Psychiatry Services in North Carolina

Addiction is an inability to stop using a substance or engaging in a behavior even though it is causing psychological and physical harm. At Avance Care, we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of substance abuse and the mental health conditions that accompany it. For those looking to reduce or discontinue their use of a substance, such as alcohol, tobacco, or cocaine, Avance Psychiatry offers medications for symptom relief and behavioral therapy in an individual or group setting.

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental disorders. Individuals with anxiety disorders have intense, excessive, and persistent worry, and fear about everyday situations. While the cause of anxiety disorders is unknown it is treatable, and several treatment options are available. If you are experiencing panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder the Avance Psychiatry team includes experts in the evidence-based diagnosis and innovative treatment for anxiety.

Major depressive disorder or clinical depression is a common but serious mood disorder. There are many different forms of depression, and each can have a different combination of symptoms and responses. Symptoms may include sadness, decreased energy, difficulty concentrating, changes in appetite, or thoughts of suicide. Not everyone who is depressed experiences every symptom, some people may experience a few or a combination of symptoms. Depression can be treated, usually with medications, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two. The Avance Psychiatry team includes experts in the evidence-based diagnosis and innovative treatment for depressive disorders.

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that results in mood and energy changes. It causes extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). Mood swings and other symptoms can be managed by following a treatment plan from a mental health professional. At Avance Psychiatry, we use evidence-based methods to manage bipolar disorder and develop individualized and personalized treatment plans according to causes and symptoms. Treatment may include medications, therapy (cognitive behavioral therapy, family-focused therapy, interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, and group psychoeducation), or intravenous ketamine infusion therapy.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is an anxiety disorder and is characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) that can make a person feel driven to do something repetitively (compulsions). OCD varies from person to person, but the cycle is generally the same: an intrusive thought leads to anxiety or distress, leading to compulsive behavior. Avance Psychiatry uses an integrative approach to therapy and evidence-based practices including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to treat OCD. There are three main components of cognitive behavioral therapy: cognitive therapy, behavioral therapy, and mindfulness-based therapies.

Schizoaffective disorder is a mental health disorder that is marked by a combination of schizophrenia symptoms, such as hallucinations or delusions, and mood disorder symptoms, such as depression or mania. It affects people’s relationships with family and friends and can make it difficult to function at school or work. At Avance Psychiatry we offer patients with schizoaffective disorder treatment options with medication, which may include antidepressants and antipsychotics, or a combination of therapy and other treatments.

Chronic pain is an ongoing pain that has persisted for 3-6 months and may continue for longer, even years. The leading causes of chronic pain include a previous injury or surgery, back problems, arthritis, or nerve pain. Chronic pain can interfere with your daily activities and make you feel anxiety or depression. The Avance Medical Pain staff is trained in both pain management and psychiatry. We work with a “shared decision-making” model so collaboration with patients and their families is paramount. Our goal is your optimal function, achieved through a uniquely tailored treatment plan and safe prescribing.

When depression does not respond well to the usual medications it's called treatment-resistant depression or TRD. If you or a loved one is being treated for depression and your symptoms continue despite treatment you may be experiencing treatment-resistant depression. There are options when standard antidepressants do not work. Avance Psychiatry offers in-office treatment with Spravato® for patients with TRD or depression with suicidal thoughts and behaviors.