Different Types Of Psychiatrists And Their Mental Health Specializations

Like all fields of medicine, the field of psychiatry involves specialization in specific areas of study. Some people may find those specialties confusing, and when seeking psychiatric help, they may be unsure of what type of psychiatrist to see. If you are considering seeing a psychiatrist to address specific mental health challenges, it can be beneficial to understand those fields to choose a psychiatrist that best suits your needs.

What’s the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?

Although many mental health professionals treat mental health conditions, there are fundamental differences between psychiatrists and psychologists. Psychiatrists are medical doctors with medical training and residency experience specializing in mental health. Within the field, there are deeper specialties that psychiatrists can train in. Psychiatrists can prescribe medications to treat diagnosable mental health conditions, such as generalized anxiety disorder, and they’re also able to help monitor whether prescribed medications may interact with other medications a person takes for other health conditions. In addition to medications, psychiatrists may perform medical procedures to treat patients, such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

A psychologist has a doctoral degree in psychology but does not have a medical degree and, therefore, typically cannot prescribe medication or perform medical procedures, though prescribing authority varies in some jurisdictions. After completing a graduate school program specializing in learning to diagnose and treat mental health conditions, a psychologist may complete an internship for further training and clinical experience. Psychologists sometimes work with a psychiatrist who provides medical treatment while they provide psychotherapy for the patient.

A psychiatrist's career: From school to treating mental illness

Some psychiatrists begin their careers in general psychiatry and then specialize in certain areas, such as child and adolescent psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, or addiction psychiatry, among others.

A psychiatrist’s career begins with a residency program after medical school. Depending on their field of study, psychiatrists may undergo additional studies and fellowship programs. Some psychiatrists decide to continue practicing general psychiatry without specializing in a specific population or clinical issue.

What different types of mental health services do psychiatrists provide?

Psychiatrists of all types evaluate, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions with medication or medical procedures when clinically appropriate. Some psychiatrists may also provide talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy, although it is more common for them to refer patients to a licensed therapist for this treatment. Psychiatrists may also use biofeedback therapy, ECT, and other therapies.

Psychiatrists work in several different settings. Some psychiatrists have their own practices in addition to working in a hospital or clinical setting. They may work in inpatient hospitals, community mental health clinics that are outpatient settings, or their own practices, among other settings. Some psychiatrists strictly perform research or teach at universities instead of offering client services.

Different types of psychiatrists

Psychiatrists may study several specialties beyond residency programs and education in general psychiatry. To practice in a specific area of psychiatry, additional training — which may involve further education, clinical hours, and fellowship training — is often required.

Child and adolescent psychiatrists

Child and adolescent psychiatrists are trained to treat clients under 18. Younger patients may require treatments appropriate for their physiological development, particularly if medications or medical procedures are involved. Consult a professional with specialized training in adolescent and child psychiatry if you have a child or teen who may benefit from psychiatric care.

Geriatric psychiatrists

Geriatric psychiatrists specialize in treating older adults. Older adult clients may have specific needs and unique neurological disorders that psychiatrists may treat, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Since these disorders can sometimes be accompanied by additional mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, clients can visit a geriatric psychiatrist trained to treat these mental health conditions in conjunction with other disorders.

Addiction psychiatrists

Addiction psychiatrists specialize in addiction treatment. Clients experiencing addiction sometimes live with mental health conditions like depression and trauma. Addiction psychiatrists are trained specifically in treating addiction as well as co-occurring complications. They can explore the underlying causes of addiction, assess for pre-existing mental health conditions, and support positive mental health in patients. These professionals may also prescribe medications to help clients manage withdrawal symptoms and underlying mental health conditions when clinically appropriate.

BetterHelp now offers psychiatry services through UpLift as an additional care option alongside therapy. Psychiatry services may include medication management when clinically appropriate and based on a full evaluation by a licensed psychiatric provider. 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.

Forensic psychiatrists

Forensic psychiatrists specialize in mental health conditions that may be associated with criminal behavior. Psychiatrists specializing in forensics often work in different capacities with the criminal and court systems. For instance, their expertise may help determine if an inmate is suitable for trial or requires psychiatric hospitalization. Some psychiatrists who work as forensic psychiatrists also have their own practices in adult or general psychiatry.

Neuropsychiatrists

A neuropsychiatrist is a psychiatrist trained to handle mental health conditions related to brain injuries, neurological diseases, and nervous system problems. These psychiatrists have specialized knowledge of the brain and how neurological issues affect mental health. People who have had a brain injury or a serious medical condition resulting in mental health symptoms may be referred to treatment with this highly specialized type of psychiatrist.

Organizational psychiatrist

Organizational psychiatrists are psychiatrists who specialize in the workplace and organizational behavior. Companies may utilize professionals working in organizational psychiatry to develop policies and procedures that support employees’ mental wellness and facilitate positive mental health practices. These psychiatrists may also be enlisted to train and support management in an organization.

Multi-specialty psychiatrists

Some psychiatrists may specialize in more than one area of psychiatry or practice general psychiatry in addition to their specialty. Multispecialty psychiatrists often divide their time between different specialties, venues, hospitals, and organizations in addition to their own practice.

How do I choose a mental health professional?

With 45,000 psychiatrists nationwide, it can be challenging to find one near you who is able to assist with your unique needs. People who have mental health concerns may sometimes begin by visiting their family doctor or primary care physician.

A primary care practitioner can refer individuals and may prescribe medications for some psychiatric conditions, if necessary. Local community mental health clinics are also an option in many counties but may require wait times. If you live in a rural area, you may have to travel to a larger city to find a practicing psychiatrist. There are also some psychiatry services available online, including through BetterHelp’s psychiatry services through UpLift, although treatment recommendations and medication decisions depend on a provider’s evaluation and may not be appropriate for everyone.

Navigating mental health conditions with online therapy

Some who seek assistance with mental health challenges don’t want treatment involving medications or physical procedures. Some may prefer to speak with a psychologist or other mental health professional in an office. Others may prefer to speak to a therapist from home instead of traveling to an office for in-person sessions. In those cases, consulting a psychologist or online therapist may be more readily available. For those interested in psychiatric support as well, BetterHelp now offers psychiatry services through UpLift.