What is a psychiatrist?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who has completed specialized residency training in psychiatry — typically 4 years after medical school. Unlike therapists and counselors, psychiatrists are licensed to prescribe medication. They specialize in diagnosing mental health conditions and managing them with medication, therapy, or a combination of both.
What psychiatrists treat
- Depression and bipolar disorder — medication management for mood disorders
- Anxiety disorders — when medication is needed alongside or instead of therapy
- ADHD — evaluation and medication management for attention disorders
- Schizophrenia and psychotic disorders
- OCD — often treated with specific medications alongside therapy
- PTSD — medication can help manage symptoms while trauma therapy proceeds
- Eating disorders — psychiatric monitoring of co-occurring conditions
When to see a psychiatrist vs a therapist
See a psychiatrist if: you want an evaluation for whether medication might help, you've tried therapy without adequate improvement, you have a condition known to respond well to medication (bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, severe OCD), or your symptoms significantly impair your ability to function. A psychiatrist and therapist often work together — the psychiatrist manages medication while the therapist provides psychotherapy.
What to expect at a first appointment
A psychiatric evaluation typically takes 60–90 minutes. Your psychiatrist will take a thorough history — mental health, medical, family, medications, substances. They'll ask about your current symptoms, their duration and severity, and how they're affecting your life. Based on this evaluation, they'll discuss diagnostic impressions and treatment options, which may include medication, therapy, or both.
Finding a psychiatrist accepting new patients
Psychiatrists are in short supply — waitlists are common. Telehealth has significantly expanded access. Many psychiatrists now see patients via video for medication management, which works extremely well. Search BehavioralHealthGuide.org for psychiatrists near you — filter by telehealth available and your insurance to find the most accessible options.