Theresa Williams, MD is a Psychiatrist dedicated to providing comprehensive psychiatric care at Audie Murphy VA Hospital in San Antonio, TX. She is a registered provider with The Texas Medical Board, 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. Dr. Williams serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (210) 617-5300 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Williams is a psychiatrist in San Antonio, TX with over 20 years of experience in the medical field. With this wealth of clinical knowledge and care, she approaches her practice with a commitment to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. She earned her degree from University Of Texas Health Sciences Center At San Antonio Long School Of Medicine in 2003 and is Board Certified in Addiction Psychiatry and Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology. Dr. Williams' experience is complemented by her strong educational background, ensuring patients receive high-quality, personalized care.
She is accepting new patients and provides consultations primarily in English.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Williams is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Williams provides comprehensive psychiatric care, emphasizing a collaborative approach with primary care physicians. Her patient-centered practice focuses on clear communication, evidence-based treatment strategies, and personalized care plans to effectively manage mental health conditions, including the prescription of psychiatric medications and advanced therapies like TMS and ECT.
By working together, you and Dr. Williams can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
As your primary healthcare provider, Dr. Williams offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Schizoaffective Disorder: If you have schizoaffective disorder, you'll experience both psychotic symptoms (like hallucinations) and significant mood changes (like mania or depression); a psychiatrist can help you find the right combination of medication and therapy to improve your symptoms.
- Adjustment Disorder: Facing a significant life challenge that's impacting your mental health? A psychiatrist can diagnose and treat adjustment disorder, helping you navigate these difficult times and regain stability.
- Alcoholism (Alcohol Dependence): Alcoholism is characterized by uncontrolled alcohol consumption despite its negative effects on your life. A psychiatrist can provide a comprehensive treatment plan to address this serious condition.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Psychiatrists specialize in helping people with OCD, a condition causing unwanted thoughts and actions, using medication, therapy, and other advanced treatments tailored to individual needs.
- Schizophrenia: A psychiatrist diagnoses and treats schizophrenia, a chronic brain disorder that impacts how a person thinks, acts, and relates to others, using medication, therapy, and monitoring.
- Mood Disorders (Dysthymia and Cyclothymia): Dysthymia and cyclothymia are mood disorders involving persistent low mood (dysthymia) or cycles of high and low mood (cyclothymia), and a psychiatrist can help manage these conditions with medication and therapy.
- Psychosis Due to Mental Illness: When a mental health problem, such as schizophrenia, causes someone to lose touch with reality (psychosis), a psychiatrist can diagnose the underlying cause and provide medication and other treatments to help them.
- Drug and Alcohol Dependence: Drug and alcohol dependence involves a physical and psychological need for substances, and a psychiatrist's expertise in brain chemistry and medication allows them to help people overcome these challenges.
- Borderline Personality Disorder: Difficulty regulating emotions and a pattern of unstable relationships are hallmarks of borderline personality disorder, and a psychiatrist's care includes medication, therapy, and monitoring.
- ADHD and-or ADD: ADHD and ADD cause difficulties with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, and a psychiatrist can prescribe medications and offer therapies to alleviate these symptoms.
- Bipolar Disorder: Bipolar disorder involves unpredictable shifts in mood and behavior, and a psychiatrist plays a crucial role in managing symptoms through medication, therapy, and sometimes advanced treatments like TMS.
- Personality Disorders: If you struggle with long-standing patterns of behavior that negatively impact your life, a psychiatrist can help identify if you have a personality disorder and develop a treatment plan.
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. Williams offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Alcohol or Substance Misuse Screening and Counseling: Counselors will assess your alcohol and substance use to understand its impact on your life and provide support.
- Dementia or Depression Screening: This involves an evaluation to identify cognitive decline (dementia) or persistent low mood and loss of interest (depression).
- Medication Management: Your psychiatrist will help you manage your medication, adjusting dosages and types as needed to optimize your treatment and minimize side effects.
- Psychiatric Evaluation: This evaluation helps your psychiatrist understand your mental health concerns and develop a personalized treatment plan, including medication if needed.
- Psychiatric Medication Therapy: If you're struggling with a mental health condition, medication therapy can help stabilize your mood, improve your focus, and reduce overwhelming feelings.
- Psychotherapy for Crisis: Psychotherapy for crisis situations provides focused support to address immediate challenges and prevent further escalation.
- Psychotherapy Services: Psychotherapy provides a safe space to explore personal issues, develop coping skills, and improve relationships.
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: If medication isn't enough, TMS is a treatment option that uses magnetic pulses to change brain activity, potentially easing symptoms of depression and other mental health disorders.
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): If medication and therapy haven't fully helped your depression, TMS may be an option; it uses magnetic pulses to stimulate parts of your brain to improve mood and function.
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. Williams 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:
- By working with their psychiatrist to find the right medication and therapy, a patient successfully managed their schizoaffective disorder, leading to a more stable mood and reduced psychotic symptoms.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis of adjustment disorder, a patient felt empowered to manage their stress and navigate the challenges of a major life change. Working with a supportive psychiatrist, they developed coping mechanisms and strategies to regain emotional stability.
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:
Audie Murphy VA Hospital
7400 Merton Minter St, San Antonio, TX, 78229
Phone: (210) 617-5300
View on Map - Audie Murphy VA Hospital
3851 Roger Brooke Dr, Jbsa Ft Sam Houston, TX, 78234
Phone: (210) 358-4000
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- University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio Long School of Medicine (Medical School) - 2003
- American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology (Addiction Psychiatry)
- American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology (Psychiatry)
Here are answers to some common questions about receiving Psychiatric care with Dr. Williams:
- 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) are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medication. They often work collaboratively to provide comprehensive care, combining medication management with talk therapy and psychological testing.
- 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 best to check with your specific insurance plan to confirm coverage details and any referral requirements before scheduling an appointment.
- What is TMS therapy and who is it for?
- TMS is a non-invasive treatment using 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.
- What should I expect during my first psychiatric evaluation?
- Your first appointment with Dr. Williams will involve a comprehensive discussion of your symptoms, medical history, family history, and current life circumstances. This helps Dr. Williams understand your situation fully and develop an accurate diagnosis. It's a collaborative conversation, the first step toward creating a personalized treatment plan.
- How long will it take for my medication to start working?
- Most psychiatric medications, especially antidepressants, take several weeks (4-6) to show their full effects. Patience and regular follow-up appointments with Dr. Williams are important to monitor progress and adjust the dosage as needed.
- Can a psychiatrist help with ADHD in adults?
- Yes, psychiatrists are experts in diagnosing and treating Adult ADHD. Dr. Williams can perform a thorough evaluation to confirm the diagnosis and manage both medication (stimulant and non-stimulant options) and therapeutic strategies to help improve focus and daily functioning.
- Can you help with addiction or substance use problems?
- Yes, Dr. Williams is experienced in treating substance use disorders. Psychiatrists are trained to diagnose and manage these conditions. He can provide a comprehensive evaluation, manage withdrawal symptoms, and prescribe medications to help reduce cravings and support recovery.
- Will I have to be on medication forever?
- The duration of medication is highly individualized and depends on your specific condition and treatment plan. Some conditions may require short-term treatment, while others may benefit from long-term maintenance. We will discuss this in detail with Dr. Williams, and regularly review your progress to adjust the treatment as needed.
Audie Murphy VA Hospital
7400 Merton Minter St
San Antonio TX 78229
Phone: (210) 617-5300
Theresa Williams, 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): 1891895447
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. Theresa Williams 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.