Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

16,958 people sought psychiatry/medication help in California in the last year

Discover how starting psychiatry/medication therapy can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

Good news! We have 3 psychiatric NPs in California available for an online psychiatry session.

Starting Psychiatry/medication

What is psychiatry?

Psychiatry is a branch of medicine that focuses specifically on the medical and psychotherapeutic treatment of mental conditions and disorders.

How does psychiatry work?

Psychiatry allows people struggling to manage mental conditions or disorders to get access to medications that will make daily functioning easier, as well as work through any mental factors that might be causing or worsening their condition. Though medications can't cure mental disorders, medication can make symptoms more manageable, making the process of psychotherapeutic treatment easier and more effective. Psychiatric care can be available through in-person psychiatry and online psychiatry, depending on where you live and your own preferences. However, psychiatric providers at Thriveworks in San Jose, CA specifically offer online psychiatry to their clients.

Does psychiatry deal with anxiety?

Psychiatrists are among the mental health professionals who can prescribe anxiety medication, and they are also capable of offering therapeutic treatment for anxiety as well, though not every psychiatric professional offers therapy. Medication management can be offered via in-person or online psychiatry.

What is the difference between a mental health therapist and psychiatrist?

A therapist has an education specifically rooted in therapeutic practice, approaches, techniques, and treatment. They cannot prescribe medications for clients, thought they often refer clients to psychiatrists for medication management. Psychiatrists are medically trained doctors who specialize in mental health treatment, mainly through medication management and prescription, though they can also practice therapy.

What's the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?

Psychologists and psychiatrists receive differing educations, as psychologists are not medically trained the same way that psychiatrists are. Psychologists mainly specialize in providing therapy services and diagnoses for mental disorders — something that most therapists cannot provide — while psychiatrists manage medications and sometimes provide therapy services. The main difference is that psychologists (generally) cannot prescribe medications the way psychiatrists can.

Do psychiatric NPs treat mental disorders?

Psychiatric nurse practitioners (NPs) treat and diagnose disorders, prescribe and manage medications, and offer psychotherapy services, too.

How do psychiatriac providers diagnose?

Oftentimes, psychiatrists or psychiatric professionals will perform a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, which involves an in-depth discussion about your symptoms, medical history, and current medications. Once they reach a diagnosis, they may suggest starting certain medications depending on your condition and the intensity of your symptoms.

Is psychiatry/medication conducted in person or online?

At Thriveworks, we offer online psychiatry as well as in-person therapy services for optimal comfort and convenience.

How long does psychiatry last?

Psychiatric services at Thriveworks San Jose can last for as little or as much time as the client needs to reach their treatment goals, whether that be a month or two or over the course of years. treatment length is heavily dependent on the condition(s) being treated, the course of treatment, and the client's goals for treatment.

Need more help deciding?

We strive daily to be productive citizens, loving partners, supportive friends, and more. But sometimes, factors that feel totally outside of our control prevent us from living in the moment and being intentional about the ways we love and grow.

Reaching out to a psychiatrist about depression, anxiety, trauma, or other concerns is not a sign of failure. In fact, taking steps to improve your mental health, understand mental illness, and stop these things from overwhelming you takes a lot of courage. Speaking with a licensed professional about your emotional state can be just as important as attending regular appointments with a medical doctor about your physical state. A mental illness that interferes with your life is concerning in the same way as a digestive issue that makes eating difficult.

Millions live with mental disorders that cause symptoms like stress, difficulty sleeping, and substance abuse every day. You’re not alone. A compassionate mental health professional can help you identify and treat the issues that are keeping you from living the best version of your life.

When you’re ready to explore your options, reach out to Thriveworks Counseling in San Jose, CA. Give us a call or book an appointment online anytime.

When Should I Reach Out to a Psychiatrist?

Psychiatric services are not only for dire cases. You may benefit from connecting with a licensed psychiatrist even if you think your mental health concerns are manageable on your own. You don’t have to wait for your situation to become unbearable for you reach out for support.

People reach out about a number of issues, including:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression and other mood disorders
  • Personality disorders
  • Self-destructive behavior or suicidal thoughts
  • Substance abuse and/or addiction
  • PTSD or trauma
  • Insomnia
  • Postpartum depression
  • Eating disorders
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Bipolar disorder

Even if you don’t find your concerns reflected in the above list, Thriveworks may be able to help. Our psychiatrists are mental health experts who can diagnose mental and emotional disorders, create individual treatment plans, and prescribe medications that are catered to your unique needs.

You may be dealing with grief, experiencing low self-esteem, struggling to form intimate relationships, or something else entirely. Whatever is troubling you, it might help to talk things through with a board-certified therapist.

When you’re ready to take care of your mental health, call or contact Thriveworks Counseling in San Jose, CA.

What Does Psychiatric Treatment Involve?

Since conversations about psychiatry have grown increasingly common, you’ve probably seen depictions of therapy appointments on your favorite TV show or in your latest beach read. Maybe the main character uses medication or recounts their life experience from the comfort of a therapist’s couch. It’s okay to still have questions about how it works in real life though.

Psychiatry is a medical specialty that handles the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of mental and emotional disorders. Psychiatrists are mental health professionals who attend medical school and earn a medical degree. They can use this training to customize psychiatric treatment from client to client depending on their needs. Just as a patient with a fractured rib needs different treatment from one with cancer, so, too, does a person suffering from social anxiety disorder need different care from a person who experiences PTSD.

When you book an appointment at Thriveworks Counseling in San Jose, CA, you will meet with a licensed professional who listens to your concerns, works to identify the underlying causes of your experiences, and reviews your medical history to create a treatment plan catered to your specific situation.

This process may include:

  • Attending talk therapy sessions
  • Taking prescribed medication to treat your condition
  • Reevaluating your personal history and relationships
  • Lifestyle changes such as altering your sleep or eating habits
  • Coping skills to tolerate distress

Often, a combination of methods can prove the most helpful in addressing a client’s needs. Once one of our licensed psychiatrists gets to know you better, they’ll be able to customize your recovery to fit your needs and goals.

If this sounds appealing to you, our telepsychiatrists are waiting to help at Thriveworks in San Jose, CA.

Psychiatry Appointment in San Jose — Schedule at Thriveworks

Getting help shouldn’t be hard. At Thriveworks, we pride ourselves on helping clients regain control of their lives and feel more like themselves. We offer convenient sessions in the evenings and on the weekends, and accept many different forms of health insurance.

Thriveworks allows clients to contact their providers between sessions through phone or email, attend sessions remotely, and reschedule sessions when life gets in the way.

You can expect other great perks after reaching out, such as exclusive video content, participation in counselor-moderated community discussions, and access to a 24-hour Q&A with a life coach.

Psychiatry may be the solution to your ongoing health concerns. Psychiatrists at Thriveworks in San Jose, CA are standing by to help. Call or contact us online today to get started.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our San Jose therapists and counselors accept 21 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Shield of California | BCBS

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

  • Humana HMO/POS

  • Humana PPO | EPO | HDHP

  • Imperial Health Plan Medicare Advantage

  • JP Farley Corporation

  • Magellan

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Self-pay costs at San Jose
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

5.0 Thriveworks San Jose reviews are collected through Thriveworks.com.
★★★★★
Alexandera provides excellent service. I felt comfortable and safe. She made it easy to open up and talk.
Read more Alexandera provides excellent service. I felt comfortable and safe. She made it easy to open up and talk.
San Jose Jan 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry San Jose is located in Bascom - Forest on Forest Ave where it intersects with Clarmar Way. We are in the same building as Peninsula Oral Surgery San Jose. And just before you reach us, in a separate building, is Communications Workers-America. There are also houses behind us.

Phone number

(669) 238-4947

Languages spoken by CA providers

  • English
  • Spanish
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in PT

Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in PT

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