Key takeaways
- Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs) who can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication — they differ from psychologists and therapists, who generally cannot prescribe.
- Finding the right psychiatrist involves assessing your needs first, then researching credentials, checking insurance, and scheduling a consultation before committing.
- It’s normal to consult more than one psychiatrist before finding a good fit — the therapeutic relationship matters as much with a psychiatrist as with a therapist.
- Many psychiatrists focus primarily on medication management and may refer you to a therapist for talk therapy, or both can be coordinated through the same platform.
- Grow Therapy connects you with licensed prescribers who accept your insurance and have real-time availability — you can see your cost before booking.
What is a psychiatrist?
A psychiatrist is a type of medical doctor who specializes in the mind, specifically in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders. Additionally, they have attained certain training and licensure that makes them qualified to help with your mental health.
According to Grow Therapy provider Deborah Harland, “A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD) who specializes in mental health. Psychiatrists have the authority to prescribe medications to address psychiatric conditions, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, or mood stabilizers. They can also provide therapy, but due to high demand, most psychiatrists focus on the medical aspect of mental health, including evaluating physical health factors, monitoring medication effectiveness, and managing potential side effects.”
Did you know?
The U.S. faces a significant and growing psychiatrist shortage. According to the Health Resources and Services Administration, as of late 2023 more than half the U.S. population — over 169 million people — lives in a designated Mental Health Professional Shortage Area. The supply of adult psychiatrists is projected to decrease by 20% by 2030 while demand continues to rise, leaving a shortage of over 12,000 fully trained psychiatrists. Telehealth has helped close part of this gap, with online prescribers often available within days rather than the weeks or months typical of in-person wait times.
Training and licensure requirements
According to the American Psychiatric Association, a psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has additional specialized training in mental health.
After graduating medical school, they must complete a four year psychiatry residency under the supervision of an experienced psychiatrist. To become a “board certified” psychiatrist, they also have to pass an exam given by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. In order to keep that certification, psychiatrists have to be re-certified every ten years.
Practice areas and specializations
Psychiatrists may choose to specialize in a specific area of care or patient population within the field of mental health.
For example, it’s very common for psychiatrists to choose between treating children and adolescents or specializing in adult psychiatry. They may also choose to specialize in treating specific issues, such as addiction and substance use disorders.
Beyond choosing a specialty, a psychiatrist is able to diagnose a wide variety of mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder, among others. Because they are medical doctors with extensive medical knowledge and experience, psychiatrists can also prescribe medications.
Steps to take when choosing a psychiatrist
In pursuing mental well-being, seeing a psychiatrist can be a game-changer. Psychiatrists are necessary for diagnosing mental health concerns and setting individualized treatment plans. However, some psychiatrists may be better suited to you than others. Here, we will outline four steps to help find the right psychiatrist for you:
Step 1: Gather Information and Assess Your Needs
The first step in finding a psychiatrist is gathering information and assessing your mental health needs. Take time to research different psychiatric specialties and their associated credentials. In doing so, you’re laying the foundation for finding the right psychiatrist to provide the proper treatment and support for your needs.
Understand your mental health needs
Before seeking psychiatric treatment, it’s important to try to understand your mental health needs clearly — to the extent that is possible. Reflect on your concerns and identify the specific areas you want to address in therapy. This self-reflection will help you communicate your needs effectively.
Certain conditions can significantly benefit from psychiatric care, such as:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Bipolar Disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Addiction
- Other mood disorders
If you believe there’s a cause for concern yet are uncertain about what precisely that concern is, a psychiatrist can provide a diagnosis and refer you to another specialist if need be.
You can seek therapy with a clearer focus and purpose by gaining a deeper understanding of your mental health concerns. This self-awareness will enable you to communicate your needs effectively to a therapist and embark on your therapeutic journey.
Research credentials and expertise
When searching for a psychiatrist, conducting thorough research on potential options is necessary. Look into their qualifications and educational background. Consider factors such as where they completed their medical degree, residency training, and any specialized training they may have pursued.
Some psychiatrists may have specialized training in areas such as addiction psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry, or geriatric psychiatry. These additional qualifications can indicate a deeper understanding and expertise in specific populations or areas of focus.
By conducting comprehensive research, you can make sure that you choose a professional who is well-qualified and experienced in addressing your specific concerns.
Considerations for special cases
In some cases, individuals may have unique circumstances or specific needs that require special consideration when seeking a psychiatrist. Examples of such cases include cultural considerations or identifying as LGBTQ+.
For individuals with specific cultural considerations, consider seeking a psychiatrist specializing in culturally competent care. These professionals have expertise in understanding and respecting diverse cultural backgrounds, values, and beliefs. They can provide a safe and inclusive environment where cultural nuances are acknowledged and incorporated into the therapeutic process.
Similarly, individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ should seek a psychiatrist with experience and knowledge in LGBTQ+ mental health. These specialists are well-versed in the unique challenges and concerns that LGBTQ+ individuals may face. They can provide understanding, support, and affirming care that is sensitive to the specific needs of the LGBTQ+ community.
Insurance and practical considerations
Before choosing a psychiatrist, evaluate your insurance coverage and consider practical aspects that can impact your treatment experience. Consider location, availability, and affordability to narrow your choices effectively.
Review your health insurance coverage to understand what mental health services your plan includes. Check if it covers psychiatric care and if there are any requirements or limitations. This information will help you identify psychiatrists who accept your insurance.
If you’ll be paying out of pocket, assess the cost of sessions and determine if it fits within your budget. If you have financial constraints, inquire about any sliding scale fees or payment options that may be available.
Consider the practical aspects of treatment, such as the location of the psychiatrist’s office. Choose a location that is convenient for you, considering factors like travel time and accessibility, or opt for online therapy if it’s more convenient.
As for availability, evaluate the psychiatrist’s schedule and determine if their availability aligns with your needs. Make sure that you can secure regular appointments and maintain continuity of care.
Step 2: identify a qualified psychiatrist
It’s important you find the right fit when seeking support for your mental health. While it can be overwhelming choosing a psychiatrist, a great placed to start is by getting recommendations from trusted individuals, or using a platform like Grow Therapy to help you identify the ones who might be best suited to your needs.
Consult your primary care physician
Your primary care physician is a great resource on this journey. They understand your medical history and can provide valuable insights and guidance in finding a trusted psychiatrist.
Additionally, they can assess your overall health, including any physical conditions or medications relevant to your mental health. Based on this knowledge, they can refer you to psychiatrists who specialize in your specific needs and have a good reputation.
Finding a provider through grow therapy
Another option is to browse a curated list of qualified psychiatrists through Grow Therapy. Our search filters, including location, insurance, and specialty, will help you narrow down your options so you can evaluate each psychiatrist’s bio and determine who’s the best fit.
Each provider’s profile includes information about their qualifications, areas of expertise, and availability. Grow Therapy also provides user reviews and ratings to help you make an informed decision.
You can further narrow your search by considering specific criteria such as preferred language, therapeutic approach, or concerns you want to address. Once you have selected a provider, you can schedule an appointment directly through the platform and conduct sessions through secure video conferencing or in-person if you prefer.
Step 3: schedule initial consultations
After conducting thorough research and narrowing down your options, the next step is to schedule your first appointment. You can use this time as a consultation to explain your concerns, ask questions, and determine if the psychiatrist a good fit. It’s a crucial step in finding a psychiatrist with whom you feel comfortable and confident in embarking on your mental health journey.
Assess communication styles
During your initial consultation, observe the psychiatrist’s communication style. Pay attention to how they engage with you and assess whether their approach aligns with your preferences and needs.
Ask the psychiatrist to explain treatment options and concepts, making sure that you have a solid understanding of your potential treatment plan. Clear communication helps establish realistic expectations and empowers you to actively participate in your own mental health care.
Evaluate treatment approaches
Look to understand the psychiatrist’s preferred treatment modalities, such as medication management, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. Inquire about their perspective on therapy’s role in addressing your specific concerns.
Consider whether the psychiatrist’s treatment approach resonates with your beliefs and values. Assess if they prioritize a collaborative and client-centered approach, where your input is valued and incorporated into the treatment process.
Trust your instincts
Pay attention to your gut feelings and trust your instincts when deciding. While research and assessments are valuable, your intuition can provide valuable insights into whether a psychiatrist feels like the right fit for you.
Remember that a therapeutic relationship is built on trust and mutual understanding. If you have reservations or doubts about the psychiatrist, it may indicate that they are not the best fit for you. Trusting your instincts guarantees you find a psychiatrist with whom you can establish a strong therapeutic rapport. This strong rapport is proven to increase treatment effectiveness.
What should I say when contacting a psychiatrist for the first time?
You don’t need a prepared speech. A brief, direct message is enough: describe the main reason you’re seeking help (for example, “I’ve been experiencing symptoms of depression and want to discuss medication options”), mention any relevant history if you have it (“I’ve seen a therapist previously but haven’t tried medication”), and ask about their availability and whether they accept your insurance.
If booking through Grow Therapy, the platform handles insurance verification and scheduling for you — your first message to the provider can focus entirely on your needs rather than logistics. Most psychiatrists won’t expect you to have everything figured out before your first session; the initial consultation is specifically designed to help you both assess fit and next steps.
Step 4: build a therapeutic relationship
Building a therapeutic relationship is a fundamental aspect of successful treatment. It involves establishing trust, open communication, and collaboration with your psychiatrist. By working together, you can create a personalized treatment plan, regularly review progress, and adjust as needed.
Regular check-ins, ongoing communication, and feedback are important to building this relationship. By actively participating in this process, you can make informed decisions about your treatment and ensure it remains aligned with your goals.
Share your thoughts, concerns, and feedback with your psychiatrist, and actively participate in discussions about potential modifications to the treatment plan. Your input is valuable in shaping the direction and effectiveness of your mental health treatment.
Remember, the therapeutic relationship is a partnership based on trust and mutual respect. Building and nurturing this relationship with your psychiatrist is vital for fostering a supportive and empowering environment throughout your mental health journey.
How to find a psychiatrist near you
By gathering information, seeking recommendations, and scheduling consultations, you lay the foundation for a fruitful therapeutic partnership. Trust your instincts and prioritize genuine connection. Remember, a long-term relationship with your psychiatrist can foster progress and resilience. If you’re ready to embark on this journey, we can help.
Use our therapist search tool to find a psychiatrist in your area who specializes in your area of need and accepts your specific insurance type.
Final thoughts
Finding a psychiatrist takes more steps than finding a therapist, but the process is manageable when you break it down. Start with clarity on what you’re hoping to address — even a rough sense of your symptoms is enough. Then check your insurance, use a trusted directory or platform to narrow your options, and book a consultation. Most people find that the consultation itself answers the remaining questions.
It’s also worth knowing that you don’t have to choose between medication and therapy — many people benefit from both, and a good psychiatrist will either provide both or help you coordinate with a therapist. If you’re not sure which type of provider you need first, your primary care physician is a good starting point and can provide a referral.
