How to Find & Choose a Psychiatrist

What Is a Psychiatrist?

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) specializing in treating mental disorders. They go through the same rigorous training as any other physician, along with specialized training in psychiatry. Psychiatrists assess, diagnose, and prescribe medication for mental disorders.

In the past, it was more common for psychiatrists to provide therapy, and while they still can, most do not. Some psychiatrists administer specialized treatments such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), or ketamine treatment. Psychiatrists can treat general mental health or specialize in a specific condition.¹

Common psychiatrist specialties include:

• Child and adolescent psychiatry
• Geriatric psychiatry
• Addiction psychiatry
• Forensic psychiatry
• Emergency psychiatry

A psychiatrist may specialize in one (or a few) of the following mental health disorders:

• Anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias
• Depression
• Bipolar Disorder
• Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders
• Personality disorders, such as borderline personality disorder (BPD)
• Psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia

Psychiatrists Vs. Psychologists

There is a difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has completed medical school and residency and is able to prescribe medication. Psychiatry is a medical specialty and is focused on treating the symptoms of disorders in order to improve mental health outcomes.

In contrast, a psychologist is a mental health professional who usually, though not always, has a doctorate degree. Psychologists are often involved in clinical research, testing, and specialized assessments. A small number of states do allow Ph.D. psychologists to prescribe medication under certain circumstances.²

Why You May Need to Find a Psychiatrist

When someone is experiencing symptoms that impact sleep, appetite, or ability to function in everyday life and relationships, it may be time to find a psychiatrist. Some people attend therapy for a while before deciding to see a psychiatrist as well. People usually schedule with a psychiatrist in order to discuss their diagnosis and options for medication.

Here are a few reasons why you may need to find a psychiatrist:

• You have a mental health disorder: A psychiatrist is trained to help patients find the right medication regimen to relieve their symptoms and help them manage their disorder. For example, they will help find the right type of anxiety medication or the correct depression medication dosage to effectively reduce the frequency and severity of your symptoms.
• Your doctor has referred you: Primary care physicians may be able to prescribe some mental health medications but will often refer to a psychiatrist if further assessment is needed, there are multiple complex issues, or someone needs a controlled medication like benzodiazepines or ADHD medication.
• Therapy isn’t enough: When a person has been attending therapy regularly and finds that symptoms don’t resolve, they may want to meet with a psychiatrist and consider adding medication, like an SNRI or SSRI. In many cases, therapy and medication together are the most effective treatment. Often times therapists can help with the decision as to when medications might augment their therapeutic interventions.
• You haven’t found the right medication yet: Psychiatrists will help you find medications and dosage that help reduce the symptoms your experiencing while minimizing any side effects. For example, a patient might work with a psychiatrist to switch antidepressants.
• You have multiple or complex concerns: A psychiatrist is often the best person to assess complex issues and determine the right diagnosis and treatment.
• Your symptoms are impacting your daily life: When symptoms start to impact work, school, relationships, or even the ability to get off the couch, it may be time to find a psychiatrist and explore the best treatment options.

How to Find a Psychiatrist

Finding a psychiatrist can seem daunting, but there are steps to make it easier. If you are able to find recommendations, that’s usually a great place to start. Ask a trusted healthcare professional or therapist for referrals. If friends or family members have a psychiatrist they feel comfortable with, they may be willing to provide a referral as well.

When a direct referral isn’t available, you can find psychiatrists by calling the number on the back of your insurance card. They will be able to provide a list of providers in your network, and from there, you can research availability and specialties. You can also use an online directory to search by specialty.

Here are a few first steps you can take to find a psychiatrist:

Speak to Your Healthcare Provider

Talk to your primary care physician or other healthcare provider first. This is a great place to start because this is a person you already know and trust, and they can point you in the direction of someone whose work they are familiar with.

Ask Your Therapist

Therapists provide referrals to psychiatrists on a daily basis because they treat mental illness but don’t prescribe. Therapists and psychiatrists work together to help clients feel better, so therapists are often very familiar with a psychiatrist’s specialties and availability.

Ask Friends & Family

If you are comfortable talking to friends and family who have seen a psychiatrist, you may want to ask for a recommendation. They can provide a firsthand account of what to expect from the psychiatrist and whether they may be a good fit for you.

Call Your Insurance Company

It can be hard sometimes to find a psychiatrist who takes a specific insurance plan and has openings for new patients. If it is important that a provider is in-network, calling the number on the back of the card can provide a list of in-network providers as well as their contact information.

Search Online

A simple Google search or an online directory can help you find psychiatrists who meet specific criteria like location or treatment specialties. There are also a number of online psychiatry options available these days, including Talkiatry and Thriveworks.

Things to Consider When Looking for a Psychiatrist

Some things to consider include the psychiatrist’s education, training, geographical location, and insurance plans they accept. In a perfect world, everyone would be able to find a provider who meets all of these criteria and is a great fit. Unfortunately, the reality is that sometimes it comes down to finding the best fit possible who has openings.

Things to consider when looking for a psychiatrist include:

Do They Take Your Insurance?

Psychiatry can be a financial commitment, and it may not be an option to see an out-of-network provider. It is more common for psychiatrists to not be in every insurance network than it is for many other medical specialties. Working with someone who takes your insurance can take away a significant financial burden. Many plans have a copay, which determines the set amount you will pay for each visit, giving you an idea of what to expect and budget for.

Some plans have a deductible, which is the amount that a person has to pay themselves before their benefits kick in. Even with a deductible, however, your cost will be lower. Most in-network providers agree to a lower contracted rate, and this lower amount is what you will owe. Some insurance plans also have coverage for out-of-network providers, so it is worth asking about those benefits as well.

Are They Accepting New Clients?

This is probably the most important question to ask. Some providers who do not have openings may offer a waitlist, so be sure to ask if there is a cancellation list or waitlist available. It’s important to keep trying until you find a good fit with open availability.

What Is Their Specialty?

Many psychiatrists have a specialty area or clinical focus. If you can, it is helpful to find a psychiatrist who specializes in your disorder. For example, if you’re living with OCD, find a psychiatrist who focuses on prescribing medication for OCD and collaborating with therapists on OCD treatment plans. A specialized psychiatrist will likely be a lot more knowledgeable and up-to-date- on the newest research for your specific symptoms and can provide the best recommendation when it comes to psychotropic medications.

Do They Work With Specific Populations?

This is important when looking for a provider who has specialized knowledge and experience in the treatment of specific populations, including children, LGBTQIA+ individuals, the BIPOC community, or the elderly. ³ Perinatal patients in particular will benefit from a specializing psychiatrist when considering taking antidepressants during pregnancy or anxiety meds postpartum.

What Is Their Background or Experience?

Knowing a provider’s background and experience, especially when it comes to treating specialized or complex concerns, can be a great way to increase comfort and confidence. Finding a provider with a good fit of knowledge, training, and experience is a great way for potential patients to be informed about their treatment and advocate for their needs.

Are They Part of a Health System or Network?

It can be helpful to know whether they are part of a larger health system, as this may determine which hospitals they have admitting privileges to. You may also want to seek out a psychiatrist who is in the same network as your primary care physician. While this may not be a priority for everyone, it can possibly make the process easier by streamlining medical records, coordination of care, and billing.

Do They Have Specific Requirements for Accepting New Clients?

Some psychiatrists have specific requirements, like psychiatric evaluations or psychological testing, a referral from a primary care physician, or that patients see a therapist in their practice. Potential patients will want to be aware of any of these requirements before scheduling.

Which Hospital Are They Affiliated With?

This can be especially helpful for someone who may need a higher level of care, including intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization, or inpatient hospitalization for a mental health crisis.

How to Find a Psychiatrist When Uninsured

Over 11% of people with mental health concerns in the US are uninsured.⁴ If you are uninsured, community mental health agencies are a good option, as these receive funding and provide services at low to no cost to the patient. One can also call their local NAMI office and ask about free and low-cost mental health options. Uninsured patients may also be eligible for state-funded coverage through Medicaid.

There may also be services available through non-profit organizations that serve specific populations, for example, LGBTQIA+ organizations, BIPOC health organizations, veterans services, cancer support agencies, substance abuse treatment centers, or perinatal mental health programs. Federally funded mental health programs are available as well.

Also, if cost is an issue, there are online providers, like Hims and Hers,  where affordable prescriptions can be found for common medications.

How to Prepare for Your First Appointment With a Psychiatrist

Feeling nervous before the first appointment with a psychiatrist is normal. Preparing for the appointment ahead of time and knowing a bit about what to expect can help combat nerves that may arise. Taking time to write out family history and symptoms and check on insurance benefits can go a long way toward feeling more prepared and ready for the appointment.

Here are a few ways to prepare for your first appointment with a psychiatrist:

Make a List of Questions You Have

It is helpful to write out a list of questions beforehand. A person visiting a psychiatrist for the first time may feel nervous and forget what they wanted to ask. Having a list of questions along with space to write notes can be a great way to remember everything and stay present and engaged during the visit.

Here are some questions you may want to ask your psychiatrist:

• What is your typical approach to people with my mental health concern?
• What is your initial assessment and diagnosis?
• When should I expect the medication to start working?
• What are the common side effects of the medication?
• How will I know when things are improving?
• How can I contact you in case of an emergency?

Write Out Your & Your Family’s Medical History

A psychiatrist will most likely want to know about medical and mental health history, including any significant events, surgeries, medication, or serious illness. They will also want to know family medical and mental health history. Include any known diagnoses and medications, as well as any family history of serious mental illness, substance abuse, or suicidal ideation.

Track Your Symptoms

If possible, tracking symptoms for a few weeks or months beforehand can be helpful. This can establish whether there are any patterns or a cyclical nature to the symptoms and whether there are any triggers that make symptoms worse. It’s also helpful to include times that symptoms aren’t as severe, coping skills, and anything else that has an effect on symptoms.

Check Your Insurance Coverage

It’s never fun for someone to get a surprise when they find out their share of the cost. A person can contact the number on the back of their insurance card and ask about mental health benefits and eligibility. Specifically, they’ll want to know their deductible and copay, whether there are any limits on coverage, and whether the psychiatrist is in network.

Get Support

If it would make things more comfortable, consider asking a trusted friend or family member to go along to the appointment. They can provide additional insights and help you remember details or even take notes. Even if they don’t go into the actual visit with the doctor, they can provide support on the way and talk about how it went afterward.

What to Expect for Your First Psychiatry Appointment

What a person can expect from their first psychiatry appointment varies with different providers. Usually, the first session lasts 30-60 minutes and is focused on gathering personal and family history, discussing symptoms, and forming an initial diagnosis. Many psychiatrists will be able to provide a diagnosis and prescribe medication at the initial visit. Some visits may be longer.

While every provider has a different style, in some cases, it may feel a lot like any medical appointment. The staff may take vitals, including blood pressure, weight, and height. Some psychiatrists have more of a medical clinic style, and some feel more like a therapist’s office. It might be helpful to ask about the process when scheduling the initial appointment.

How to Know If a Psychiatrist Is Right For You

It’s important for you to feel comfortable with your psychiatrist and have confidence that they are knowledgeable. Studies show that the level of trust a patient has in their psychiatrist has an impact on how effective the treatment is.⁵ Therefore, it is crucial that you feel like your psychiatrist understands what you are going through and is going to take care of you.

Here are some signs that a psychiatrist is right for you:

• You feel comfortable talking to them
• They are experienced in working with your specific concern
• They answer your questions thoroughly
• They are culturally competent and respectful of your background, beliefs, and values
• Their office is accessible, and they offer appointments that work with your schedule
• They take time to explain any medication instructions, side effects, and what to expect

In My Experience

Finding a psychiatrist in an area with high demand often comes down to who has openings and takes someone’s insurance. If you are able to afford a private pay psychiatrist, it is worth it. Private psychiatrists can often get people in more quickly and spend more time with them on the assessment. However, if cost is a concern, don’t let this discourage you. There are affordable who take most insurances and even have free or low-cost services available.

I find that a primary care physician or therapist is a great place to start for referrals. As a therapist, I do try to keep up with which psychiatrists have openings and what their timeframe is like. If a psychiatrist is full or has a long wait, I strongly suggest asking to get on their cancellation list because they are likely to be able to get people in much sooner.