Lakewood Health System offers clinical behavioral health services for people of all ages to address the personal, emotional, relationship and other life challenges with which they may be dealing. Treatment options may include medication management and/or psychotherapy services. If you have behavioral health symptoms that are negatively affecting your quality of life, the behavioral health services we offer will give you the tools and resources you need to cope better with challenging situations, develop health enhancing behaviors, and improve interpersonal connections.
One of the many benefits of working with a behavioral health professional at Lakewood Health System is the close working relationship they have with our staff of medical providers. They work in the same clinics and communicate as necessary about patients’ diagnoses and treatments while ensuring careful attention to confidentiality. This allows all our patients a continuity of care with an emphasis on best practices when receiving care at Lakewood.
Contact us if you have any questions about behavioral health!
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Signs and symptoms of behavioral health issues can vary depending on the disorder, circumstances and other factors. They can affect emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Some common symptoms include:
- Loss of interest or pleasure in doing typical activities
- Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless for long periods of time
- Excessive anxiety or worry
- Panic attacks
- Sleep difficulties
- Prolonged periods of fatigue or low energy
- Difficulties with appetite
- Concentration difficulties
- Recurring academic, relationship, or work difficulties
- Thoughts or actions related to suicide or self-harm
The above information should only be used to help determine if you should seek additional clinical support. If you have any of these symptoms, please talk to your primary care provider for a referral to Behavioral Health.
Just as there are different types of physical health providers who specialize in various areas of medicine, there are also different types of behavioral and mental health providers. Below are brief descriptions of the varying types of clinic behavioral health providers at Lakewood.
Licensed Psychologist
A licensed psychologist is a doctoral level provider in psychology, which is the scientific study of the brain and behavior. Psychologists have completed five to seven years of graduate school after college, which includes a one-year internship or residency, and one to two years of postdoctoral supervised clinical experience. After all their schooling and clinical training, a psychologist will have earned a doctoral degree (Ph.D., PsyD, or EdD). Psychologists are trained to conduct evaluations, administer and interpret psychological tests and assessments, and conduct psychotherapy. The appropriate services and techniques are chosen by the psychologist to best address each individual’s needs. Psychologists do not prescribe medication. If medication might be beneficial, the psychologist works closely with the patient’s medical providers to determine the best course of action. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is used to help treat most mental health conditions. Patients may need assistance coping with stress, managing mood difficulties, or overcoming barriers that may prohibit them from reaching their personal health goals.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
A psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) has specialty training in the biological and neurological factors of mental health disorders. They must earn a four-year degree in nursing and then complete either a Master’s of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice program. Their background in medicine means they can prescribe medications when it is in the best interest of the patient’s treatment. Additionally, psychiatric nurse practitioners may conduct various types of psychotherapy as part of their overall treatment plan.
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
A licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) is a mental health professional who has a master’s degree in social work and who has completed two or more additional years of clinical training. They are licensed to practice independently using the principles of social work, combined with counseling and psychotherapy, to help patients achieve better, more satisfying and productive social adjustments to their daily life. Clinical social workers can also provide case management and work as an advocate for patients and their families. Like psychologists, clinical social workers do not prescribe medication, so they also work closely with medical providers regarding medication if deemed necessary.