PHILOSOPHY
A Brief Introduction
Welcome to Veritas Psychiatric. My name is Jeffrey J. Vrielink, M.D. I started Veritas to minister to my patients' deepest needs.
Before I paint my vision of what we have to offer, I would like to review some shortcomings in the current mental health system that I hope to address through my practice.
Major Shortcomings of the Current Mental Health System
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Spiritual issues are typically ignored or go unrecognized.
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Physical treatments (medications, ECT, TMS, etc.) do not work for spiritual issues.
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Many patients have prescribed too many medications and at higher doses, than what's needed.
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Many physicians focus on managing symptoms without addressing the root causes.
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Taking too many medications increases the risk of drug-drug interactions.
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When symptoms are controlled, the dose may be so high that it interferes with one's quality of life or ability to function.
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Access to care is difficult between appointments.
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Access to care is difficult for those who are housebound, lack transportation or have to travel long distances for an appointment.
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Continuity of care is difficult when patients go on vacation or move.
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Providers often don't collaborate on patient care.
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Frequent medication changes increase the cost of care.
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Physicians are often so busy that they have little time to listen and educate the patient.
MIND, BODY, SPIRIT.
Veritas Philosophy of Care
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Addressing the whole person: mind, body, and spirit.
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Seeking out the root cause of the symptoms (physiological, neurological, psychological, psychiatric, medication or illegal drug-related, or spiritual in nature)--and treating them appropriately, based on Matthew 4:23-24 (KJV).
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Bringing Christ into the equation. I am limited, but Christ is unlimited. With Him, we can accomplish so much more than we had previously thought.
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Providing my patients with an individualized treatment plan that targets each component specifically.
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Referring to specialists when appropriate.
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Monitoring and tracking progress in symptom reduction and improvement in the quality of life indicators.
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Coordinating care with your primary care physician, therapist, pastor, or specialist to apprise him/her of changes in treatment.
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Simplifying and reducing medications to only what is needed while addressing spiritual issues.
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Improving access and continuity of care through the telepsychiatry component of my practice.
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Patients are seen as individuals who have value and worth. Each one is created in the image of God with a special blend of strengths and weaknesses. Each one has a purpose for which he or she was created. We want to help you fulfill your God-given role in life by optimizing your mental and spiritual well-being. We would like to see you "set free" from any trauma or psychological burdens that have hindered you from achieving all that God has for you.
Why a Distinctively Christian Approach to My Practice?
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Despite all my training and experience in medicine, I have come to realize over the years that, as a physician, I am limited.
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Medications and other treatment modalities are limited as well.
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True healing comes from the Lord Jesus Christ. He is unlimited. I have seen miracles and healings in my patients that are undeniably real.
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Jesus can still bring healing to the brokenhearted and He can set the captives free. That is my desire for every one of my patients.
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I would be happy to pray with my patients or exhort them with scripture to righteous living, so they can experience God's peace, blessing, and protection on their lives.
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Each person is totally unique. God has a plan and purpose for your life. I would feel honored to be able to encourage you in your walk with Christ.
Why Address Spiritual Issues in Clinical Practice?
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If unresolved spiritual issues (bitterness, anger, unforgiveness, guilt, shame, lack of faith, sin issues, etc.) are not dealt with, patients will continue to experience unnecessary anguish and emotional pain.
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When spiritual issues are addressed, the presenting symptoms might either resolve altogether or their intensity and frequency become markedly reduced and more manageable.
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It behooves us to identify the spiritual issues and deal with them upfront as part of your treatment plan.
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The benefit of this holistic approach is the potential of taking fewer medications and the resultant cost savings, as well as an improved quality of life.