Author: Padam Bhatia

In recent years, the dialogue surrounding mental health and its significance in overall well-being has gained substantial momentum. As society becomes more attuned to the importance of mental wellness, the demand for accessible and effective psychiatric services has surged. Fortunately, health insurance has emerged as a key player in bridging the gap between those in need of psychiatric care and the services they require. This article delves into the ways in which health insurance is contributing to the expansion of access to psychiatry services, thereby transforming the landscape of mental healthcare.

Financial Barrier Dissolution

One of the primary roadblocks preventing individuals from seeking psychiatric help has been the high cost associated with such services. However, with the integration of mental health coverage into health insurance plans, this financial barrier is gradually eroding. People who might have hesitated to pursue therapy or counseling due to monetary constraints are now empowered to access these essential services without straining their budgets. This shift is especially significant given that mental health conditions often require ongoing care, making insurance coverage an invaluable resource for long-term treatment.

Enhanced Affordability and Preventive Care

Health insurance doesn’t just focus on treating existing conditions; it also encourages proactive measures to prevent mental health issues from worsening. Insured individuals are more likely to engage in regular check-ups with mental health professionals, leading to early detection and intervention. By catching problems at an early stage, the need for more intensive treatments or hospitalizations can be reduced, benefiting both patients and healthcare systems.

Expanded Network of Providers

The expansion of health insurance coverage for mental health services has prompted an increase in the number of mental health providers accepting insurance. This growth in the network of professionals available to patients is a pivotal factor in enhancing access to care. People living in rural or underserved areas, who previously faced limited options for mental health support, now have a broader range of providers to choose from, thanks to insurance coverage.

Parity Laws and Equal Treatment

Health insurance has also been a driving force in promoting parity between mental health services and other medical services. In many regions, legislation has been introduced to ensure that insurance companies provide the same level of coverage and benefits for mental health treatments as they do for physical health treatments. This legal framework not only eliminates the stigma associated with seeking mental health care but also reinforces the idea that mental health is as important as physical health.

Telehealth Revolution

The digital age has brought about a transformation in healthcare delivery, and mental health services are no exception. Telehealth platforms are now covered by many health insurance plans, allowing individuals to access therapy and counseling services from the comfort of their homes. This innovation is particularly advantageous for those who face geographical barriers, mobility issues, or anxiety related to in-person appointments.

Conclusion:

The integration of mental health services into health insurance plans marks a significant step forward in improving access to psychiatric care. Financial barriers are being dismantled, and individuals are empowered to seek help without the fear of exorbitant costs. The expansion of provider networks, coupled with the enforcement of parity laws, ensures that mental health is finally receiving the recognition it deserves. Moreover, the advent of telehealth has made mental health services even more accessible, catering to a broader spectrum of needs.

While the progress is undeniable, challenges remain. Not all insurance plans offer comprehensive mental health coverage, and there is still work to be done in eliminating the stigma associated with seeking help for mental health issues. Nevertheless, the positive impact of health insurance on increasing access to psychiatry services is undeniable. As more individuals gain access to the care they need, the overall well-being of communities will undoubtedly see a positive shift, fostering a healthier, happier, and more productive society.

At Elevate Psychiatry, we offer superlative psychiatric services to everyone, taking nearly all insurances, while also providing significantly affordable self-pay rates.  If you or a loved one are suffering with mental illness, don’t be afraid to contact us to make an appointment.

In the quest to improve mental health treatments, innovative therapies like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and Spravato have emerged as promising alternatives for individuals struggling with treatment-resistant depression and other mental health disorders. These two therapies represent cutting-edge advancements in the field, each with its own set of risks, benefits, and time commitments. In this blog, we will delve into the details of TMS and Spravato, comparing their effectiveness and helping you make an informed decision about which option may be the right fit for your unique needs.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate specific regions of the brain. By targeting these areas, TMS aims to regulate mood and alleviate symptoms of depression. During a TMS session, a specialized device is placed on the patient’s head, delivering magnetic pulses that activate or inhibit neural circuits responsible for mood regulation.

Benefits

• Non-invasive: TMS is non-surgical, meaning it doesn’t require any incisions or anesthesia, reducing the risk of complications.
• Few systemic side effects: Unlike some medications, TMS has minimal systemic side effects as the treatment is localized to the brain.
• Long-term benefits: TMS has shown potential for long-lasting effects, even after the treatment course is completed.

Risks

• Headache and discomfort: Some patients may experience mild headaches or discomfort at the treatment site during or after the session.
• Seizures (rare): Although extremely rare, there is a slight risk of seizures associated with TMS, particularly in individuals with a history of seizures or epilepsy.
• Insurance coverage: TMS needs authorization by your insurance in order to be covered.

Time Commitment

Typically, a full course of TMS consists of daily sessions over four to six weeks, with each session lasting about 30 to 40 minutes. This can be a significant time commitment, especially for those with busy schedules or limited access to treatment centers.

Spravato (Esketamine Nasal Spray)

Spravato, also known as esketamine, is a nasal spray medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment-resistant depression. It is a form of ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic, which has shown rapid antidepressant effects.

Benefits

• Rapid relief: Spravato has demonstrated quick results, with some patients reporting improvements within hours or days after the first dose.  It even helps suicidal thoughts.
• Effective for treatment-resistant depression: Spravato is specifically designed for individuals who have not responded well to other antidepressant treatments.
• Convenient administration: The nasal spray form of Spravato allows for easy self-administration under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

Risks

• Dissociative effects: Some patients may experience temporary feelings of disconnection or dissociation immediately after administration.
• Potential for abuse: Due to its relation to ketamine, there is a risk of abuse or dependence associated with Spravato.
• Uncertain long-term effects: As a relatively new treatment, the long-term effects of Spravato are still being studied.

Time Commitment

The initial treatment phase of Spravato usually involves two sessions (two hours per session) per week for the first month. After that, the frequency may decrease to once a week or every other week, depending on the patient’s response and the healthcare provider’s recommendation.

Conclusion

Both transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and Spravato represent innovative and potentially effective options for individuals struggling with treatment-resistant depression and other mental health disorders. TMS offers a non-invasive and targeted approach with few systemic side effects, while Spravato provides rapid relief for those who have not responded well to other treatments.

Ultimately, the choice between TMS and Spravato depends on individual preferences, medical history, and financial considerations. It is essential for patients to consult with their healthcare providers to determine the most suitable treatment plan for their specific needs. As research in the field of mental health continues to evolve, these therapies hold promising potential for transforming the lives of those battling debilitating mood disorders.  Please contact us to learn more!

Gambling addiction is a serious behavioral addiction that can lead to significant negative consequences in a person’s life. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V), gambling disorder is characterized by a preoccupation with gambling, difficulty controlling gambling, and negative impacts on relationships, career, and financial well-being. If left untreated, gambling disorder can have a devastating impact on a person’s mental health, finances, and relationships.  Read on to learn more.

The good news is that treatment for gambling addiction is available. The first step is to seek help from a qualified mental health professional. Treatment for gambling disorder typically involves a combination of therapy, support groups, and medication.

Therapy is a common treatment option for gambling addiction. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one type of therapy that has been shown to be effective in treating gambling disorder. CBT helps individuals identify the underlying thoughts and beliefs that contribute to their gambling behavior and develop coping strategies to manage those thoughts and beliefs. It can also help individuals learn to manage urges to gamble and develop new, healthier habits.

Support groups can also be a helpful part of treatment for gambling addiction. Gamblers Anonymous is a popular support group that is modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous. It provides a supportive environment for individuals to share their experiences with gambling addiction and receive support from others who have gone through similar experiences.

In some cases, medication may also be used to treat gambling addiction. Antidepressants and mood stabilizers have been shown to be effective in treating the underlying mental health issues that can contribute to gambling disorder, such as depression and anxiety.

It’s important to note that recovery from gambling addiction is a process that takes time and effort. It’s not a quick fix, but with the right treatment, individuals with gambling disorder can learn to manage their urges to gamble and lead a healthy, fulfilling life.

In addition to seeking professional help, there are steps individuals with gambling addiction can take to manage their behavior. For example, setting limits on gambling, avoiding triggers that can lead to gambling behavior, and finding alternative activities to fill the time and energy spent on gambling can be helpful strategies.

In summary, gambling addiction is a serious behavioral addiction that can have significant negative impacts on a person’s life. Treatment for gambling disorder typically involves a combination of therapy, support groups, and medication. Seeking help from a qualified mental health professional is an important first step in the recovery process. With proper treatment and support, individuals with gambling addiction can learn to manage their urges to gamble and lead a healthy, fulfilling life.

If you’re struggling with controlling your urges to gamble, contact us to seek treatment now!

For many years, seeking mental health care has been stigmatized in many societies around the world. People who seek mental health treatment have often been seen as weak, vulnerable, or unstable, leading to a reluctance to seek help when they need it. However, in recent years, there has been a growing movement towards destigmatizing mental health care, and the benefits of seeking help for mental health issues are becoming more widely recognized.

One of the most significant factors driving the destigmatization of mental health care is the growing recognition of mental health issues as a public health concern. According to the World Health Organization, around 1 in 4 people worldwide will experience a mental health issue at some point in their lives. These issues can have a profound impact on individuals and society as a whole, leading to lost productivity, reduced quality of life, and increased healthcare costs. By destigmatizing mental health care, we can encourage more people to seek help when they need it, reducing the burden on individuals and society.

Another key factor in the destigmatization of mental health care is the increasing openness of people about their own mental health struggles. In recent years, celebrities, politicians, and public figures have become more vocal about their experiences with mental health issues, helping to reduce the shame and secrecy that often surrounds these issues. For example, in 2017, Prince Harry opened up about his struggles with mental health following the death of his mother, Princess Diana. By speaking out about his experiences, Prince Harry helped to raise awareness of mental health issues and encourage others to seek help when they need it.

There has also been a growing recognition of the importance of early intervention and prevention in mental health care. Research has shown that early intervention and prevention can reduce the severity and duration of mental health issues, leading to better outcomes for patients. By destigmatizing mental health care, we can encourage more people to seek help early, before their issues become more severe.

Despite these positive trends, there is still much work to be done to destigmatize mental health care fully. According to a 2020 survey conducted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 49% of adults in the United States still believe that seeking mental health treatment is a sign of weakness. This belief can lead to a reluctance to seek help when needed, potentially exacerbating mental health issues and leading to negative outcomes.

To continue the progress towards destigmatizing mental health care, it is essential to address the root causes of stigma and discrimination. These causes can include negative stereotypes and beliefs about mental illness, as well as social and cultural factors such as gender and socioeconomic status. By addressing these issues and promoting education and awareness about mental health, we can help to reduce stigma and encourage more people to seek help when they need it.

In conclusion, the destigmatization of mental health care is an essential step towards improving the lives of people with mental health issues. By reducing the shame and secrecy that often surrounds these issues, we can encourage more people to seek help when they need it, leading to better outcomes for individuals and society as a whole. While progress has been made in recent years, there is still much work to be done, and we must continue to work towards a more inclusive and supportive society for people with mental health issues.

If you feel you need help regarding your mental health, please contact us to learn more about how we can support you.

While it’s common to experience one or two panic attacks in your life, at least 4.7% of all adults in America experience panic disorder at some point in their lives. This means that there’s a population of people who have had recurrent and unexpected panic attacks over a long period of time.

They also live in constant fear of having another attack, whether it be in public or alone at home. What’s more, anyone can have a panic attack at any time in their life. This includes children.

In this article, we’re going to uncover the details about panic disorder as well as how it’s treated. Read on to learn more.

Defining Panic Disorder

In the realm of mental health disorders, panic disorder is classified as a type of anxiety disorder. It causes recurring panic attacks – which are defined as feelings of sudden terror when there is no real danger present.

When a panic attack occurs, the individual experiencing it may feel as if they are losing control and exhibit the following physical symptoms:

• fast heartbeat
• chest or stomach pain
• difficulty breathing
• weakness or dizziness
• sweating
• feeling hot or a cold chill
• tingly or numb hands

As mentioned, a panic attack can crop up at any time and without warning. Many people who have panic disorder live in constant fear of their panic attacks and subsequently avoid places where a panic attack has occurred. In the more severe cases, individuals will become so fearful for their lives that they cannot leave their homes – which is also known as agoraphobia.

It should also be noted that panic disorder is also twice as common in women than it is in men, and it usually begins during the young adult years.

Experts don’t have a definitive answer as to why some people develop panic disorder or experience panic attacks. All that is understood about the disorder and its events so far is that the brain and nervous system play key roles in how fear and anxiety are handled, and that both panic attacks and the disorder are deeply rooted in stress.

It’s also understood that if you have a family history of anxiety disorders, mental health issues, or a substance use disorder, you’re at an increased risk for panic attacks and panic disorder.

Treating Panic Disorder

For individuals living with panic disorder, treatment can help reduce the frequency and intensity of which they experience panic attacks and preemptive fears that lead to these attacks. Like with most anxiety disorders, the primary method of treatment includes a combination of medications and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Training therapies are also used, such as interoceptive exposure, to help the individual identify their feelings and triggers to learn to cope with the everyday stressors that can bring on a panic attack.

If left untreated, panic disorder can develop into agoraphobia and other phobias, which will eventually interfere with your entire life. If you’ve experienced two or more panic attacks in your life, especially within the same month, it’s essential that you seek out a proper evaluation and possible treatment.

We can help with that. Contact us today to learn more about our affordable treatment options for panic disorder and other mental health disorders.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) currently affects 3.5% of adults in America every year. It’s also estimated that one in every eleven people will be diagnosed with PTSD in their lifetimes.

PTSD is actually classified as a type of anxiety disorder, and it typically occurs after an individual has witnessed a deeply traumatizing event in their life. It can also occur if the individual simply witnessed the event with no direct involvement.

Read on to learn more about PTSD and how it’s treated.

Symptoms of PTSD

People who suffer from PTSD are known to have intense, disturbing thoughts and feelings that are directly related to a traumatic experience – long after the event has ended. The anxiety disorder is characterized by the individual “reliving” this event, usually through flashbacks or nightmares as well as feelings of sadness, anger, or fear.

They may also exhibit feelings of detachment or estrangement from others. This typically leads to avoiding situations or people that serve as a reminder of that traumatic event. It also leads to the individual experiencing strong negative reactions to things like loud noises or accidental or innocent touches.

The symptoms of PTSD are broken down into the four following categories:

1. Intrusion. This includes intrusive thoughts which can range from flashbacks to repeated involuntary memories.
2. Avoidance. This is when the individual actively avoids people, places, activities, or objects that may trigger distressing memories.
3. Alterations in cognition and mood. This involves the inability to remember important details of the traumatic event as well as negative thoughts or feelings that bring on distorted beliefs of oneself or others – which often leads to self-blame, shame, ongoing anger or fear, a loss of interests, becoming detached and losing the ability to experience positive emotions.
4. Alterations in arousal and reactivity. This includes being irritable, exhibiting angry outbursts, reckless and self-destructing behavior, being overly alert, being easily startled, or having issues with sleeping or concentrating.

Treating PTSD Traditionally, PTSD is treated with a combination of medications and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

However, the medical and psychiatric communities are brainstorming new methods of effective treatments all the time. For example, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is becoming increasingly popular among PTSD patients, and medically assisted MDMA treatment is also making its way up the ranks in clinical studies.

Unlike many other mental health disorders, PTSD is one from which individuals can recover over time and with the right combination of medication and therapy.

It’s important to mention that the symptoms of PTSD often don’t occur until about three months after the traumatizing event. If you’ve recently gone through or witnessed a traumatizing event, it’s a good idea to talk to someone as soon as possible to mitigate any potential PTSD symptoms that may crop up.

We can help you with that. Get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can treat PTSD and more.

Approximately 2.3 million Americans have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. The number of individuals who have the mood disorder but aren’t currently diagnosed, however, is even greater.

Bipolar disorder is arguably the most misunderstood of all the mental health disorders out there. In a nutshell, the disorder is marked by extreme shifts in mood. It’s also rarely diagnosed by itself as it’s typically associated with depression and anxiety.

No two individuals suffering from the disorder will have the same exact experiences as it affects everyone differently. The one common denominator is that it impacts every aspect of a person’s life – sometimes to the point where they cannot function or be productive.

What’s more, people who don’t understand the disorder fear it. This only feeds into the stigma surrounding bipolar disorder and those struggling with it. That’s why we’re going to use this article to cover the basics.

Keep reading to learn more about bipolar disorder and what it means to live with it.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder – originally known as manic depression – is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings. These extreme mood swings are further broken down to include the emotional highs and lows regarded as mania or hypomania and depression.

There are a few different types of bipolar disorder, with the two most prevalent being Bipolar I and Bipolar II. Bipolar I disorder is defined by mania while bipolar II is defined by hypomania. Both include periods of elevated feelings such as euphoria, high energy, or irritability. They can affect sleep, daily activities, judgment, behavior, thought patterns, and energy levels.

The primary difference is that mania (Bipolar I) is much more severe and can lead to episodes of psychosis. It’s also longer lasting while hypomania (Bipolar II) is less severe and only lasts a few days, while it also always is associated with severe depression.

It should be noted, however, that Bipolar II isn’t a “milder form” of Bipolar I, but rahter a separate diagnosis altogether. While the manic episodes of Bipolar I can be severe and incredibly dangerous, those with Bipolar II disorder can become more depressed and for longer periods.

Generally speaking, bipolar disorder can occur at any age even though it’s usually diagnosed in the teenage years or early 20s. The symptoms can vary from individual to individual and also typically vary over time.

How Is Bipolar Disorder Treated?

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, which means it requires regular treatment to manage the symptoms.

The most common treatments for bipolar include:

• mood stabilizers
• antipsychotics
• antidepressants
• antidepressant-antipsychotic
• anti-anxiety medications

Medication is often in addition to cognitive behavioral therapy and other forms of therapy, including interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT). Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is also an increasingly popular form of treatment for those unresponsive to medications alone.

With the right combination of treatments, plenty of individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder are able to live normal and healthy lives. Get in touch with us today to learn more about bipolar disorder and how we can help you determine the severity of your case and manage it appropriately.

Schizophrenia is a severe and chronic neurological disorder estimated to affect at least 1.1 percent of the adult population in the United States. That’s roughly 2.8 million people over the age of 18. There’s also an estimated 40 percent of individuals that have Schizophrenia but are either undiagnosed or aren’t receiving treatment.

What’s more, Schizophrenia is an even less talked about mental health condition than Major Depressive Disorder and all of its forms. This is because Schizophrenia is highly stigmatized, as it’s characterized by the interference of an individual’s ability to think clearly, manage their emotions, make decisions and relate to others – making it one of the more disabling conditions affecting part of the population.

In this article, we’re going to dive into the basics of Schizophrenia so we can start breaking down the stigma attached to it. Keep reading to learn more.

Defining Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is defined as a serious and complex mental health disorder in which individuals interpret reality abnormally. Moreover, the condition can cause hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking and behavioral patterns so extreme they can interfere with the individual’s daily functions.

Generally speaking, individuals with Schizophrenia will exhibit the following symptoms to varying degrees:

• delusions, such as thinking that you’re being harassed when you’re not, that you have exceptional talent or fame, that another person is in love with you, or that a major catastrophic event is about to occur
• hallucinations, which involve seeing or hearing things that aren’t there or don’t exist
• disorganized thinking, which is inferred from disorganized speech, affecting the individual’s ability to communicate effectively
• disorganized or abnormal motor behavior, which can manifest in childlike silliness and ranging to unpredictable agitation or refusal to abide by instructions, excessive and useless movement, or bizarre or inappropriate posturing
• inability to function normally, such as neglecting personal hygiene, inability to make eye contact, lacking emotions, and so on

It should be noted that Schizophrenia is not characterized or associated with split or multiple personality disorders. People with the condition also are not any more violent than the average human being, which is another common misconception.

Treating Schizophrenia

While there isn’t a cure for Schizophrenia, it is a highly treatable condition once diagnosed accordingly. The most common treatments for managing the condition include:

• antipsychotic medications, which are taken daily in pill form or as a long-acting injectable (LAI)
• psychosocial treatments, which involve learning coping skills to address everyday challenges and are usually followed after the doctor and patient find the right medication or combination of medications that work
• Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC), which is a treatment model that integrates medication, psychosocial therapies, case management, family involvement, and even supported education and employment services
• Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), which is a non-invasive and safe procedure that involves sending a mild electrical current through the brain to alter nervous system activity and pathways. ECT is often used when other medications and therapies have not worked.

While individuals experiencing acute symptoms of schizophrenia require hospitalization, many people with the condition are able to go on to live normal and healthy lives. If you think you or someone you care about may be exhibiting symptoms of the disorder, it’s essential to get a proper evaluation by a mental health professional to rule out any other mental health disorders and determine the severity of the case.

To learn more about getting evaluated or treating schizophrenia, get in touch with us today.