Mental Health Specialist in Pittsburgh, PA
Mental Health Services
Did you know that in the United States, almost half of adults (46.4%) will experience a mental illness during their lifetime? Or that half of all mental disorders begin by age 14, and three-quarters by age 24? And yet, only 41% of the people who had a mental disorder in the past year received professional health care or other services -- something we find unacceptable.
At Direct Care Physicians of Pittsburgh (DCPP), our team of highly qualified physicians are here for those struggling with mental health care needs. To schedule a visit or sign up for our services, please contact us at (412) 685-3373 or submit an online appointment request for a free consultation. We allow a full hour for new patient appointments.
Note that you can also spend half an hour with one of our doctors during an initial consultation, where you can explore the DPC care model and ask us questions directly. You will have no obligation to register with us following a consultation. No medical advice or treatment will be offered at this consultation.
Direct Mental Healthcare across wexford & Pittsburgh
Treatment Options for Depression, Anxiety and More
Mental health and its challenges can take many forms. At Direct Care Physicians of Pittsburgh, we take all of them very seriously as potential hazards to your overall health and wellbeing. Some of the most commonly recognized mental health issues include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Bipolar disorder
- Addiction
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Schizophrenia
However, a comprehensive list of mental health concerns would be much longer. Dealing with mental health is especially important because its symptoms, and the burdens it places on patients, cannot always be seen. This makes it easier for patients to suffer in lonely silence, which further exacerbates the symptoms of the mental health condition. But our practice sees you -- and wants to help
FAQs on Mental Health:
Why Do Mental Health Issues Develop?
Many factors contribute to mental health problems. Biological factors (i.e. genetics and brain chemistry) are a common source of these health issues. This is because any time the brain and body are exposed to a change in internal chemistry (i.e. hormones, neurotransmitters, etc.), we begin to interact with the world differently than we would otherwise.
Changes in our natural chemistry are not the only reasons for mental health issues, however. Traumatic life experiences, such as abuse, can also trigger a mental health decline. And unfortunately, a family history of a disorder increases people’s risk of suffering from that disorder themselves.
What are the Risks of Not Receiving Mental Health Care?
While specific risks may vary slightly based on an individual and their diagnosis, the following are all examples of what can result from a lack of mental health care:
- In the United States, individuals dealing with mood disorders (including major depression, dysthymic disorder, and bipolar disorder) are at risk of needing to be hospitalized.
- Any person living with serious mental illness faces an increased risk of developing chronic medical conditions.
- For students, there is an increased risk of dropping out of school.
- Unfortunately, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S., and the 2nd leading cause of death for people aged 10–34. More than 90% of people who die by suicide show symptoms of a mental health condition.
What are Common Warning Signs and Symptoms?
While specific symptoms may vary from health issue to health issue, generally speaking, experiencing one or more of the following feelings or behaviors can be an early warning sign of a problem:
- An inability to perform daily tasks
- Changes in eating or sleeping (i.e. too much or too little of either)
- Avoiding people and/or historically enjoyable activities
- Having low or no energy
- Feeling numb or like nothing matters, and/or feeling helpless or hopeless
- Changes in mood (i.e. unusually confused, forgetful, on edge, angry, upset, worried, or scared)
- Out of the ordinary yelling or fighting with family and friends
- Hearing voices or believing things that are not true
- Thinking of harming yourself or others
If you have additional questions about specific care options for a particular health issue, please contact us! We would love the opportunity to review your needs and determine if we are a good fit for your healthy living efforts.