In-Person Psychiatric Services for Mental Health & Recovery

What Are Psychiatric Services?

Psychiatric services are specialized medical services dedicated to the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and continuous care of mental disorders.[1] Psychiatrists and psychiatric providers are medical professionals trained in psychiatry and clinical psychopharmacology, which means they understand how medications affect the brain and how those medications can help with conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, and more.

Psychiatric services may include:

• Comprehensive psychiatric evaluations
• Diagnosis and monitoring of substance use disorders and other forms of mental illness
• Medication management as part of a comprehensive treatment program
• Coordination with therapists, social workers, and other treatment providers

Psychiatric care is different from neurology and psychiatry combined, which focuses more on brain and nervous system disorders. It is also different from psychology or individual therapy, which primarily focus on talk therapy. At The Lakes, psychiatrists and other mental health professionals work together so you have access to both psychotherapy and medical care in one place.

How Psychiatric Services Work

As you begin care, you will meet with a psychiatric provider at your initial intake appointment and follow-up appointments. The initial meeting with your psychiatric provider is much more than a “med check.” It is an opportunity for you to discuss your full history, current mental health struggles, and what changes you want.

A typical psychiatric process includes:

• Assessment: An assessment of your mood, sleep patterns, anxiety level, attention span, substance use, prior diagnoses and medications, and your family’s history of mental illness. They may also ask about medical conditions, current prescriptions, and how your symptoms affect your daily life.
• Diagnosis and treatment planning: Based on this information, your provider may diagnose conditions such as major depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. They work with you and your team to build a treatment plan that may include medication, psychotherapy, and other support.
• Medication management: If your psychiatric provider recommends medication, they will review the reasons for the recommendation, explain how the medication works, discuss possible side effects, and outline the expected timeframe for noticing results. Follow-up visits focus on how you are feeling, what has changed, and any adjustments needed.
• Ongoing collaboration: Your psychiatric provider stays in communication with your therapists, case managers, and other clinicians. Together, they make sure your psychiatric care supports your recovery work in individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and life skills development.

Throughout this process, you are encouraged to ask your healthcare provider questions or share concerns about the psychiatric services you are receiving. At The Lakes, psychiatric care is not something done “to” you. We work collaboratively with you to develop treatment options that best support your mental health and well-being.

Who Are Psychiatric Services For?

Psychiatric services are designed for adults and young adults who are living with mental health conditions, substance use disorders, or both. They may be especially helpful if you:

• Experience symptoms of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or other mood and anxiety disorders.
• Are living with a substance use disorder and suspect that underlying mental illness is part of the picture
• Have tried various medications but were not sure if they were appropriate and did not receive consistent follow-up.
• Notice difficulties with focus, impulsivity, or organization that may be related to adult ADHD
• Are not sure whether your situation reflects “normal” stress levels or indicates the presence of a mental illness.
• Have had previous inpatient stays, crisis episodes, or long-standing mental health issues and want more stable, comprehensive psychiatry
• Are supporting a loved one who appears overwhelmed, withdrawn, or out of control and may benefit from psychiatric care.

Psychiatric services are also appropriate for individuals who suffer from serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and complex dual diagnosis situations, when appropriate. If your needs fall outside of what we can safely provide, we can refer you to higher levels of care or specialized programs in Florida.

Efficacy of Psychiatric Care

Psychiatric services are an important part of modern mental healthcare and addiction treatment. Research and clinical guidelines from organizations like the American Psychiatric Association and other national mental health agencies highlight that:

• Medications, when used thoughtfully and monitored closely, can significantly reduce symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, OCD, PTSD, and other mental health conditions.[2]
• For many people, combining psychiatric care with psychotherapy such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, or group therapy is more effective than either medication or therapy alone.[3]
• Addressing both substance abuse and co-occurring mental health conditions at the same time leads to better outcomes than treating them separately.[4]

At The Lakes, psychiatric services are part of comprehensive psychiatry within our programs. Providers do not simply prescribe and walk away. They monitor changes over time, discuss benefits and side effects, and adjust the plan as needed. You are treated as a whole person whose relationships, environment, and life stressors matter just as much as your diagnosis.

Psychiatric Services at The Lakes

Psychiatric services at The Lakes are delivered in person at our Lakeland location. They are designed to support your recovery from mental illness, substance use disorders, or both, while fitting into your broader treatment experience.

Our psychiatric care typically includes:

• Comprehensive evaluation: A detailed look at your mental health history, current concerns, substance use history, and medical background to understand the full picture.
• Diagnosis and education: Clear explanations about any diagnoses, such as major depression, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, ADHD, PTSD, or other conditions, and what they mean for you.
• Medication management: Ongoing appointments focused on how you are responding to medications, any side effects you are noticing, and whether adjustments are needed. Medications may address mood, anxiety, attention, sleep, or psychotic symptoms as part of your recovery.
• Integrated care: Close collaboration with therapists, social workers, and case managers so your psychiatric care aligns with your individual therapy, group therapy, family work, and life skills development.
• Support and advocacy: Help navigating referrals, understanding your treatment options, and advocating for your needs within the healthcare system when necessary.

Our clinicians understand that many people come to psychiatric services feeling nervous, skeptical, or discouraged after past experiences. We take time to listen, to understand what worked and what did not, and to move at a pace that respects your comfort and safety.