Different Types Of Psychiatrists And Their Mental Health Specializations

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 a diagnosable mental health condition, such as generalized anxiety disorder, and they’re also able to ensure that any prescribed medications will not interact with other prescriptions that patients may take for other health conditions. In addition to medications, psychiatrists may perform medical procedures to treat patients, such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

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

What different types of mental health services do psychiatrists provide?

Psychiatrists of all types evaluate, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders with medication or medical procedures. 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 residency — 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 elderly patients. 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 illnesses, such as depression or anxiety, clients can visit a geriatric psychiatrist trained to treat these mental illnesses in conjunction with other disorders.

Addiction psychiatrists

Addiction psychiatrists specialize in addiction treatment. Clients experiencing substance addiction sometimes live with mental illnesses like depression and trauma. Addiction psychiatrists are trained specifically in treating addiction as well as coexisting complications. They can discover the underlying causes of addiction, diagnose pre-existing mental health disorders, and promote positive mental health in patients. These professionals may also prescribe medications to help clients cope with withdrawal and underlying mental illness.

Forensic psychiatrists

Forensic psychiatrists specialize in mental health disorders that lead to criminal activity. Psychiatrists specializing in forensics often work in different capacities with the criminal and court systems. For instance, their expertise may determine if an inmate is suitable for trial or requires institutionalization. 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 illnesses 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 illness 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 maintain management in an organization.

Nurse practitioners

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.

A day in the life of a psychiatrist 

A psychiatrist can do more than only see patients. Psychiatrists often continue their education and undergo professional development. The field of psychiatry is constantly evolving, and as new treatments, therapies, and medications develop, psychiatrists work to stay current and educated on evidence-based practices, psychological news, and current events. Certain laws in each state mandate a certain number of hours psychiatrists must spend on continuing education.

All types of psychiatrists must also maintain patient records. A psychiatrist aims to make appropriate clinical notes in every patient’s file after their appointment. Psychiatrists may have many patients, so they can also spend time reviewing each person’s case before appointments. Doing so allows the psychiatrist to refresh their memory about the details of a patient’s case so that they can resume treatment appropriately. 

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 begin 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, although not all of these will allow psychiatrists to prescribe medication based on video appointments.

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