We can estimate that about 8.9 million people in Los Angeles experienced moderate or severe psychiatric distress during the 2020 pandemic. This is based on a study that shows 23% of adults in California experienced these symptoms and a city population of about 3.9 million.

The mental health crisis is still ongoing. With so many residents in need of mental health care, many therapists and psychiatrists in Los Angeles have had long waiting lists. Telepsychiatry has eased a bit of the stress on more populated areas, but providers must still be licensed in each state where they practice.

We’ve been opening new Lightfully locations to help address unmet mental health care needs in California. As medical doctors who can diagnose and prescribe treatments, psychiatrists are a critical part of any care team. They may be one of the first professionals you see on your mental health journey. Each of our three locations in Los Angeles has a psychiatrist on staff: Brentwood, Santa Monica and Westwood.

Keep reading to learn more about why it’s important to see a psychiatrist and when, and get a glimpse of what treatment is like at Lightfully.

Why see a psychiatrist?

You might see a psychiatrist to get a formal diagnosis, create a treatment plan or get medications prescribed for a mental health condition. Psychiatrists are medical doctors (M.D.s) or doctors of osteopathic medicine (D.O.s) with specialized experience. In California, psychiatrists are required to complete about four years of residency training and get a license from the state medical board.

Having mental health concerns doesn’t necessarily mean you need to see a psychiatrist. If you talk to your health care provider and determine that psychotherapy might relieve your symptoms, they will recommend that you see a therapist. If you need a diagnosis or medication your doctor can’t provide, they may recommend you see a psychiatrist.

Finally, psychiatrists can::

• Provide an accurate diagnosis of mental health conditions
• Personalize treatment plans incorporating therapy and medication
• Track progress and make adjustments to treatment
• Address comorbidities

When to see a psychiatrist

The biggest signal that it’s time to start the conversation is when you’re having persistent symptoms that impact your daily life. If you’re already seeing a therapist, they may refer you to a psychiatrist for further assessment and diagnosis/medication.

What to expect at Lightfully

Seeing a staff psychiatrist is only one part of your client experience at Lightfully. Our licensed clinicians will create a holistic treatment plan for you using our process-based therapy (PBT) model. We look at each client as a whole person, not just a diagnosis. Your plan will address the four core processes of mental health: your emotions, thoughts, behaviors and relationships. You’ll meet with an individual therapist, attend group therapy sessions, learn about emotion regulation, and participate in other therapeutic modalities during your treatment.

Programs start at three to six hours per day and go up to seven hours, and our Residential Treatment Centers provide 24-hour care. Learn more about different programs that include psychiatrist sessions at our Los Angeles locations.

See a Lightfully psychiatrist in Los Angeles

First, you’ll meet with one of our staff psychiatrists to go over any medications you’re on and make adjustments, if needed. It can take some time to adjust to psychiatric medications, so you’ll continue to meet regularly for medication management sessions.

If you’re looking for a psychiatrist in Los Angeles, consider Lightfully treatment centers. You get a lot more than a psychiatrist, and our supportive staff is there to help you during treatment hours.

Seeing a psychiatrist for the first time is a big step in your mental health journey. The psychiatrists and other staff at Los Angeles Lightfully locations are there to help you feel safe and secure. We have three centers in Los Angeles offering evidence-based, clearly defined, data-driven and whole-person-centered care: Brentwood, Santa Monica and Westwood.

Change is possible. When you’re ready to take the first step, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.