Finding A Local Psychiatrist For Mental Health Care

Have you been struggling to find a local psychiatrist? You may have found a variety of licensed mental health professionals, such as psychologists, counselors, or therapists. However, psychiatry can be different. Understanding how to find a local psychiatrist may benefit you in your therapeutic journey.

What is a psychiatrist?

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in mental health. Psychiatrists graduated from medical school and completed training to specialize in psychiatry. At times, psychiatry may be confused with psychology, which also focuses on mental health. A psychologist also has an advanced graduate degree and specialized training but is not a medical doctor.

Can psychiatrists prescribe medication for mental health treatment?

Because psychiatrists are medical doctors, they can write prescriptions for medication. Other licensed psychology professionals, such as psychologists, counselors, or psychotherapists, cannot prescribe medication. 

However, psychologists may collaborate or consult with their client’s psychiatrist or primary care physician about medication options for an individual’s psychotherapeutic treatment. Often, a psychiatrist’s treatment involves working with a physician and another licensed psychology professional.

What to look for in a local psychiatrist for therapy

You may have questions about what to look for in a local psychiatrist. The following are steps you can take when locating a psychiatrist. Treating this search similar to a search for any other local medical professional is a good start in locating an effective psychiatrist.

Ask for a therapy or counseling referral

Ask for a referral from your primary care physician, a community health center, or an insurance company. You might also ask trusted friends familiar with psychotherapeutic care in your community. 
Reaching out for a therapy referral can lead you to a mental health professional who fits you.

Expert credentials in psychiatry and mental health treatment

Research the psychiatrist’s credentials and check that they implement a standard policy, as required by law in the United States. Aside from looking for a board-certified physician, you can research a psychiatrist’s education and research history.

Many psychiatrists belong to the American Psychiatric Association (all rights reserved) which supports and promotes universal and equitable mental health and psychotherapeutic services. 

Ask about the psychiatrist's specialization

Look for a local psychiatrist who specializes in your concern or condition. Many psychology professionals are qualified to treat various mental health disorders. Psychiatric work in general encompasses many disorders, such as bipolar disorder, substance use, and so on. You may choose to locate a psychiatrist with expertise in certain psychological conditions.

Finding a psychiatrist with a specialized focus could be a beneficial step, depending on your case. For instance, certain psychiatrists may specialize in treating eating disorders, substance use concerns, or children’s psychological conditions.

Treatment and medication

Ask what treatments the psychiatrist provides. Some psychiatrists might focus primarily on medication management. Others might focus on supplemental forms of psychotherapy. Some psychiatrists might do both.

Patient compatibility with psychiatrists

Meet with the psychiatrist to see if you think they’ll be a good fit for your needs. Considerations may include whether you sense that you can trust them, how comfortable you’ll be talking openly to them, and whether you perceive that the psychiatrist is listening to your concerns.

Insurance matches for health care

If you have insurance, you might want to look for psychiatrists on your insurance plan. Ask local psychiatrists about their pricing if you don’t have psychiatry coverage, or the specific psychiatrist you are considering for other reasons is not covered by your policy.

Logistical concerns 

Consider logistical issues. How soon can you get an appointment with the psychiatrist? Is the location convenient? Are psychiatry appointments available during times when you can go?

How much does a psychiatrist cost?

There is no single answer to how much a psychiatrist costs. For instance, the initial psychiatry appointment may be charged higher than subsequent appointments. Geographic location can also make a difference in cost. 

Having an insurance plan may make a difference in your out-of-pocket price for psychiatry. One psychiatrist’s services may cost more than others. Asking your psychiatrist about rates and payment options is a possible way to determine the cost of psychotherapeutic treatment.

Are there affordable options for psychiatry?

There are options for affordable mental health services. Some psychiatrists may work on a sliding scale, which means they could charge each patient based on their income. Local community health centers and medical schools can also be good resources for finding affordable psychiatric care.

What if I can’t find a local psychiatrist or psychologist?

What to do if I can't find a local psychiatrist near me? If you can’t find a local psychiatrist, speaking to your primary care physician or reaching out to a community health center can help. They may be knowledgeable about psychiatrists who are in the area or with whom you can consult virtually. They may also have other suggestions for psychotherapeutic treatment. Some examples include seeing a licensed psychotherapist and consulting with a nearby medical doctor.

Changing mental health professionals

Try not to give up if your concerns aren’t improving after working with a psychiatrist or other licensed mental health psychologist. You may not see progress immediately, but try to give the psychotherapeutic process time. 

The importance of medication management

If you believe that your mental health care provider is not suitable for you, it might be time to look for someone else. However, if you are on medication for your mental health treatment, ensure you do not stop taking it without speaking to the psychiatrist who prescribed it or your primary care physician.

Mental health care and counseling resources

If you or a loved one has mental health concerns, your primary care physician or community health center may offer resources for finding help. 

Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) any time, day or night, for referral and treatment information. Speakers of both English and Spanish staff the Helpline. You can also try a treatment service locator option online to help you find a mental health care provider. You can enter your address, city, or zip code to search for treatment services near you.

Connecting with licensed mental health professionals

If you live in a big city, you may find many local psychiatrists from which to choose. However, online counseling may be an option if you live somewhere where finding a local psychiatrist is difficult or impossible. 

Connecting online with a licensed mental health psychologist can also be a beneficial way to find help. Online options for psychotherapy are often convenient and affordable. Additionally, online therapy has been proven to be just as effective as in-person psychotherapy for treating depression, anxiety, and trauma.

If you want to reach out to a psychologist online, consider a platform such as BetterHelp for individuals or Regain for couples. Both offer a growing database of psychotherapists specializing in a variety of concerns.