The Medical City Department of Psychiatry was established in response to the need for hospital-based management of individuals suffering from severe psychiatric disorders. It consists of a full complement of competent and dedicated psychiatrists in the Philippines who are experts in various subspecialties as well as other allied health professions, offering personalized healthcare responsive to the mental health needs of people.
Through the years, the Department has proven to be a leader in the field by continuously offering innovative mental health programs and psychiatrist consultations designed to meet the changing demands of patients in the Philippines. It has also maintained its commitment to providing quality and compassionate care to all patients.
The Medical City is one of the few private tertiary hospitals that offers complete psychiatric care through its Psychiatry Unit. The 21-bed facility is located on the lower ground floor and is composed of medical staff who are trained to handle psychiatric emergencies and various psychopathologies. The unit also houses the Psychiatry Department Office where the doctor stays 24/7 for closer monitoring and care. Patients admitted in the unit also receive holistic care with the provision of occupational therapy and individual/ group psychotherapy.
The Psychiatry Unit also houses outpatient clinics where senior residents and fellows, under the close guidance of a consultant-supervisor, cater to various patients, including those who have limitations financially. The senior residents and fellows provide outpatients with holistic care of psychotherapy and psychopharmacology—the same kind of service and assessment that they may acquire from any psychiatrist in the Philippines, but for a lower price.
The outpatient detoxification package is offered to patients and families who are dealing with substance-related issues and would like to avail themselves of a safer, medically supervised method of removing illicit and harmful substances from their bodies. The out-patient detoxification is conducted for a duration of two weeks. This includes an initial assessment and diagnostic work-up done by a psychiatrist in the Philippines. The patient is closely monitored and is medicated as indicated during the course of detoxification. Towards the end of detoxification, a recommendation is given to the patient and his/her family on relapse prevention and after care programs that may be viable for them.
The outpatient group therapy utilizes a cognitive-behavioral approach to relapse prevention combined with the practice of mindfulness.
The Lifestyle Assessment and Management Program (LAMP) is an innovative program in partnership with the Section of Endocrinology. It is especially designed to screen for emotional distress in living a life with Diabetes and to identify difficult areas in coping with its treatment. The screening will only take approximately 25 minutes at the Diabetes Center (2nd Floor, The Medical City). The results and recommendations will personally be discussed with the patient by one of the department’s Consultation Liaison Psychiatry Specialists and conveyed to the patient’s physician.
The Medical City is among a few hospitals that offers Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT). Electroconvulsive Therapy is offered to patients who have treatment-resistant psychiatric disorders. The Medical City utilizes the SPECTRUM 2000, which is the latest and most advanced ECT machine available. The machine offers a fully customizable protocol, depending on the patient’s profile, that allows for dose titration to minimize cognitive side effects and maximize outcomes. It also lends itself to delivering either a unilateral or a bilateral type of ECT. ECT in The Medical City is done with the Anesthesia service to ensure that patients are comfortable throughout the procedure. Patients may opt to avail electroconvulsive therapy either as an inpatient or an outpatient. The number of sessions varies depending on their initial psychiatrist consultation and assessment by a psychiatric consultant of The Medical City Philippines.
During a consultation, psychiatrists typically conduct a comprehensive assessment, diving into the individual's mental health history, symptoms, and life circumstances. This process involves carefully exploring and gathering information about the person's emotions, thoughts, behaviors, and physical well-being. By examining these aspects in detail, psychiatrists aim to gain a holistic understanding of the individual's mental health and formulate an accurate diagnosis.
This comprehensive evaluation allows them to provide personalized and effective treatment recommendations tailored to the individual's specific needs, promoting their overall well-being and mental wellness.
Psychiatrists in the Philippines are highly trained medical doctors who specialize in mental health. They possess extensive knowledge of the complexities of the human mind and are equipped to diagnose and treat a wide range of mental disorders. In addition to their ability to prescribe medication, psychiatrists provide a comprehensive approach to mental healthcare by offering a combination of medication management and therapy tailored to each individual's needs.
On the other hand, psychologists in the Philippines are professionals with advanced degrees in psychology. They focus on understanding human behavior and mental processes, offering a variety of therapeutic interventions to help individuals navigate through challenges and improve their well-being. While psychologists do not prescribe medication, they play a crucial role in providing support, guidance, and evidence-based interventions to promote mental wellness and personal growth.
Psychiatrists are highly skilled professionals specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of a wide range of mental health conditions. These conditions encompass, but are not limited to, depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, eating disorders, and substance use disorders. They employ diverse therapeutic approaches, including medication management, psychotherapy, and counseling, tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual.
With their profound knowledge and expertise, psychiatrists play a pivotal role in helping individuals achieve optimal mental well-being and lead fulfilling lives.
Psychiatrists employ various treatments to address mental health concerns. These can include medication management, where specific drugs are prescribed to alleviate symptoms and promote balance. Psychotherapy is another valuable approach, allowing patients to explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in a supportive environment.
For individuals who may not respond to traditional treatments, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can be considered. ECT involves brief electrical pulses that stimulate the brain, while TMS uses magnetic fields to target specific areas. The choice of treatment depends on factors such as the specific diagnosis, severity of symptoms, and individual preferences, ensuring that each patient receives personalized care for their unique needs.
If you find yourself facing ongoing emotional or behavioral challenges that are affecting your daily life, relationships, or overall well-being, it may be beneficial to consider a psychiatrist consultation in the Philippines. Look out for signs such as intense mood swings, persistent sadness, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, or disruptions in sleep patterns. Seeking support at an early stage can lead to effective intervention and improved mental health.
Dr. Maria Imelda B. Batar – Chairman, Department of Psychiatry
Dr. Eleanor L. Ronquillo – Executive Officer for Human Resource and Development, and Social and Community Psychiatry Section Head
Dr. Nora L. Avila – Executive Officer for Operations
Dr. Dulce Lizza R. Sahagun – Executive Officer for Strategic Services Innovation
Addiction Psychiatry
Dr. Ma. Monica V. Cardinez-Tan – Section Head
Dr. Anna Katrina Lising-Enriquez – Training Officer
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Training Program
Dr. Cornelio G. Banaag, Jr. – Section Head
Dr. Vanessa Kathleen Cainghug – Training Officer
Consultation-Liaison Training Program
Dr. Dulce Lizza R. Sahagun – Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Section Head, and Training Officer, Fellowship Training
Dr. Josefina Ly-Uson - Training Officer, Residency Training
Regular Consultants
General Psychiatry
Dr. Nora L. Avila
Dr. Elizabeth R. De Guia-Godino
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Dr. Cornelio G. Banaag
Dr. Angela Aida H. Jao
Addiction Psychiatry
Dr. Ma. Monica V. Cardinez-Tan
Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry
Dr. Ma. Luz Casimiro-Querubin
Dr. Dulce Lizza R. Sahagun
Visiting Consultants
General Psychiatry
Dr. Joseph P. Anlacan
Dr. Carlo V. Banaag
Dr. Maria Imelda B. Batar
Dr. Vanessa Kathleen B. Cainghug
Dr. Christian Irving C. Cayetano
Dr. Luzviminda S. Katigbak
Dr. Michelle Marie C. Magtalas-Mariñas
Dr. Elizabeth Rondain
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Dr. Norieta C. Balderrama
Dr. Geraldine Anne Divino-Lobo
Dr. Evelyn Gapuz
Dr. Belle Erika Nubla-Gestuvo
Dr. Genuina D. Ranoy
Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry
Dr. Mary Agnes L. Busuego
Dr. Eric George V. Cruz
Dr. Jercyl Leilani Demeterio
Dr. Jannel Gatlabayan-Cleto
Dr. Josefina T. Ly-Uson
Addiction Psychiatry
Dr. Anna Katrina Lizing-Enriquez
Dr. Edgardo Juan L. Tolentino
Social and Community Psychiatry
Dr. Eleanor L. Ronquillo
Geriatric Psychiatry
Dr. Pia Natalya T. Reyes-Sia
Department of Psychiatry
Phone:
8-988-1000 / 8-988-7000 ext. 6132 / 6133. For appointments, send an SMS to 0917-577-3362 with these details – patient name, age, sex, reason for consult, preferred date and time.
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