Can a Psychiatrist Prescribe Medication?

By: Beth Krietsch

Psychiatrists are licensed medical professionals who can prescribe medication for mental health conditions. They may use medication, psychotherapy, ongoing monitoring, or a combination of approaches, and they often coordinate with other health professionals while managing symptoms of various mental health conditions. 

Can a psychiatrist prescribe medication?

As a medical doctor (MD or DO) who has completed medical school and a four-year residency in psychiatry, a psychiatrist can prescribe medication. Because of their in-depth training, psychiatrists are well-equipped to evaluate each patient’s symptoms, medical history, and unique mental health needs to make medication decisions, such as whether medication is necessary and what medication is safe and appropriate. 

Psychiatrists don’t prescribe medication to every patient who comes to see them. Medication decisions depend on each person’s individual needs and goals. As an alternative to medication, they may recommend therapy, lifestyle changes, or ongoing monitoring.

What medications can a psychiatrist prescribe?

Some common psychiatric medications include:

Antidepressants

Antidepressants treat depression and several other conditions, including anxiety. These medications generally help regulate chemicals in the brain that impact mood and stress.

Anti-anxiety medications

Anti-anxiety medications are prescribed to treat anxiety symptoms. There are many different types and they’re among the most commonly prescribed types of medication. They’re prescribed for a variety of conditions, including generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder. 

Mood stabilizers

Mood stabilizers are prescribed to treat mood disturbances, including mania and depression. They’re commonly prescribed for bipolar disorder.

Antipsychotic medications

Antipsychotic medications are often used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorde. In some cases, a clinician may add an antipsychotic medication to a patient’s treatment plan to help manage specific symptoms or another condition, even if the person does not have a psychotic disorder. 

ADHD medications

ADHD medications may help improve attention, impulse control and focus. Some people benefit from medication alone, while others benefit from combining medication management with therapy, behavioral support, coaching, or practical skills training. There are stimulant and non-stimulant options, though stimulants are more common.

What conditions can a psychiatrist prescribe medication for?

Psychiatrists can prescribe medications for a wide range of conditions, including depression and anxiety disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), substance use disorders, and insomnia.

The specific medication a psychiatrist prescribes depends on a variety of factors including a person’s individual symptoms, diagnoses, medical history and treatment goals.

What to expect when seeing a psychiatrist for medication

The first time you see a psychiatrist is usually for an evaluation. They will ask about your symptoms, your and your family’s health history, current medications you’re taking, and any previous treatments. 

They’ll use this information—including your diagnosis, preferences and the severity of your symptoms—to decide if medication is appropriate. If they plan to prescribe medication, they’ll tell you about the medications possible benefits and side effects. 

You’ll need to attend regular follow-up appointments so your psychiatrist can monitor how you’re responding to the medication. They may adjust the dose, prescribe you a different medication, or offer guidance on managing any side effects you’re experiencing. 

Can a psychiatrist prescribe medication on the first visit?

A psychiatrist may prescribe medication during your initial appointment if they decide it’s clinically appropriate after reviewing your symptoms, medical history, and current medications and also considering your treatment goals. However, in some cases they may recommend additional evaluation, such as testing or a follow-up visit, before prescribing medication.

Can an online psychiatrist prescribe medication?

As licensed physicians, online psychiatrists can prescribe many of the same medications as in-person providers when it’s legally and clinically appropriate.

Appointments with an online psychiatrist take place through a telehealth video call. Much like an in-person visit with a psychiatrist, they’ll evaluate your symptoms and health history and follow up with you regularly to check on your progress and adjust your medication if needed. Medications can be sent electronically to your pharmacy of choice.

Some medications are considered controlled substances, which means they’re subject to additional federal and/or state regulations that may limit telehealth prescribing in situations where specific criteria are not met. Depending on a number of clinical and regulatory factors,  an initial in-person visit or occasional in-person follow-up appointment may be  required.

BetterHelp’s psychiatry service does not prescribe controlled substances, although providers may evaluate whether a non-controlled medication or another treatment option is clinically appropriate.

Psychiatrist vs. therapist: Who can prescribe medication?

Psychiatrists can prescribe medication, but therapists typically cannot. There are some exceptions: psychologists in a small number of states have special prescribing privileges when they complete additional training.  

Psychiatrists and therapists treat patients using somewhat different approaches. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who diagnose conditions and regularly prescribe medication. Meanwhile, therapists typically focus on talk therapy to help people work through challenges and build coping skills.

Psychiatric medication and talk therapy can be complementary, each addresses different aspects of mental health. Medication can ease and improve symptoms in a way that may allow talk therapy to be more effective. And talk therapy can help build coping skills and address emotional and behavioral concerns that medication alone cannot always address. 

How to find a psychiatrist who can prescribe medication

If you’re looking for a psychiatrist, your primary care provider or another physician you trust can refer you to a psychiatrist. It can also be helpful to check your health plan’s provider directory to find a psychiatrist that takes your insurance. 

Telehealth services are another good option and can sometimes be a faster route with shorter wait times. With BetterHelp, you can connect with a licensed psychiatric provider online from the comfort of your home. BetterHelp is also in-network with major health insurers including United, Cigna, and Aetna. 

*Based on finalized paid psychiatry visits with a copay. Insurance availability, coverage, and costs vary by state, plan, provider network, and provider availability.

Psychiatrists are licensed physicians and can prescribe medication for a range of mental health conditions. You can see them in person or online through telehealth. 

During your first visit, expect an initial evaluation that covers your symptoms, your medical history (including any previous treatments and/or current medications) and your family’s health history. 

BetterHelp’s psychiatry and medication management care addresses a range of mental health needs (e.g. anxiety, depression, ADHD, etc.) by connecting members to providers who prescribe from a defined list of commonly prescribed medications (excluding controlled substances)*. 

*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. Controlled substances are not prescribed.