What Is a Psychiatrist? Understanding Their Role in Mental Health Care

What is a psychiatrist, and what’s the difference between psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists? Do psychiatrists do therapy? Can a psychiatrist prescribe medicine?

Learning about the role of psychiatrists in mental health care, how they compare to other professionals (such as the difference between psychologist and psychiatrist), and finding the best psychiatrist near you, either in person or online, can be a powerful first step in getting the support you need.

Psychiatrist Definition: What Is a Psychiatrist?

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who has a specialty in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, typically through medication management. Psychiatrists complete medical school and then complete a residency in psychiatry, which gives them a deep understanding of both the biological and psychological aspects of mental health.

Unlike other mental health professionals like therapists or psychologists, psychiatrists manage mental health issues through prescribing medications, and in some cases also providing therapy.

So what do psychiatrists do exactly? Psychiatrists are uniquely qualified to evaluate both the mental and physical aspects of mental health conditions. This includes full comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, ordering and reviewing labs, and prescribing medication.

They can treat conditions like:

Depression
Anxiety disorders
Bipolar disorder
Schizophrenia
ADHD
PTSD
Eating disorders

Also, not all psychiatrists provide ongoing therapy, but many do, especially in private practice. Treatment that combines medication management with psychotherapy can be effective for certain conditions, like depression and anxiety.

Psychiatrist vs. Psychologist: Key Differences

When comparing psychologists vs psychiatrists, it can help to understand their different training and roles. It usually comes down to how they approach mental health, as psychiatrists tend to focus more on the medical and biological side while psychologists tend to focus on thoughts, emotions, and behavioral patterns.

Psychologists have a doctoral degree in psychology (PhD or PsyD) and they help treat emotional and behavioral problems through psychotherapy. In general, psychologists do not prescribe medications (except in some states where special licenses are required). However, they have extensive training in therapy, psychological testing, and behavioral interventions.

On the other hand, psychiatrists (MD or DO) complete medical school with a residency in psychiatry. Since they have a medical background, psychiatrists can prescribe medication and handle more complicated mental health issues, considering both the biological and psychological factors in treatment.

While some psychiatrists offer therapy, they mostly focus on diagnosing and medication management.

So, what’s the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist? Essentially, psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication and handle complex psychiatric conditions while psychologists focus more on therapy, evaluations, and changing behaviors. Many people find it beneficial to work with both for a more well-rounded approach to their mental health treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Psychiatrists

Do Psychiatrists Provide Therapy?

Yes, they can, but it can vary. Those in private or specialized practices may offer therapy in addition to medication management. However, psychiatrists in hospital settings or larger clinics might only manage medications.

How Do I Find the Best Psychiatrist Near Me?

You can start by searching online directories, or your insurance company should have a provider’s list of psychiatrists near you that are in network. Using search terms like “best psychiatrist near me” or “ADHD psychiatrist near me” can help narrow down your results.

If you are already in therapy, you may ask your therapist for their recommendations, as therapists often collaborate with psychiatrists for holistic treatment. You can also ask your primary care doctor for recommendations.

What is the Difference Between a Psychiatrist and a Therapist?

It can be confusing to know the difference between a psychiatrist vs therapist. Therapists (including LPCs, LCSWs, and LMFTs) are licensed mental health professionals who are qualified to conduct assessments, make diagnoses, and provide talk therapy. They can specialize in various therapeutic treatment methods, but they do not prescribe medication.

Psychiatrists, on the other hand, are medical doctors who can diagnose, prescribe, and manage medication. Some of them may also offer psychotherapy along with medication management.

Can a Psychiatrist Help with ADHD?

Absolutely. In fact, for ADHD treatment, a combination of stimulant or non stimulant medication, therapy, and behavioral strategies is recommended. Psychiatrists are the specialists who can help in ADHD diagnosis and treatment for medication management.

Is an Online Psychiatrist as Effective as an In-Person Psychiatrist?

This may depend on your situation. A study in the World Journal of Psychiatry found that having an online psychiatrist works just as well as in person for certain disorders like anxiety, depression, and ADHD. However, individuals with more severe symptoms or who are in crisis may need in-person care.

Finding the Right Psychiatrist for Your Needs

When you’re ready to look for a psychiatrist, it helps to start with clarity about your goals and needs:

Are you seeking help for a specific condition like ADHD or depression?
Do you prefer a psychiatrist who also provides therapy?
Are you open to medication?

You can begin with a search like “psychiatrists near me” or “ADHD psychiatrist near me.” Consider these tips:

Filter by specialization. Look for psychiatrists experienced in your area of concern.
Read reviews, but take them with a grain of salt. Online reviews can be helpful, but every person’s needs are different.
Check for board certification. This ensures your provider has met standardized qualifications.
Set up a short consultation. Often providers will offer short, free consultation sessions. Here you can ask questions about years of experience and treatment philosophy.
Ask about wait times. Psychiatry is in high demand, and some providers may have long waiting lists.
Find out about collaboration and partnerships. Ask ifthey collaborate with other professionals, like psychologists, therapists, or primary care doctors so you can get an integrated and whole-person approach to care.

Many people still have a negative view of getting psychiatric care, even when medication might be helpful for them.

Despite mental health awareness increasing, seeing a psychiatrist for medication still holds a lot of stigma. That’s why it’s important to make decisions not based on fear or what others think, but rather on proven treatment and choosing a provider that can meet your specific needs.

Can Psychiatrists Diagnose a Mental Health Condition?

Yes, psychiatrists can diagnose whether you have a mental health condition. A psychiatrist’s main role is to:

Diagnose mental health disorders through evaluations, clinical interviews, and lab work
Prescribe psychiatric medications (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs, mood stabilizers, stimulants)
Monitor side effects and adjust dosages
Recommend therapy, lifestyle changes, or additional support options

Psychiatrists diagnose mental health conditions through a comprehensive evaluation. This evaluation includes a clinical interview, a mental status exam or MSE, and lab tests if needed to rule out medical causes for the mental health symptoms.

They use criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR) to compare symptoms and identify disorders.

Based on this diagnosis, they will create a treatment plan that could include medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, and referrals to other professionals. They will regularly review the treatment plan and make changes as needed to meet the patient’s needs.

Online Psychiatry: A Convenient Option

Telemedicine or virtual psychiatric care has grown significantly over recent years. If you are having a difficult time finding a psychiatrist near you, an online psychiatrist can be a great option, especially if you live in a rural area or need more flexible appointment times.

Online psychiatry can offer benefits such as:

Convenient scheduling
No commute
Available treatment if you don’t have transportation or child care
Access to more providers because you’re not limited by geography
Often faster appointment availability

There are some drawbacks to telehealth psychiatry too though, including:

Requires reliable internet access
In-home privacy is necessary
Some evaluations may be harder to conduct virtually
Not ideal for acute psychiatric emergencies
Some medications, like stimulant medications for ADHD, may not be prescribed online due to laws

Still, for many mental health needs and medication management, seeing an online psychiatrist has proven to be highly effective and safe. Whether you are looking for medication, a diagnosis, or a combination of care, psychiatrists are an important part of mental health care.

Psychiatrists can help sort through the different aspects of your mental health struggles and help you find ways to feel better.