Psychiatrist

Psychiatrists are trained medical doctors who assess the mental and physical aspects of psychological conditions. Many psychiatrists work in clinics, hospitals, mental health facilities, and academic institutions, although many may offer services online through telemedicine platforms.

Some of the key responsibilities of a psychiatrist might include:

• Diagnosing mental health conditions
• Developing comprehensive treatment plans
• Prescribing medications
• Providing talk therapy
• Coordinating with other healthcare professionals

Because they hold a medical degree and have completed training in the practice of psychiatry, psychiatrists can offer various treatments for mental health concerns, such as depression and anxiety disorders. Determining an accurate diagnosis might involve ruling out other conditions with similar symptoms.

In addition to general psychiatry, some psychiatrists focus on specific areas or groups of people. Subspecialties of psychiatry may include child and adolescent psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, addiction psychiatry, and forensic psychiatry. By focusing on a particular area, psychiatrists can provide focused care and support for patients with specific needs or goals.

Psychiatrists and psychologists both work to improve their patients' mental health, but they have different roles and responsibilities. One key difference is that psychiatrists can prescribe medication, while psychologists cannot.

Education and training

Training for psychiatrists involves completing medical school and earning a medical degree, usually lasting around four years after college. After that, they enter a residency program specifically for psychiatry, typically another four years. This extensive training allows psychiatrists to diagnose and treat mental health disorders from a medical perspective.

In contrast, psychologists typically earn a doctoral degree in psychology, which can take around five to seven years after college. They focus on understanding human behavior and thought processes. Psychologists are trained in conducting psychological testing, therapy, and research, which may offer an approach to mental health concerns that’s different from that of psychiatrists.

Patient treatment

When treating patients, psychiatrists often prescribe medications and other therapies to treat mental health disorders. They can offer various services such as medication management, psychotherapy,³ and, in severe cases, electroconvulsive therapy, among other treatments.

On the other hand, psychologists generally use talk therapy methods like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or humanistic therapy to help their patients. They can work with individuals, couples, and groups who struggle with psychological distress. This distress might be caused by various emotional, behavioral, and thought patterns. 

Not all psychiatrists engage in talk therapy in the same fashion as a traditional 60-minute session with a therapist, for example. Speaking to your psychiatrist about what to expect from your sessions can help you understand their methods. Often, a psychiatrist will suggest that you see a licensed mental health professional for talk therapy and use the psychiatry sessions for medication management.

Psychiatrists vs. psychologists

If you’re deciding whether to see a psychiatrist or a psychologist, you may want to consider your specific needs and situation. For some, medication may be a part of their treatment plan, making a psychiatrist the right choice. Others may prefer a non-medical approach that focuses on behavioral change through therapy, in which case a psychologist could be the appropriate professional to consult. In many cases, psychiatrists and psychologists work together and may refer one another to treat patients who need comprehensive care.

A person can seek help from a psychiatrist if they need a consultation regarding their mental health. A consultation might include clarifying their diagnosis or determining if medication would benefit their condition. Psychiatrists assess both the mental and physical aspects of psychological conditions to provide the most effective treatment.

Some signs and situations might indicate you need to see a psychiatrist, including:

• Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or hopelessness
• Difficulty concentrating or carrying out daily activities
• Experiencing sudden mood swings or irrational anger
• Trouble with sleep, either insomnia or sleeping too much
• Significant changes in appetite and weight
• Substance use issues
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

Conditions that may benefit

People who may benefit from seeing a psychiatrist include those experiencing symptoms of a mental illness, such as:

• Depression
• Anxiety disorders
• Bipolar disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Many individuals struggle with mental health concerns at some point in their lives, and seeing a psychiatrist could be a key part of improving their condition. Finding early treatment and support from a mental health professional could help improve the quality of life for those living with psychological conditions.

Becoming a psychiatrist can be rigorous, requiring years of education and training. Let’s explore the necessary steps and qualifications to pursue a career as a psychiatrist.

The first step in becoming a psychiatrist is obtaining a bachelor's degree, typically in a related field like psychology or pre-med. Some aspiring psychiatrists may opt for a double major or a major-minor combination to gain comprehensive knowledge and experience in both subjects. The undergraduate coursework often involves courses in chemistry, biology, physics, and math to meet the requirements for entering medical school.

Aspiring psychiatrists attend medical school after obtaining a bachelor's degree, which usually takes four years to complete. In medical school, they will receive training in various aspects of medicine and ultimately earn a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree. 

After medical school, they move on to a psychiatric residency, typically lasting another four years. The residency program provides extensive training in diagnosing and treating mental disorders, as well as different approaches and therapies used in psychiatry.

Becoming a psychiatrist entails the following:

• Completing a bachelor's degree in a relevant field (4 years)
• Attending medical school to obtain an M.D. or D.O. degree (4 years)
• Completing a psychiatric residency program (4 years)

Throughout their education and training, psychiatrists must also pass various exams and obtain the necessary medical licenses in their state or area. This process ensures they have the skills and knowledge to manage the complex mental health challenges of patients.

Finding the right psychiatrist for your needs can be difficult, but there are several resources for getting the appropriate help. If you or someone you know needs to consult a psychiatrist, the first step may be to ask a primary care doctor for a referral. These general physicians usually have a list of psychiatrists they trust and can recommend based on an individual’s needs. 

In addition, health insurance companies often maintain a directory of medical professionals. You can check your insurance provider's website or call their customer service line to find the names and contact information of psychiatrists covered by your plan. If you're not covered by insurance or are seeking more options, several online directories and databases can help.

Websites like the American Psychiatric Association have searchable directories where you can filter by location, specialty, or other criteria to find a psychiatrist who might be a good fit. Local mental health clinics, hospitals, and universities also have psychiatric departments or can offer referrals. 

For example, BetterHelp is an online counseling platform that offers convenient contact with licensed mental health professionals. It allows individuals to seek support and guidance for various mental health concerns from the comfort of their homes.

When searching for a psychiatrist, consider factors like the psychiatrist's experience, communication style, and specialty. If at first you don’t find a good fit, know that it’s normal to search until you find a psychiatrist you feel comfortable with and trust, as they will be assisting you in overcoming sensitive and personal concerns. Consulting a few different psychiatrists to determine who fits your needs might help.