Meet Dr. Michael Blastos, Chief of Psychiatry

Independence Health System offers both inpatient and outpatient behavioral health services, ranging from adolescents to adults, and geriatric patients.  According to a National Survey of Children’s Health Adolescent Mental and Behavioral Health, in 2023, more than 5.3 million adolescents ages 12-17 years had a current, diagnosed mental or behavioral health condition. That equates to 20.3% of adolescents in the U.S. who are facing mental or behavioral health challenges. These conditions include anxiety, depression, or behavior/conduct problems. 

Making mental health care accessible and keeping it close to home is a key part of keeping communities healthy. Dr. Michael Blastos is the Chief of Psychiatry at Independence Health System. He is board-certified in psychiatry and has completed additional fellowship training at Allegheny Health Network in child and adolescent psychiatry. He has been practicing for 5 years. When asked about his choice to pursue a career in psychiatry, Dr. Blastos said, “Psychiatry provided the opportunity to truly listen and learn about my patients and establish a relationship that would help guide them to better mental and physical health.” 

Navigating a mental or behavioral health diagnosis can be extremely challenging and stressful. While some health diagnosis may have clear symptoms, like chickenpox, mental health isn’t always straightforward. This can be a very personal and internal struggle. If you’re concerned about the mental health of someone you know, Dr. Blastos recommends looking for the following:  

• Rapid or extreme mood shifts, or persistent feelings of depression or irritability  

• Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities, or losing interest in activities that were previously enjoyed  

• Dramatic changes in sleep and appetite 

• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or thinking logically  

• Odd, uncharacteristic, or peculiar behavior  

• Delusions or hallucinations like false beliefs or seeing, hearing, feeling, or tasting something that isn't there  

• Having thoughts of suicide or self-harm  

• Unexplained aches and pains, such as stomach pain, back pain, or headaches  

• A decline in personal care or significant changes in appearance  

• High sensitivity to sights, sounds, smells, or touch 

• Lack of care and loss of initiative or desire to participate in any activity  

• A vague feeling of being disconnected from oneself or one's surroundings 

If you have concerns about yourself or a loved one, the first most important step is to talk to someone. A primary care doctor can be a great first step in helping to refer you to a therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist. While therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists will often work together, there are some main differences between these three types of mental health care providers:  

Therapist: Sometimes called counselors, therapists are licensed professionals who treat cognitive, behavioral, and emotional aspects of mental health and substance use conditions. A therapist can help patients:  

• Better understand their behaviors, emotions, and thoughts 

• Identify their unique stressors 

• Teach healthy coping and problem-solving techniques to help improve quality of life 

Psychologist: Psychologists focus on mental health and environmental factors that impact well-being and mental health. Psychologists differ from therapists in that they can diagnose mental or behavioral health conditions. To help patients, they will use tools like talk therapy, behavioral modification, and mindfulness practice to help patients manage stress and behavioral problems.  

Psychiatrist: Psychiatrists have an additional level of training that requires medical school. They use their medical training to diagnose and treat severe mental illnesses and prescribe and help manage medications.  

Dr. Blastos has a passion for treating adolescents in both inpatient and outpatient environments. He works closely with Latrobe Hospital, which has an inpatient Behavioral Health Unit to treat patients ranging in age from 6 to 18 years old.  

When asked about his passion in helping these adolescent patients, Dr. Blastos said, “Sometimes just having someone objective to talk to and help work through a problem is what patients need. Our goal as psychiatrists is to, above all, listen and attempt to understand where patients and their families are struggling and intervene with targeted treatments. The joy I find in psychiatry is being allowed a glimpse into a patient’s world, identifying where help is needed, then walking alongside the patient and family as I help them navigate through their mental health journey. I frequently explain to patients and their families that they would not hesitate to seek help if they were suffering chest pain or from a broken arm; However, the stigma that comes with seeking help because someone is struggling with depression, anxiety or thoughts of harming themselves are frequently ignored or discounted. My hope is that we erase that stigma and fear so individuals can access the help and care they need rather than suffering in silence or shame.” 

To learn more about Dr. Blastos, click here and to learn more about behavioral health services at Independence Health System, click here.