There are a variety of disciplines in the Mental Health Profession.  It can be confusing to determine what role each mental health discipline plays in the treatment of psychiatric issues.  Several disciplines can prescribe medication for patients,  including primary care physicians, specialty care physicians, pediatricians, nurse practitioners, and, in a few states (Louisiana being one of them), medical psychologists and physicians trained as psychiatrists.  There are also several disciplines that can provide counseling.  We have outlined the following description to help you understand what training psychiatrists receive and which services they provide.

Psychiatry, as defined by the American Psychiatric Association, is the branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. A psychiatrist is a trained physician that specializes in mental health, including substance abuse. As such, they are qualified to assess and provide treatment for both mental and physical aspects of psychological problems. Psychiatrists will order and utilize a full range of medical, laboratory, neuroimaging, neurological, and psychological tests, which, when combined with discussions with the patient, help to provide a comprehensive picture of a patient’s physical and mental state. They evaluate complex relationships between medical illness, emotional well-being, genetics, and family history to properly diagnose and create a plan of treatment in an effort to help individuals overcome illness and emotional problems so that they may live a more functional,  healthier, and happier life. To reach this goal, psychiatrists employ the use of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5), which contains symptoms and criteria for identifying specific disorders.

General or adult psychiatrists attend four years of medical school and an additional four years of approved residency training in medicine, neurology, and general psychiatry. During the general psychiatry training years, the physician learns the fundamentals of the practice of psychiatry. Those specializing in adult care treat various abnormalities related to mood, behavior, cognition, and perception. They provide biological, psychological, and social education to the adult and the geriatric population, taking a complete history of patient health, family support, living situation, and general mental health status. Consultation with family members for the geriatric patient is essential in order to obtain additional, comprehensive information about the patient’s life situation and to ensure they are able to follow a treatment plan. Psychiatrists also act as resource providers and will often consult with other providers to determine how various health issues or medications may be affecting the patient’s mental health.

Child and adolescent psychiatrists are also required to attend four years of medical school, then a minimum of three years of approved residency training in medicine, neurology, and general psychiatry with adults, as well as an additional two years of specialized training with toddlers, children, adolescents, and families in an accredited fellowship program. They complete the equivalent training of a general or adult psychiatrist, but in addition, spend two years in the education of normal child development, psychiatric issues for childhood, and treatment of psychiatric problems in this population. The child and adolescent psychiatrist education focuses on developmental disorders, ADD/ADHD, learning disabilities and other intellectual handicaps, eating disorders, mood disorders, depression and anxiety disorders, behavioral disturbances, and drug dependency. In understanding the mental health of a child or adolescent, they will focus on the complex interaction between biological, psychological, behavioral, and environmental issues. Childhood mental health difficulties can often be treated with medication; however, psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral approaches are incorporated. It is only after careful assessment that medication may be suggested as part of a treatment plan, and medical treatment is typically accompanied by behavioral, psychological, and family interventions. In the treatment of mental health issues for children, it is imperative to have family involvement, for although many childhood disorders are biologically based, understanding the interplay of the family and school system, peer issues, academic struggles, social difficulties, and underlying medical problems is vital to creating a plan for treatment that leads to the child’s improvement.

Infant, Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatric Evaluations

Geriatric Psychiatric Evaluations

Medication Management

Genetic Testing

Psychological Testing

Electrocardiograms

Mental Health Team Consultations

School Consultations

Integrated/Coordinated care with health care providers

Independent Medical Evaluations for various medical procedures, surgery and bariatric interventions

Both Dr. Orazio and Dr. Bramlet are accepting new patients.

To make an appointment, contact our office using the appropriate phone number below:

Dr. Orazio: 337.991.9162

Dr. Bramlet: 337.991.9163

If you have questions about which independent practitioners in our office are accepting new patients, please review the information provided in their profiles on the Independent Practitioners page.

Dr. Orazio:

Dr. Orazio is a fee for service physician; therefore, she is not a participating provider for any private insurances. As a non- participating physician in your healthcare plan, your healthcare plan may impose higher deductibles and/or copayments for out-of-network services.  Patients have to file insurance themselves; however, we do our best to assist you in this endeavor and stand ready to answer questions that arise. All information needed to file with your insurance will be provided. If you are an established patient and need to set up a payment plan, please contact our office to discuss. Dr. Orazio does accept Medicare for existing patients.

Dr. Bramlet:
Dr. Bramlet accepts Medicare Insurance.

More information about our general policies can be found here.

Information about office policies, fees, etc. can be found on our Policies page.

Our office is currently accepting new patient appointments.

We ask that you contact our office at 337.991-9162 for Dr. Orazio and 337.991-9163 for Dr. Bramlet to speak with a member of our staff.

A staff member will obtain information regarding the reason for your appointment, explain our office financial policies, and review your case with the physician. Our office will then contact you to schedule an appointment. If for any reason our physicians cannot meet your needs, we will assist you in providing the names of possible providers or other resources for you to contact.

If you would like to review our general policies, they can be found on the Policies page.

If you would like to learn more about Dr. Orazio or Dr. Bramlet, click here.

Our address is 119 Rue Fontaine, Lafayette, LA, 70508.

For more information about contacting us or finding our practice, please view the information and the map on our Contact page.

Yes, if you are an established patient. Telemedicine is available to established patients in conjunction with periodic visits to the office.