Psychiatric Services
Dr. Wegierek is the 13th psychologist in the state of Illinois to become licensed to prescribe psychotropic medication, and the first prescribing psychologist worldwide that speaks the Polish language.
Expert Psychiatric Services
The “Prescribing Authority Law” became effective in Illinois on June 25, 2014, when Governor Pat Quinn signed the bill into law. In order for a doctor of clinical psychology to become a licensed prescribing psychologist, a candidate must complete five essential steps. These include the completion of undergraduate coursework (in medical terminology, chemistry, human anatomy, anatomy and physiology, human physiology, microbiology, and general biology or molecular biology), attainment of a postdoctoral master degree in clinical psychopharmacology, passage of the Psychopharmacology Examination for Psychologists, completion of 1,620 hours of medical rotations (in psychiatry, pediatrics, geriatrics, family medicine, internal medicine, emergency medicine, OB/GYN, surgery, and neurology), and the approval of the Illinois Clinical Psychologists Licensing and Disciplinary Board.
Dr. Wegierek is well prepared to provide psychiatric services and sees patients in her Chicago and Orland Park locations. Since she is primarily
a psychologist, she provides 45-minute sessions in two treatment modalities at the same time, psychotherapy and psychiatric services. Dr. Wegierek provides
a unique benefit to patients blending personalized psychotherapy with medication management specialized for each patient.
Another benefit is that by Dr. Wegierek providing both of these services to her patients, they no longer require two providers for medications and psychotherapy.
Dr. Wegierek sees new patients for an initial evaluation during which she gathers medical, social, family, occupational, and mental health history before addressing medication management issues. Most of the medications she prescribes are antidepressants, mood stabilizers and psychotropic medications.
Expert Psychiatric Services
Psychiatric services can be provided by medical doctors, psychiatrists, nurses, physician assistants, and prescribing psychologists. As a provider of mental health services, the prescribing psychologist is highly qualified to provide a more holistic approach to mental health services than the other providers of medication listed above. Prescribing psychologists have a doctoral degree in clinical psychology and are specialists in providing psychotherapy. In the case of Dr. Wegierek, she also has specialized training in conducting psychological and neuropsychological testing. Prescribing psychologists also have a master’s degree in psychopharmacology and have the ability to provide psychiatry and psychotherapy together, adding to the convenience of their mental health service.
Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluations
An initial appointment with Dr. Wegierek lasts at least an hour. During this time, she completes a comprehensive intake history that includes physical health, mental health, social skills, work life issues, personal relationships, and legal history. After explaining the diagnostic criteria used to assess the patient’s needs, she discusses the patient’s preferences for medication management.
Dr. Wegierek generally prescribes the initial medication at lower dosages and explains to her patients that starting low prevents, in most cases, unexpected side effects. She also schedules a return visit within a week to discuss how their body has reacted to the medication and whether the medication should be continued at the current dose, should be discontinued, and/or if an increase in dosage is warranted.
Dr. Wegierek explains the potential for expected side effects that may include headaches, gastric discomfort, or other symptoms that can be managed without going to the ER. Her patients can contact her anytime if they have questions or feel worried or anxious about the process.
Dr. Wegierek can be contacted through her electronic medical records system and/or by calling her office that has an answering service after hours. If patients need immediate assistance, they should go to ER to investigate the problem.
Dr. Wegierek educates her patients about the pharmacodynamics (what the drug does to the human body) and pharmacokinetics (what the body does to the drug). There is always the possibility that unexpected side effects can occur and may be dangerous. Patients are instructed on what symptoms to look for that may require a visit to the ER to make sure that there are no harmful interactions.
It is important to note that using substances such as illegal drugs, marijuana, and/or other products including herbal remedies may hinder the treatment. It is strongly recommended to stay away from excessive alcohol intake as well as using non-prescription drugs. Women patients that consume four or more alcoholic drinks a day, or eight or more drinks per week is considered excessive. Male patients that consume five or more drinks a day, or 15 or more per week is considered dangerous.
Before she prescribes medication, Dr. Wegierek advises her patients to not to use any additional substances and to forgo alcohol consumption. When the important disclosures are discussed and all the patient’s questions are answered, she then sends the medication order via electronic medical records to a pharmacy of their choice.
When the patient decides that Dr. Wegierek will be their provider, they can then choose to see her for medication management only or for medication management with psychotherapy.
Schedule an Evaluation, Learn More About Our Psychiatric Services
Psychiatric services are available for patients in Chicago and Orland Park.
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