Have you ever visited the emergency room or urgent care for an emergent physical concern? Well, it may also be necessary to visit a psychiatrist for an emergent mental health concern. These mental health visits are called same-day psychiatrist appointments. Same-day sessions are necessary when an individual is going through an intense crisis. They may need professional help to immediately de-escalate their crisis. It’s likely that they are unable to do it on their own. Same-day sessions can be helpful. But there are steps that clients must take after a same-day session; these steps will promote long-term mental health. Learn more about the circumstances that necessitate same-day appointments and the next steps.

When should someone reach out for a same-day psychiatrist appointment?

• You feel like your emotions are uncontrollable.
• You feel like you’re spiraling.
• Your behavior has become reckless.
• You have suddenly turned to substance use to cope.
• You feel like you may start self-harming.
• You just self-harmed.
• You feel suicidal or like a danger to yourself.
• You feel like you may be a danger to others.

What types of issues can psychiatrist sessions help clients through?

• Mood disorders — Same-day psychiatrist sessions can help clients who manage mood disorders. Some common mood disorders include bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder and complicated grief.
• Anxiety disorders — Clients with anxiety disorders may benefit from same-day psychiatry sessions. Anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorders and complicated grief.
• Adult personality disorders — Clients with adult personality disorders may benefit from same-day psychiatry sessions. There are several types of adult personality disorders. They include borderline personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, avoidant personality disorder and histrionic personality disorder.
• Trauma-related disorders — Trauma-related disorders may require same-day psychiatric visits. One type of trauma-related disorder is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Symptoms — Psychiatrists may also help clients with certain symptoms during their same-day appointments. Some symptoms include suicidality and self-harming behaviors.

What steps should a client take after a same-day psychiatrist appointment?

• Schedule regular sessions with a therapist — Those who schedule same-day psychiatrist appointments to navigate their mental health concern should expect to schedule regular follow-up sessions for an extended period after. It’s not likely that one emergency visit will make your mental health concerns go away. You’ll want to schedule regular treatment sessions. Your mental health will be addressed at your same-day appointment, but it’s important to maintain it.
• Speak with your therapist about your best options — Regular follow-up sessions may be enough for some clients. But it doesn’t always mean it’s the best stand-alone solution for all clients. Some people may also benefit from taking regular medication. The right treatment option for your circumstances is up to you and your psychiatrist.

Lightfully offers help that goes beyond same-day psychiatry appointments

Do you have a condition that has led you to schedule a same-day psychiatry appointment? Odds are that you will continue to need help addressing your condition. That’s where Lightfully can help. Our clinicians have lots of experience dealing with clients who struggle to manage their mental health conditions, and they can help you learn how to manage your symptoms and avoid future same-day sessions. 

Our mission at Lightfully is to work with individuals to change their life compassionately. We strive to provide high-quality mental health care to various types of clients. We believe in a focused approach to care that’s centered on process-based therapy (PBT). This approach consists of evidence-based, clearly defined, data-driven and whole-person-centered care. 

Lightfully also offers various layers of services to both adults and teens. The services we offer include:  

• Residential treatment
• A Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (vIOP) 
• An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
• A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), also referred to as our Day Treatment Program 

We regularly use these services to help clients who are struggling with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders and trauma disorders. Are you dealing with a mental health issue that requires professional attention? Let us help you.

Our licensed experts see each client as a complex and layered human — not just a diagnosis. We value our clients as they are and hope to enrich their lives through treatment. Our vision for the future is an authentic and loving community. Everyone should be seen, heard and valued as they are. We believe in the light within each individual. When that light is properly nurtured it can allow a person to shine brighter than ever before.

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.