Services and Treatment
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a therapist?
A psychiatrist is a licensed medical doctor who can diagnose psychiatric conditions and prescribe medication. A therapist provides talk therapy but typically cannot prescribe. St. Sophie's offers both psychiatric medication management and psychotherapy services.
What types of therapy does St. Sophie's offer?
Our clinicians are trained in evidence-based modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), supportive therapy, and trauma-informed approaches. Your clinician will recommend the most appropriate fit for your needs.
What conditions does St. Sophie's treat?
We treat a broad range of psychiatric conditions, including Major Depressive Disorder, anxiety disorders, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, PTSD, OCD, Schizophrenia, Borderline Personality Disorder, postpartum mood disorders, and sleep-related psychiatric concerns.
Do you treat children and adolescents?
Yes. St. Sophie's provides psychiatric services for children and adolescents as well as adults, with age-appropriate assessment and treatment.
Do you prescribe medication?
Yes. Our board-certified psychiatrists prescribe and manage psychiatric medications, including antidepressants, mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, anxiolytics, and ADHD medications when clinically appropriate.
What is medication management?
Medication management is an ongoing follow-up appointment with a psychiatrist to monitor how a medication is working, assess for side effects, and make adjustments as needed. These appointments are typically scheduled monthly or quarterly.
What if I run out of medication?
Our prescribers anticipate the needs of
patients medication supply until they can be seen again for their next appointment. In general, when patients are running out of medication, it’s because they missed an appointment. Therefore, it is important that you call the office to reschedule a new appointment so you don’t run out. In the event you would be running out, you may contact the office and a decision would be made whether or not to refill your medications. We will try to get you in for an appointment as soon as possible.
Conditions We Treat
Depression
What is the difference between depression and just feeling sad?
Clinical depression, or
Major Depressive Disorder, is a medical condition involving persistent low mood, loss of interest, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties lasting at least two weeks. Unlike situational sadness, it does not resolve on its own and typically requires professional treatment.
How is depression treated at St. Sophie's?
St. Sophie's psychiatrists may recommend antidepressant medication, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), or a combination of both, depending on each patient's needs. Treatment plans are reassessed regularly and adjusted based on your response.
Can depression come back after treatment?
Yes. Depression is often a recurring condition, and many patients experience more than one episode over their lifetime. Ongoing medication management and therapy can reduce the frequency and severity of future episodes.
Anxiety
What is the difference between generalized anxiety and panic disorder?
Generalized Anxiety Disorder involves persistent, hard-to-control worry about everyday situations, while Panic Disorder involves recurrent, unexpected episodes of intense fear with physical symptoms such as a racing heart and shortness of breath. Both are treatable with therapy and, when appropriate, medication.
What treatments are available for anxiety disorders?
St. Sophie's offers CBT, one of the most effective treatments for anxiety, as well as medication options including SSRIs and SNRIs. The right approach depends on the specific disorder, its severity, and your individual history.
Can anxiety be treated without medication?
Yes.
Psychotherapy alone, particularly CBT, is effective for many anxiety disorders. Medication is available but not required for every patient, and your psychiatrist will discuss all options during your evaluation.
ADHD
What are the signs of ADHD in adults?
Adult
ADHD commonly presents as chronic difficulty sustaining focus, frequent forgetfulness, disorganization, impulsive decision-making, and emotional dysregulation. Hyperactivity is often internal, experienced as restlessness. Many adults are diagnosed for the first time after years of struggling without a clear explanation.
How is ADHD diagnosed?
ADHD diagnosis requires a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, including a detailed review of symptoms, developmental history, and current functioning. There is no single test for ADHD, and our psychiatrists also rule out conditions that can mimic it, such as anxiety and depression.
What ADHD medications does St. Sophie's prescribe?
We prescribe both stimulant medications, such as amphetamine salts and methylphenidate, and non-stimulant options for patients who do not respond to or cannot tolerate stimulants. All prescribing follows evidence-based clinical guidelines.
Does St. Sophie's treat ADHD in children?
Yes. We provide ADHD evaluation and treatment for children, adolescents, and adults, with care tailored to each patient's age and developmental stage.
Bipolar Disorder
What is the difference between Bipolar I and Bipolar II?
Bipolar I involves at least one full manic episode, which may include psychosis. Bipolar II involves hypomanic episodes that are less severe, paired with episodes of major depression. Both require careful diagnosis and ongoing psychiatric management.
How is bipolar disorder treated?
Bipolar disorder is primarily managed with mood-stabilizing medications such as lithium, valproate, or atypical antipsychotics, often alongside psychotherapy to support stability and early recognition of mood shifts.
Can bipolar disorder be mistaken for depression?
Yes, and it is one of the most common diagnostic challenges in psychiatry. Because depressive episodes are often more prominent, many patients are initially diagnosed with depression alone. Accurate diagnosis matters because some antidepressants can trigger mood instability in undiagnosed bipolar disorder.
PTSD and Trauma
What is PTSD?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms include intrusive memories, nightmares, emotional numbing, hypervigilance, and avoidance of trauma-related reminders. PTSD responds well to treatment.
What treatment does St. Sophie's offer for PTSD?
St. Sophie's provides trauma-informed care including trauma-focused CBT and medication management. Your clinician will develop a treatment plan based on your symptoms, history, and preferences.
Do I have to talk about the trauma in detail during treatment?
No. Trauma treatment is paced carefully and built on a foundation of safety and trust. Your clinician will never push you to discuss traumatic content before you are ready.
OCD
What is OCD, and how is it different from being particular or organized?
OCD involves unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that cause significant distress, paired with repetitive behaviors (compulsions) performed to reduce that distress. It is a clinical condition that interferes with daily life, not a personality trait or preference for order.
How is OCD treated?
The primary treatment for OCD is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), a specialized form of CBT. SSRIs at clinically appropriate doses are also effective. St. Sophie's clinicians will discuss which approach or combination is the right fit for you.
Telehealth
Does St. Sophie's offer telepsychiatry?
Yes. We offer telehealth appointments for qualifying patients, allowing you to meet with your psychiatrist or therapist via secure video from home or another private location.
Is telepsychiatry as effective as in-person care?
Research supports the clinical effectiveness of
telepsychiatry and its comparability to in-person care for most outpatient psychiatric services. It also improves access for patients with transportation limitations or scheduling constraints.
What do I need for a telehealth appointment?
You will need a device with a camera and microphone, a stable internet connection, and a private space. Our care team will provide instructions for accessing the platform before your appointment.
Insurance and Fees
Does St. Sophie's accept insurance?
St. Sophie's works with several insurance carriers. Contact our office directly to verify whether your specific plan is accepted. Our administrative team can help confirm coverage before your first appointment.
Do you offer self-pay options?
Yes. Self-pay arrangements are available for patients without insurance or those who prefer to pay privately. Contact our office for current rates.
How do I pay my bill online?
You can go to
www.personapy.com/PayMyDoctor.
Use Practice ID 2274806 and follow the steps to pay your bill.
Will my insurance cover therapy and medication management?
Most plans with mental health benefits cover outpatient psychiatric services, though copays, deductibles, and session limits vary. We recommend confirming your specific benefits with your insurance provider before your first appointment.
What if I don’t have insurance?
If you do not have an active insurance and would still like to be seen, please contact our office and speak with our billing department to see how we can accommodate your needs.
Privacy and Confidentiality
Is what I share with my psychiatrist or therapist confidential?
Yes. All patient information is protected under HIPAA. Your records and appointment content are confidential, with limited exceptions required by law that your clinician will explain at the start of care.
Can I request my medical records?
Yes. Contact our office to submit a records request. A brief processing period may apply.
Crisis Resources
What should I do if I am in a mental health crisis?
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for psychiatric emergencies. For crisis support, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or text HOME to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line. St. Sophie's is an outpatient practice and is not equipped to provide emergency crisis care.