When Tony sought mental health support, a closer look at his symptoms revealed something his previous diagnoses hadn't fully explained.
Tony had been struggling for some time.
At 34, he was experiencing irritability, difficulty concentrating, unpredictable energy and disrupted sleep. His mood could shift between anger, anxiety and depression, making everyday life challenging.
He had previously been diagnosed with ADHD and depression but hadn't received treatment in some time.
With encouragement from his wife, Tony decided to seek support through First Stop Health.
What began as a return to mental health care would lead to a different understanding of what he was experiencing.
When the First Explanation Isn't the Full Story
When Tony connected with First Stop Health psychologist Dr. Mark Parisi, they began discussing his symptoms and treatment history.
But as Dr. Parisi got to know him, he noticed patterns that suggested something more might be happening.
Tony described significant shifts in his mood, sleep, energy and impulses.
Rather than relying solely on Tony's previous diagnoses, Dr. Parisi conducted additional psychological screening.
The results indicated symptoms consistent with bipolar disorder, a condition Tony had not previously received treatment for.
For Dr. Parisi, the experience reinforced a principle that guides his clinical work:
“Good treatment flows from knowing what you're treating.”
Understanding Tony's symptoms more fully helped guide the next steps in his care.
Connecting the Right Pieces of Care
With a clearer understanding of Tony's mental health needs, Dr. Parisi worked with First Stop Health's nurse care management team to connect him with psychiatric services in his community.
Tony began medication treatment through his psychiatric provider.
As his condition became more stable, he returned to First Stop Health to continue working with Dr. Parisi.
But their conversations also revealed other opportunities to support his health.
Tony was experiencing weight-related health concerns, and Dr. Parisi recognized that his physical and mental well-being were connected.
He referred Tony to health coaching and nutrition support, helping him access additional resources as his needs evolved.
Rather than treating each concern separately, Tony had a care team that could help him address different aspects of his health.
Progress Beyond the Appointment
Over time, Tony began experiencing meaningful improvements.
Dr. Parisi shared that Tony was doing better at home and at work. His mental health had improved, and he was receiving support for his broader health needs.
Then Tony shared something that stayed with Dr. Parisi.
He told him that this was the best he had felt in his lifetime.
For Dr. Parisi, hearing that was especially rewarding.
Tony's progress wasn't the result of one appointment or a single intervention. It involved a more thorough assessment, psychiatric treatment, coordinated referrals and continued support.
Each step helped address a different part of what Tony needed.
The Value of Care That Stays Connected
Reflecting on Tony's experience, Dr. Parisi points to the ability to coordinate services and provide care without some of the administrative restrictions common in traditional fee-for-service healthcare.
Through First Stop Health, he could work with nurse care managers to facilitate psychiatric referrals, continue seeing Tony as his needs changed and connect him with nutrition and health coaching resources.
That flexibility helped support a care journey that extended beyond the initial reason Tony sought help.
For Tony, it meant receiving support that reflected a more complete understanding of his health.
A Different Understanding Can Change the Direction of Care
Tony came to First Stop Health with symptoms he had experienced for years and diagnoses that didn't fully explain them.
A closer assessment helped identify a different clinical concern and connect him with appropriate treatment.
As his needs evolved, so did his care.
His story illustrates why thoughtful assessment and coordinated support matter, particularly when someone's mental and physical health needs overlap.
Sometimes, meaningful progress begins with a clinician willing to look beyond the first explanation.
Compassionate care makes a difference. See what's possible.
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