Mental health is a complex and deeply personal matter, and the choice of treatment can vary greatly depending on individual circumstances. It's crucial to understand the distinctions between these two approaches to make informed decisions about the most suitable course of action.

Psychotherapy:

Talk-Based Treatment: Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is a form of mental health treatment that involves talking to a trained therapist or counselor. It provides a safe and confidential space to discuss thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Insight and Coping Skills: Psychotherapy aims to help individuals gain insight into their thoughts and behaviors. It equips them with coping skills to manage their mental health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship issues.

Duration: The duration of psychotherapy varies from short-term (a few sessions) to long-term (months or years), depending on the nature and severity of the issues being addressed.

Psychiatric Medication Management:

Medication-Based Treatment: Psychiatric medication management involves the use of prescription medications, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, or mood stabilizers, to alleviate the symptoms of mental health disorders.

Stabilizing Brain Chemistry: These medications work by affecting brain chemistry to regulate mood, anxiety, or other symptoms. They are typically prescribed by a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner.

Complementary to Therapy: Psychiatric medication management is often used in conjunction with psychotherapy, especially when symptoms are severe or require immediate relief.

It's essential to note that the choice between psychotherapy and psychiatric medication management is not mutually exclusive. In many cases, a combination of both approaches can provide the most effective treatment outcome. The decision should be based on an individual's specific needs, the nature of their mental health condition, and their personal preferences.

We encourage you to consult with a qualified mental health professional. They can conduct a thorough assessment and provide guidance on the most appropriate treatment plan tailored to your unique circumstances.

Remember that seeking help for mental health concerns is a courageous and vital step towards well-being. Whether you opt for psychotherapy, medication management, or a combination of both, the most important thing is to prioritize your mental health and take steps toward healing.

Supportive therapy and psychotherapy are both forms of mental health treatment, but they differ in their focus, goals, and techniques. Here are the key differences between supportive therapy and psychotherapy:

Focus and Goals:

Supportive Therapy: The primary focus of supportive therapy is to provide emotional support, validation, and practical guidance to individuals who are facing immediate stress, distress, or crisis. Its goal is to help the client cope with their current situation and alleviate symptoms of distress.

Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy, on the other hand, has a broader focus. It aims to explore deeper psychological issues, patterns of thinking and behavior, and the underlying causes of mental health conditions. The goals of psychotherapy often include personal growth, self-awareness, and long-term symptom relief.

Duration:

Supportive Therapy: Supportive therapy is typically short-term and time-limited. It may involve only a few sessions or extend for a few months, depending on the specific needs of the client and the nature of their crisis or distress.

Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy can be short-term or long-term, depending on the individual's goals and the complexity of their issues. Some forms of psychotherapy are designed for short-term symptom relief, while others are more in-depth and can last for months or even years.

Depth of Exploration:

Supportive Therapy: Supportive therapy tends to stay focused on the client's immediate concerns and the practical strategies needed to address them. It may not delve deeply into exploring underlying psychological issues.

Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy involves a more in-depth exploration of the client's thoughts, emotions, and past experiences. It seeks to identify and address root causes of psychological distress and dysfunctional patterns.

Techniques and Approaches:

Supportive Therapy: Supportive therapy primarily uses active listening, empathy, validation, and guidance. Therapists in supportive therapy often provide practical advice and coping strategies.

Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy employs a wide range of therapeutic techniques and approaches, depending on the specific modality (e.g., cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, humanistic therapy). These techniques may include cognitive restructuring, exploring unconscious processes, and developing insight.

Applicability:

Supportive Therapy: Supportive therapy is well-suited for individuals facing acute stress, crisis, or adjustment difficulties. It is often used in healthcare settings like hospitals or during times of immediate need.

Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy is used for a broader range of mental health issues, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, and more. It is appropriate for both short-term symptom relief and long-term personal growth.

In summary, supportive therapy primarily offers immediate emotional support and practical guidance during times of distress, while psychotherapy is a more comprehensive and in-depth approach that explores underlying psychological issues and personal growth. The choice between the two depends on an individual's specific needs, goals, and the nature of their mental health concerns. In some cases, a combination of both supportive therapy and psychotherapy may be recommended to address immediate distress and work on longer-term psychological well-being.

Due to telemedicine regulations, we do not prescribe controlled substances at this time. Some of the medications in this category include but not limited to:

Stimulants such as Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, Concerta and others
Benzodiazepines such as Ativan, Xanax, Valium and others
Hypnotics such as Ambien, Lunesta, Sonata and others

Clients can cancel or reschedule an appointment anytime, as long as they provide 48 hours' notice. Failure to cancel an appointment, reschedule or show up with less than 24 hour's notice, will result in a $50 no show fee

Payment for all sessions is due at the time of service. Credit card information must be provided at the time you book your first session to secure your appointment slot and to be kept on file to cover any cancellation fees. Your information is stored in our secure, confidential online platform.

All major credit cards are accepted forms of payment. Payments after 24 hours of service are subject to a $50 late fee.

At this time, Mood Wellness takes self-pay patients and some insurance based patients. We are in the process of credentialing with more major insurance plans- please continue to visit our website for updates.

If you have insurance coverage, please visit this link to book under Alma:

https://secure.helloalma.com/providers/janice-cahambing/

Please note that the time you book under Alma is not a confirmed appointment- you will hear back from us within the next 24-48 hours.

If you receive an Out-of-network (OON) benefit from your insurance coverage, we can offer a receipt with appropriate details for you to request reimbursement from your insurance carrier if applicable.

We would love to chat with you to see if we can help you with resources or come up with an acceptable financial arrangement.