Glossary of Psychiatric Terminology

We offer many services at Roots, so many in fact that it’s sometimes confusing to know who does what, and what each service looks like. Here’s a quick primer:

Psychiatrist

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in the treatment of the mental, behavioral, and emotional challenges. Psychiatrists can prescribe medication, conduct assessments, and order/interpret labs. Psychiatrists can also supervise other medical providers who provide these services.

Physician Assistant

Physician Assistants, or PAs, have completed graduate training in medicine, including specialization in the field of psychiatry. PAs working under the supervision of a medical doctor can provide the full spectrum of care that doctors provide.

Psychotherapist

Psychotherapists have completed graduate training in psychotherapy, and specialize in addressing challenges through various forms of talk-therapy, usually in one-hour appointments. 

At RBH, psychotherapists are also trained to facilitate ketamine-assisted-psychotherapy, which are two-hour sessions. 

Psychologist

Psychologists have completed a PhD or PsyD and work in many fields doing many different things, from advising companies to teaching in universities. Clinical Psychologists focus on providing talk-therapy, and many also conduct assessments. 

Psychiatric Care (also known as) Medication Management

Psychiatric care and medication management begins with a one-hour intake evaluation to assess your needs and intentions, collect relevant history, and develop a plan for treatment. Our PAs and Psychiatrists may order labs to facilitate this process. Lifestyle factors are addressed and medications prescribed when necessary. Follow-up appointments are scheduled as needed.

Psychotherapy

All evidence suggests that psychiatric care is more impactful when paired with psychotherapy. Our therapists provide safe, focused, and compassionate support for patients working through most forms of psychological pain.

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy

This innovative approach pairs the transformational impact of ketamine with the skilled care of a psychotherapist to support change at the deepest levels. We invest fully in preparation and integration, as well as the ketamine experience itself, to offer a truly comprehensive experience.