When Should You See a Psychiatrist?

If you're struggling with your mental health, you may be wondering if you should see a psychiatrist or other mental health professional, online or near you. Psychiatrists specialize in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, often using a combination of therapy and medication. You might consider seeing a psychiatrist if:

  • You experience persistent sadness, anxiety, or mood swings.

  • You have trouble managing daily responsibilities due to mental health challenges.

  • You need medication management for conditions such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.

  • You have tried therapy, but symptoms persist.

  • You experience severe symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, or suicidal thoughts.

 

Psychiatrists vs. Psychologists and Therapists

All mental health professionals aim to support your well-being, but their roles differ:

  • Psychiatrists are medical doctors who diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication. They often focus on medication management rather than talk therapy.
  • Psychologists have advanced degrees in psychology and provide therapy but generally cannot prescribe medication. If you’re searching for a psychologist accepting new patients but need medication, a psychiatrist may be the better fit.
  • Therapists are a broad category that includes psychologists, licensed counselors, and social workers. They provide talk therapy but do not prescribe medication.

What Do Psychiatrists Do?

Medical Treatment for Mental Health

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who diagnoses and treats mental health conditions. Unlike psychologists, psychiatrists are the only mental health professionals who may prescribe psychiatric medications, although some mental health professionals may prescribe medication under the direction of a psychiatrist.

Psychology and psychiatry both support mental health, but they have different approaches. Psychology explores thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in the context of development, environment, and consciousness. Psychiatry, on the other hand, focuses on the brain’s medical aspects, including how conditions like depression and anxiety relate to brain function.

Medication Management vs. Therapy

Most psychiatrists focus on medication management rather than providing talk therapy. However, some psychiatrists pursue additional training in psychology and offer psychotherapy as part of their practice. A psychiatrist can prescribe medication and manage treatment for conditions such as:

How to Find the Right Psychiatrist for Your Needs

When looking for a psychiatrist, consider the following factors:

  • Location: Search for a psychiatrist near you (or available through telehealth platforms) accepting new patients to ensure you find someone local and available.
  • Specialization: Some psychiatrists focus on specific conditions, such as addiction or child psychiatry. Look for a psychiatrist that deals with conditions relevant to your individual care needs.
  • Insurance Coverage: Checking your provider’s network can help you find affordable psychiatric care.
  • Treatment Approach: Some psychiatrists offer therapy, while others focus solely on medication. Make sure you find an option that’s right for your life. It might be necessary to combine treatment from a therapist and a psychiatrist to achieve your best outcome.

Before committing, schedule an initial consultation to discuss your concerns and treatment options.

Types of Psychiatric Specializations

Psychiatrists may specialize in various fields and conditions, including:

  • Neuropsychiatry – Treats neurological conditions affecting mental health, such as traumatic brain injuries.
  • Addiction Psychiatry – Focuses on substance use disorders and recovery.
  • Child & Adolescent Psychiatry – Specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions in children and adolescents.
  • Geriatric Psychiatry – Specializes in the mental health of older adults, addressing conditions like dementia, depression, and anxiety in aging populations.
  • Emergency Psychiatry – Provides urgent care for individuals experiencing psychiatric crises, such as severe depression, psychosis, or suicidal thoughts.
  • Rehabilitation Psychiatry – Focuses on long-term psychiatric care for individuals with severe mental illnesses, helping them regain independence and improve their quality of life.
  • Perinatal and Reproductive Psychiatry – Specializes in mental health during pregnancy, postpartum, and other reproductive-related conditions, such as perimenopausal depression.
  • Military and Veterans Psychiatry – Focuses on the unique mental health challenges faced by service members and veterans, including PTSD and combat-related trauma.

If you're unsure which specialty fits your needs, searching our directory of professionals can help you explore options.

The Psychiatric Treatment Process

What to Expect in Psychiatric Care

While each professional takes their own approach, seeing a psychiatrist involves several general steps:

  1. Initial Psychiatric Evaluation – A comprehensive assessment of symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle.
  2. Diagnosis & Treatment Plan – Your psychiatrist may recommend medication, therapy, or both.
  3. Medication Management – Regular check-ins to monitor effectiveness and adjust prescriptions.
  4. Ongoing Support – Your psychiatrist will work with you to ensure your treatment meets your evolving needs.

What Kind of Training Do Psychiatrists Get?

Every psychiatrist must attend medical school. After completing medical school, they complete a four-year psychiatric residency during which they learn about the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions. Psychiatric residencies are frequently completed at psychiatric hospitals, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, or on psychiatric wards at general hospitals.

Criticisms of Psychiatry

The field of psychiatry — and psychiatrists themselves — are perhaps the most frequently criticized mental health practitioners. Even among mental health specialists, psychiatrists may be criticized as being too quick to prescribe medication, too slow to look at lifestyle and environmental factors that contribute to mental health conditions, and too wedded to the medical model of psychological treatment. Several advocacy groups have focused on perceived overmedication of children in particular. Both private practice and institutionally affiliated psychiatrists are likely to prescribe various medications for addressing mental health issues as they arise. While such medications are capable of helping some people to recover from difficult events or circumstances and may aid daily functioning, many modern professionals suggest that a combination of medication with good psychotherapy, or therapeutic services alone, can yield the best results.

Start Your Search for a Trusted Psychiatrist Today

GoodTherapy makes it easy to find the right psychiatric help when and where you need it. Our directory lists thousands of professionals, all verified for their credentials and expertise.

 

Additional Resources and Support

If you or a loved one are struggling, help is always available. Explore our resources for:

Join GoodTherapy’s Network of Psychiatrists

Looking to provide more help for those in need? Join a trusted platform designed to connect you with individuals actively searching for psychiatric care. Mental health professionals who meet our membership requirements can take advantage of benefits such as:

  • Client referrals
  • Continuing education credits
  • Publication and media opportunities
  • Marketing resources and webinars
  • Special discounts

Learn More