Finding the Right Support: Understanding Adult Psychiatry Services with Dr. Buickians

When life feels overwhelming, knowing where to turn for help can be one of the hardest steps. Whether you’re managing anxiety, depression, or another mental health challenge, you deserve care that’s compassionate, accessible, and tailored to you.

At Community Services Group (CSG), our Adult Psychiatry Services provide personalized, evidence-based care for adults who need help managing their mental health through a combination of medication management, evaluation, and therapeutic support.

To better understand what Adult Psychiatric services may look like, we sat down with Dr. Adam Biuckians, MD, CSG’s Medical Director, and Board Certified Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatrist, to discuss some commonly asked questions and what patients and partners should know about these services.

1. What exactly is Adult Psychiatry and who is it for?

Dr. Biuckians:

“Our services are designed for adults experiencing a range of mental health conditions – such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or trauma-related challenges – who may benefit from psychiatric evaluation and medication management as part of their care. If you or someone you know is struggling, or if you’re not sure what’s wrong but know something feels off, a psychiatric provider can help you understand what’s going on and create a plan for feeling better.

Sometimes individuals come to us directly, while others are referred by primary care providers, therapists, or community organizations. We also see people who have tried therapy alone but haven’t achieved the results they need.”

2. How is it different from therapy or counseling?

Dr. Biuckians:

“Psychiatric providers take a whole-person approach, meaning they look to understand how biological, psychological, and social factors interact to shape a person’s well-being. As medical professionals, they can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe medication, and also guide treatment plans that may include therapy, lifestyle changes, and other support. 

Therapy and counseling use different strategies to help people better understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and to build coping skills for life’s challenges. 

Many people actually benefit from both — a psychiatric provider can manage medication and overall treatment planning, while a therapist provides ongoing emotional support and skill-building. In some cases, your therapist might recommend seeing a psychiatric provider for a consultation, or vice versa.

Sometimes individuals come to us directly, while others are referred by primary care providers, therapists, or community organizations. We also see many patients who have tried therapy alone but haven’t achieved the results they need.”

3. What happens during my first appointment? What should I expect?

Dr. Biuckians:

Every person’s mental health journey is unique, and our treatment plans reflect that. Your first visit is all about getting to know you. The provider will ask about things like what’s been going on, your medical and mental health history, and what struggles you’d like help with. 

You’ll have time to ask questions and discuss options, too. Feel free to come prepared and write down anything you want to discuss beforehand. By the end of the appointment, you and your psychiatric provider will create a plan together to guide your next steps toward feeling better. “

4. Does seeing a psychiatric provider automatically mean I’ll be prescribed medication?

Dr. Biuckians:

Seeing a psychiatric provider does not mean you’ll automatically be given medication. Medication isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, it’s one piece of a larger care plan that may also include therapy and lifestyle changes.  

You always have the right to decline medication or stop it later, ideally with your psychiatric provider’s guidance to do so safely. The provider will respect your choices and work with you to find what feels right for you.”

5. How long does it usually take to feel better once treatment starts?

Dr. Biuckians:

“How quickly you start to feel better can vary a lot from person to person. It depends on the condition being treated and the treatment plan you and your psychiatric provider decide on. 

Some people notice improvement within a few weeks, while for others it can take several months or longer. Healing is a gradual process, and your psychiatric provider will check in with you along the way to adjust things as needed and support your progress.”

6. Is it normal to feel unsure about starting mental health treatment?

Dr. Biuckians:

“It’s completely normal to feel nervous about reaching out for help. It takes a lot of courage to take that first step. Many people worry about being judged or not knowing what to expect, but seeking support is actually a strong and hopeful choice. 

You don’t need to have everything figured out before you start; you just need to show up and be honest about how you’re feeling. Our psychiatric providers are there to listen, not to judge, and their goal is to help you feel understood and supported. Reaching out isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a sign that you’re ready to take care of yourself and start feeling better.”

7. What would you say to someone who isn’t sure if they need psychiatric care?

Dr. Biuckians:

“Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. It’s not a sign of weakness, rather, it’s an act of strength and self-respect. Everyone struggles at times, and having the courage to reach out for help is something to be proud of. 

If you’ve been feeling persistently sad, anxious, irritable, or just ‘off,’ and it’s impacting your daily life, that’s reason enough to talk with someone. Many people wait until things feel unmanageable, but you don’t have to.”

Ready to start healing?

Mental health looks different for everyone, and so does recovery. At CSG, our goal is to meet you where you are, help you understand your options, and walk alongside you as you work toward feeling better.

If you’re struggling, or if you’re a provider looking for a trusted referral partner, CSG’s Adult Psychiatry Services are here to help.

Thank you to Dr. Biuckians for your time and words of encouragement!