What Should I Look For In A Local Psychiatrist Near Me?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you self-refer to a psychiatrist?

If you are living with a mental health disorder or are concerned about your mental health, please seek help. You can set up your own appointment to see a mental healthcare provider. Note that if you have health insurance and want it to cover your mental healthcare services, you may want to speak with your health insurance provider before self-referring. Some companies may have guidelines or requirements about getting a referral form a primary care physician before seeing a specialist. Mental illness affects approximately one in five Americans, and if you suspect, are worried, (or know) that you have a mental health disorder, self-referral to a doctor (or other licensed mental healthcare provider) who specializes in diagnosing and treating these conditions can help you on the path to recovery. You can also talk to your primary care doctor about your concerns and options for referrals.

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

Both psychologists and psychiatrists are professionals who have advanced degrees and training in mental health and behaviors, but there are some differences between the two professional fields. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor and has a medical degree, in addition to completing specialized training in their field. Psychologists are not medical doctors, but they have advanced degrees, expertise, and training in their field. Psychiatrists can prescribe medication, but psychologists are not licensed to do so. They are often trained in talk therapy or other specialized forms of therapy, whereas a psychiatrist can manage medication and may also use other forms of therapy in treatment. Both types of mental healthcare providers must be licensed in their fields.

Do I need to see a psychiatrist or a psychologist?

Depending on your treatment plan, you may see a psychologist, a psychiatrist, or both. A clinical psychologist usually works with clients using talk therapy, whereas a psychiatrist can administer medication and monitor how the medicine is working. A psychiatrist may also utilize talk therapy or other therapeutic techniques. Some treatments involves talk therapy, others involve medication, and may times a combination of both can be very effective. Whether you see a psychiatrist first, a psychologist first, or begin by speaking with your primary care physician, you can ask them about treatment options and about their recommendations for seeing other providers to get the best care for you. If you're unsure of what services a provider offers, you should know it’s completely fine to ask them.

How do I find a psychiatrist?

There are many ways to find a psychiatrist. You can ask your primary care doctor or provider for names of psychiatrists who specialize in your area of concern. If you have insurance, you can contact your insurance company to find a provider in your area who accepts your health plan. Asking a trusted friend who is familiar with mental health care in your community can also be helpful. You can also try contacting a mental health center or hospital in your area for recommendations for psychiatrists. You’ll want to be sure the psychiatrist is board certified and licensed.

What are signs of mental illness?

If you are concerned about your mental health, you might wonder what signs to look for. The best course of action is to seek input from your primary care doctor or a licensed mental health professional. Some signs of mental health conditions include:

• Feeling sad or down regularly
• Excessive fears, worries, or guilt
• Significant changes in eating habits
• Excessive anger
• Abusing drugs or alcohol
• Difficulty relating to others
• Confusion
• Difficulty concentrating
• Hallucinations or delusions
• Significant mood swings from high to low
• Withdrawal from friends or activities you found enjoyable
• Significant fatigue or difficulty sleeping
• Changes in sex drive
• Suicidal thinking

If you are in crisis or in danger of harming yourself, please reach out for help immediately. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free, confidential support, as well as prevention and crisis resources. It can be reached at 1-800-273-8255. The Crisis Text Line can connect anyone in crisis with a crisis counselor at any time; text “HELLO” to 74174.

If you are experiencing other symptoms of mental health disorders or have any mental health concerns, please seek help from a licensed mental health professional.

How much does it cost to see a psychiatrist privately?

The cost of a visit with a psychiatrist—like all types of physicians—vary by office, location, services offered, and more. The best way to find out how much it will cost to see a psychiatrist is to ask them, which is completely acceptable to do. You can also ask them whether they accept your insurance coverage. If you find that seeking a more affordable provider would be a better option for you, your primary care doctor, a local health clinic, or your community’s health department may be able to help you find another provider.

When should I see a psychiatrist for anxiety?

Anxiety can be a very normal reaction to stress or worry. However, if it begins to interfere with your functioning, is causing you distress, or seems excessive, consulting with a licensed mental health professional can be an important step. Treatment is available and is highly effective.

What questions do psychiatrists ask?

A psychiatrist will likely ask you a variety of questions. They will probably ask you why you’ve come to see them and what you would like help with. You’ll probably be asked to tell them about your mental health history, your general health, medications you take, your family’s mental health history, and your symptoms and behaviors related to your mental health concerns. They may also ask you about your past and present life situations and how they may be impacting your mental health. 

What does a psychiatrist look for?

First, it is important to know that psychiatrists will not be judging you—they are there to help you. A psychiatrist usually looks for signs of mental illness or symptoms impacting a patient's quality of life. They may use assessments to help diagnose a condition. They’ll probably look at your medical, personal, and family history and how you are coping. They may look at your general appearance to identify physical health concerns or signs of substance abuse, self-harm, or an extreme lack of self-care. They might look for speech traits that can be symptoms of mental illness. They may also look at body language and pay attention to emotional expression and cognitive functioning. They will do this in a non-judgmental way, so you can feel reassured knowing that they are there to help you, not to judge you, and you should know that sharing the truth and fully disclosing information is important in order for you to get the best treatment. 

What should you do when you can't find a psychiatrist?

If you're having trouble finding a psychiatrist, don't give up! There are many providers out there who may work for you. You can ask your friends and family for a referral to someone they recommend. You can also ask your primary care doctor or a mental health agency for suggestions. You can contact a free, confidential Helpline that can help you find mental healthcare providers: call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or use a treatment service locator option online. There are many options for mental health care, so please keep looking to find someone who is a good fit for you.

Where can I find a psychiatrist without insurance?

There are many psychiatrists who will work with clients on a sliding scale (charging you according to your income level). You may also be able to find affordable psychiatric care through your primary care doctor, community health centers, mental health agencies, local hospitals, or medical schools. Asking what the fees will be for psychiatric services can help you find care that you’re comfortable with financially. Your mental health is valuable, and there are many options for accessible, affordable mental health care.

Connecting with a Licensed Mental Health Professional

If you or a loved one has mental health concerns, your primary care physician or community health center can offer good resources for finding help. Connecting online with a licensed mental health professional can also be a great way to find mental health care. At BetterHelp, online options for therapy are convenient, accessible, and affordable, and you can connect with culturally competent, licensed mental health professionals.