Mental Wealth

Mental Health Awareness Since 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has been a pillar moment, addressing the challenges faced by millions of Americans living with mental illness. Mental illnesses impact a significant percentage of the population, with 19% of adults, 46% of teenagers, and 13% of children affected each year. It’s important to recognize that people struggling with their mental health are all around us, whether they are members of our family, neighbors, colleagues, or acquaintances. Unfortunately, only half of those affected receive treatment due to the stigma attached to mental health. Untreated mental illness can lead to higher medical expenses, poor performance at school or work, limited employment opportunities, and an increased risk of suicide. Acknowledging and addressing mental health concerns with compassion and understanding is crucial. Mental illness is a physical illness that affects the brain and results in disturbances in thinking, behavior, energy, or emotion. These disturbances can make it challenging to manage the usual demands of everyday life. The causes of such illnesses can be complex and may include factors such as genetics, brain chemistry, brain structure, experiencing trauma, or having another medical condition, such as heart disease. Ongoing research is helping to uncover the underlying causes of these illnesses. Two Most Common Mental Health Conditions Are Anxiety Disorders More than 19% of adults each year struggle with some anxiety disorder, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder (panic attacks), generalized anxiety disorder, and specific phobias. Mood Disorders Mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar, affect nearly 10% of adults each year and are characterized by difficulties in regulating one’s mood. What You Can Do to Help Even though society has become more accepting of mental illness over the years, research suggests that the stigma attached to mental illness still persists. This is largely due to inaccurate media portrayals and a lack of understanding about mental health. Sadly, people tend to have more negative attitudes towards mental health conditions compared to other illnesses and disabilities such as cancer, diabetes, or heart disease. Stigma Stigma not only reduces the number of people seeking treatment but also impacts the availability of resources required for proper treatment. Stigma and misinformation can feel like insurmountable obstacles for someone struggling with mental health. Here are a Few Powerful Things You Can Do to Help It is essential to respect and accept individuals who are coping with mental illness. Viewing them as individuals rather than their illness can significantly impact their recovery. Advocating for their rights and opportunities within our community can ensure equal treatment. Educating ourselves about mental health can enable us to provide better support to those affected in our communities and families. Helping Patients Live Their Best Life At Journey Psyche, everyone deserves to live their best life. If you are considering booking a new or upcoming appointment, you may have questions about what to expect. Our patient success stories are designed to answer these questions and showcase the transformative power of working with a team dedicated to your mental well-being. We hope these stories inspire you to take the first step toward a healthier life. All Work /Success Stories Untreated Anxiety Almost Derailed a Career Success Stories ADHD A CEO’s Path to Mental Focus and Clarity Success Stories Katie ADHD was becoming compounded by a mood disorder she was not yet aware of Success Stories A Millennial Mom’s Bout with Bipolar Disorder Success Stories Veronica’s change of course to overcome Depression and Bipolar Success Stories Depression Blues: Mark’s journey to a bright beautiful future Success Stories

Health insurance terms can be overwhelming, especially when you’re already dealing with the stress of a mental health issue. It’s no secret that insurance companies have their own language, which can be confusing for most of us. That’s why at Journey Psyche we’re here to help you understand some of the most used terms in the medical industry. Let’s start with deductibles. A deductible is the amount of money that you need to pay out of your own pocket before your insurance plan starts covering your medical expenses. This amount is set by your insurer and usually resets annually. For instance, if your plan has a $500 deductible, you’ll have to pay the first $500 of your medical bills before your insurer starts covering any costs. At Journey Psyche we recognize that insurance deductibles can sometimes be a barrier to accessing these vital resources. This is one of the most important decisions you can make for your overall wellness, and we are here to help. That is why we offer new patients a payment plan tailored to their financial situation. Moving on to copays, a copay is a fixed amount that you pay for a medical visit or procedure. This fee is set by your insurer and may appear on your insurance card. Typically, psychiatrists are considered specialists, so copays for their visits may be higher than other types of medical visits. For instance, if your copay is $30, you’ll have to pay $30 for each visit to a specialist. Finally, let’s talk about coinsurance. Unlike a copay, coinsurance is a percentage of the total cost of your medical care that you’re responsible for. Your insurer will cover the remaining percentage of the cost. For example, if your coinsurance is 20%, and you’ve already met your deductible, you’ll have to pay 20% of the total cost of each medical visit, while your insurer will cover the remaining 80%. It is crucial to seek help as early as possible when experiencing any mental health difficulties that won’t go away. Without the ability to cope or process what’s going on, individuals may develop unhealthy habits to get through the day. Over 83% of people who reach out for mental health services usually report better sleep, quality of life, work satisfaction, clarity, focus, better moods, relationships, and self-confidence. See our success stories. To book a new appointment or discuss payment plan options call or text us 800-955-0167.

Mental illness has become a pressing issue in the United States. Unfortunately, statistics show that around 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness in any given year, which translates to 20% of the entire population. Such a high prevalence of mental illness underscores the need for compassionate and dedicated individuals who can help those who are struggling with life-altering diseases. When it comes to finding the right mental health provider, several qualities are crucial in building a strong and effective relationship between the patient and the provider. Empathy, care, active listening, a diligent work ethic, resilience, and open-mindedness are all vital traits that can help foster a trusting and supportive therapeutic relationship. By seeking out a provider who embodies these qualities, patients can feel more comfortable sharing their struggles and work towards achieving their mental health goals. At Journey Psych, we understand that mental health care requires a personalized approach. We have been awarded Most Loyal Patients from, ZOCDOC,Vitals, and WebMD. Our two providers are exceptional in their field, with years of experience in both psychiatric medication and therapy. More importantly, they possess these key qualities personalities that set them apart from other mental health providers.See Success Stories 🤗 Empathy is the ability to put oneself in another person’s shoes and understand their feelings. It goes beyond sympathy, which is a more passive response. Our mental health providers believe that empathy is crucial for helping patients feel understood and validated. They have experienced mental health issues themselves, which allows them to empathize effectively with their patients in sessions. 🕊️ Caring and compassion are also vital qualities for mental health providers. Mental illness can be challenging to deal with, and our providers have a natural desire to alleviate their patients’ suffering. They are available throughout the day, including weekends and holidays, to ensure that their patients receive the care they need. 🧏🏻‍♀️ Good listening skills are crucial for mental health providers. Truly hearing what someone is saying is the only way to understand them fully. Feeling heard and understood can be a tremendous relief for patients struggling with mental illness. Our providers possess great listening skills, which makes their patients feel appreciated and understood. 💪 Hard working is a necessary trait for anyone in the mental health field. There is always more work to be done than time or staff available. Our providers are conscientious and committed, always willing to go the extra mile for their patients including filling prescriptions at any time of the day. 🛡️ Resilience is another crucial quality for mental health providers. The job can be stressful, emotional, and overwhelming at times. Our providers are naturally empathetic, which can make it easy to take on their patients’ pain and suffering. However, they possess the resilience to bounce back and continue providing exceptional care to those in need. 👐 Open-mindedness is essential for mental health providers. They must be able to encounter unexpected and unexplained behaviors and opinions without judgment. Our mental health providers witness firsthand the challenges and struggles of individuals with debilitating mental illness. They have seen things that may startle and surprise others, but their open-mindedness allows them to approach each patient’s unique situation with compassion and understanding. Final Thoughts Mental illness is a prevalent issue in the United States, affecting tens of millions of people each year. It can manifest in various forms and severity levels, making it a challenging time for those who experience it. However, having a compassionate and dedicated healthcare professional who truly cares for their patients can make a significant difference in their journey to recovery. The most important factor to consideris if you can see yourself growing a trusting and safe relationship with your provider. You want to be sure to work with a provider you can relate to and who understands who you are as a person. According to NAMI 70% of the patient getting better is the quality of the relationship you have with your provider. At this time when the rates of mental illness are higher than ever, there is a growing demand for trustworthy and caring providers like ours. If you have had negative experiences with psychiatry providers in the past, we are here to help change that stereotype and guide you towards living your best life. Don’t hesitate to book an appointment with us today or call us at 800-955-0167. STACY LYONS PMHNP, LPC, RN DESANNE GONSALVES PA-C Physician Assistant Specialized in Psychiatry BOOK APPOINTMENT CALL US

Mental health is an essential aspect of our overall well-being, and selecting the right mental health specialist is crucial to receive the care and support you need. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, medication management, or any other mental health issue, finding the right mental health provider can make all the difference in your recovery journey. However, it can be overwhelming to choose a mental health specialist, especially if you’re not sure where to start. This blog aims to provide you with helpful tips and guidance for choosing the right mental health specialist to address your specific needs. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of finding a mental health provider who offers effective treatment and support. The first step is to determine what type of mental health provider is best suited to your needs. Mental health providers can include psychiatrists, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners, psychiatric physician assistants, psychologists, therapists, and each has their unique expertise and training. Psychiatrist A psychiatrist is a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental illnesses and emotional disorders. They can prescribe medications and alternative treatments for mental health disorders. However, psychiatrists have very limited availability, and appointment sessions are usually very short. They can provide limited therapy, but most don’t. If they do, it is very little therapy and mostly medication management. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Mental health issues can be very challenging, but with the help of a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, individuals can receive the care they need to manage their conditions. A Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) specializes in assessing, diagnosing, and treating mental health disorders. Their role entails providing individual therapy, administering medication, and developing care plans to support patients in managing their mental health concerns. They also educate patients about mental health issues, provide support and counseling, and advocate for patients’ needs. At Journey Psyche, we are proud to have Stacy Lyons PMHNP & LPC on our team. Stacy is a highly accomplished and experienced professional who is dual certified in both psychiatry and therapy. She has over 15 years of experience in mental health, which has given her extensive knowledge of psychiatric medication. Stacy’s exceptional ability to understand and empathize with her patients surpasses many psychiatrists, making her one of the most sought-after providers for patients on Zocdoc and WebMD in Arizona and California. Her talk therapy skills are highly regarded in the industry and have brought tremendous relief and positive change to numerous individuals. Stacy was awarded APA 2023 as a Top Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Phoenix, AZ, a testament to her expertise and dedication to her field. We consider ourselves extremely lucky to have Stacy as a valuable member of our team at Journey Psych. With her expertise and compassionate approach, Stacy has helped countless individuals overcome their mental health challenges, and we are confident that she will continue to do so for many years to come. Psychiatric Physician Assistant A psychiatric physician assistants play a vital role in providing comprehensive patient care under the supervision of a physician. They typically hold a master’s degree from an accredited PA program and are licensed to practice medicine. A psychiatric physician assistant can have several important responsibilities while taking care of a patient, whether as an inpatient or an outpatient, depending on their mental or behavioral health problem. These responsibilities can range from screening and admitting patients to performing mental health assessments, managing medication or therapies, and ordering specific tests and evaluations. At Journey Psyche, we are fortunate to have one of the Top Psychiatric Physician Assistants, Desanne Gonsalves, who is a Top Provider Zocdoc California. She has 11 years of experience in psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and motivational interviewing. She has helped treat several behavioral issues that often accompany patients with mental illness, such as ADHD, anxiety, bipolar disorder, self-harm, eating disorders, dissociative disorders, medication management, and more. Desanne has the ability to empathize with patients and understand how they feel, as she truly listens to what they have to say. This ability to listen goes hand in hand with empathy and is the only means of truly understanding someone. Desanne consults daily with Psychiatrist Daniel Duel and together, they review charts, discuss patient treatment, manage medications, and provide guidance in all areas of mental health. Psychologist A psychologist is a mental health professional who specializes in studying human behavior, thoughts, and emotions. Their primary role is to help individuals develop coping strategies to manage mental health concerns, but they do not prescribe medication. Instead, they work collaboratively with other medical professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and psychiatric physician assistants, to provide holistic care to individuals with mental health concerns. Psychologists can help people with a wide variety of problems, from chronic conditions that interfere with their lives or physical health, to short-term problems like feeling overwhelmed by a new job or grieving the death of a family member. Licensed Clinical Social Worker A Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is another type of mental health professional trained to diagnose and treat mental, behavioral, and emotional disorders. They provide individual, family, and group therapy to help individuals cope with and manage mental health concerns like depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and trauma. LCSWs also provide counseling and support to help individuals manage life transitions, such as divorce, loss, or job changes. They work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, and private practices, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care. To become an LCSW, individuals must have a master’s degree in social work, complete supervised clinical experience, and pass licensing exams in their respective states. They may also have additional specialized training in trauma-informed care, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy. Licensed Professional Counselor A Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) is another type of mental health professional trained to diagnose and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. LPCs provide individual, group, and family therapy to help individuals manage their mental health concerns and develop coping strategies. They also provide counseling