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There are three main advantages to psychiatric self-pay over health insurance coverage to pay for psychiatric evaluation, treatment and follow up. While many feel managed care reduces out of pocket expenses, this decision comes with a price. With so much variation between insurance companies including the types of policies they offer, it is not feasible to discuss all the differences between individual plans or work supplied group coverage. Today use of “networks,” “managed care,” or “HMO’s” may help cut costs for the patient as well as the insurance company; however, these types of policies typically place restrictions on who you can see, what you may pay “out of network,” as well as provide incentives to mental health providers to provide less treatment overall to their patients.

Insurance Plans Interfere with Process of Therapy

There is a growing trend among mental health professionals to provide services on a self-pay basis. The U.S. mental health system has serious coverage gaps, where psychiatric service is generally slated for limited payments and encounters. Very often group insurance plans require the patient to start with telephone-based counseling through an employee assistance program, or require first starting with a limited number of mental health practitioners including social workers or a family counselors, before authorizing an evaluation and treatment by a network or plan psychiatrist. Even if the plan allows partial payment for an out of network practitioner, the paperwork,  appeals for denied treatment, wait time for additional authorizations or restrictions to time or number of days, directly impact and interfere with the process of therapy and developing a therapeutic working bond.

Psychiatric Self Pay vs. Insurance Coverage

The Therapist Directory  categorizes the three main differences as  1.  Payment,   2.  Choice of Therapist,  3.  Choice of Length / Type of Treatment

Here are some of the other differences:

Privacy

• Self Payment: Info strictly confidential; therapists unable to share information about treatment without prior patient written consent, except in cases of danger to self or others.
• Insurance: Info required to justify treatment. Therapist must provide a diagnosis, treatment plan and progress notes. Info put in database where others may access it.

Choice

• Self Payment: Freedom to pick a therapist, get a second opinion, or change therapists.
• Insurance: Some plans limit choice of therapist, require treatment through a psychiatrist in their network, or provide no reimbursement for out-of-pocket care

Duration & Type of Treatment

• Self Payment: Patients active participants in their care. Treatment sessions continue as long as necessary without interference or restriction.
• Insurance: Plan determines session length, type of treatment, maximum dollar payout, or visit frequency

Atlanta Psychiatric Self Pay Treatment

Dr. Darvin Hege, a leading area self pay psychiatrist for over 30 years does not subscribe to insurance company restrictions or third party privacy invasions, but rather works with you to provide a successful mental health treatment plan that is unique to your needs. Call us today.

The goals for treatment of diagnosed bipolar disorder include:

• making the mood change episodes less frequent or less severe
• helping patients function well in home, work and life situations
• working to prevent self-injury or suicide.

Receiving proper bipolar disorder treatment from a qualified mental health professional allows for customization and modification of your treatment plan as changes occur over time.

Bipolar Disorder or Manic-Depressive Illness a Brain Disorder

The National Institute of Mental Health makes note that bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a disorder of the brain where unusual shifts in mood, energy or activity levels occur that effect the ability to function in the day to day world. Behaviors and mood shifts seen with bipolar disorder are often severe, resulting in significant difficulty in maintaining a relationship, holding a job, succeeding in school, or in managing finances. Risk taking, drug or alcohol abuse, and thoughts of suicide are also seen, occurring at higher levels when bipolar disorder is left untreated — either through misdiagnosis or the patient’s own poor judgment and decision making.

Untreated Bipolar Manic Depression Episodes Last Longer

Studies conducted show a distinct difference in the length of bipolar mania and depressive episodes. Sharecare reports that untreated bipolar mania episodes can last for 3 to 6 months, while episodes of depression last for much longer periods of 6 to 12 months at a time. Effective treatment allows those with bipolar disorder to lead full productive lives with a better understanding of how to recognize and manage their behaviors or mood swings.

Consequences of Forgoing Bipolar Disorder Treatment

The National Alliance of Mental Health has reported that there are serious risks in deciding not to treat diagnosed bipolar disorder. Some of the consequences that can occur with untreated bipolar disorder include:

• Having more severe episodes of mania and/or depression
• Displaying risky behaviors, taking dangerous chances
• Extreme changes in energy, activity level, sleep
• Partaking in excessive drinking, drug abuse
• Greater risk of suicidal ideation
• Experience long lasting periods of unstable moods
• Suffer from higher death rates from cancer, heart disease or stroke
• Symptoms become more pronounced and debilitating
• Increased involvement in illegal substances
• Periods of irrational behaviors

About one-half of all people who have bipolar disorder or manic-depressive illness do not receive treatment. While bipolar disorder is a chronic lifelong condition, treatment is effective and frees those from harsh unrelenting episodes of mania and/or depression. Untreated bipolar disorder will display symptoms and behaviors that worsen, becoming more pronounced over time.

A Bipolar Disorder Psychiatrist in Atlanta is a Phone Call Away

Proper diagnosis and treatment is just a phone call away. If you suffer from recurring mood swings and episodes of mania or depression and find it increasingly difficult to manage your life, friends, family or work, call for a confidential appointment and expert diagnosis. Make the call that can change your life for the better.

The National Association of Mental Illness reports that bipolar disorder can be successfully treated following an accurate diagnosis. While there is no cure for bipolar disorder, finding the correct medication regime is an essential part of treatment. The quantity and severity of bipolar episodes can be regulated via a medication maintenance program; however, the appearance of sporadic episodes of mania or depression require additional treatment, which can include medication adjustments and management.

Bipolar Medications Require Discovery Time for Optimal Dosage

Bipolar disorder is a complex illness that often requires patience by the patient. Determining the right bipolar medication(s) typically revolves around your psychiatrist making critical adjustments over time to achieve the desired effect. Mayo Clinic reports show some bipolar medications may take weeks to even months to take full effect; changes are often made one medication at a time to properly evaluate which one will not only work to relieve your symptoms, but which also has the least troubling side effects.

Common Medications for Bipolar Disorder

There are three main types of medications that are used to treat bipolar disorder. The National Institute of Mental Health defines these psychiatric medications as including mood stabilizers, antidepressants, and atypical antipsychotics. Examples of these three types of bipolar medications are:

• Mood Stabilizers include the use of Lithium (Lithobid), and anticonvulsants such as valproic acid (Depakene, Stavzor), divalproex (Depakote), or lamotrigine (Lamictal). Lithium requires periodic blood tests. Common side effects include dry mouth, digestive issues, restlessness, weight gain, drowsiness, or dizziness. Medication may require periodic blood tests to determine medication blood levels and physiological effects on internal organs.
• Antidepressants may be used by your psychiatrist depending on your symptoms. Some of these drugs include MAO inhibitors, tricyclics, or Symbyax. Common side effects with antidepressants include reduced sexual desire and response, weight gain, drowsiness, or increased appetite. Some of these bipolar medications require careful monitoring for potentially dangerous side effects.
• Antipsychotics include aripiprazole (Abilify), olanzapine (Zyprexa), risperidone (Risperdal), and quetiapine (Seroquel). Side effects may include weight gain, sleepiness, tremors, blurred vision and rapid heartbeat. Use of antipsychotics for bipolar disorder may also affect memory, attention, focus, as well as the possibility of causing involuntary facial or body movements.

Your bipolar disorder psychiatrist will determine which medications fit with your symptoms and lifestyle following a comprehensive evaluation. Adjustments and changes will be made over time to provide you with an optimal psychopharmacology regime that meets your unique needs. An experienced psychiatrist may also prescribe other medications such as anti-anxiety medications on a short term basis to address anxiety and poor sleeping patterns.

Atlanta Bipolar Disorder Psychiatrist

Dr. Hege, your bipolar disorder psychiatrist, can help turn your life around without years of suffering through misdiagnosis. Contact us today to request a consultation.

There are numerous reasons why a person taking psychiatric medication will decide to stop taking them. The decision to stop made without mental health consultation may because they feel better and believe they no longer need the medications. Additional influences include family or friend pressure to stop, feeling a stigma is attached to those who take psych meds, fear of personality change, discomfort from side effects, or other personal reasons.

Stopping Psych Meds Abruptly Release Many Symptoms

Psychiatry Online reports abruptly stopping psych medication can quickly cause a rebound or return of the symptoms that had previously been held under control for months or years. Depending on the medication being taken, the consequences of stopping their use include withdrawal symptoms, occurrence of new symptoms, or even the appearance of worse symptoms then were experienced prior to the start of psychiatric treatment.

Going “Cold Turkey” with Psych Meds Life Threatening

The decision to stop taking psych meds without benefit of mental health or psychiatric planned medication reduction or change can be dangerous, even life threatening. Withdrawal can bring distressing reactions including potentially fatal seizures with unmonitored stoppage of psych meds. It is critically important to have medical guidance when stopping any psych meds that affect the central nervous system; the biochemical balance of the brain needs to adapt and stabilize to changes over time to prevent a medical crisis.

Management of Time Course and Side Effects Important

Working with an experienced psychiatrist specializing in psych meds ensures a smoother transition during reduction of medications if that is the decision you have reached. Other options your Atlanta psych med psychiatrist may present include switching medications, slow reduction in dosage, cognitive behavioral therapy, reducing or eliminating some psych meds while keeping essential psych medication in place, adjunct therapy, as well other proven strategies.

Psych Med Psychiatrist Alerts you to Expected Symptoms

Working with your Atlanta psych med psychiatrist is crucial throughout changes or reductions in prescribed psychotropic medications. Side effects and possible problems are more tolerable when you know what to expect as well as being aware of certain symptoms or behavioral changes that need to be immediately reported to your psychiatrist. Changes or return to prior dosages are more easily managed when you are working closely with your Georgia psychiatric med psychiatrist.

Slow Dose Reduction of Psych Meds Most Successful

Psych Central.com reports some psychiatric medication studies have shown the slower the dose is reduced the chance of relapse is reduced by one-half or more. With many psychotropic drugs however, such as antipsychotics and mood stabilizers, studies have not been well established to determine percentage of success or relapse. The best recommendation is to work closely with your psychiatrist to gradually make changes and adjustments over time.

Dr. Darvin Hege, a highly regarded Atlanta psych meds psychiatrist, brings decades of successful experience to your evaluation, program strategy, medication regime, and in working with you to achieve optimum results. Contact us to schedule a consultation.

The Journal of Lifetime Learning in Psychiatry reports a growing number of pregnancies where psychiatric illness either predates or emerges during the course of the pregnancy. There are more than 500,000 pregnancies in the U.S. every year with a documented psychiatric illness and 33% of all pregnant women are prescribed a psychotropic medication at least once during the course of their pregnancy. While use of psychotropic medications may be a cause of concern of fetal safety during pregnancy, 30 years of research indicates many medications may be used safely. In some cases, discontinuing use of prescribed medications is not a safe option when reviewing the risks associated with psychiatric illness.

Psychiatric Illness Relapse up to 68% in those who Discontinue Medications

For many, pregnancy is a time of feeling both emotionally and physically well, however up to 20% of women develop a mood or anxiety disorder during pregnancy. Women with a history of psychiatric illness who choose to stop their psychotropic medications are found to be highly vulnerable to relapse. Women’s Mental Health online report studies show a 26% relapse rate for those who continue with psychopharmacology treatment as opposed to 68% that relapsed after discontinuing their prescribed psychiatric medication. Data indicates the risk of relapse was five times greater for those pregnant women who stopped their treatment medication for a mental illness or disorder. Relapse rates show similar findings for those women diagnosed with anxiety, panic, depression, mood disorder or bipolar disease.

Risks of Discontinuing Psychiatric Medications During Pregnancy 

It is critical to develop, pre-pregnancy if possible, a good working relationship with an expert not only in psychiatric treatment, but with a psychiatrist who combines a long standing history of successful individualized treatment strategizing, with the ability to tie in adjunct therapies or cognitive behavior intervention. Some of the risks involved in stopping psychiatric medications during pregnancy include:

• A decrease in the likelihood to receive adequate prenatal care
• A decrease in the ability to make good decisions
• An increase in use of alcohol, tobacco or illegal substances
• An increase in the potential to take part in dangerous behaviors
• Delivery of a child with low birth weight, or fetal growth retardation in depressed mothers
• Preterm delivery as a complication with mothers experiencing anxiety, panic or distress
• Increased risk for development of pre-eclampsia for mothers experiencing depression or anxiety/panic
• Increased risk of immediate treatment for infant respiratory distress, hypoglycemia or other health issues

Atlanta Mental Health Pregnancy Psychiatrist

Careful management of mental illness medications along with cognitive behavioral therapy during pregnancy can provide the optimal outcome for mother, family and baby. Dr. Darvin Hege is committed to providing individualized treatment planning that works for you.

Call to schedule a personal appointment with Dr. Hege today.

Telepsychiatry saw its early beginnings decades ago when it was used primarily as a way to reach patients in supervised sites such as hospitals, health care facilities, prisons and rural clinics. The American Journal of Psychiatry reports technology has progressed over the years with live interactive video sessions, also coined Telepsychiatry, becoming a viable option for psychiatrists in today’s fast paced world.

Telepsychiatry Provides Open Access and Unique Point of Service Delivery

The American Psychological Association states that Telepsychiatry affords the option of meeting patient’s needs where they may be unable to easily travel for on-going treatment due to physical limitations, or where a mental health issue impacts their psychological ability to leave their home and travel to a set appointment.

In addition to meeting the need for patients who would otherwise “go without” regular psychiatric care, live interactive video conferencing also fits nicely with the busy patient who would like to have their session during a work break, while out of town on business, during vacation, or for any number of personal reasons. The normal office visit changes into a psychiatric session in the patient’s living or work environment.

Secure Private Live Video Treatment Sessions

Convenience may be a major factor in setting up live video conferencing with your Atlanta telepsychiatrist Dr. Hege. In addition, the security and privacy of your session is of the highest priority. The program and software utilized by Dr. Hege ensures privacy with a security rating that meets stringent HIPAA requirements for security and privacy.

Connecting to Live Video Conferencing Achieved from Wherever You Are

Once Dr. Hege, your Georgia telepsychiatrist, determines you would benefit from the option of live video conferencing, he would set up your session time, providing you with the information to log in at your scheduled time.

Telepsychiatry sessions with Dr. Darvin Hege can be accomplished from anywhere you have WiFi, cellular service or an internet connection. Your live video session can be accessed on your laptop or desktop computer, on an iPhone, Android, or Kindle Fire HD through use of an application that can be downloaded in just a few moments.

Georgia Telepsychiatry Expands the Boundaries of His Practice

Dr. Darvin Hege is well known among his colleagues not only for decades of successful treatment results for his patients, but also for expanding the boundaries of his Atlanta based practice to other areas of Georgia through the utilization of video technology to meet the changing needs and lifestyles of his patients.

Call the office to schedule an appointment today. Dr. Hege requires an initial in-office visit. When he feels the patient is stable, the visits may be via video conferencing.

For most people, making an appointment to see a psychiatrist about behaviors or symptoms that are impacting their personal, academic or work life is a hard first step to take. Psychiatrists are specialists who are not there to judge you, but to work with you to find the best medication and treatment regime for your specific needs – making that first appointment takes you in a positive direction toward turning your life around.

Psychiatric Help Needed by Thousands Who Never Seek Treatment

The website Every Day Health reports that almost 66% of adults with depression will never seek treatment. For those with addictive behaviors, a chronic history of substance abuse, or mental health issues that are causing havoc with one’s life, only approximately 35% seek help, usually when they are faced with a failed relationship, loss of their job, failing college grades, or a criminal record.

Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation Needs Full Disclosure by Patient

The initial evaluation appointment with your Atlanta psychiatrist follows an organized plan that includes finding out about your issues, concerns, behaviors, symptoms and areas where you are having difficulty, and the information you give will affect the treatment strategy and time frame of the recovery process.

An experienced and practiced psychiatrist like Dr. Hege understands patients may hold back or alter important information out of embarrassment, fear, anxiety or trust issues. Accurately answering questions, and describing symptoms and behaviors experienced will lead to building a sound foundation for a successful treatment plan.

Common Information to Discuss During Comprehensive Evaluation

Many points and issues are discussed during a comprehensive evaluation with your psychiatrist. Talking about one area of concern may lead to a whole new set of questions. Some common topics that may be discussed include:

• Medications currently taking – include prescription medications and their dosage, as well as all over-the-counter (OTC) herbal remedies, vitamins, supplements or pain medicine you use. Discuss any products that may have caused a side effect or left you “feeling bad.”
• Stress in your life – stress comes from many different directions such as work, home, friends, children, money, debt, weight, pain, loss, worry, etc.
• Self Medication – use of drugs or alcohol to help you “cope” with life
• Physical Symptoms –  includes trouble sleeping, poor appetite, voracious appetite, feeling run-down, loss of energy, loss of interest in sex, low frustration tolerance or any other symptoms that are interfering with your daily routine
• Suicidal or Homicidal Thoughts – discuss any thoughts about hurting yourself or others with your psychiatrist; thinking may not mean follow through but this is a serious issue that needs to be addressed right away

Atlanta Mental Health Management Psychiatrist

Dr. Darvin Hege, a highly regarded Atlanta mental health management psychiatrist has a long history of successfully planning and implementing individually based treatment plans.

Schedule an evening or weekend appointment with Dr. Hege and start positively changing your life.

Major depression is a mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration interfere with everyday life for weeks or longer. The Anxiety & Depression Association of America reports that having a major depressive disorder is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. for adults into their mid-40’s. While each person is affected differently, everyone  is impacted when depression interferes with their home, work, school and personal life.

Major Depression Statistics

Healthline reports 1 out of 10 people experience depression following a loss, traumatic event or life change. In addition, the phrase “having the blues” is commonly understood as having a sad or emotional time. Major depression affects almost 15 million adults in the U.S. during the course of a year, with the median age of onset at 33 years old. The incidence of depression is higher than reported as many men and women fail to seek help, continuing to struggle on through daily life.

Symptoms of Major Depression

While symptoms experienced with major depression vary from person to person, Mayo Clinic reports indicate there are numerous symptoms that are reported time after time. These major depression symptoms include

• Feelings of being sad and unhappy that last more than 2 weeks
• Loss of interest or pleasure in taking part in normal daily activities
• Either insomnia or excessive sleeping
• 5% change in weight (up or down) in a one-month period
• Overwhelming fatigue and tiredness, slowed movements
• Poor ability to focus, concentrate or make decisions
• Dwelling on thoughts of death and suicide
• Unstable emotions (agitation, crying spells, angry outbursts, self guilt, etc.)

Reaching out for psychiatric help for major depressive diagnosis is critically important and can significantly ease the physical and emotional aspects of the disorder. Find the best psychiatrist who has years of experience and a track record of successful depression treatment in Atlanta.

Depression Usually Accompanied by Other Mental Disturbances

There are many mental health issues that often accompany depression which need to be considered in a complete diagnosis and treatment plan. Psychological disorders may be triggers to depression or may manifest themselves as a consequence of the depressive episode. In either case, prescribing a specific medication mix is paramount to effective treatment.

Each disorder needs to be addressed separately as well as comprehensively for an effective treatment plan to succeed. Research shows common co-existing anxiety disorders include PTSD, OCD, panic, general anxiety, and social phobia; substance abuse of alcohol and drugs are also often seen co-existing with depression.

Individualized Treatment by Expert Atlanta Depression Psychiatrist

Dr. Darvin Hege, a well known Atlanta depression psychiatrist, has a long successful history of treating major depression. Each person needs their program designed using a medication management regime that fits their specific needs, triggers, and possible co-existing illness.

Call now and take the first step in breaking through the dark cloud toward happiness and contentment.

In Atlanta and the surrounding area there are thousands of mental health professionals available to provide treatment for ADHD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, narcotic addiction, anxiety, panic attacks, alcohol and nicotine withdrawal. The American Psychiatric Association reports that people often decide which specialist to call based on a referral from your primary physician, family friend, crisis center, or by picking the advertisement that “looks the best” in the telephone book.

Many Reasons Affect Selection Process of Mental Health Providers

Individuals have certain needs that come into play when looking for a mental health professional. Accessibility is often a reason to choose one specialist over another. An office close to a patient’s home or work may allow convenience to take precedence over quality of service. In addition, the time available to schedule an appointment that does not interfere with work, family, or child care issues is a major concern of patients. Some psychiatrists even offer online video follow-up sessions for some types of treatment after an initial in-office appointment so patients don’t have to drive to the office every time.

Finding the Best Mental Health Professional to Meet Your Needs

When facing mental health issues on your own or with the support of family and friends, choosing the proper specialist makes a difference in the effectiveness and success of your treatment program. While developing a trusting relationship with your mental health provider is important, selecting an experienced professional with a long track record of success also makes a significant difference in relapse rates and in the ability to finally live a fully functional life.

CBT and Medication Management Has Highest Rate of Treatment Success

Choosing a mental health specialist that promotes both cognitive behavioral counseling and medication management is the most desirable. Treating the whole person with psychological issues has the highest rate of treatment success.

Psychiatrists Treat Both Mental and Physical Aspects of Psychological Issues

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor specializing in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental health illness or disease, substance abuse, addiction and recovery. Atlanta psychiatrist Dr. Hege designs an individualized treatment program to provide relief of symptoms, anxieties and fears right away. Withdrawal symptoms are carefully planned for and managed. Medication adjustments are made as you progress through the treatment program.

Dr. Darvin Hege, a highly regarded Atlanta psychiatrist, believes in treating the whole person. Dr. Hege may refer you for adjunct therapeutic sessions such as cognitive behavioral treatment and EEG biofeedback. Dr. Hege may also recommend family/couples therapy or participation in the Evening Recovery Program as part of your comprehensive treatment plan.

Atlanta Evening and Weekend Psychiatrist

Atlanta psychiatrist Dr. Hege specializes in adult ADHD, addiction, anxiety and bipolar disorders, substance abuse and depression with over 25 years of successful intervention and medication management. The doctor is conveniently located in Atlanta and offers both evening and weekend appointments.

For a confidential and private initial appointment, call Atlanta psychiatrist Dr. Hege.

In this fast paced world, the time we have available to take care of personal mental health needs is often crunched between work hours, family responsibilities, child care and time spent stuck in Atlanta traffic. In our society, the incidence of anxiety, depression, panic attacks and attention deficit disorders continue to rise. In addition, addiction to narcotics, nicotine or alcohol is affecting more and more families on a daily basis.

Finding an experienced psychiatrist who adjusts office hours to meet your hectic schedule opens the door for successful treatment of your mental health concerns.

Convenient Atlanta Psychiatric Office Hours

Evening and weekend hours offered by a qualified psychiatrist with over 30 years of experience gives more patients easier access to a comprehensive evaluation and effective treatment plan. Dr. Hege offers hope and positive therapeutic change to those who need convenient office hours around your busy lifestyle.

Thorough Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation

Each person has their own unique symptoms or behaviors that interfere with normal daily life and interpersonal life skills. A comprehensive evaluation is the cornerstone in making the correct diagnosis. The development of an effective treatment plan is based on your individual needs, physiology, symptoms and behaviors. Your treatment plan may include medications, cognitive behavioral therapy, or alternative services to best meet your changing needs and progress.

Areas of Atlanta Psychiatric Treatment Offered

Dr. Hege, MD, a highly respected Atlanta psychiatrist, develops individual treatment plans that have proven successful for decades. Patients of Dr. Hege have been able to regain control of their lives through medication management, CBT, and other augmentive services. Mental health concerns addressed include:

• Adult Men and Women with ADHD
• Narcotics Addiction
• Cocaine Addiction
• Panic and Anxiety Attacks
• Depression
• Tobacco and Nicotine Addiction
• Bipolar Disorder
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorders
• Psychiatric Medication adjustment to reduce side effects

Psychiatric Augmentive Therapy Resources

Dr. Hege believes in treating the whole person to achieve the highest rate of success through his therapeutic treatment plan. While he focuses solely on psychiatry, he recommends professional resources from a network of skilled therapists trained in the use of advanced techniques in combination with or without medication. Unique resources available include:

• EEG Biofeedback or Neurotherapy often used to treat ADHD
• Couples Therapy
• Family Therapy
• Individual Therapy
• International Cultural Coaching including management and success in a culturally diverse world
• EMDR, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, used in recovery from effects of trauma and abuse
• Evening Recovery Program for small group addiction counseling

Atlanta Psychiatrist Dr. Hege a Phone Call Away

Dr. Hege’s methodology and strategies can work for you. Make the call today to set up an appointment at a day and time that fits your schedule. Help really is just a phone call away.