What Is a Psychiatrist?

Psychiatrists help diagnose, treat, and prevent mental health conditions. They complete medical school and are licensed in how physical conditions relate to mental and emotional disorders.

• Psychotherapy, which is a formal term for therapy, talk therapy, or counseling
• Medication, which they may prescribe to treat disorders and correct chemical imbalances in the brain
• Psychosocial interventions that focus on interpersonal, psychological, or social behavior activities to create change

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• Medical treatments, such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which involves deep brain stimulation (DBS), vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), or transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), which are used after other options have been exhausted to manage severe depression

Psychiatrists are trained to manage various interpersonal relationships and manage a wide range of mental conditions, including:

• Anxiety disorders
• Eating disorders
• Depression
• Schizophrenia — in which people experience hallucinations, delusions, and erratic thinking and behavior
• Substance abuse disorders
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Bipolar disorder — characterized by extreme swings in mood, energy level, and ability to think clearly
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) — ongoing distress that may be caused by previous military combat, assaults, or accidents
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) — characterized by unwanted, repetitive thoughts and urges

Some psychiatrists complete a fellowship and are subspecialty-certified by the Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) after four years of general psychiatric training. Alternately, during their four-year training, many general psychiatry residents will develop their specialty without pursuing a fellowship.

• Addiction psychiatry or addiction medicine
• Child and adolescent psychiatry
• Consultation-liaison psychiatry supports patients with complex medical and psychiatric issues
• Forensic psychiatry supports patients involved in the legal or correctional system
• Geriatric psychiatry
• Hospice and palliative medicine, end-of-life and comfort care for patients with serious illnesses
• Pain medicine
• Sleep medicine

What Type of Certification Does a Psychiatrist Need?

How Long Does It Take to Become a Psychiatrist?

Psychiatrists must complete the following:

• Bachelor’s degree: four years of undergraduate education
• Medical school: four years to obtain an MD or DO degree
• Psychiatric residency program: four years of special psychiatric training in a clinical setting
• Subspecialty fellowship: one to two years of additional training, depending on the specialty

Ask for references. Reach out to your healthcare provider for a list of psychiatrists or clinics. If you feel comfortable sharing personal info, you can also ask loved ones and friends for a referral. 

Check your health insurance's website. Starting there allows you to choose someone who accepts your health insurance, which can offset out-of-pocket costs. It is also an excellent place to look for someone close to your home. You may also want to call your insurance company to see what psychiatric services your insurance plan covers and what portion you'll need to pay toward a deductible if you have one.

Do research. A quick internet search for reviews can help to provide insights into a psychiatrist's interaction with patients. 

Find a specialist. To customize your treatment, seek out the specialty that best aligns with your health concerns.

Try telemedicine. If you live in a densely populated area, there are likely many psychiatrists that you can easily access. But if you live in a rural area, it may be more challenging to find help. If that's the case and you don't have the time or resources to get to an in-person appointment, telehealth may be a good option for you.

If you or a loved one is experiencing significant distress or having thoughts about suicide and need support, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7. If you need immediate help, call 911.

• A psychiatrist is a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, often using a combination of therapy, medication, and other specialized interventions.
• Psychiatrists help address both the mental and physical symptoms of psychiatric conditions, providing tailored treatment for complex mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia.