Find a Psychiatrist

Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on May 23, 2025
Written by the MiResource team

Psychiatrists are highly trained mental health professionals who offer a unique blend of medical expertise, diagnostic skill, and therapeutic insight. They can be an essential part of your care team, especially if you're navigating moderate to severe symptoms, need medication support, or are unsure about what kind of help you need.

  • Derrick Brooks, Psychiatrist

    Derrick Brooks

    Psychiatrist

    1015 15th Street Northwest, Washington, District of Columbia 20005

    Derrick Brooks is a Psychiatrist in Washington, District of Columbia and has been in practice for 5 years. They treat Depression, Perfectionism, Medication Concerns.

    I offer services to those seeking a physician with insight and experience in treating individuals from various ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds.

    View profile
  • Peyton Hurt, Psychiatrist

    Peyton Hurt

    Psychiatrist

    195 Riverbend Shopping Center, Suite #1, Charlottesville, Virginia 22911

    Peyton Hurt is a Psychiatrist in Charlottesville, Virginia and has been in practice for 34 years. They treat Anger Issues, Bipolar Disorder, Alcohol Use.

    I have been practicing as both a Child & Adolescent and Adult Psychiatrist for 30 years.

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  • Vinay Saranga, Psychiatrist

    Vinay Saranga

    Psychiatrist

    1600 Olive Chapel Road, Apex, North Carolina 27502

    Vinay Saranga is a Psychiatrist in Apex, North Carolina. They treat Personality Disorders, Depression, Schizoaffective.

    Mental health disorders are unique. In addition to medication management, we offer TMS Therapy and IV Ketamine that can help when nothing else does.

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  • Jennifer Colvin, Psychiatrist

    Jennifer Colvin

    Psychiatrist

    3400 Croasdaile Drive, Durham, North Carolina 27705

    Jennifer Colvin is a Psychiatrist in Durham, North Carolina. They treat Trauma and Stress-Related Disorders, Major Depressive Disorders, Anxiety.

    I am a board certified psychiatrist and have a PhD in Neuroscience. After-hours appointments available upon request.

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  • Jewelle Robinson, Nurse Practitioner

    Jewelle Robinson

    Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatrist

    Remote only

    Jewelle Robinson is a Nurse Practitioner in undefined, undefined. They treat Academic Concerns, Social Anxiety, Anxiety.

    Dr. Jewelle Robinson is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and specializes in providing compassionate and evidence-based care.

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  • Mailyn Santana, Psychiatrist

    Mailyn Santana

    Psychiatrist

    5901 Southwest 74th Street, Miami, Florida 33143

    Mailyn Santana is a Psychiatrist in Miami, Florida and has been in practice for 7 years. They treat Loneliness/Isolation, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

    3x Board Certified Psychiatrist.Solution-focused psychiatric care for kids, teens, adults, and those with substance use.available in person or Telehealth.

    View profile

What is a Psychiatrist?

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental health conditions. Unlike psychologists or therapists who typically have training in counseling and behavioral therapies, psychiatrists hold a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree and have completed medical school and a psychiatric residency.

Because they are licensed physicians, psychiatrists can:

  • Prescribe medication
  • Order and interpret lab tests
  • Diagnose complex mental and physical health interactions
  • Provide therapy (though many focus on medication management)

They are trained to treat a wide range of mental health disorders, from common conditions like depression and anxiety to more severe illnesses such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.


What kind of training do Psychiatrists receive?

Psychiatrists undergo extensive medical and mental health training. Here’s a breakdown of the typical path:

  1. Undergraduate degree (4 years): Usually in a science or pre-med track.
  2. Medical school (4 years): Earning an MD or DO degree.
  3. Residency in psychiatry (4 years): Hands-on clinical training in psychiatric hospitals and outpatient settings.
  4. Licensing: All psychiatrists must pass the USMLE (for MDs) or COMLEX (for DOs) and obtain a state medical license.
  5. Board Certification (optional but common): From the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN).

Many psychiatrists pursue fellowships to further specialize, such as in child and adolescent psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, or addiction medicine.


What Do Psychiatrists Treat?

Psychiatrists are trained to assess both the biological and psychological components of mental illness. They commonly treat:

  • Depression
  • Generalized anxiety disorder
  • Panic disorder
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • Eating disorders
  • Substance use disorders
  • Sleep disorders
  • Personality disorders

In many cases, psychiatrists work in tandem with other mental health professionals—like therapists, psychologists, and social workers—to create a comprehensive treatment plan.


What Can a Psychiatrist Do?

Because of their medical training, there are a variety of psychiatric services that psychiatrists can offer.

1. Diagnose Mental Illness

Psychiatrists use clinical interviews, questionnaires, lab tests, and DSM-5 criteria (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) to diagnose conditions accurately. They’re trained to distinguish between psychiatric disorders and physical conditions that may mimic them (e.g., thyroid disorders causing mood symptoms).

2. Prescribe Medication

One of the main reasons people see psychiatrists is for medication management. Psychiatrists can prescribe a wide range of psychotropic medications, including:

  • Antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclics)
  • Anxiolytics (e.g., benzodiazepines, buspirone)
  • Mood stabilizers (e.g., lithium, lamotrigine)
  • Antipsychotics (e.g., risperidone, olanzapine)
  • Stimulants (e.g., Adderall, Ritalin)

They also monitor side effects, adjust dosages, and help patients find the right medication or combination of medications over time.

3. Provide Psychotherapy

While not all psychiatrists offer therapy, some are trained in and provide forms such as:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Supportive psychotherapy
  • Interpersonal therapy (IPT)
  • Psychodynamic therapy

If a psychiatrist does not provide therapy themselves, they often coordinate care with a therapist or psychologist.

4. Evaluate Physical Contributions to Mental Illness

Psychiatrists can order labs to check for:

  • Vitamin deficiencies (like B12)
  • Thyroid problems
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Substance use

They consider whether a medical condition or medication is contributing to psychiatric symptoms.

5. Manage Crisis Situations

Psychiatrists play a crucial role in acute care settings, including:

  • Emergency rooms
  • Inpatient psychiatric hospitals
  • Crisis stabilization units

They assess for suicidal ideation, psychosis, and danger to self or others, and determine if hospitalization or intensive treatment is necessary.


How Is a Psychiatrist Different From a Psychologist or Therapist?

Feature Psychiatrist Psychologist Therapist / Counselor
Medical degree Yes (MD/DO) No (usually PhD or PsyD) No (usually MSW, LMFT, LPC, etc.)
Can prescribe medication Yes In most states, no No
Trained in therapy Yes (varies by psychiatrist) Yes Yes
Focus of treatment Biological + psychological Psychological Psychological
Typical services offered Medication, diagnosis, some therapy Testing, therapy Therapy

While psychiatrists focus more on medical and medication-based treatment, many mental health concerns are best addressed by a team-based approach that includes talk therapy.


When Should You See a Psychiatrist?

You might benefit from seeing a psychiatrist if:

  • You’ve tried therapy and still experience severe symptoms.
  • You’re considering medication or want to stop/restart medications safely.
  • You have a family history of mental illness, especially mood or psychotic disorders.
  • Your symptoms are severe, complex, or persistent.
  • You’re experiencing hallucinations, delusions, or suicidal thoughts.
  • You need a diagnosis for documentation (e.g., for school or work accommodations).

If you're unsure, you can always start with a therapist or primary care provider, who can refer you to a psychiatrist if needed.

Find care for you

Recovery is possible. With early intervention, a supportive community, and the right professional care, you can overcome challenges and build a fulfilling life. We’re here to help you find the support you need.

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