Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsConditions TreatedWhen to See a PsychiatristDuring an AppointmentFinding a PsychiatristTraining and Certification
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Conditions Treated
When to See a Psychiatrist
During an Appointment
Finding a Psychiatrist
Training and Certification
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication, whereas psychologists are trained mental health providers who do not hold a medical degree and cannot prescribe medication without additional training.
This article discusses psychiatrists, the conditions they treat, how to find a psychiatrist, and what to expect during an appointment.
Psychiatry and Conditions Treated
Psychiatry is the field of medicine focused on mental health conditions. The most common mental health disorders are anxiety and depressive disorders.However, psychiatrists are qualified to treat various conditions defined in theDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition(DSM-5).Examples of mental health conditions that psychiatrists treat include:
Psychiatrists vs. PsychologistsPsychiatrists are medical doctors who treat the mental and physical symptoms of mental health disorders using medications, psychotherapy, and brain stimulation treatment. Psychologists are mental health providers with an advanced degree, who treat mental health disorders withpsychotherapy.
Psychiatrists vs. Psychologists
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who treat the mental and physical symptoms of mental health disorders using medications, psychotherapy, and brain stimulation treatment. Psychologists are mental health providers with an advanced degree, who treat mental health disorders withpsychotherapy.
Anyone with symptoms who suspects a mental health condition or who has a diagnosis but is struggling with theirmental healthshould seek the support of a psychiatrist or another mental health provider. Mental health conditions are treatable, and getting prompt care leads to better outcomes.
Symptoms of mental health disorders may include:
Suicide Prevention HotlineIf you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, dial988to contact the988 Suicide & Crisis Lifelineand connect with a trained counselor. For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Suicide Prevention Hotline
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, dial988to contact the988 Suicide & Crisis Lifelineand connect with a trained counselor. For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
During a Psychiatric Appointment
An appointment with a psychiatrist typically involves a conversation that considers the following:
Mental health providers such as psychiatrists also use standardquestionnairesto evaluate for mental health disorders. For example, thePatient Health Questionnaire Anxiety and Depression Scale(PHQ-ADS) is an effective tool for identifyingdepressionandanxiety.Such evaluation tools may be a form you fill out, or someone may verbally ask you (or acaregiver) questions.
How to Find a Psychiatrist
Finding a psychiatristmay begin with an appointment with a primary care practitioner. These providers can do an initial evaluation and help to determine if an appointment with a psychiatrist or other mental health provider is warranted. While it can be challenging to find a provider and receive care,virtual appointmentsand online treatment may be more accessible, and these options are effective in treating mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.
The process of finding a psychiatrist for mental health concerns may be different for people without insurance vs. those with insurance.
Through Insurance
Without Insurance
Some providers offer services on a sliding scale to accommodate different abilities to pay. If you are considering services without insurance coverage and are concerned about the cost, contact providers for options.
Psychiatrist Training and Certification
The psychiatrist training and certification process begins with four years of medical school. They then receive specialized training in the mental health field and become licensed to practice. While preparation to become a psychiatrist does involve some training intalk therapy, there is more of a focus on treating with medications. This training differs frompsychologistswho receive doctorate degrees, do not go to medical school, and focus primarily on talk therapy when treating mental health concerns.
The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) provides board certification for licensed psychiatrists after they pass an examination and meet all requirements.Continued education is also part of maintaining a license to practice psychiatry and helps improve the quality of care.
What Is Mental Health Counseling?
Summary
Psychiatrists are medical doctors specializing in mental health who evaluate, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Anyone struggling with mental health concerns or experiencing symptoms of a mental health disorder should seek the support of a mental health provider such as a psychiatrist. Finding a psychiatrist may be challenging, but primary care practitioners and insurance providers can help.
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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