What Psychiatrists Do & When To See One

Explore what psychiatrists do, how they fit into the mental health field, and how they treat mental health conditions.

Imagine you’re struggling with overwhelming anxiety or persistent feelings of sadness that just won’t go away. You’ve tried seeing a therapist, talking to friends, reading self-help books, and even meditating, but nothing seems to work. This is the moment when you might need a psychiatrist — a medical expert and mental health professional who not only understands the complexities of the mind and mental health but is also trained to treat it with medication. Keep reading to learn more about what psychiatrists do, how they fit into the mental health field, and how they treat mental illness.

What is the role of psychiatrists in mental health treatment? 

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing any given mental health disorder. They combine extensive medical training with a deep understanding of the mind to offer comprehensive care. Unlike a psychologist (aka therapist) and other mental health professionals, psychiatrists can prescribe medication, making them uniquely equipped to manage complex cases that may require a combination of therapies. According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), their responsibilities extend beyond just treating symptoms; psychiatrists work to understand the root causes of mental health issues, providing holistic care that includes psychotherapy, medication management, and crisis intervention. 

What do psychiatrists do?

Here’s an overview of a psychiatrist’s key responsibilities:

Diagnosis and assessment

Psychiatrists begin their work with a comprehensive diagnosis and assessment to accurately identify mental health disorders. This process involves conducting thorough evaluations using a combination of clinical interviews, psychological tests, and an in-depth review of the patient’s medical history. By gathering detailed information about the patient’s symptoms, personal history, and current functioning, psychiatrists can make well-informed diagnoses that guide the rest of the treatment process. This foundational step is critical in understanding the unique challenges each patient faces and setting the stage for effective, personalized care.

Treatment planning

Once a diagnosis is established, psychiatrists move on to developing and implementing individualized treatment plans. These plans are tailored to address the specific needs of each patient, taking into account their diagnosis, personal goals, and any coexisting medical conditions. Treatment planning often involves coordinating care with other healthcare providers, such as psychologists, social workers, and primary care physicians, to ensure a holistic approach. This collaboration allows psychiatrists to create a cohesive plan that includes psychotherapy, medication management, lifestyle changes, and other therapeutic interventions as needed.

Prescribing medication

Psychiatrists are uniquely qualified to manage psychopharmacological treatments, which are a key component of mental health care for many patients. They prescribe medications to help manage symptoms of mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. A critical part of their role is to monitor and adjust these medications to ensure they are effective and minimize potential side effects. This ongoing process requires careful assessment of the patient’s response to treatment, as well as open communication with the patient to address any concerns or changes in symptoms.

Providing psychotherapy

In addition to medication management, psychiatrists often provide psychotherapy to help patients explore and resolve emotional or psychological issues. They may offer various therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, or other evidence-based treatments. Through these sessions, psychiatrists work with patients to develop coping strategies, improve emotional regulation, and address underlying issues contributing to their mental health challenges. Psychotherapy is a valuable tool that helps patients make meaningful progress in their mental health journey by fostering insight, self-awareness, and behavioral change.

Crisis intervention

Psychiatrists also play a vital role in crisis intervention, addressing acute mental health crises that may require immediate attention, such as severe depression, suicidal thoughts, or psychotic episodes. In these situations, they provide urgent support and stabilization to help patients navigate distressing or life-threatening circumstances. This can include making arrangements for hospital admissions when necessary, offering intensive outpatient support, or connecting patients with additional resources for crisis management. The goal of crisis intervention is to provide rapid relief and ensure the safety and well-being of the patient during critical moments.

Ongoing care and support

Mental healthcare is not a one-time intervention but an ongoing process that requires regular monitoring and adjustment. Psychiatrists provide continuous mental health services and support by tracking patients’ progress over time and making necessary modifications to treatment plans. This ongoing relationship allows psychiatrists to address evolving mental health concerns, celebrate progress, and ensure long-term stability. Through regular follow-ups, they help patients maintain their mental wellness, adapt to life changes, and sustain the gains achieved through treatment. This continuity of care is essential in promoting lasting mental health and overall quality of life.

Where psychiatrists work

Psychiatrists offer mental health services in a variety of settings, each offering unique opportunities to address the diverse needs of patients. Whether in a hospital, private practice, or community health centers, psychiatrists adapt their approach to fit the environment and patient population they serve. In hospitals and inpatient units, they often handle acute psychiatric crises, providing emergency care and managing severe mental illnesses. In private practice, psychiatrists focus on ongoing outpatient care, building long-term relationships with patients, and offering continuous support. Community mental health centers allow psychiatrists to serve underserved populations, often working in multidisciplinary teams to provide holistic care. Additionally, some psychiatrists work in academic settings, where they contribute to research and train the next generation of mental health professionals.

The benefits of seeking help from a psychiatrist

Seeking help from a psychiatrist offers numerous benefits for individuals struggling with mental health challenges. Psychiatrists bring a unique blend of medical expertise and psychological insight, allowing them to provide comprehensive care tailored to each person’s needs. They are trained to accurately diagnose complex mental disorders and conditions, ensuring that patients receive the most effective treatment. Whether it’s through medication management, talk therapy, or a combination of both, psychiatrists can address a wide range of mental health issues, from anxiety disorder and depression to more severe disorders like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Additionally, their ability to provide ongoing support and adjust psychological treatment plans over time helps individuals achieve long-term stability and improve their overall quality of life. Seeking help from a psychiatrist can be a crucial step toward regaining control and finding a path to mental wellness.

How Charlie Health can help

If you or a loved one would benefit from therapy and medication management, Charlie Health is here to help. Charlie Health’s virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides mental health treatment for people dealing with serious mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and more. Our expert clinicians incorporate evidence-based therapies into individual counseling, family therapy, and group sessions. We also offer medication management as needed with a team of psychiatrists and psychiatric providers. With this kind of holistic online therapy, managing your mental health is possible. Fill out the form below or give us a call to start healing today.