
Le'Chris provides Diagnostic/Clinical Assessments;
Individual, Family and Group Therapy; and, Psychological
Testing services in most of our offices. Medication
Management is provided through the Morehead City office.
A clinical or
diagnostic assessment is a thorough screening
of an individual's mental health, substance abuse or
developmental disability history. This assessment is
completed by one, and sometimes two, licensed therapists and
usually takes about two hours to complete. The
following information is gathered:
- Symptoms and current stressors
- Past and current mental health and
medication treatment
- Client's family background and current
family situation
- Current living situation
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- General health history
- Trauma history
- Educational and vocational history
- Current functioning
- Strengths and problems
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After gathering this information, and perhaps gathering
information from other providers, the clinician can diagnose
whether or not the client has a mental health or substance
abuse disorder (for example, Depression or Bipolar
Disorder). Additional testing is required prior to
giving a diagnosis of a developmental disorder. The
therapist will also recommend a course of treatment during
this assessment and will review their findings with the
individual.
The goals of therapy may be:
-
To learn about causes for
behaviors and symptoms so the client can better
understand it
-
To learn how to identify
and change behaviors or thoughts that adversely affect
the client's life
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To explore relationships
and experiences and try to develop healthier responses
in those relationships
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To find better ways to cope
with anxiety, frustration, anger, depression, etc.
-
To learn problem-solving
techniques
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To learn crisis-coping
techniques
Clients typically see their therapist 2-4 months and focus
on alleviating symptoms which interfere with the client
being able to feel happy and fulfilled with their life.
Clinical services are especially indicated for persons just
being discharged from inpatient psychiatric care as well as
those experiencing difficulties with life due to past trauma
or crisis/life stressors such as abuse, sexual abuse, death
or abandonment.
In individual therapy,
the client has a schedule face-to-face visit with a
supportive therapist. The therapist builds on the
client's strengths to help them learn how to cope
differently and better with life's challenges, how to deal
with past traumas and how to increase the quality of their
day-to-day life.
In family therapy, the
therapist may bring in different members of the client's
immediate family in order to enhance communication and
family life skills.
In group therapy, these
same issues may be addressed but will be done with other
recipients who are facing the same challenges.
Some of our offices have therapists trained especially to
deal with younger children and may use play therapy, art
therapy or other interactive approaches in working with
children.
Occasionally, the therapist may use special tests to measure
current function. For example, they may use a standard
test to measure how depressed someone is or another test to
measure IQ. This additional testing is called
Psychological Testing.
One of the primary methods of treatment of mental illness is
medication
management. Mental
illness is often a biological disease. A diagnosis of
ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia and some others have
specific causes related to brain functioning. For this
reason, medication is often prescribed.
Great strides have been made in recent years to develop
medications that are effective in alleviating symptoms
without the serious side effects of years past.
Le'Chris employs two physicians and one physician's
assistant who all prescribe medications following FDS and
other best-practice guidelines. Medications cannot
cure a mental illness but go a long way in improving the
quality of life for those with a mental health diagnosis.
Prior to prescribing medications, our physicians will
conduct a thorough clinical assessment in order to determine
an accurate diagnosis. They will then develop a
medication regimen and will follow up with the client during
routine office visits to determine if the medications are
effective or if adjustments to dosages or types are
required.
Our physicians also educate the client on their illness and
on their medications and often make referrals to other
supportive services that might be of help to them.
Our clients are encouraged to be active participants in
their medical treatment. We encourage them to ask
questions about their medication regimen and to honestly
appraise their doctor about the effectiveness of their
medicines.
For more information on any of our outpatient services,
please call one of the following offices: