In general, psychiatrists are present in residential treatment centers (RTCs) where the population is afflicted more with mental illnesses than with substance abuse. Such cases are generally handled in psychiatric residential treatment facilities (PRTFs), although RTCs are well-equipped to deal with an array of mental disorders. As the name implies, these facilities focus more on the psychiatric component of treatment.
Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities
These facilities are mostly used to provide non-acute inpatient care. The clients at these facilities present primarily with mental illnesses but the facilities can also to treat substance abuse or dependency that requires 24 hour supervision.
As with the standard RTCS, such treatment facilities should be carefully inspected before you or a loved one commit to staying there. It is important to conduct a background check to see if the facility has had any complaints or lawsuits filed against it. You should also obtain the name(s) of the medical professionals who will be providing care to ensure that meet the necessary qualifications.
Psychiatrists in Residential Treatment Centers
Common issues that are treated by psychiatrists in treatment centers include:
- Addiction
- Eating disorders
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Mental illnesses
Whether the underlying problem is a mental illness, substance abuse, behavioral problems, or a combination of the three, psychiatrists play an important role in residential treatment centers. However, not every treatment center employs a psychiatrist.
Psychiatrists in these centers often work with clients on a routine (often daily) basis. Not only do the psychiatrists work directly with clients, but they also often work alongside staff members such as social workers and psychologists. This way, the entire team can assist with the individual’s treatment. Many times, the psychiatrist also plays an important role in helping to coordinate psychiatric care.
Patients who are seeking treatment for addiction and mental health problems will receive very similar care to those who are entering a treatment center for a mental illness alone. For those who have mental illness combined with addiction, a psychiatrist can help in many ways. These individuals often present with mental illnesses such as major depression, bipolar disorder, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety. The initial treatment usually focuses on the mental issue first before moving on to the addiction. These individuals often self-medicate in an attempt to deal with their problems, which is an underlying issue that the psychiatrist will help to address and overcome.
Other facilities only accept patients who are presenting with a mental illness and/or behavioral disorder. Many of these clients suffer from common behavioral disorders such as eating disorders, which includes binging/purging, anorexia and bulimia), anxiety, chronic depression, bipolar disorder and personality disorders. Patients who enter into these programs will work directly with staff psychiatrists as well as professional counselors throughout the treatment process.