Discover how starting psychiatry/medication therapy can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.
2 provider available in Arlington
As a person-centered therapist, I believe that the client is the expert in their lives and the therapeutic relationship is importa...
About
As a person-centered therapist, I believe that the client is the expert in their lives and the therapeutic relationship is important in therapy.
Startasha Dillard is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia and the District of Columbia. She has 16 years of experience in the behavioral health field. She has worked with individuals with both mental health and substance use disorders. She has worked with adults seeking help with addiction, anxiety, stress, depression, trauma, anger, and relationship issues. She creates a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals to share, and she always maintains an open ear, flexibility, and awareness necessary to meet the unique needs of the individual.
Startasha has completed her Doctor of Education in Counselor Education and Supervision, and her Master of Art in Community Counseling from Argosy University. She utilizes collaborative, supportive, person-centered, strength-based, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused approaches to therapy.
Startasha seeks to provide a supportive space to assist you in navigating personal challenges and life transitions. Through collaborating and increasing your self-understanding, therapeutic work can assist you in reaching your goals and learning skills to prevent future distress.
Education and training
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I believe the relationship between therapist and client is the key to progress, and I will be with you every step of the way as yo...
I believe the relationship between therapist and client is the key to progress, and I will be with you every step of the way as you work toward your goals.
Michelle Swanson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience. She works with adults to address issues including bipolar disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and personality disorders. She also assists with concerns such as grief and loss, relationship issues, chronic illness, and peripartum anxiety and depression. Michelle has spent time in community mental health, inpatient psychiatry, crisis intervention, disaster response, and medical social work. She has additional expertise working with veterans, seniors, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Michelle has a Master's in Social Work from the State University of New York at Albany. She is trained in cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, motivational interviewing, solution-focused brief therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, and somatic experiencing. She tailors care to each client's needs.
Michelle is passionate about assisting clients in achieving growth and wellness. She will partner with you to build a therapeutic alliance and support you as you work toward your unique goals. Schedule an appointment with Michelle today!
You deserve dedicated time with a mental health professional — it can be life-changing.
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Yes, we offer comprehensive psychiatric services to meet your mental health needs.
Psychiatry allows people struggling to manage mental conditions or disorders to get access to medications that will make daily functioning easier, as well as work through any mental factors that might be causing or worsening their condition. Though medications can’t cure mental disorders, medication can make symptoms more manageable, making the process of psychotherapeutic treatment easier and more effective. Psychiatric care can be available through in-person psychiatry and online psychiatry, depending on where you live and your own preferences. However, psychiatric providers at Thriveworks in Arlington, VA specifically offer online psychiatry to their clients.
A therapist has an education specifically rooted in therapeutic practice, approaches, techniques, and treatment. They cannot prescribe medications for clients, though they often refer clients to psychiatrists for medication management. Psychiatrists are medically trained doctors who specialize in mental health treatment, mainly through medication management and prescription, though they can also practice therapy.
A Psychiatry Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a highly trained and licensed professional who specializes in mental health care. They are qualified to diagnose and treat mental health conditions, prescribe medications, and provide therapy. Psychiatric NPs at Thriveworks are qualified to prescribe medications for a variety of mental health conditions. They work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan.
Oftentimes, psychiatrists or psychiatric professionals will perform a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, which involves an in-depth discussion about your symptoms, medical history, and current medications. Once they reach a diagnosis, they may suggest starting certain medications depending on your condition and the intensity of your symptoms.
Yes. At Thriveworks, we offer online-only psychiatry services for optimal comfort and convenience.
Psychiatric services at Thriveworks Arlington can last for as little or as much time as the client needs to reach their treatment goals, whether that be a month or two or over the course of a year. Treatment length is heavily dependent on the condition(s) being treated, the course of treatment, and the client’s goals for treatment.
Psychiatrists are mental health professionals who can prescribe anxiety medication and provide therapeutic treatment for anxiety, although not all psychiatrists offer therapy. At Thriveworks, medication management occurs via online psychiatry sessions.
Yes, Thriveworks accepts most major insurance plans. We strive to make mental health care accessible and affordable for everyone.
Medication management involves the assessment of an individual’s needs for medication, prescribing medication, and monitoring one’s use of this medication. Psychiatric NPs (nurse practitioners) oversee medication management, an important part of treating many different mental health conditions. For example, many people who suffer from depression can benefit from taking antidepressants. Symptoms of depression include:
If you are exhibiting any combination of these symptoms, you might be struggling with depression and it’s important that you are evaluated. If diagnosed with depression, a psychiatric NP might then provide you with a prescription medication, which is designed to help you better manage these symptoms. Through medication management, your provider would ensure that you are taking the right medicine, as well as following appropriate usage of the medicine. This all goes back to helping you manage your illness and live a happier life.
If you choose to work with an online psychiatric NP at Thriveworks Arlington, your provider will work to ensure that you are receiving the desired outcomes from your medication. It’s important to know that often, it takes some time to start experiencing the expected benefits. However, if you take a given medication for an extended period of time and don’t experience the desired benefits, or there are more downsides than upsides to taking the medication, your psychiatric NP can work with you to find a different medication that will help you. Remember, their main goal is to work toward the betterment of your life. They want to provide you with the right assistance.
In many cases, clients don’t understand fully the effects of their medication. Or, they don’t understand the impact of taking more or less of their medication, taking it at the wrong time, taking it with food despite instructions, etc. Your Thriveworks Arlington online psychiatric NP will make sure that you understand these implications. Medication management is important, and your provider will treat it as such. Your provider will also be sure to go over the potential side effects of your given medication. They don’t want to leave any rock unturned.
It is super important that you understand your medication’s purpose, correct usage, effectiveness, potential side effects, risks, and so on. If you choose to start sessions with a psychiatric NP at Thriveworks Arlington Counseling, you can trust that your provider will help you understand all of this important information. And again, if you don’t achieve the desired outcome from taking the given medication, they will work with you to find one that does help you.
The Thriveworks mission is to help people live happier, more successful lives. Medication management can play an important part in this mission, specifically for those who are struggling with a mental illness. If this describes you, consider contacting us. We’re dedicated to our mission and we’ll do everything we can to help you live better. In addition to online psychiatric NPs, we have counselors, therapists, psychologists, and life coaches, all of whom are ready to walk with you in your mental health journey.
To schedule your appointment for medication management at Thriveworks Arlington Counseling, call our office a call or book online today.
Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy
Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management
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