Mental Health

Up to one in four Americans have an underlying medical condition that affects their mental health. If you regularly experience feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or intense anxiety, it’s crucial to seek treatment. At Rise and Thrive Healthcare, Jessica Gutierrez, FNP-BC, and the team provide mental health evaluations to people of all ages. To make an appointment, call the office at 815.685.4665 or schedule your appointment online.

What is mental health?

Mental health is a family medicine subspecialty that focuses on your mood, behavior, and outlook. When you have good mental health, it’s easier to form relationships and better cope with life’s daily challenges. Likewise, poor mental health can leave you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.

Fortunately, there are various things you can do to achieve better mental health. Simple lifestyle changes like eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep can make all the difference.

When should I request a mental health evaluation?

Request a mental health evaluation with Jessica and the team at Rise and Thrive Healthcare if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Difficulty paying attention or focusing
• Problems concentrating or staying on task
• Prolonged feelings of sadness or despair
• Intense anxiety that lasts throughout the day
• Extreme emotional highs and lows
• Paranoia
• Nightmares or flashbacks
• Thoughts of death or suicide
• Auditory or visual hallucinations

You should also request a mental health evaluation if you are using substances, like alcohol or recreational drugs, more frequently. 

These and other related symptoms may indicate a mental illness, like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Jessica and the team are here for you. They can pinpoint the source of your symptoms and help you feel better.

How is mental illness diagnosed?

To diagnose a mental illness, your Rise and Thrive Healthcare provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms. Next, they perform a physical exam and order lab tests, including urinalysis and blood work. Your provider also asks you to fill out a mental health questionnaire that asks about your lifestyle, mood, and current outlook.

After gathering the necessary information, your provider develops a treatment plan.

What are some examples of mental health treatment?

At Rise and Thrive Healthcare, Jessica and the team offer several types of mental health treatment. Depending on your needs, they might recommend:

• Talk therapy (counseling)
• Learning new coping skills
• Prescription antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication
• Medication management

To ensure you receive maximum benefits from your medication, the team offers GeneSite® testing. During GeneSite testing, your provider collects a sample of saliva and sends it to a lab. The lab analyzes your DNA and matches it with the medication your body will best respond to. Insurance covers testing, and it takes very little time.

After the team finds a medication (or medications) that could work, they can help manage your treatment regimen and adjust the dosage as necessary. Our office does not offer treatments with controlled substances. 

To receive mental healthcare, make an appointment at Rise and Thrive Healthcare by calling the office at 815.685.4665 or scheduling online.