Psychiatrists assess your mental and physical symptoms, and work with you to develop a treatment plan. Psychiatrists are doctors who specialise in mental health. They can prescribe medication and provide psychological therapy. A GP can give you a referral to see one. Show
What is a psychiatrist?A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has completed extra training to specialise in mental health. In Australia, this means they have completed a six-year medical degree at university, and another six years of training specialising in psychiatry. Psychiatrists understand physical and mental illness and can prescribe medication. What does a psychiatrist do?Psychiatrists assess all of your mental and physical symptoms. They might make a diagnosis and work with you to develop a plan for your treatment and recovery. They provide psychological treatment, prescribe medications and do procedures such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Should I see a psychiatrist?Psychiatrists specialise in complex mental health issues. You might see a psychiatrist if you’re experiencing severe depression and anxiety, bipolar disorder, psychosis, eating disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, or other personality or emotional disorders. No matter what the reason, it’s important to find a psychiatrist you like and trust. Not every psychiatrist is going to be a good fit, and it can take a few tries before you find someone you connect with. What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?The primary difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist is that a psychiatrist can prescribe and monitor medication, while a psychologist delivers psychological therapies. Some people might see both a psychiatrist and a psychologist. How do I make an appointment?The best place to start is with your GP, who can provide you with a Mental Health Treatment Plan and refer you to a psychiatrist. You'll normally have to book a time to see a psychiatrist, but if things are desperate, tell them it's urgent and they might be able to clear a spot or send you to someone who is available right away. Like other doctors and mental health professionals, psychiatrists are required to keep what they talk about with their patients confidential, unless they’re worried that the patient is at risk of harming themself or someone else, or a court orders them to share confidential information. It's always a good idea to talk to your psychiatrist about what is and isn’t private, so you're both on the same page and you can feel comfortable about opening up to them. Your age can also play a role in making decisions about medication, determining what information is confidential, and whether your family needs to be involved in your treatment. What’s it like to see a psychiatrist?A psychiatrist should start your first session by talking about your confidentiality rights. They’ll then complete a detailed personal assessment by asking you lots of questions about what’s going on in your life, as well as details about your background and history. By gathering this information, they’ll be able to come up with a plan for you that may involve therapy sessions, medication, or both. Medication is usually most effective when combined with psychological therapy. You don't have to agree to start taking medication. That decision is yours alone, or it may also involve your parents. You’re also welcome to get another opinion from a different psychiatrist. Before making a decision about taking medication, you should discuss with your psychiatrist or GP what the medication is meant to do, and whether it has any potential side effects. Check out our page on medication for more information about this. How much does it cost?A psychiatrist working in a public hospital is free of charge. Private psychiatrists usually ask you to pay for each visit. Ask them what this will cost, and how much you'll get back from Medicare. Bulk billing psychiatrists exist in private practice as well, which means that you just have to bring your Medicare card and won’t have to worry about payment. You can find out your Medicare number by ringing Medicare on 132 011 or by looking at your family’s Medicare card. Once you're 15 years old, you can get your own card. Psychiatry is a medical field concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental health conditions. A doctor who works in psychiatry is called a psychiatrist. Unlike other mental health professionals, such as psychologists and counsellors, psychiatrists must be medically qualified doctors who have chosen to specialise in psychiatry. This means they can prescribe medication as well as recommend
other forms of treatment. Most psychiatrists work as part of community mental health teams (CMHTs), in outpatient clinics or hospital wards. Some carry out sessions in GP surgeries. Mental health conditions that may be diagnosed and treated by a psychiatrist include: Psychiatrists may also provide psychological support for people with long-term, painful or terminal physical health conditions. You'll usually need a referral from your GP or another doctor to see a psychiatrist on the NHS. Your GP may refer you directly to a psychiatrist or to a member of a local mental health team, who can assess your needs and help determine if you need to see a psychiatrist or a different mental health professional. You can also see a psychiatrist privately, although most private psychiatrists prefer a referral from your GP. Your GP may be able to recommend psychiatrists in your area. You can also try contacting a psychiatric clinic directly or using online psychiatry services. You'll see a psychiatrist who specialises in the area of psychiatry most relevant to your situation. The main areas of expertise include:
You can check the details of a psychiatrist, including their area of speciality, by looking on the medical register, a list of doctors in the UK. If they have the letters MRCPsych (Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists) or FRCPsych (Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists) after their name, they're a current member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych). What happens during your appointmentsDuring your first appointment, your psychiatrist will carry out an initial assessment. They'll look at both your mental and physical health, and may ask:
After assessing your condition, your psychiatrist may prescribe medication or recommend other treatments, such as counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). The number of times you need to see a psychiatrist and the length of each appointment will depend on your circumstances. A psychiatrist may continue to manage your treatment or they may refer you to other community mental health services in your area. These services work in small units or clinics and aim to help people manage their illness so they can lead a normal life within the community. Further information and supportThe Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) has mental health information in a number of areas, including problems and disorders, support and treatment, and advice for parents or carers and young people. Why do people go to psychiatrists?If you are experiencing phobias or fears that are affecting your day-to-day life. If you have just lost someone close and cant grieve properly. If you have unhealthy eating habits or disorders. If you have mental health disorders such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder.
When should I see a psychiatrist?Without taking care of your mental health, ensuring a healthy body and a promising life ahead is impossible. Therefore, it's essential to visit a psychiatrist if you are unable to deal with your traumas, stress, and depression by yourself.
What treatment does a psychiatrist do?Psychiatrists help individuals suffering from a broad range of mental health conditions – from addictive behaviors to depression – by providing them with the expertise required to accurately diagnose their conditions and provide effective treatment.
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What do you go to a psychiatrist for
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