Avant psychiatrist urges Georgians to seek mental health help early

Dr. Okah “Justin” Anyokwu, medical director of Avant Interventional Psychiatry, is urging Georgians to recognize mental health changes sooner and seek care before symptoms become a crisis. The practice says earlier evaluation can help patients understand symptoms, choose the right level of support and expand access across Georgia through in-person and virtual care.

Why it matters: - Mental health symptoms often build over time, and waiting until a crisis can make them harder to manage. - Early evaluation can help patients and families identify what is changing and connect with care sooner. - The message targets Georgians who may be delaying support until symptoms affect work, school, relationships, sleep or daily responsibilities.

What happened: - Dr. Okah “Justin” Anyokwu, Medical Director of Avant Interventional Psychiatry, is encouraging Georgians to pay attention to changes in mental health and seek support before symptoms become overwhelming. - Anyokwu said people should not wait for a psychiatric emergency before asking for help. - Avant Interventional Psychiatry says it provides psychiatric and behavioral health services for children, adolescents and adults across Georgia.

The details: - Signs that may signal a need for support include changes in mood, sleep, energy, concentration, appetite, motivation and social behavior. - Persistent sadness, excessive worry, irritability, withdrawal from family and friends, and trouble completing normal responsibilities are also reasons to talk with a mental health professional. - Anyokwu said an initial evaluation can help identify what may be contributing to symptoms and what level of care may be appropriate. - Early care does not automatically mean medication or intensive treatment will be needed. - Treatment options may include therapy, medication management, lifestyle changes or a combination of approaches. - Avant Interventional Psychiatry offers psychiatric evaluations, medication management, therapy, telepsychiatry and interventional treatment options for patients who may need additional levels of care. - The practice serves patients through four Georgia locations: East Cobb, Austell, Fayetteville and the Kennestone area of Marietta. - Avant also provides statewide telepsychiatry services. - The practice says it is expanding access to mental health services across Georgia through in-person and virtual care. - Avant says treatment plans are individualized and designed around each patient’s needs, symptoms and treatment history. - The practice also lists substance use support and interventional treatments such as TMS and Spravato among its services.

Between the lines: - The push reflects a broader message in mental health care: intervention works best before symptoms become severe enough to disrupt daily life. - Anyokwu is also challenging the idea that help is only appropriate during a crisis, which can delay care for people with early or moderate symptoms. - The emphasis on children and adolescents suggests families may play a key role in spotting changes before they become entrenched.

What's next: - Avant Interventional Psychiatry will continue offering care through its Georgia offices and telepsychiatry network. - Anyokwu said the goal is to make it easier for people to start the conversation before they reach their breaking point. - The practice is positioning early evaluation as the first step toward ongoing support, rather than as a sign that someone needs emergency-level care.

The bottom line: - Dr. Anyokwu’s message is simple: if something feels different, persistent or concerning, talk to a mental health professional before the problem escalates.