Psychiatry

Medically reviewed by Andrea Brant, LMHC

Psychiatry is a field dedicated to evaluating, diagnosing, and treating mental health conditions. A psychiatrist examines each client and conducts a series of evaluations to better understand what mental health challenges or conditions they may be experiencing. They often use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) or the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) as part of the diagnostic process. The DSM-5 was published in 2013 and is the most up-to-date psychological diagnostic manual.

The word psyche derives from the ancient Greek word "soul." German physician Johann Christian Reil created the term "psychiatry” in 1808 to mean “medical treatment of the soul.” The suffix “try” means "medical treatment" and comes from the Greek word iātrikos, meaning "medical treatment" or "healing."

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating people with mental health disorders. Psychiatry is a branch of medicine where providers use evidence-based research to address challenges related to human behavior. Those specializing in psychiatry are experienced in social and biological sciences and are medical doctors.

Mental health care approaches

Below are some of the most common psychiatric approaches that a psychiatrist may take. However, each mental health professional is unique; some specialize in a specific conditions or presentations.

Biomedical support options

The biomedical model of psychiatry focuses on helping clients manage a mental health condition through biological evaluation and treatment. Medication may be one part of a treatment plan alongside psychotherapy, and some people may use medications short term while others may benefit from longer-term support. The biomedical model can help people manage symptoms and cope with daily life. The biomedical model focuses on the pathology, biochemistry, and physiology of a disorder or illness, instead of soley considering social and environmental challenges.

Biopsychosocial support options

George L. Engel was essential in developing the biopsychosocial model of psychiatry. The model considers how illness develops over time, focusing on several factors, including a person's mood, personality, and behavior. Social issues include socioeconomics, culture, and family relations. The biopsychosocial model of psychiatry looks at a person holistically, considering their genetics, cultural background, and emotional health, instead of primarily focusing on biology like the biomedical model.

Biocognitive mental health and research based approach

In 2009, Niall McLaren published Humanizing Psychiatry: The Biocognitive Model. In the book, he asserts that modern psychiatrists may at times rely too heavily on medication when other approaches could also be helpful. Dr. McLaren addresses stigma head-on and argues for treating people with mental health conditions fairly. In the Biocognitive model, Dr. McLaren argues that mental illness should be treated as seriously as a physical disease. Medication can be helpful for some psychological conditions, but it is not the only tool available to support clients. Psychological treatment like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can sometimes be the appropriate treatment.

Mental health support

If you’re living with a mental health condition or another psychological challenge, you’re not alone. Although visiting a psychiatrist may help you address psychological symptoms, talking to a therapist can also be beneficial for treating psychological conditions or challenges related to mental well-being. However, some clients may avoid seeing an in-person therapist due to barriers to psychotherapy, such as finances or accessibility. In these cases, online psychotherapy through a platform like BetterHelp may be beneficial.

Online therapy

You can get matched with a therapist within 48 hours and set psychological treatment goals through an online psychotherapy platform. In addition, online psychology platforms allow clients to meet with a provider from home via phone, video, or live chat sessions, which may be more flexible for those who can’t access in-person sessions in their area.

Studies also back up the effectiveness of online psychotherapy. One study found that online psychological treatment for behavioral health concerns could be as effective as in-person psychotherapy and more convenient and cost-effective.

Read more below for answers to questions commonly asked about psychiatry.

What does a psychiatrist do?

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health. They evaluate symptoms, diagnose conditions, and create treatment plans that may include therapy, medication, or a combination of both.

Can psychiatrists diagnose you?

Yes. Psychiatrists are trained to diagnose mental health conditions through comprehensive evaluations, which may include conversations about your symptoms, medical history, and, in some cases, standardized assessments.

What is psychiatry?

Psychiatry is a branch of medicine focused on mental health. It involves understanding, diagnosing, and treating a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and psychological conditions.

Who should I see for mental health care treatment?

The right provider depends on your needs. If you’re interested in talk therapy, a licensed therapist may be a good fit. If you think medication could help, a psychiatrist or another psychiatric provider can evaluate and discuss your options. Many people benefit from a combination of both.

Is becoming a psychiatrist difficult?

Becoming a psychiatrist requires extensive education and training, including medical school and specialized residency. While it’s a demanding path, many find it meaningful and rewarding to support others’ mental health.

Can these doctors diagnose a mental illness like ADHD?

Yes. Psychiatrists can assess and diagnose conditions such as ADHD using detailed evaluations. Based on your needs, they may recommend therapy, medication, or other supportive strategies.

Does BetterHelp offer psychiatry and medication management?

Yes. BetterHelp now offers psychiatry services through UpLift. BetterHelp psychiatry and medication management services provide virtual mental health care for individuals ages 18 and older who are experiencing mild to severe behavioral health symptoms, including anxiety, depression, and other conditions that may benefit from psychiatric consultation, prescriptions, and ongoing medication management. Psychiatry is an additional care option available alongside therapy and can be part of a holistic mental health care experience. Psychiatry services may include medication management when clinically appropriate. All treatment decisions are made by a licensed psychiatric provider.

Are psychiatry and medication management covered by insurance on BetterHelp?

Yes. BetterHelp now offers psychiatry services that may be covered by insurance through UpLift. Many UpLift providers are in-network with most major insurance carriers (for eligible members the average copay is only $20). The cost of your medication will depend on your insurance plan. We recommend speaking with your insurance to learn how much your medication will cost. Try asking about your copay, deductible, and whether they cover your prescribed medication.

Related articles:

• Counseling
• Talking Therapies: How Talk Therapy Can Help You in Treatment
• Are There Different Types of Psychiatrists?
• What Psychologists Can Help You Do
• Three Things You May Not Know About Psychoanalysis Therapy

*Medication is prescribed only when clinically appropriate and is not guaranteed. Pricing, availability, insurance coverage, and copays vary by plan, location, and provider availability are not guaranteed.