What Are Psychiatrists, And What Can A Psychiatrist Do?

Psychiatrists are medical doctors working in the field of psychology. They are not the same as psychologists, although they may engage in similar therapeutic practices due to their advanced medical qualifications. Before you make an appointment with a psychiatrist, it may be helpful to understand what psychiatrists do and how they can help you.

Psychiatrists – Medical doctors and mental health providers

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor specializing in treating and diagnosing mental health disorders. Psychiatrists attend medical school, attend a residency, and can prescribe medication, order tests, and solicit patient referrals. 

Some psychiatrists use psychotherapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, much like a therapist might. However, many psychiatrists focus only on the medical aspects of mental health, leaving psychotherapy to therapists or psychologists who work as part of a treatment team.

Psychiatrist career outlook

A psychiatrist career is often a long-term track. After several years in medical school and residency programs, psychiatrists may practice for decades before retiring. About 44,000 psychiatrists are practicing throughout the United States. Considering that one in five adults experiences symptoms of a mental illness each year, the demand for psychiatrists may continue to grow. 

Where do psychiatrists work?

Psychiatrists can work in different venues and industries. A psychiatrist may treat patients in behavioral health centers, for instance, while also maintaining their own non-public office. They may also work in hospitals or emergency rooms.

Some psychiatrists work in research, assisting in clinical studies for new medications and psychotherapies. Some professionals also supplement their income by teaching at universities or facilitating educational workshops and training for other providers.

What can a psychiatrist do to become licensed? 

To become a psychiatrist, an individual must complete medical school. Psychiatrists are medical doctors, unlike most other mental health professionals (for example, psychologists, who typically have a doctoral degree in clinical psychology). After taking four years of college courses, often on the pre-med track, psychiatrists undergo four additional years of medical school. After this time, the psychiatrist may undergo additional schooling to specialize in a specific area, such as geriatric psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry, emergency psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, or addiction psychiatry.

What happens after psychiatry or medical school for psychiatrists?

After medical school, psychiatrists undergo an additional four years of extensive training in a residency program. Once their training is complete, they must pass a written and oral examination to become certified by the American Board of Psychiatry. This certification must be renewed every ten years.

What can a psychiatrist do? 

For example, a psychiatrist who specializes in geriatric psychiatry and conducts clinical trials in research facilities will have different responsibilities than one who treats eating disorders in non-public practice. Below, we’re answering the question: What can a psychiatrist do?   

Treating eating disorders, bipolar disorder, and other mental health disorders through psychiatry

As part of their practice, many psychiatrists evaluate, diagnose, and treat mental disorders and mental illness. This can include addiction, depression, personality disorders, eating disorders, and much more.

They may do this in non-public practice, clinics, or hospitals. They may also work for government agencies, helping treat individuals in the legal or correctional system. Psychiatrists treat mental health conditions through medication management, talk therapy, and other modalities. 

Understanding the connection between physical and mental health in psychiatry 

Psychiatrists can address concerns related to mental health, problems with physical well-being, and comorbid challenges. Because psychiatrists understand the connections between physical and mental health, they can help other professionals address complications that may arise out of that relationship. Consultation-liaison psychiatry is a specialty in which psychiatrists help treat mental health conditions in individuals who may be undergoing other medical treatments for a comorbid condition. For example, a consultation-liaison psychiatrist may help a primary healthcare provider manage depression in an individual being treated for diabetes (two commonly comorbid conditions). 

The day-to-day of a psychiatrist

Psychiatrists often spend a portion of their day preparing for their next round of patients. Some psychiatrists have many patients, so they may spend a brief time reviewing the patient's file before a session to refamiliarize themselves with their case.

Are there administrative duties involved in psychiatry?

In addition to meeting with patients, prescribing medications, and engaging in psychotherapy, psychiatrists might be responsible for making careful notes and keeping every patient's medical records up to date. They may also send prescriptions through electronic delivery systems, talk to pharmacies to resolve prescription-related challenges, and handle incoming calls from patients with medication challenges.

Psychiatric research on mood disorders, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, and more

Psychiatric research is an important field, helping professionals better understand certain psychiatric disorders and develop effective medical treatments. Psychiatrists in this field may conduct imaging studies to learn more about the neurobiology of behavioral disorders; or they may conduct clinical trials on a medication for a specific mental health condition, like bipolar disorder. 

The differences between various mental health professionals

While psychiatrists, therapists, and psychologists can all guide clients in learning to manage mental illness, only a psychiatrist can offer treatment advice. The benefit of working with a psychiatrist in addition to a therapist is the additional resources available. For example, if your psychiatrist thinks you may benefit from medication, you can take meds that may assist you in completing therapy successfully. However, consult your doctor before starting, changing, or stopping any medication. 

Can you see a psychiatrist and a therapist? 

Unlike therapists, psychiatrists can prescribe medications for mental health disorders. These professionals can also diagnose patients, run lab tests, manage medications, and adjust medications accordingly based on results and side effects. Therapists cannot prescribe medications, order medical tests, or work as a doctor. 

How much does a psychiatrist cost?

Psychiatrists have varying costs depending on the area of the country you live in, their experience, and the services you're paying for. However, the average cost of a psychiatrist maybe $500 for an initial consultation and $100 per additional follow-up appointment. Insurance plans often offer coverage for psychiatry visits, which can significantly lower their cost. 

Affordable mental health options for those without health insurance

Finding the right psychiatrist or professional for you

By providing you with the resources to treat your symptoms, psychiatrists can help you become a healthier, more confident version of yourself. Likewise, talking to a psychiatrist may be the first step toward receiving diagnoses, medical treatment, and connections to other professionals. 

In addition to working with a psychiatrist, speaking to a therapist to develop long-term behavioral techniques to manage mental health symptoms can be helpful. Though a therapist is not the same as a psychiatrist, they may be able to support you in ways a psychiatrist can't. For example, therapy may help you identify which challenges you face, what you can do to cope, and how you can find balance. 

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