Psychoeducation

Empowering You with Knowledge for Better Mental Health

SERVING TEXAS, MINNESOTA & IOWA

Patterns Psychiatry offers psychoeducation services that provide the knowledge you need to understand your mental health and provide you with information and strategies. Psychoeducation helps remove the stigma around mental health diagnosis and treatment, empowering you in your treatment process.

 An image of a woman who is enjoying an ice cream cone and holding a bouquet of flowers she has purchased resembling the relief she feels after reaching out to Patterns Psychiatry for their psychoeducation services. These services are available in Texas, Minnesota, and Iowa.

Will psychoeducation help me?

Through psychoeducation, you can learn about your diagnosis and symptoms and learn what treatment options are available. You’ll learn the definitions of mental health terms and develop an understanding of how your mental health has impacted your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Your provider will clear away myths around your mental health diagnosis, answering your questions and guiding you to a better understanding of your lived experience.

Psychoeducation can help people who:

Feeling hopeless or empty?
Engaging in impulsive behaviors?
Feeling anxious and like you can’t calm down?
Changes in your eating habits?
Worrying consistently?
Urges to self-harm?
Experiencing obsessive thoughts or rumination?
Having a hard time maintaining relationships?
Feeling like your emotions are out of control?
Uncontrollable mood swings or issues with anger?
Changes in sleep patterns?
Thoughts of suicide?

Will psychoeducation help me?

Through psychoeducation, you can learn about your diagnosis and symptoms and learn what treatment options are available. You’ll learn the definitions of mental health terms and develop an understanding of how your mental health has impacted your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Your provider will clear away myths around your mental health diagnosis, answering your questions and guiding you to a better understanding of your lived experience.

Psychoeducation can help people who:

Have a mental health diagnosis that they don't fully understand
Need support in determining next steps for their mental health treatment
Are unsure which of their experiences are symptoms of their mental health condition
Are interested in making changes to their current mental health treatment plan
Have family that want to learn about their mental health diagnosis
Are unsure why different treatment options will help them

Will psychoeducation help me?

Through psychoeducation, you can learn about your diagnosis and symptoms and learn what treatment options are available. You’ll learn the definitions of mental health terms and develop an understanding of how your mental health has impacted your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Your provider will clear away myths around your mental health diagnosis, answering your questions and guiding you to a better understanding of your lived experience.

Psychoeducation can help people who:

Anxiety
Depression
Grief
PTSD or cPTSD
Trauma
Anger Management
Bipolar disorder
Schizophrenia
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Being an Abuse Survivor
Panic Attacks
Eating disorders
Psychosis
Postpartum Depression, Anxiety
Substance Misuse & Addiction

Will psychoeducation help me?

Through psychoeducation, you can learn about your diagnosis and symptoms and learn what treatment options are available. You’ll learn the definitions of mental health terms and develop an understanding of how your mental health has impacted your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Your provider will clear away myths around your mental health diagnosis, answering your questions and guiding you to a better understanding of your lived experience.

Psychoeducation can help people who:

Anxiety
Depression
Bipolar disorder
Schizophrenia
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Eating disorders
Psychosis
Postpartum Depression, Anxiety
Substance Misuse & Addiction

Will psychoeducation help me?

Through psychoeducation, you can learn about your diagnosis and symptoms and learn what treatment options are available. You’ll learn the definitions of mental health terms and develop an understanding of how your mental health has impacted your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Your provider will clear away myths around your mental health diagnosis, answering your questions and guiding you to a better understanding of your lived experience.

Psychoeducation can help people who:

Are looking to make a change in their life but are unsure where to start.
Are interested in making changes in their relationships (romantic, friendship, work colleagues).
Want to advance in their career or to change careers.
Want to change their relationship with money.
Want to learn something new and gain new skills.
Want to understand themselves better.
Are interested in improving their confidence and their self-trust.
Want to develop their interpersonal skills.
Want to better understand their own personality and motivations.
Want help moving on from difficult events in their life.
Want to make changes in their nutrition and exercise habits.
Want to decide on a new path in life.

Will psychoeducation help me?

Through psychoeducation, you can learn about your diagnosis and symptoms and learn what treatment options are available. You’ll learn the definitions of mental health terms and develop an understanding of how your mental health has impacted your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Your provider will clear away myths around your mental health diagnosis, answering your questions and guiding you to a better understanding of your lived experience.

Psychoeducation can help people who:

Are experiencing self-harm urges or the urge to hurt other people
Need to start psychiatric medication as soon as possible
Are dealing with suicidal thoughts and feelings
Feel like you are overwhelmed, out of control, hopeless, or like life is too much for you
Are about to run out of psychiatric medication
Need someone to talk to as soon as possible.
benefits

We can Help you Feel Well Again.

We are dedicated to providing professional & heartfelt care in all our services, from your psych eval to psychotherapy to medication management. Your expert provider will ensure your plan is grounded in data, lending support from beginning to end. Choose medication, therapy, or both.

See a provider within 24-48 hours

Receive quick guidance and support by speaking with a licensed professional virtually in a matter of hours.

Individualized help

Our treatment plans are tailored to your specific needs, providing you a clear path to success.

care for severe mental illnesses

We offer care for mild to severe depression, anxiety, and more —including Urgent Care for individuals with elevated suicide risk.

1:1 support from start to finish

Get paired with a dedicated provider to serve as your single point of contact throughout treatment.

Hear What Our Patients Have To Say

I have to say that I've experienced the best services from Patterns Psychiatry. Miss Ezema shows her most concern for you by truly listening and gives you sincere feedback. She has the most soothing soft voice, and at the same time she is very professional. With all sincerity I consider her the best I've had in many year of needing medicine and someone that truly listens to your needs.
Ruth T.
I always look forward to my appointments with Dr. Abraham. We talk about the medicine but she also checks on my mental health period and I really appreciate her for that. She remembers things from our previous sessions that she checks on and shows she’s invested in her patients.
Amanda H.
Nurse practitioner Chigane Abraham has been AMAZING. I have been seeing her for almost 8 months now and every visit with her has been pleasant. I have not had good experiences with psychiatrist but she changed my outlook on things. She is extremely patient, understanding, and welcoming. I’m so thankful I stumbled upon Patterns Psychiatry to take care of all my mental health needs. <3
Margie W.
I’ve been doing telemedicine visits with Nkechi and I’m very satisfied so far. She is very attentive and seems extremely knowledgeable. I am growing more comfortable with her with each visit. I’m very grateful.
Trinity I.
I actually felt listen to unlike other psychiatrist that I’ve ever been to. She took the time to read my bio and all of the information that I left on their website, which was a lot, I really appreciated that she took my time and feelings during our meeting seriously. I’m looking forward for my next appointment.
Frances G.
Patterns Psychiatry provides a great way of receiving the psychiatric care you need while not having to travel. Very supportive, validating, and caring.
Kiera H.
The people at Patterns Psychiatry are always accommodating and helpful.  It was easy to begin there as a new patient, I always get multiple appointment reminders, and they are very easy to contact if necessary outside of appointment times.  Thank you guys!!
Rachel S.
I started seeing Chigane Abraham back in January. I’ve had experiences in the past with mental health professionals that felt very shallow and they prescribed medicine without even getting to know me. Chigane is AMAZING! I feel so happy to have found a psychiatrist that truly cares about me as an individual. Through working with her, I’ve gotten on a medication that helps ease my anxiety and I’m feeling so much happier and healthier since seeing her. I highly highly recommend!!!!!
Marilyn B.
I’m very happy with the staff and Dr. A at Patterns Psychiatry. They are very quick to respond to emails even after hours and on weekends. Wonderful ladies!
Ashlynn B.
I have struggled finding a decent psychiatrist that actually cares about their patients and doesn’t just view them as another payday but as a person. I have felt comfortable with Patterns’ team since my first visit. I highly recommend seeing them if you have dealt with the struggles I have.
Ryan C.
The doctor is very sweet and helpful to my mother.  She's trying to take good  care of her and keep her safe with her meds.  She really cares!
Tammy M.
Psychoeducation

frequently asked Questions

If your question isn’t answered below, reach out to us.

Why would I need a psychiatric evaluation?

A psychiatric evaluation can help give you some clarity and a plan to move forward if you’re experiencing symptoms that may point to a mental health condition. An evaluation with a board-certified psychiatrist can open doors for you in terms of accessing diagnosis, medication options, and treatment recommendations.

What will happen during my psychiatric evaluation appointment?

During your appointment, you will discuss your current experiences, family history, personal mental health history, and significant life events with a board-certified psychiatrist. They will ask clarifying questions and work to understand your experience and circumstances. 

Your psychiatrist will then create an evaluation report for you, which may include detailed diagnoses, medication recommendations, and/or therapy structure and modality recommendations. This report will include their reasoning, and the detailed recommendations will include information to effectively connect you with the services that are mentioned in the report.

For example, depending on someone’s circumstances, they might receive a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, with a referral to an inpatient program or intensive outpatient program to get started on medication management and therapy. This is just one example and does not show the limits of what a psychiatric evaluation can provide. All in all, your psychiatrist will work diligently to create a plan that will help you manage your symptoms and create a path forward in your life.

Is my Patterns Psychiatry evaluation confidential?

Yes, everything you share in an evaluation is confidential. We can release your records to other medical professionals but will request and obtain your permission before we do so. The only exception to this rule of confidentiality involves scenarios where someone has active plans to harm themselves or someone else. In that instance, our psychiatric nurse practitioners will get you the emergency medical help you need and provide the appropriate personnel with only the information needed to keep you safe.

Do I have to do everything that is recommended during my psych eval?

No, these evaluations are not compulsory, and you will not be required to follow all or any of the recommendations. We do encourage you to consider them, and you can request more information for clarity if any of the report is unclear or you are uncertain about any of the recommendations.

Am I going to have to take medication? Will psych meds be prescribed during the eval?

Medication use is not compulsory, but there may be situations where it is highly recommended. If medication is a part of your recommended treatment plan, your psychiatric nurse practitioner will can get you set up with our medication management services, and will most likely be the one who will also provide ongoing care, which may include prescription medication.

Do you have more questions? 
Psychoeducation

frequently asked Questions

If your question isn’t answered below, reach out to us.

What is psychoeducation?

Psychoeducation is a structured therapy that provides you with information about your mental health diagnosis and/or symptoms. It also provides individualized education on treatment methods so you can understand all your options. You'll get information that gives you a context for your symptoms and experiences, helping you to understand yourself. Your psychoeducation provider will also answer questions and dispel myths about your diagnosis and treatment options.

Psychoeducation incorporates methods from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and education, incorporating coping strategies drawn from mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, boundary enforcement, and interpersonal communication skills. This combination creates a supportive structure that provides information and options personalized to you and your current experiences. 

What happens in a psychoeducation session?

As you begin psychoeducation with a Patterns Psychiatry provider, you’ll answer questions about your symptoms and experiences and begin receiving information that helps you understand your diagnosis.

You’ll learn about:
- Common symptoms for your diagnosis
- Information on why you are experiencing the symptoms you have
- How to cope with your diagnosis and symptoms
- What treatment options are available
- How to find treatment
- What to watch for in terms of symptom escalation or relapse
- Long-term options
- How to help your family and friends understand your experiences

Do I only need psychoeducation, or should it be part of a broader treatment plan?

Psychoeducation can be integral to a successful treatment plan. Psychoeducation helps people stick with their treatment because understanding what’s happening and why helps you choose the treatment that makes the most sense for you. Having a greater context for each step you take in your treatment plan helps make your treatment experience make sense.

Psychoeducation rarely stands alone in your treatment process. Incorporating other therapy modalities and treatment options gives you more support as you heal. However, psychoeducation serves as a solid starting point where understanding can guide you in your treatment choices.

Do you have more questions? 
Psychoeducation

frequently asked Questions

If your question isn’t answered below, reach out to us.

What happens in a psychotherapy session?

In your first few sessions, your therapist will get to know you and work to understand what you hope to get out of therapy. They will ask questions about your current symptoms, your life, your personal and family history and work with you to develop a plan to make sure your sessions are tailored to your exact needs and wants.

In later psychotherapy sessions, your therapist will ask you about new developments in your week and reviewing what you discussed in your previous session. They may have activities for you to practice, or will ask questions to encourage introspection around a particular topic. You will be able to explore topics in your life that mean the most to you, with your therapist encouraging your openness to help you fully heal. Your session will wrap up with goals for the next session, as well as ideas or topics to consider throughout your week.

Are my psychotherapy sessions confidential?

Your psychotherapy sessions will be entirely confidential. If you or your therapist feel your therapy notes and records need to be shared, this will only happen after you sign a form agreeing to their release to specific parties.

I've tried therapy before and didn't like it. Should I try again?

Sometimes, clients and therapists are a mismatch. This doesn’t make you bad at therapy; it simply means you need a better fit. Psychotherapy incorporates a huge variety of techniques and gives you a wide array of options to explore. This variety makes it more likely that you and your therapist will find techniques and processes that speak to you. We encourage you to try again with therapy. Patterns Psychiatry can help you find a personality match with your therapist and a better modality match for the methods you work with in therapy. 

I'm not sure my problems are big enough for therapy. How can I tell?

It’s not a requirement that you be in crisis or have major problems to attend therapy. Psychotherapy, in particular, can help with problems and experiences, big or small, and can even be useful simply for helping you get better in touch with yourself, your values, and your wants and needs. 

It is also important to acknowledge that your experiences may seem small in comparison to others, but they are yours, and they have an impact on you. They may have a larger impact than you realize and psychotherapy with a licensed therapist can help you process those impacts and develop healthy coping mechanisms for any challenge in life.

Some specific symptoms that can be eased by psychotherapy include:
- Excessive worry or restlessness
- Sleep pattern changes
- Irritability or anger
- Hopelessness or feeling empty
- Fear of certain situations or subjects
- Impulsive or compulsive behaviors or thoughts
- Eating issues
- Trouble coping with work, school, or home situations
- Difficulty with social interactions
- Panic attacks

Do you have more questions? 
Psychoeducation

frequently asked Questions

If your question isn’t answered below, reach out to us.

Can my medication management practitioner provide therapy, too?

Patterns Psychiatry offers both psychotherapy and medication management services. If your provider for medication management services has availability for psychotherapy, they may be able to provide those services for you as well, however we also have a community referral program and can refer clients to licensed therapists, psychologists, and other licensed allied medical groups.

Do I have to do therapy as well if I have a psychiatrist for medication management?

It is not a requirement that you participate in therapy services in addition to medication management services. We do encourage you to seek out as many treatment options as possible for your mental health condition, and our psychiatric evaluation services can help you develop a treatment plan that explores all treatment possibilities available to you if you do want to pursue therapy.

Can Patterns Psychiatry prescribe all medications?

All of our board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioners can prescribe medications, at their discretion, for diagnosed mental health conditions. Your provider will work to find you the most useful, and most well-tolerated, medication to help you manage your symptoms. 

Our psychiatric nurse practitioners cannot provide medication management for any non-mental health conditions.

I am experiencing side effects from my medication. What should I do?

If you are experiencing side effects that are causing concern or any new mental health symptoms, contact your medication management provider as soon as possible for guidance. Do not discontinue medications without supervision from your psychiatrist.

What should I do if I’m about to run out of my medication?

If you are about to run out or have run out of your medication, your first step should be to fill out our Medication Refill form by clicking here.

If you are in a situation where you need to be helped immediately, making an appointment with Patterns Psychiatry’s Urgent Care service is your next step. They may be able to help you maintain your medication schedule until your main medication management provider can step in.

It is important to follow up as soon as possible with your medication management provider if you do make use of Patterns Psychiatry’s Urgent Care services.

Do you have more questions? 
Psychoeducation

frequently asked Questions

If your question isn’t answered below, reach out to us.

What is life coaching? Is it the same as therapy?

Therapy and life coaching are both highly valuable spaces that are designed to help you, but there are some key differences. Your life coach will not diagnose you or actively treat any mental health conditions. Life coaches provide support and active guidance on particular topics in your life that you want to prioritize. The focus will be on developing skills, planning, and taking action to create a life situation that fits your own goals and values.

How can life coaching help me?

Life coaching is a way to offer you different ways of thinking and doing when it comes to life goals, thought and behavior patterns, and self-understanding. Life coaching can help you see where the change that you want can happen and how. Your life coach will work with you to find the roadblocks in your life, helping you clear them and encouraging you to develop mindsets and take paths in life that let you grow and thrive.

What happens in a life coaching session?

When you begin work with your life coach, they will ask you questions and encourage you to share the reasons you’ve sought out life coaching. They will learn about you and your life, and use that knowledge to develop a plan with you for how to help you pursue your goals. 

Each session will begin with a debrief on what has happened for you since the last session. Your life coach will check in with you on progress and help you process what you’ve experienced as you enact the plan you developed together. They will give you insights and ask for your thoughts, helping you feel seen and heard. Your life coach may bring in assessments or skills to practice during your session that will help you work toward your goals, and you and your life coach will decide on the steps you’ll take before your next session.

Are life coaching sessions confidential?

Life coaching is handled similarly to therapy in that it is considered completely confidential between you and your life coach. You are welcome to share whatever you choose about your life coaching sessions with the people in your life, but your life coach will never share details unless you specifically request and sign off on the transfer of information to a specific person or persons.

Do you have more questions? 
Psychoeducation

frequently asked Questions

If your question isn’t answered below, reach out to us.

What will happen during my Urgent Care appointment with Pattern Psychiatry?

During your appointment, your provider will ask you questions to understand what you’re experiencing and how they can help. The goal will always be to help you immediately and prevent your symptoms from getting worse. Depending on your needs, your provider will work with you to develop a plan designed to help you today and into the future. This may include medication management, referral to other services within the community, immediate counseling support, and even emergency medical response if needed.

Will my session be confidential?

Yes, with some exceptions. What you share with our providers is considered confidential, private information, the sharing of which you control. However, if your provider realizes you are in immediate danger, they will help you get in-person emergency medical help as soon as possible and may need to call 911 or an inpatient facility. They will help you get through your crisis and on to a healthier, calmer tomorrow.

What mental health conditions can urgent care help with?

- Anxiety and depression
- Grief
- PTSD and trauma
- Bipolar disorder
- Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
- Suicidal ideation
- Substance abuse
- Eating disorders
- Schizophrenia
- Psychosis
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Postpartum depression, anxiety, and OCD
- Sef-harm

What should I do about follow-up care?

Your provider will include help with finding follow-up care as part of the plan developed in your Urgent Care appointment. They will help refer you to the services in the community that can best help you in the long term. Your provider will explain the plan they develop, making sure you understand how to move forward.

How quickly can I get help with Urgent Care from Pattern Psychiatry?

Our Urgent Care services are typically available same-day, and we will connect you with one of our providers as quickly as possible. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency and you are concerned about your safety, please call 911. We will be here after you receive emergency help, ready to support your long-term care.

Do you have more questions? 
An image of a woman who has sought out psychiatric evaluation through Patterns Psychiatry and is expressing relief from the help she is receiving. These services are available in Texas, Minnesota, and Iowa
why patterns psychiatry

You've Found Us For A Reason

We know how hard that first step may be.

But once you simply make the commitment to prioritize yourself & your mental wellbeing by booking an appointment, you'll feel a significant weight off your shoulders.

We'd be humbled to support you in this life-changing journey of prioritizing and optimizing your mental health so you can experience true joy once again.

How it works

How will a virtual appointment work?

Here are the 4 easy steps to securing an appointment with Patterns Psychiatry

1

Book an Appointment

The first step is to book an virtual appointment with the healthcare provider or professional. This can usually be done online, over the phone or via email.

2

Prepare for the appointment

Send/give the following information to create a new patient portal account and verify insurance eligibility.

3

Confirm The appointment

We will send you a link to the patient portal where you will fill out consents and intake paperwork; (also confirm your selected appointment within 48h before the appointment)

4

Join the virtual appointment

Click the Telehealth link  in your email to meet with your provider.

Ready to Take Your First Step Towards a Happier Life?

Our compassionate and experienced team is here to support you on your journey. Don't wait to prioritize your mental health and wellbeing

Book an appointment
741-741

If you’re in emotional distress, text HOME to connect with a counselor immediately.

988

Call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for 24/7 emotional support.

911

If you’re having a medical or mental health emergency, call 911 or go to your local ER.