At Merced Counseling Services, our psychiatric services provide individualized evaluation, diagnosis, medication management, and ongoing support for adolescents and adults.

We believe effective psychiatric care begins with listening. Treatment is collaborative, trauma-informed, and designed around each client's symptoms, experiences, and goals.

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Psychiatric Evaluations

A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation helps identify mental health concerns and determine appropriate treatment. The evaluation may include current symptoms, mental and medical history, previous treatment, medications, family history, and other factors affecting emotional health.

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Medication Management

When medication is appropriate, treatment is carefully individualized and monitored for effectiveness, side effects, and changes in symptoms.

Medication management may include:

• Starting or adjusting psychiatric medications

• Reviewing current medications

• Monitoring effectiveness and side effects

• Discussing medication concerns and options

• Ongoing follow-up and treatment planning

 

Conditions We Treat

Psychiatric services are available for a variety of mental health concerns, including:

• Depression and mood disorders

• Anxiety and panic disorders

• Bipolar disorder

• Trauma-related disorders and PTSD

• Psychotic disorders

• Personality disorders

• Emotional and behavioral concerns

• Co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders

 

Substance Use & Psychiatric Care

Mental health and substance use concerns can occur together and may benefit from coordinated treatment.

When clinically appropriate, oral naltrexone may be prescribed for certain alcohol- or opioid-related treatment needs.

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Our psychiatric program does not currently provide Vivitrol, Suboxone, or Subutex treatment. Clients requiring a more specialized level of substance use treatment may be referred to an appropriate provider.

 

A Whole-Person Approach

Psychiatric medication is only one potential part of treatment. When appropriate, psychiatric care can work alongside therapy, community support services, substance use treatment, medical care, and other behavioral health services.

Our goal is to help clients achieve greater emotional stability, improved daily functioning, resilience, and a better quality of life.

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What to Expect

Your first appointment focuses on understanding your concerns, history, current symptoms, and treatment goals. Together, you and your psychiatric provider will discuss recommendations and determine the next steps.

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Follow-up appointments provide an opportunity to monitor progress, address concerns or side effects, and adjust treatment when needed.

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