Find 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.