You can see a psychiatrist online or in person. Some ways to start can include asking your doctor, checking community clinics, and searching online.
Psychiatrists typically approach and treat mental health issues from a biological perspective, in addition to psychosocial approaches.
Psychiatrists need to have one of two medical degrees: an MD (doctor of medicine) or a DO (doctor of osteopathic medicine), along with advanced qualifications from their 4-year residency and a psychiatry specialty.
It is also possible for a doctor with an MBBS degree from another country to go through the necessary steps to be able to practice in the US.
Psychiatric specialty areas include:
- addiction medicine
- pain medicine
- geriatric psychiatry
- child and adolescent psychiatry
- forensic psychiatry
- sleep medicine
Psychologists evaluate, diagnose, and treat mental health symptoms by reviewing the person’s history and current challenges and identifying presenting symptoms. The psychologist will then identify a diagnosis and a treatment plan, which will include the recommended number of sessions and goals for treatment.
Psychologists may provide interventions and education about ways to reduce negative thinking and identify unhelpful behavioral patterns. Psychologists will work together with a psychiatrist if the person needs to be evaluated for medication and subsequent medication management.
Psychologists work in similar settings as psychiatrists, such as clinics, private practices, and schools.
Psychologists often use different types of therapy to help identify and treat mental health symptoms. Some types they may use include:
Some states have allowed psychologists to prescribe, such as:
- Colorado
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Louisiana
- New Mexico
- Utah
Each state has its own rules in place about what additional training is needed for this to happen.
Ask a general physician or other healthcare professional
Your doctor or therapist may be able to recommend a psychiatrist or help you find one.
Psychiatrists can provide comprehensive treatments, including psychotherapy and medication management. However, if you already have a therapist you like, many psychiatrists can collaborate with your therapist.
If you don’t have a regular doctor or therapist, you may be able to go to a walk-in clinic and ask for a referral.
Check community clinics
If there is a community mental health facility in your area, a patient care coordinator may be available, and they can assist you.
Psychiatrists and specialties
“When scheduling an appointment, it is appropriate and helpful to verify the psychiatrist’s specialty, because some psychiatrists evaluate and treat various conditions, whereas other psychiatrists only evaluate and treat a few circumscribed diagnoses,” says Leela R. Magavi, MD, an adolescent and child psychiatrist.
It’s also a good idea to ask about the types of therapy a psychiatrist provides. Magavi noted that certain evidence-based therapies are used globally to help people with various psychiatric concerns. These therapies include:
If you’re uninsured, the first step, according to Magavi, is to contact a local National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) representative. They can help you find affordable mental health care in your area.
She also recommends contacting the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which is a reliable resource you can use to find affordable online therapy, including psychiatrists and therapists who accept Medicaid.
Another resource for free clinics is the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics, Magavi said.
“Additionally, some teaching and academic institutions offer discounted rates for various forms of treatment inclusive of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy,” she said.
For veterans, Magavi suggested checking out Give an Hour, a national nonprofit that provides free and confidential mental health care to those who are serving, veterans, and their families.
Finally, if your employer offers an employee assistance program, ask about the number of sessions covered under your plan.
Several health insurance plans cover mental health treatment. Look over your benefits to determine whether you have coverage for behavioral health.
Try to determine:
- how many sessions are covered
- the percentage of coverage
- in-network versus out-of-network costs
- whether you need a referral from a primary care doctor
- what your out-of-pocket deductible cost is prior to coverage
- any maximum amounts for out-of-network physicians
If you haven’t chosen a provider, you can call the insurance benefits office and ask about providers in your area. They should have a list of preferred medical professionals and facilities that accept your insurance. They can also answer any questions you might have about benefits and costs.
If you have a psychiatrist in mind, call the office and ask if that person takes your insurance.
The Department of Health and Human Services has a
If you prefer to engage with a psychiatrist online, there are a number of quality telehealth networks that offer this service.
Doctor on Demand
Doctor on Demand offers a range of mental health support services through psychiatrists from various backgrounds and specialties. Appointments cost $299 for an initial consultation and $129 for each follow-up appointment.
Doctor on Demand psychiatrists can prescribe some medications at their discretion, as long as the medications do not have a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Schedule I to V classification or require an in-person visit with a local psychiatrist in your area.
Lemonaid
Lemonaid offers a variety of mental health services, including those targeted to help with:
- anxiety
- depression
- health and wellness
The consultation fee is usually $25, which includes an evaluation and a prescription, but excludes the cost of your medication. Services like those for depression and anxiety are a flat monthly fee that includes consultations and medications that they prescribe and ship.
Available prescriptions include:
- Viagra (sildenafil)
- Cialis (tadalafil)
- Finasteride
- Sprintec
- Lexapro (escitalopram)
- Zoloft (sertraline)
- Wellbutrin (bupropion)
- Prozac (fluoxetine)
- Amitriptyline
- Errin
Child and adolescent psychiatrists specialize in general psychiatry, but they also have additional training focused on mental health needs specific to children and adolescents.
In addition to diagnosing mental health conditions, they can also prescribe medication and provide psychotherapy.
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) can help you locate psychiatrists who have reported to the AACAP that they provide psychiatric care for children and adolescents.
Working with a mental health expert like a psychiatrist can provide you with a safe environment to work through concerns related to your mental and emotional well-being.
Finding a psychiatrist or therapist who’s a good fit may take some time. Consider asking your doctor for a referral or a trusted friend or family member for a recommendation.
You should also consult your insurance company for information on coverage and costs.