What Does a Psychiatrist Help With? A Complete Guide to Psychiatric Care

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (M.D. or D.O.) who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental health conditions. Unlike other mental health professionals, psychiatrists complete medical school and residency training before practicing. This enables them to evaluate both physical and mental contributors to symptoms, prescribe medications, order medical tests, and provide comprehensive care that addresses both the mind and body.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), more than one in five U.S. adults experiences mental illness each year, yet many people are unsure about what a psychiatrist does or when to seek their help. Understanding the role of a psychiatrist can empower you to make informed decisions about your mental health care and take the first step toward feeling better.

Key Takeaways

• Psychiatrists are medical doctors: They can prescribe medications, order laboratory and imaging tests, and diagnose both mental and physical aspects of psychological conditions — a key distinction from most psychologists and therapists. However, a small number of jurisdictions permit specially trained psychologists to prescribe under strict rules.

• Comprehensive treatment options: Psychiatrists offer a range of treatments, including medication management, psychotherapy (talk therapy), and advanced interventions like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), for treatment-resistant cases.

• Telehealth psychiatry is effective: Meta-analyses and systematic reviews show that virtual psychiatric care produces outcomes comparable to in-person treatment for many conditions, making mental health care more accessible regardless of location.

What Is a Psychiatrist?

A psychiatrist is a physician who has completed four years of undergraduate education, followed by four years of medical school, and at least four years of residency training in psychiatry. Some clinicians take fellowship training for additional specialization. 

This extensive education, typically 12 years or more after high school, allows psychiatrists to assess both the mental and physical aspects of psychological problems and provide comprehensive treatment.

According to the American Psychiatric Association, psychiatrists are trained to understand how biological processes affect mental functioning. They can order blood tests, brain imaging, and other medical evaluations to rule out physical conditions that may present with psychiatric symptoms. This medical training sets psychiatrists apart from most psychologists and therapists, who focus primarily on talk therapy and cannot prescribe medications.

Psychiatrist vs. Psychologist: What's the Difference?

While both psychiatrists and psychologists are mental health experts, their training and treatment approaches differ significantly. Psychologists typically hold doctoral degrees (PhD or PsyD) in clinical psychology and specialize in psychotherapy and psychological testing. They cannot prescribe medications in most states.

Psychiatrists, as medical doctors, can prescribe medication, perform medical procedures, order laboratory tests, and collaborate with other physicians about your overall health. Some psychiatrists provide psychotherapy, but many focus primarily on medication management and medical care; patients often see a psychiatrist for medication and a psychologist or therapist for regular talk therapy.

Mental Health Conditions Psychiatrists Treat

Psychiatrists diagnose and treat a wide range of mental, emotional, and behavioral conditions. Psychiatrists use criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which is the standard classification system used by mental health professionals, to make accurate diagnoses and develop personalized treatment plans.

Common Conditions Treated by Psychiatrists

• Mood disorders: Depression (major depressive disorder), bipolar disorder, persistent depressive disorder, and postpartum depression

• Anxiety disorders: Generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and phobias

• Attention-related conditions: ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) in both children and adults

• Trauma-related disorders: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and acute stress disorder

• Obsessive-compulsive and related disorders: OCD, body dysmorphic disorder, and hoarding disorder

• Psychotic disorders: Schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder

• Substance use disorders: Alcohol use disorder, drug addiction, and co-occurring mental health conditions

• Eating disorders: Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder

• Personality disorders: Borderline personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, and others

• Sleep disorders: Insomnia and other sleep-related conditions that affect mental health

Psychiatrists also help with life challenges that may not qualify as a formal diagnosis but still benefit from professional support, such as grief, relationship difficulties, major life transitions, and chronic stress.

Note: For some conditions, such as primary sleep disorder or neurologic conditions, it may be necessary to involve specialty care other than that offered by a psychiatrist.

How Do Psychiatrists Help? Treatment Approaches

Psychiatrists use a variety of evidence-based treatments tailored to each person's unique needs. Treatment plans are individualized and may include one approach or a combination of several, depending on your diagnosis, symptom severity, and personal preferences.

Medication Management

One of the primary ways psychiatrists help is through prescribing and monitoring psychiatric medications. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), medications can be effective in reducing symptoms of many mental health conditions, though they typically work best when combined with therapy.

Common types of psychiatric medications include:

• Antidepressants: SSRIs (like sertraline and escitalopram), SNRIs, and other medications that help regulate mood and treat depression, anxiety, and related conditions. These typically take 4-8 weeks to show full effects. Psychiatrists monitor for side effects and, in some age groups, changes in suicidal thoughts after starting medication.

• Mood stabilizers: Lithium and anticonvulsants (like lamotrigine and valproate) help manage mood swings in bipolar disorder. Lithium has been FDA-approved since 1970 and remains a cornerstone of bipolar treatment. Its use requires blood monitoring for kidney function and thyroid levels. Valproate carries teratogenic risks and requires counseling for people who may become pregnant.

• Antipsychotics: These medications treat symptoms like hallucinations and delusions in schizophrenia and can also help stabilize mood in bipolar disorder. They can also be used to manage symptoms in severe depression, Tourette’s, and dementia-related psychosis. Second-generation (atypical) antipsychotics are commonly used today.

• Anti-anxiety medications: Short-term options like benzodiazepines and longer-term alternatives like buspirone help manage anxiety symptoms. Benzodiazepines can provide rapid symptom relief but carry risks of sedation and dependence; they are commonly used short-term while other longer-term treatments (therapy, SSRIs) take effect.

• Stimulants and non-stimulants: These medications help improve focus and reduce impulsivity in people with ADHD. ADHD stimulants are controlled medications that require careful monitoring; teleprescribing and refill rules vary by state and federal regulations, so psychiatrists follow applicable laws when prescribing.

Your psychiatrist will carefully monitor your response to medication, adjust dosages as needed, and check for potential side effects or interactions with other medications you may be taking.

Note: It's important to take psychiatric medications exactly as prescribed by your provider. Never start, stop, or adjust your dosage on your own; doing so can lead to withdrawal symptoms, relapse, or worsening of your condition. If you have concerns or side effects, speak with your psychiatrist first so they can guide you safely. 

Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy)

While most psychiatrists focus primarily on medication management, some may also provide psychotherapy or work closely with therapists who do. Psychotherapy involves talking with a trained professional to identify and work through the factors affecting your mental health.

Common types of therapy used by psychiatrists include:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): Helps identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors

• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): Teaches coping skills for managing intense emotions and distress

• Psychodynamic therapy: Explores how past/childhood experiences or unconscious patterns influence current behavior and emotions

• Supportive therapy: Provides encouragement and helps build coping strategies

• Exposure therapy: Gradually exposes individuals to feared objects or situations to reduce fear. 

Advanced Treatment Options

For people who haven't responded well to medications and therapy, psychiatrists may recommend additional interventions:

• Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS): A non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. It's FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression and certain other conditions.

• Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): A procedure that uses controlled electrical currents to trigger brief seizures in the brain. Despite misconceptions, modern ECT is safe and highly effective for severe depression that hasn't responded to other treatments.

• Esketamine (Spravato): An FDA-approved nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression. It is available only through a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program; it must be administered and observed in a certified medical setting because of potential sedation and dissociative effects.

Telehealth Psychiatry: Getting Care from Home

Virtual psychiatric care has become increasingly available, and research supports its effectiveness.

A systematic review and meta-analysis in the British Journal of Psychiatry concluded that telepsychiatry is broadly comparable to in-person care for many conditions (depression, PTSD, insomnia), though results can vary by diagnosis and intervention type.

Telehealth psychiatry offers several benefits: it removes transportation barriers, allows you to receive care from the comfort of your home, and can make mental health care more accessible for people in rural areas or those with busy schedules.

The therapeutic relationship between patient and provider can develop effectively in virtual settings, and outcomes are comparable to or, in some cases, better than traditional in-person visits for certain conditions.

How Blossom Health Can Help

Blossom Health provides virtual psychiatric care designed to help you effectively manage your mental health. Our board-certified psychiatric providers can evaluate your symptoms, provide an accurate diagnosis, create personalized treatment plans, and prescribe medications when appropriate. 

Getting started is straightforward: visit Blossom Health to verify we're available in your state and that we accept your insurance. You can schedule your first appointment at a time that fits your schedule, with most patients seen within 48 hours. All appointments are conducted via secure video call, allowing you to receive expert psychiatric care from home.

Your provider will spend an hour with you during your initial appointment, discussing your symptoms, exploring what's been helpful or unhelpful in the past, and developing a treatment approach that works for you. Whether your plan includes medication, therapy referrals, self-help techniques, or a combination of approaches, you'll have ongoing support to help you achieve lasting improvement.

What to Expect at Your First Psychiatrist Appointment

Your first appointment with a psychiatrist, often called a psychiatric evaluation or intake, typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes, though appointment length may vary by clinician and payer. This initial visit is longer than follow-up appointments because the psychiatrist needs to gather comprehensive information about your mental and physical health.

During Your First Visit, Your Psychiatrist May:

• Ask about your current symptoms, when they started, and what triggers them

• Review your medical history, including any past mental health treatment

• Discuss your family's mental health history

• Review all medications and supplements you currently take

• Ask about your lifestyle, relationships, work or school, and daily functioning

• Use screening questionnaires to assess specific conditions

• Order lab tests if needed to rule out medical causes

After gathering this information, your psychiatrist will discuss a preliminary diagnosis and work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan. Follow-up appointments are typically shorter, around 15 to 30 minutes, and focus on monitoring your progress and adjusting treatment as needed.

Medical Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.

Sources

• American Psychiatric Association. (n.d.). What is psychiatry? https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/what-is-psychiatry

• National Alliance on Mental Illness. (n.d.). Mental health by the numbers. https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-by-the-numbers/

• American Psychiatric Association. (n.d.). What is the DSM? https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/what-is-the-dsm 

• National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Mental health medications. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/mental-health-medications 

• Cleveland Clinic. (2022, April 10). What is a psychiatrist? What they do & when to see one.                       https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22702-psychiatrist 

• National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Mental illness statistics. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness

• National Alliance on Mental Illness. (n.d.). Psychotherapy. https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/treatments/psychotherapy/ 

• Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2025). SPRAVATO (esketamine) nasal spray: Prescribing information (Label No. 211243s019). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2025/211243s019lbl.pdf 

• Bulkes, N. Z., Davis, K., Kay, B., & Riemann, B. C. (2022). Comparing efficacy of telehealth to in-person mental health care in intensive-treatment-seeking adults. Journal of psychiatric research, 145, 347–352. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8595951/

• Hagi, K., Kurokawa, S., Takamiya, A., et al. (2023). Telepsychiatry versus face-to-face treatment: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. The British Journal of Psychiatry: The Journal of Mental Science, 223(3), 407–414. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10895502 

• Palmer, C. S., Brown Levey, S. M., Kostiuk, M., Zisner, A. R., Tolle, L. W., Richey, R. M., & Callan, S. (2022). Virtual Care for Behavioral Health Conditions. Primary care, 49(4), 641–657.         https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9581698/

• American Psychiatric Association. (n.d.). Warning signs of mental illness. https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/warning-signs-of-mental-illness

• Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Mood stabilizers: What they are and how they work. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/mood-stabilizers

• Sievert, D. (2023). Psychologist vs. psychiatrist — what is the difference? UCLA Medical School. https://medschool.ucla.edu/news-article/psychologist-vs-psychiatrist-what-is-the-difference