When life presents challenges, people respond in different ways. Some people can effectively manage problems on their own. Others may turn to drugs and alcohol as unhealthy coping responses that lead to addiction. Some people suffer from mental health disorders that make them feel so overwhelmed they withdraw and isolate from others, preventing them from living happy and fulfilling lives. At Serenity Grove, our Georgia psychiatry services provide the clinical care and support people need to overcome addiction and mental health disorders.
What Is Psychiatry?
Psychiatry is a branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of behavioral, mental health, and substance use disorders. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in the field of psychiatry. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners are advanced practice nurses (APRN) who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment, including prescribing medication for mental health conditions and substance use disorders. Both psychiatrists and PMHNPs are qualified to assess both the psychological and physical aspects of behavioral, mental health, and substance use disorders.
How Does Psychiatry in Georgia Work?
Psychiatry in Georgia begins with an initial diagnosis of the individual’s condition through evaluations and physical examinations. Lab work and brain imaging may be used to help determine the most appropriate medications to benefit the individual. Psychiatry is integrated into a comprehensive treatment program that also includes individual therapies, group therapies, and medication management.
At Serenity Grove, all psychiatric assessments incorporate the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) six-dimensional evaluation framework to determine the most clinically appropriate level of care for each individual. This structured, evidence-based approach is overseen by Dr. Steve Chesser, MD, our Medical Director and ASAM member, and Dr. Delquis Mendoza, MD, a board-certified psychiatrist.
What Does Psychiatry Treat?
Our Georgia psychiatry services can be used to treat a range of mental health and substance use disorders, including:
- Alcohol use disorder
- Drug use disorder
- Prescription drug use disorder
- PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)
- Bipolar disorder
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder)
- Schizophrenia
- Co-occurring disorders (dual diagnosis)
- Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
- ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder)
Benefits of Psychiatric Care for Addiction
The benefits of our psychiatry services in Georgia for addiction treatment include:
- Helping individuals uncover the underlying causes of their addiction
- Supporting the development of effective coping strategies and skills
- Providing a safe, nonjudgmental environment to openly discuss feelings, emotions, and behaviors
- Teaching evidence-based relapse prevention techniques and strategies
- Helping individuals acquire lifelong skills to maintain a substance-free life
- Addressing co-occurring mental health issues alongside substance use disorders
Benefits of Psychiatric Care for Mental Health
Mental health disorders are common in the United States. According to the 2023 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), an estimated 57.8 million U.S. adults — more than 1 in 5 — lived with a mental illness in 2021. [Source: SAMHSA NSDUH 2023 — INSERT HYPERLINK] Psychiatry in Georgia can help clients understand and manage their mental health symptoms.
One benefit of psychiatric care for mental health is helping people identify what aspects of their lives are contributing to their condition — including specific people, places, and situations that may be aggravating symptoms.
Another benefit is developing healthy coping techniques and skills to use when faced with distressing situations. Medications may also be incorporated when they can help address related symptoms.
Overall, a comprehensive and personalized psychiatric care plan helps individuals address their mental health challenges while learning to effectively manage their condition and lead a productive, healthy life.
Treatment Programs That Include Psychiatry
At Serenity Grove, we incorporate psychiatry as a core component of our comprehensive, accredited care programs across all levels of care. All levels are guided by ASAM placement criteria and delivered by a multidisciplinary clinical team.
Drug and Alcohol Detox — ASAM Level 3.7 (Medically Managed Intensive Inpatient Detoxification)
Detox is the first step toward long-term recovery. Our medically supervised drug and alcohol detox program — certified at ASAM Level 3.7 — provides a safe, caring, and supportive environment to begin the recovery process. Psychiatry is an essential component of detox, helping individuals begin to uncover the underlying causes of their addiction under medical supervision 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Residential Rehab — ASAM Level 3.5 (Clinically Managed High-Intensity Residential Treatment)
Our residential rehab program — delivered at ASAM Level 3.5 — is designed for individuals who require intensive, highly structured care with 24/7 clinical monitoring. Residential programming is also well-suited for individuals who do not have a stable home environment or who wish to eliminate outside distractions during the early days of recovery.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) — ASAM Level 2.5
Our PHP — at ASAM Level 2.5 — provides a structured, intensive level of clinical care equivalent to residential treatment during daytime hours. In the evenings, individuals may return home or to a sober living facility, allowing for a gradual reintegration into daily life while maintaining robust clinical support.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) — ASAM Level 2.1
Our IOP — at ASAM Level 2.1 — is designed for individuals who can effectively manage their addiction or mental health condition outside of a treatment setting, as well as those who have completed a higher level of care. Our IOPs typically meet several times per week for half-day sessions.
Outpatient Program (OP) — ASAM Level 1
Our OP — at ASAM Level 1 — provides ongoing psychiatric support and therapy services for individuals who have completed a higher level of care and need continued structured support to maintain their recovery.
Aftercare
Our aftercare program connects individuals with individual psychiatry sessions, peer support groups, and community resources to help them sustain their sobriety and mental health gains long-term.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
We provide integrated dual diagnosis treatment to address co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders simultaneously across all care levels. Treating both conditions together — rather than separately — leads to significantly better long-term outcomes.
Gender-Specific Treatment Programs
Women’s addiction treatment: We offer gender-specific addiction and mental health treatment that addresses the unique clinical and emotional needs of women at each level of care.
Men’s addiction treatment: Our men’s addiction treatment program is available at all care levels and is designed to address the specific needs and challenges men face in recovery.
What Happens in a Psychiatry Session?
Our Georgia psychiatry sessions begin with a thorough evaluation to determine each individual’s specific needs. This assessment incorporates ASAM’s six-dimensional evaluation criteria to ensure clinically appropriate placement and treatment planning.
During the initial assessment, our psychiatric provider will discuss the individual’s symptoms, medical and family history, current concerns, daily challenges, and answer any questions the person may have. At the conclusion of the assessment, a detailed and personalized treatment plan is created, reflecting each individual’s unique needs, goals, and objectives.
During ongoing sessions, the individual and psychiatric provider will work together to uncover the underlying causes of their substance use and mental health disorders, develop effective coping strategies for triggering situations, and reinforce positive behaviors and responses that support a life free from drugs and alcohol.
Accreditation, Licensing & Privacy
| Accreditation | The Joint Commission (Gold Seal of Approval) |
| State License | Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) |
| ASAM Levels | 3.7 DTX • RTC (3.5) • PHP (2.5) • IOP (2.1) • OP (1) |
| Medical Oversight | ASAM member physician on staff |
| Privacy | Your confidentiality is protected under 42 CFR Part 2 (SUD records) and HIPAA. Patient rights are provided and explained at admission. |
Clinical Reviewer Credentials
This page has been reviewed and approved for clinical accuracy by the following licensed professionals:
| Reviewer | Dr. Steve Chesser, MD |
| Role | Medical Director, Serenity Grove |
| Credentials | MD • ASAM Member |
| License Number | 1679542849 |
| Review Date | 12/17/2026 |
| Attestation | I attest that the clinical content, ASAM level designations, and medication management descriptions on this page are accurate and reflect current practice at Serenity Grove. |
| Reviewer | Jessica Brothers, MA, LPC, MAC |
| Role | Clinical Director, Serenity Grove |
| Credentials | MA • Licensed Professional Counselor • Master Addiction Counselor |
| License Number | LPC007770 |
| Review Date | September 2026 |
| Attestation | I attest that the therapeutic benefits, conditions treated, program descriptions, and dual diagnosis content on this page are clinically accurate and reflect services offered at Serenity Grove. |
Begin Georgia Psychiatry Services Today
When you are ready to take control of your substance use or mental health challenges, evidence-based help is available at Serenity Grove in Atlanta. Our Joint Commission-accredited, ASAM-guided clinical team provides personalized psychiatry services across all levels of care.
Contact us today to speak with a member of our team, learn more about our treatment programs, and request a confidential consultation. Your privacy is protected under 42 CFR Part 2 and HIPAA.
