What Can A Psychiatrist Do for You?
If you are experiencing mental health challenges or looking to improve your well-being, an adult psychiatrist can help. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health. They are licensed to evaluate, diagnose, treat, and help prevent behavioral, emotional, and mental health conditions. You may be experiencing panic attacks, disordered thinking, or persistent feelings of sadness, anxiousness, or anger. Fortunately, seeking the support of an adult psychiatrist can help support your overall well-being. Read on to discover how a psychiatrist may evaluate and treat mental health conditions as they support their clients.
What is an adult psychiatrist?
Psychiatry is the field of medicine that evaluates, diagnoses, and treats people with mental health conditions or psychiatric concerns. The simple definition of an adult psychiatrist is a medical doctor who is specialized and practices psychiatry. They typically work with people ages 18 years and older.
Adulthood is when we face many obstacles and challenges, and these all can affect our mental well-being. Furthermore, some psychiatric or mental health conditions may develop in adulthood, making it challenging to live a full life. A psychiatrist can help assess and treat mental health concerns by treating you through several avenues, one of which may include medication when clinically appropriate.
How psychiatrists differ from psychologists
To understand Psychiatrists, is it is important to define how they differ from a psychologist, another mental health professional licensed to help people manage mental health conditions. One primary distinction between psychiatrists and psychologists is that psychiatrists may prescribe medications when clinically appropriate and permitted by law. This is often one area that psychiatrists focus on when it comes to mental health. A psychologist, on the other hand, is generally unable to write prescriptions. They work on helping their patients through forms of psychotherapy or talk therapy. While both professions are trained in providing psychological therapy, it is less common for a psychiatrist to focus solely on client talk therapy as an approach to treatment care.
Adult psychiatrist: How do they help?
An adult psychiatrist serves their patients in several ways, typically using the following four steps:
- Evaluate - The patient will come in for an evaluation. They will explain their symptoms, and a psychiatrist may use different tests to determine if they have a condition. They may look at the patient's medical history or use cognitive tests as part of a comprehensive assessment.
- Diagnosis - The psychiatrist may diagnose someone based on whether they meet the criteria outlined in the DSM, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
- Treatment - The psychiatrist will then treat the mental health condition through various tools and treatment modalities that they are trained on.
- Follow-up - Patients should follow up with their psychiatrist to make sure they're doing well and ask about any questions or concerns they may have.
DSM-5-TR: The tool for diagnosing
A psychiatrist uses established diagnostic criteria rather than guesswork. They often utilize guidance in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, also known as the DSM. As the book is in its fifth edition, it is known as the DSM-5-TR. Most mental disorders have specific criteria that a patient must meet to receive a diagnosis. This helps mental health professionals like psychiatrists reduce the risk of misdiagnosis. Even while referencing the manual, it is possible to misdiagnose. The DSM, however, is edited and revised continually to give clinicians the most current and accurate resource for diagnosing psychiatric conditions.
How a psychiatrist treats people
There are many misconceptions concerning how an adult psychiatrist will treat someone. Some may believe that a psychiatrist only prescribes medication, but this is not the case. Beyond medication, a psychiatrist can use different methods to treat their patients. Here is a list of ways a psychiatrist can help a person.
Talk therapy
Also known as psychotherapy, talk therapy consists of sessions where the psychiatrist or psychologist will discuss, listen, and counsel clients to help them address their condition. Sometimes, a psychiatrist can let the person speak and allow them to come up with their solutions. Other times, therapy may be implemented through cognitive behavioral therapy, or identifying and changing maladaptive behaviors and thought patterns. For instance, self-deprecating thoughts may be addressed and reframed into more positive and reassuring thoughts.
Medications
Many mental health conditions have symptoms that may be treated with medication. Accordingly, a psychiatrist may prescribe medications to support treatment for conditions such as PTSD, depression, bipolar disorder, and more, based on a full clinical evaluation. Medication may be used instead of, or along with, talk therapy. For example, a psychiatrist may prescribe medication to help support people living with schizophrenia. Certain medications may also be considered for anxiety or insomnia when clinically appropriate.
Medication use should be monitored to ensure there are no negative side effects, and you should consult your doctor before trying any potential medication. Psychiatrists closely monitor dosage to help reduce the risk of side effects. Medication availability and coverage may vary by member location, clinical appropriateness, and individual pharmacy/insurance benefits. Prescribing decisions are made by the treating clinicians. We do not guarantee that any specific medication will be prescribed or covered by a member’s insurance plan.
Electroconvulsive therapy
Some mental health conditions do not respond well to medication or talk therapy. In cases like these, a psychiatrist may recommend electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). This therapy involves the use of brief electrical stimulation of the brain while the patient is anesthetized. ECT is thought to affect brain activity in ways that can help relieve certain severe symptoms. ECT is often administered alongside other treatments, especially medications and psychotherapy.
Finding the best adult psychiatrist for the job
To find the best psychiatrist requires a little bit of searching. In some cases, you may live in a rural area with limited nearby options, and traveling an hour to see one can make it harder to be consistent.
So how can you find an adult psychiatrist to help? Here are a few ways you can do so.
Get a referral for a psychiatrist
Referrals can connect you with a psychiatrist. A referral can come from a friend, a family, or anyone else who has been in a similar situation as you. Your general practitioner can also be a person who refers you.
Of course, not everyone who went to a psychiatrist saw one who is a good fit for you. However, finding referrals can be a good place for you to start.
Your insurance can help pay for a psychiatrist
If you have insurance, talk to your provider to learn which psychiatrists nearby accept your insurance. This can allow you to see a psychiatrist in a more affordable way. If you do not like them, you can find someone else.
Find a local service for adult psychiatry
There may be a community clinic that can help you with your situation. For example, you may be able to find a state-run clinic that is affordable. You can also look for benefits if you are a veteran.
Research for adult psychiatry nearby
Searching online for psychiatrists nearby is perhaps the best way you can find one. You can read reviews and see how other clients found the experience to be. Of course, not all reviews will be helpful, but some will provide helpful commentary and recommendations.
Interview the psychiatrist or adult psychiatry center
Whenever you find a good adult psychiatrist, do not hesitate to ask them some questions. Learning about a psychiatrist's qualifications and how they will treat you are two important areas to explore. Here are some questions you can ask to help carry the conversation:
- What are your qualifications? Where were you educated? How much experience do you have in treating patients?
- How long are your sessions? Will you have enough time to listen to me, or will I feel rushed?
- What is your approach to treatment?
- What about emergencies? If something goes wrong, can I reach out?
- When it comes to therapy, do you provide it? If not, can you recommend me a therapist?
If you are worried you are being pushy, think again. Remember these questions are designed to make sure you and the psychiatrist are a good fit. It would be best if you found a psychiatrist who can support your needs. If they seem like they are unable to do so, you may want to look elsewhere.
When you lack a connection
When the experience with your psychiatrist just seems like it will not work, do not worry. There are many psychiatrists with different styles, so it is worth considering another psychiatrist, or even another approach to care such as holistic psychiatry. Sometimes, a qualified psychiatrist just may not fit who you are, or you simply do not mesh. Do not blame yourself nor the psychiatrist. Not everyone is going to connect and there is no need to press a relationship that is not working.
If you do decide to leave a psychiatrist, provide some feedback. Give the psychiatrist some helpful hints, and perhaps ask if they know someone who can will be a better fit in your case. The psychiatrist should understand.
Reaching for help
When it comes to mental health, finding the time—let alone the words—to ask for help can keep you from making an appointment. Fortunately, many psychiatrists offer online sessions to make psychiatry available to a diverse range of people who live in all locations. Whether you are searching for a psychiatrist or psychologist, an online mental health professional can provide the same compassion, professional insight, and similar treatment as in-person care. Your psychiatrist may want to meet with you in person during your first consultation and then decide to continue treatment via video or telephone. Whatever your preference, know you have the option to meet with an online psychologist or psychiatrist and receive a thorough clinical mental health assessment in the comfort of your own home.
MyTherapist has qualified licensed psychologists who have experience with helping people manage all types of mental health conditions and for those who want life advice. BetterHelp now offers psychiatry services through UpLift as an additional care option alongside therapy for adults ages 18 and older. Psychiatry services may include medication management when clinically appropriate, based on evaluation by a licensed psychiatric provider. If your mental health is getting in the way of your comfort and ability to function, reach out for support when you are ready.
Takeaway
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a psychiatric evaluation for an adult?
A psychiatric evaluation is a diagnostic tool that adult psychiatrists use, as do other psychiatric providers. This is used to assess potential psychiatric conditions or psychiatric disorders a person may be living with. A psychiatric evaluation is an approved method by the American Psychiatric Association that can include the patient in decisions about a treatment plan, help rule out other physical conditions, define long-term potential concerns, and support a mental health diagnosis.
Why should an adult see a psychiatrist?
Psychiatrists, therapists, and other mental health professionals all have an extensive understanding of physical and mental health and how they interact. Psychiatric professionals can evaluate psychiatric conditions and support treatment using approaches such as psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral techniques, and, when appropriate, medication management. Consider seeing a psychiatrist if you have symptoms that are affecting your daily life and you want an evaluation of possible treatment options.
How do I find good adult psychiatry?
The American Psychiatric Association has an effective search engine to help you find a qualified psychiatric professional near you. They also have a number of adult psychiatrists listed on their site. Additionally, look for a psychiatrist who has positive reviews and clearly cares about their patient's wellbeing.
Should I see a psychiatrist or psychologist?
Psychiatrists and psychologists are similar but still different. As covered by the American Psychiatric Association, a psychiatrist may prescribe medication, whereas a psychologist generally cannot. The former has all of the training that medical doctors receive, and a psychiatric physician holds a medical degree. If you believe that medical treatment may be helpful for the challenges you live with, a psychiatrist may be best. However, a psychologist can still assess and support a patient through counseling or talk therapy. Psychologists and psychiatrists often work alongside each other to support people living with psychiatric conditions.
Will a psychiatrist prescribe medication on the first visit for adult psychiatry?
Whether or not medication is recommended on the first visit to a psychiatrist depends on the professional’s evaluation and your individual needs. At a first visit, they will evaluate and attempt to get a feel for what you live with. Adolescent psychiatry and adult psychiatry also differ slightly, which can affect treatment recommendations. However, some psychiatrists may discuss or prescribe medication at the first visit, whereas others may recommend therapy appointments or other treatment methods first. Medication decisions are personalized, and not everyone needs or benefits from medication.
Should I go to a psychiatrist for anxiety?
The choice of going to a psychiatrist for young adults, children, and others living with anxiety depends on your symptoms and treatment needs. A psychiatrist is certainly trained to evaluate and treat anxiety, but a psychologist may do the same through therapy-based approaches. As mentioned, a psychologist may not be able to prescribe medication, whereas a psychiatrist can when clinically appropriate. As outlined by the American Psychiatric Association, anxiety-related conditions can sometimes benefit from psychiatric support, so visiting a psychiatrist can be a good choice.
How much does it cost to see a psychiatrist?
The cost to see a psychiatrist can vary depending on whether or not a person has insurance. Prices can fluctuate depending on location, adolescent psychiatry vs. adult psychiatry, and more. BetterHelp now offers psychiatry services through UpLift, and many UpLift providers are in-network with most major insurance carriers. For eligible members, the average copay is around $20. Without insurance, out of pocket costs can be higher. Visit the American Psychiatric Association to find adult, children, or general psychiatrists today.
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