Information for Physicians
Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy
Many patients do not recognize psychological distress until their functioning has deteriorated to the point of disability. The physician may be the best equipped to detect psychological distress before it becomes debilitating or destroys relationships. The trust between a physician and patient provides the kind of safe haven where recommendations for obtaining psychological input can be made.
MedPsych Resources specializes in short-term, goal-focused psychotherapy using cognitive-behavioral strategies. After initial assessment, we work with the patient to set short-term, achievable objectives to increase feelings of self-efficacy and control. Cognitive-behavioral techniques such as activity monitoring, cognitive restructuring, behavioral programming, anxiety reduction, imagery, autogenic relaxation, stress inoculation, and assertiveness training are instituted to increase feelings of control and autonomy. Later treatment ensures that behavioral changes persist by generalizing across therapeutic settings.
Cognitive-behavioral input may obviate the need for psychiatric medications, but some psychological distress is more amenable to improvement with combined psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. We can monitor your patient’s response to medications, provide a referral to a psychiatrist, and monitor potential for self-harm.