Anxiety and depression can range from mild, situational symptoms to conditions that substantially interfere with sleep, work, relationships, decision-making, and self-care. When symptoms are persistent or severe, psychiatric evaluation may be an important part of treatment.
Helyx Health provides outpatient psychiatry for adults in Palo Alto and surrounding Peninsula communities.
When psychiatric evaluation may help
Consider psychiatric care when symptoms significantly disrupt daily life, recur despite previous treatment, or do not improve enough with psychotherapy alone. An evaluation may also be useful when a patient has questions about a current medication, side effects, a possible mood disorder, or whether several symptoms may be connected.
What the clinician will assess
The clinician reviews the nature and duration of symptoms, medical and psychiatric history, prior episodes, medications, sleep, substance use, family history, and functioning. Anxiety and depression can occur together and may also overlap with trauma, bipolar disorder, ADHD, OCD, sleep conditions, medication effects, and medical concerns.
Assessment helps guide treatment and identify situations that may require another level or type of care.
Medication and follow-up care
If medication is appropriate, the clinician will discuss options, potential benefits, risks, side effects, and alternatives. Follow-up evaluates response and safety. Medication changes are individualized; no option guarantees improvement or works identically for every patient.
Combining psychiatry with therapy
Psychotherapy may help patients address avoidance, hopelessness, relationship patterns, stress, trauma, coping skills, and behavior change. Psychiatric care focuses on medical assessment and medication management. Patients may use either service or both, depending on their needs and preferences.
Urgent and emergency needs
Helyx Health is an outpatient practice and does not provide emergency psychiatry or acute stabilization. If you may act on thoughts of suicide, cannot remain safe, are experiencing severe mania or psychosis, or have another immediate emergency, call 911, call or text 988, or go to the nearest emergency department.
Psychiatry near Palo Alto
Helyx Health serves patients near 518 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94301 and surrounding communities.
