting your work, relationships, or daily functioning, it’s a good time to talk with a mental health professional.
Our psychiatric providers offer gentle, nonjudgmental evaluations via secure telehealth for patients in Oregon, Washington, and Montana (with Arizona coming soon), so you don’t have to figure it out alone. -
What depression treatments do you offer?
Treatment is personalized, but may include:
• Medication management with antidepressants or mood-stabilizing medications, when appropriate
• Ketamine therapy for treatment-resistant depression, when clinically appropriate
• Whole-person support, including sleep, stress, and lifestyle recommendations
Your provider will work with you to create a plan that fits your symptoms, medical history, and goals—not a one-size-fits-all approach. -
What if antidepressants haven’t worked for me in the past?
You’re not alone—many people need more than one approach before they find relief. During your intake, we’ll review your past medication trials, side effects, and any partial benefits you noticed.
From there, your provider may:
• Adjust doses or timing of medications
• Try different medication classes or combinations
• Explore options like ketamine therapy for treatment-resistant depression
• Coordinate therapy referrals for added support
Our goal is to partner with you, listen to your experience, and keep refining your plan until it feels safer, more tolerable, and more effective.
FAQs
Generalized Anxiety Disorder – Common Questions
Here are answers to some of the most common questions patients ask about Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and treatment options.
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How do I know if my anxiety might be Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
GAD often shows up as persistent, uncontrollable worry that affects your daily life. You may feel tense, restless, or overwhelmed even when nothing specific is wrong. Difficulty sleeping, trouble concentrating, and constant “what if” thoughts are also common.
If anxiety feels like it’s taking over your thoughts, routine, or relationships, that’s a strong sign it’s time to reach out for support. -
What does treatment for Generalized Anxiety Disorder usually look like?
Treatment is personalized, but it often includes a combination of:
• Medication management to reduce physical symptoms of anxiety
• Therapy referrals for tools that help calm the mind and body
• Stress and sleep support to stabilize your nervous system
Your provider works with you step-by-step, helping you understand options and choose what feels right for your needs and comfort level. -
How do I know which anxiety treatment approach is right for me?
Your provider will help you determine the best approach by reviewing your symptoms, lifestyle, past treatment history, and personal preferences.
Some people benefit most from therapy, some from medication, and many from a combination of both. The goal is a plan that feels manageable, effective, and tailored to you.
FAQs
GLP-1 Treatment – Common Questions
Here are answers to some of the most common questions patients ask about GLP-1 medications, side effects, and what to expect over time.
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What are the possible side effects and how common are they when using GLP-1 medications?
The most common side effects of GLP-1 medications are usually digestive and may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or decreased appetite.
These symptoms are often mild to moderate and tend to improve as your body adjusts to the medication, especially when the dose is increased slowly over time. Less common but more serious risks can include gallbladder issues, pancreatitis, or changes in kidney function.
Your provider will review your medical history, monitor your response, and adjust your dose or treatment plan if side effects become uncomfortable or concerning. -
What happens after I stop taking GLP-1 — will I likely regain weight?
Many people do regain some weight after stopping GLP-1 treatment, especially if lifestyle habits and underlying medical factors aren’t also addressed.
GLP-1s help control appetite, cravings, and blood sugar, so when the medication is stopped, hunger and weight-regulation signals may gradually return to baseline. This doesn’t mean weight regain is guaranteed, but it is common if there isn’t a long-term plan in place.
Your provider can help you create a step-down strategy, along with nutrition, movement, and behavioral supports, to give you the best chance of maintaining your progress even if you eventually come off the medication. -
How long might I need to stay on GLP-1 treatment — is it temporary or long-term therapy?
The length of GLP-1 treatment is different for everyone. Some people use it for a shorter period to help kick-start weight loss and build healthier habits, while others may benefit from longer-term or even ongoing therapy, especially if they have chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes, or metabolic syndrome.
Your provider will regularly review your progress, side effects, lab results, and goals. Together, you’ll decide whether to continue, adjust the dose, take a break, or transition to another plan. GLP-1 therapy is most effective when it’s part of a broader, sustainable approach to long-term health.
FAQs
Ketamine Therapy – Common Questions
Here are answers to some of the most common questions patients ask about starting and maintaining ketamine therapy through our clinic.
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What are the possible side effects of ketamine therapy?
Ketamine is generally well-tolerated when given in a controlled medical setting, but some people do experience temporary side effects during or shortly after treatment. These may include:
• Feeling “floaty” or detached from your body
• Mild changes in perception (colors, sounds, or time feeling different)
• Dizziness or unsteadiness when standing
• Nausea or upset stomach
• Blurry vision or sensitivity to light
• Increased blood pressure or heart rate for a short period
These effects usually fade within 1–2 hours after your session as the medication wears off. Your provider will monitor you closely, adjust your dose as needed, and talk with you about any risks based on your health history before starting treatment. -
How often are ketamine therapy sessions required for lasting results?
Ketamine therapy is usually done in two phases: an initial series and, if helpful, a maintenance phase.
• Initial series: Many patients receive multiple sessions over several weeks (for example, a few times per week) to help jump-start symptom relief.
• Maintenance: If you respond well, your provider may recommend “booster” sessions spaced further apart (such as every few weeks or months), based on how long your benefits last and how you’re feeling in between treatments.
Your exact schedule is personalized — our team will regularly check in about your mood, functioning, and side effects so we can adjust the treatment plan and avoid more sessions than you truly need. -
What should I do after a ketamine therapy session?
After your session, we recommend planning for a calm, low-stress rest of the day. Helpful steps include:
• Arrange a safe ride home — you should not drive, operate machinery, or make major decisions until the next day.
• Give yourself time to rest — mild fatigue, emotional release, or feeling “out of it” for a few hours can be normal.
• Stay hydrated and eat a light meal once any nausea has passed.
• Reflect or journal about any thoughts, feelings, or insights that came up — these can be useful to discuss in therapy.
• Follow your provider’s instructions about medications, activities, and when to reach out if you notice anything concerning.
Our team will review specific aftercare guidelines with you before each treatment so you feel prepared, supported, and safe once you leave the clinic.
FAQs
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – Common Questions
Here are answers to some of the most common questions patients ask about OCD and how our clinic can help you navigate symptoms with care and clarity.
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Can OCD start during adulthood even if I never had issues as a child or teenager?
Yes. While many people first notice OCD symptoms in childhood or early adulthood, it can also begin later in life — even if you never had obvious signs when you were younger.
Stressful life events, major transitions, health changes, pregnancy or postpartum shifts, and ongoing anxiety can all play a role in “activating” OCD symptoms that weren’t noticeable before. This doesn’t mean you did anything wrong or “caused” it — OCD is a treatable mental health condition, not a personal failure.
If you’ve started experiencing intrusive thoughts, urges, or repetitive behaviors that are hard to control, a professional evaluation can help you understand what’s happening and explore options for support. -
What triggers OCD symptoms and why do obsessions and compulsions get worse over time?
OCD symptoms can be triggered or intensified by many factors, including stress, lack of sleep, big life changes, illness, hormonal shifts, or feeling overwhelmed or unsafe. Certain situations, people, or places might also become “triggers” if your brain starts to link them with anxiety or intrusive thoughts.
Over time, obsessions and compulsions may get worse because the OCD cycle is very reinforcing. When you feel intense anxiety and then perform a ritual (like checking, cleaning, counting, or seeking reassurance), you often feel a brief sense of relief. Your brain learns, “I feel safer when I do this,” so the urge to repeat the behavior gets stronger and more frequent.
Treatment helps interrupt this cycle. With the right medication support, coping skills, and therapy referrals (such as exposure and response prevention), you can reduce the intensity of triggers, spend less time on compulsions, and feel more in control of your day. -
How does OCD affect daily life, work performance, and relationships if left untreated?
When OCD is untreated, it can quietly take over more and more of your time, energy, and attention. You might:
• Spend long periods on rituals, checking, or mental “replaying”
• Run late or avoid tasks because you feel you must do things “just right”
• Struggle to focus at work or school, which can affect performance and confidence
• Avoid social situations, intimacy, or certain topics out of fear or shame
• Ask for repeated reassurance from loved ones, which can create frustration or conflict
Many people also feel exhausted, guilty, or “stuck,” even though they’re trying very hard to keep up. The good news is that OCD is highly treatable. With compassionate psychiatric care, medication management when appropriate, and coordinated therapy referrals, it’s possible to reduce symptoms, restore your quality of life, and strengthen your relationships.
FAQs
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – Common Questions
Here are answers to some of the most common questions patients ask about PTSD care and trauma-informed support through our clinic.
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What’s the difference between PTSD and normal stress or trauma reactions?
It’s normal to feel shaken, on edge, or emotional after a difficult or overwhelming event. For many people, these reactions gradually ease over days or weeks as the body and mind recover.
PTSD is different because symptoms stay intense or even get worse over time. You might notice ongoing nightmares or flashbacks, feeling constantly on guard, avoiding reminders of what happened, or feeling disconnected from yourself or others. These symptoms can start to interrupt your sleep, work, relationships, and daily functioning.
If your reactions to a traumatic event are not improving or are disrupting your life, it may be more than “normal stress,” and it’s a good time to get a professional evaluation. -
How soon after a traumatic event can PTSD symptoms appear?
PTSD symptoms can begin within days or weeks after a traumatic event, but for some people they show up months later. Early signs can include sleep changes, intrusive memories, feeling “on edge,” or being more irritable or easily startled.
It’s also possible to feel “okay” at first and then notice symptoms surface after a major life change, another stressful experience, or when things finally slow down and your body has space to react. If distressing symptoms last longer than a month or start to affect your ability to function, it’s important to talk with a mental health professional. -
What kinds of therapy or treatment approaches are effective for PTSD beyond just medication?
Medication can help with sleep, mood, and anxiety, but many people benefit most from a combination of approaches. Effective PTSD care often includes:
• Trauma-focused therapies such as CBT for trauma, EMDR, or exposure-based treatments to help process painful memories in a safe, structured way.
• Supportive talk therapy to help you understand triggers, build coping skills, and reduce shame or self-blame.
• Somatic or body-based approaches (like grounding skills, breathwork, or gentle movement) to calm the nervous system and reduce physical tension.
• Lifestyle and nervous system support, including sleep routines, stress management, and stabilizing daily structure.
Our psychiatric providers can help you explore which treatment options fit your history, preferences, and goals, and collaborate with therapists or other specialists as part of a comprehensive trauma-informed plan.
FAQs
Postpartum Depression – Common Questions
Here are answers to some of the most common questions new parents ask about recognizing, understanding, and getting care for postpartum depression through our clinic.
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What are the earliest warning signs of postpartum depression that new mothers should watch out for?
Early signs of postpartum depression can feel different from the usual “baby blues.” You might notice:
• Persistent sadness, emptiness, or frequent crying
• Feeling overwhelmed, numb, or disconnected from your baby
• Strong guilt or feeling like you’re a “bad parent”
• Irritability, anxiety, or racing thoughts
• Changes in appetite or sleep that go beyond your baby’s schedule
• Loss of interest in things you normally enjoy
If these feelings last longer than about two weeks, feel intense, or are getting worse instead of better, it’s important to reach out for professional support. -
How soon after giving birth can postpartum depression begin?
Postpartum depression can begin any time during pregnancy or within the first year after giving birth.
For many parents, symptoms start in the first few weeks after delivery — especially between 2 to 6 weeks — but they can also show up gradually months later. It’s never “too early” or “too late” to ask for help if something doesn’t feel right mentally or emotionally. -
What factors or risks increase the likelihood of developing postpartum depression?
Anyone can experience postpartum depression, but certain factors can increase risk, including:
• Personal or family history of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or postpartum depression
• Complicated pregnancy, traumatic birth, or baby needing special medical care
• Lack of sleep, limited social support, or feeling isolated
• Relationship stress, financial stress, or major life changes around the time of birth
• History of trauma or significant past loss
Having risk factors does not mean you will definitely develop postpartum depression, but it does mean it’s especially important to have good support and to seek help early if symptoms appear.
FAQs
Social Anxiety Disorder – Common Questions
Here are answers to some of the most common questions patients ask about social anxiety disorder and how our clinic can support you.
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What kind of everyday social situations tend to trigger social anxiety symptoms?
Social anxiety can show up in many ordinary situations, such as:
• Meeting new people or being introduced in a group
• Speaking up in meetings, class, or on video calls
• Being the center of attention (presentations, celebrations, “all eyes on you”)
• Eating, drinking, or writing in front of others
• Attending parties, networking events, or social gatherings
• Talking with authority figures, supervisors, or healthcare providers
For some people, even sending messages, answering the phone, or making small talk can trigger intense worry about being judged or embarrassed. In our clinic, we help you identify your personal triggers and build step-by-step skills to handle these moments with more confidence and less fear. -
What are the differences between social anxiety disorder and occasional social shyness or nervousness?
Feeling shy or nervous in certain situations is very common. With social anxiety disorder, however, symptoms tend to be:
• More intense – fear or panic about being judged, humiliated, or rejected
• More frequent – worry shows up before, during, and after social events
• More physical – racing heart, sweating, shaking, stomach upset, or feeling “frozen”
• More limiting – avoiding work, school, friendships, dating, or opportunities because of fear
Occasional shyness usually eases with time or familiarity. Social anxiety disorder tends to persist for months or years and can significantly interfere with your daily life. If it feels like more than “just being shy,” our psychiatric providers can evaluate what you’re experiencing and recommend treatment options that fit your needs. -
Can social anxiety disorder develop later in life, even if someone was calm during childhood?
Yes. Social anxiety disorder can develop in adolescence or adulthood, even if you didn’t notice significant anxiety as a child.
It may be triggered or worsened by experiences such as:
• Major life changes (new job, school, or role with more visibility)
• Bullying, criticism, or embarrassing social experiences
• Increased performance demands at work or in public
• Long-standing self-doubt or perfectionism
Many adults don’t realize their symptoms have a name until they’re struggling at work, in relationships, or in social situations they used to handle more easily. The good news is that social anxiety is treatable at any age. Our clinic offers supportive evaluation, medication management when appropriate, and referrals for therapy to help you rebuild confidence over time.
FAQs
Treatment-Resistant Depression – Common Questions
Here are answers to some of the most common questions patients ask about treatment-resistant depression and how our clinic approaches care when standard treatments haven’t been enough.
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What are the signs that my depression might be treatment-resistant rather than a typical depressive episode?
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) generally means that your symptoms haven’t improved enough, even after trying at least two antidepressant medications at the right doses and for a long enough period.
Signs that your depression may be treatment-resistant can include:
• You’ve tried multiple medications with limited or short-lived relief
• Symptoms have lasted many months or years despite treatment
• You only feel “slightly better,” but still struggle to function day-to-day
• Your depression quickly returns when a medication is adjusted or stopped
Only a qualified mental health provider can diagnose TRD. During an evaluation, we review your full history, medications, lifestyle, and underlying conditions to help determine whether you may be experiencing treatment-resistant depression and what to do next. -
What underlying conditions or risk factors increase the chance of developing treatment-resistant depression?
Several factors can make depression harder to treat with standard approaches alone. These may include:
• Having long-standing, recurrent, or very severe depression
• Co-occurring anxiety disorders, OCD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, or substance use concerns
• Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid issues, chronic pain, or sleep disorders
• A family history of hard-to-treat mood disorders
• Past trauma, high stress, or limited support systems
Sometimes, depression appears “treatment-resistant” simply because medications, doses, or combinations haven’t been fully optimized yet, or other conditions haven’t been addressed. Our team looks at the whole picture—mental health, physical health, and lifestyle—to better understand what’s contributing to your symptoms. None of these risk factors are your fault, and you don’t have to sort them out alone. -
What are the most effective treatment options available for treatment-resistant depression?
When standard antidepressants aren’t enough, there are still many evidence-based options to explore. A personalized plan for treatment-resistant depression may include:
• Re-evaluating your diagnosis and current medications
• Adjusting doses, switching medications, or combining antidepressants
• Augmentation strategies (adding another type of medication to boost response)
• Evidence-based psychotherapy, such as CBT or trauma-focused therapy
• Addressing sleep, hormones, nutrition, substance use, and other medical issues
• Advanced treatments such as ketamine or other interventional therapies, when appropriate
Our psychiatric providers work closely with you to design a step-by-step plan that fits your needs, preferences, and safety. We also collaborate with therapists and other healthcare providers to create a more comprehensive support system, so you’re not navigating treatment-resistant depression on your own.