Psychiatric Consultations

Many people live with undiagnosed conditions like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and other mood disorders. This can lead to disruptions in work, relationships, and overall well-being. Fortunately, David Kalkstien, MD, PhD, and the expert providers at David Kalkstein & Associates provide adults with comprehensive psychiatric consultations at locations in Rehoboth Beach and Wilmington, Delaware, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A thorough assessment of your current symptoms and day-to-day struggles helps your provider diagnose a condition and create a customized treatment plan. To book a consultation, reach out online or call today.

What is a psychiatric consultation?

A psychiatric consultation evaluates your mental health holistically, focusing on your complaints, symptoms, or disordered behavior. The consultation at David Kalkstein & Associates typically takes around an hour.

A psychiatric consultation helps your provider properly diagnose a condition or disorder you have and then develop an effective treatment plan. The practice ensures your treatment plan encompasses your specific concerns, preferences, values, and health goals.   

What are the benefits of a psychiatric consultation?

You may want to schedule a psychiatric consultation if you’re suffering from uncontrollable mental health concerns, have overwhelming life stressors, or expect you may have a biological imbalance like a hormonal or chemical deficiency. 

A psychiatric consultation can diagnose several conditions, including: 

• Depression
• Anxiety 
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 
• Bipolar disorder 
• Mood disorders
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Addiction 
• Schizophrenia 

You may have one or multiple disorders. Often, anxiety and depression can exacerbate mood disorders, or various mood disorders or PTSD can lead to anxiety and depression. 

A consultation jumpstarts your healing journey and can provide you with immediate treatment options.  

What happens during a psychiatric consultation?

At your consultation, you can expect your David Kalkstein & Associates provider to be transparent about the process every step of the way. They may: 

• Check your general appearance
• Examine any current physical symptoms 
• Evaluate your emotions and expressions 
• Check your speech 
• Assess your perception and thinking patterns 
• Evaluate your cognitive health 
• Discuss your and your family’s medical history
• Ask about any substance abuse issues 

If your provider suspects that underlying health conditions are leading to your mental health concerns, they may encourage a blood test. 

After the general check-up, you can share any symptoms, such as anxieties, fears, relationship or social issues, phobias, delusions, tendencies toward isolation, or anger around past trauma. 

After the consultation, your provider may diagnose you with a mental health condition. They then collaborate with you to develop a customized treatment plan. 

Your provider can prescribe medications to alleviate symptoms of mood disorders, PTSD, or anxiety. These may include mood stabilizers, antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, or atypical antipsychotics. 

Various talk therapy options provide you with tools to change negative thought or behavior cycles and alleviate symptoms. 

For treatment-resistant conditions, the practice offers innovative brain stimulation therapies like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). 

To schedule a consultation, call David Kalkstein & Associates today or book an appointment online.