Samantha Symons, MD is a Psychiatrist practicing at her clinic in Austin, TX. As a trusted local provider on kellysearch.com, she is dedicated to providing comprehensive Psychiatric care, registered with The Texas Medical Board and practicing under the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Medical Practice Act). Psychiatrists are medical doctors specializing in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders, managing psychiatric medications, and performing advanced treatments like TMS and ECT, often working collaboratively with primary care physicians to provide comprehensive patient care. She serves all ages. Please call (512) 521-0868 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.
Dr. Symons is a psychiatrist in Austin, TX with over 20 years of experience in the medical field. She graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas in 2000 and brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and care to her patients. She is Board Certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology. Dr. Symons is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Dr. Symons primarily provides consultations in English.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Symons is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Symons provides comprehensive psychiatric care, focusing on a collaborative approach with primary care physicians. She prioritizes open communication and evidence-based treatment strategies, tailoring care plans to each patient's unique needs. This personalized approach extends to advanced therapies, including TMS and ECT, ensuring patients receive the most appropriate and effective treatment options.
By working together, you and Dr. Symons can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
As your primary healthcare provider, Dr. Symons offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Dynamic Interpersonal Therapy (DIT): Dynamic Interpersonal Therapy is a short-term therapy focusing on current relationship issues and how they impact your mental well-being, a psychiatrist can help guide you through this process.
- Seasonal Affective Disorder: SAD, or Seasonal Affective Disorder, is a type of depression triggered by reduced sunlight. A psychiatrist can help diagnose SAD and create a treatment plan that could include antidepressants, light therapy, or talk therapy.
- Alcohol Related Disorders: Psychiatrists treat alcohol abuse and dependence by assessing the severity, offering medication to manage withdrawal or cravings, and referring patients to support groups or therapy.
- Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or fatigued can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying mental health condition, and a psychiatrist can help determine the cause and recommend treatment.
- Nondependent Marijuana Abuse: This involves problematic marijuana use that falls short of a formal diagnosis of marijuana use disorder; a psychiatrist can assess the situation, address co-occurring mental health issues, and offer strategies for managing marijuana use.
- Nondependent Sedative, Hypnotic, or Anxiolytic Abuse: Nondependent sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic abuse involves misusing medications meant to calm anxiety or help with sleep, without developing a full-blown addiction.
- Histrionic Personality Disorder: Histrionic personality disorder is a condition where someone acts very dramatically and emotionally, seeking attention constantly, and a psychiatrist can help them manage these behaviors and any related distress.
This list represents some of the common conditions treated. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional.
To provide comprehensive and patient-centered care, Dr. Symons offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): Through EFT, you'll learn to understand and express your emotions more effectively, leading to stronger and healthier relationships.
- Couples Therapy: Couples therapy helps partners improve communication and resolve conflicts affecting their relationship.
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT): Through guided meditation and cognitive exercises, MBCT helps you develop skills to cope with difficult thoughts and feelings, promoting emotional regulation and mental well-being.
- Suicide Intervention: Suicide intervention helps individuals navigate immediate suicidal thoughts by providing crisis support, connecting them with mental health professionals, and developing strategies to improve their well-being.
- Outpatient Psychiatry: This type of care is for people with mental health disorders who can attend regular appointments outside of a hospital setting.
- Psychosocial Rehabilitation: It's a program designed to improve your social skills, daily living skills, and overall well-being if you're struggling with a mental health condition.
- Mindfulness Meditation: Through mindfulness meditation, you learn to observe your thoughts and feelings without judgment, which can help manage anxiety and depression symptoms.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for their professional license in Texas.
Dr. Symons is dedicated to partnering with patients to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how proactive care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- After receiving guidance through Dynamic Interpersonal Therapy (DIT), a patient felt empowered to better understand and manage their interpersonal relationships, leading to a significant reduction in anxiety.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis of Seasonal Affective Disorder, a patient successfully managed their symptoms through a combination of light therapy and talk therapy, experiencing fewer depressive episodes during the winter months.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
510 Hearn St Ste 100, Austin, TX, 78703
Phone: (512) 521-0868
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- University of Texas at Dallas (Medical School) - 2000
- American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology (Psychiatry)
Here are answers to some common questions about receiving Psychiatric care with Dr. Symons:
- What is the main difference between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist?
- Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MD or DO) who can prescribe medication, while psychologists (PhD or PsyD) specialize in psychotherapy and psychological testing. They often collaborate to provide comprehensive care.
- Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist?
- While a referral from your primary care doctor can be helpful, many insurance plans do not require one. It's always best to check with your specific insurance plan to confirm coverage details and any referral requirements before scheduling an appointment with Dr. Symons.
- What should I expect during my first psychiatric evaluation?
- Your first appointment with Dr. Symons will involve a comprehensive discussion of your symptoms, medical and family history, and current life circumstances. This allows for a thorough evaluation and accurate diagnosis. It's a collaborative conversation, the first step toward developing a personalized treatment plan.
- What is the difference between anxiety and an anxiety disorder?
- Feeling anxious is a normal human emotion in response to stress. An anxiety disorder, however, involves excessive and persistent worry that is difficult to control and interferes with daily life. Dr. Symons can help determine if your symptoms meet the criteria for a disorder and require treatment.
- What is TMS therapy and who is it for?
- TMS is a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate underactive nerve cells in the brain, often helpful for depression. It's an FDA-approved, medication-free option typically for adults with major depression who haven't responded to antidepressant medications.
- How long will it take for my medication to start working?
- Most psychiatric medications, especially antidepressants, take several weeks (4-6 weeks, on average) to reach their full therapeutic effect. Patience and regular follow-up appointments with Dr. Symons are important to monitor progress and adjust dosage as needed.
- Can a psychiatrist help with ADHD in adults?
- Yes, psychiatrists are experts in diagnosing and treating adult ADHD. Dr. Symons can perform a thorough evaluation to confirm the diagnosis and can manage both medication (stimulant and non-stimulant options) and therapeutic strategies to help improve focus and daily functioning.
- Will I have to be on medication forever?
- The duration of medication is highly individualized and depends on your specific needs and progress. Some conditions may require short-term treatment, while others may benefit from long-term maintenance. We will regularly review this with Dr. Symons to determine the best course of action for you.
510 Hearn St Ste 100
Austin TX 78703
Phone: (512) 521-0868
Samantha Symons, MD is regulated by the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Medical Practice Act) in Texas and is licensed by The Texas Medical Board.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1669505566
Registration can typically be verified through The Texas Medical Board website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by kellysearch.com, is for informational purposes to help you connect with local healthcare providers. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. Healthcare providers like Dr. Samantha Symons are trained to manage a wide range of health concerns. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.