“How Can I Find a Psychiatrist Near Me?” Everything You Need to Know About Psychiatry

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Your Health Magazine

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“How Can I Find a Psychiatrist Near Me?” Everything You Need to Know About Psychiatry

Within the mental health world, there are a few types of professionals, each one with a unique education and skillset. A therapist is someone who conducts talk therapy and other types of therapeutic treatment. A Psychologist is a therapist with a doctorate degree and is highly specialized. A Psychiatrist is a medical doctor who went through medical school but specialized in mental health. 

There are different reasons for seeing each of these specialties. You should see a Psychiatrist if you are looking for a diagnosis and medication for your mental health. 

There are a lot of misconceptions about seeing a psychiatrist. It’s thought that psychiatrists are very expensive, with long wait lines that can take weeks or even months to work through. While some psychiatrists may be like this, most are very accessible. Let’s dive into how to find a ‘psychiatrist near me’ and what you can expect.

Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist near me?

No. You do not need a referral from a therapist or medical doctor in order to see a psychiatrist. Although a referral can be helpful because it removes the need for you to do your own research and scheduling, it is not necessary. You can “self-refer” or ask to see a psychiatrist yourself. They will not turn you away just because you don’t have a note from a therapist or doctor. 

If you already have a primary care provider or therapist that you trust, asking them for a referral can ensure that you find a psychiatrist who is trustworthy and will work with your current team of providers to provide seamless and holistic care. 

How much does it cost to get evaluated by a psychiatrist near me?

The cost of psychiatry varies depending on the practitioner and insurance. Most major insurance companies will cover psychiatry, so you’ll just have to pay your copay after meeting your deductible. Make sure to review your insurance’s deductible before scheduling a session with a psychiatrist, and remember that most deductibles start over in the new year. 

If you aren’t sure how your insurance covers psychiatrists, talk to the psychiatrist before scheduling with them. They can verify your benefits. 

Mental health copays range from $10 to $50 with insurance. Without insurance, you can expect to pay anywhere from $80 to $500 out of pocket, depending on the individual psychiatrist. 

Can my psychiatrist diagnose me with ADHD?

Yes! A psychiatrist can diagnose you with ADHD along with all other mental health conditions, including: 

Here’s a list of common conditions that a psychiatrist can diagnose:

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
• Bipolar Disorder
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
• Panic Disorder
• Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia)
• Specific Phobias
• Separation Anxiety Disorder
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Body Dysmorphic Disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Personality Disorders
• Eating disorders

Is it better to see a psychiatrist or a psychologist?

Whether you should see a psychiatrist or a psychologist depends on your needs. If you are looking for medication you should see a psychiatrist. If you are looking for specialized therapy you should see a psychologist. 

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor specializing in mental health. A psychologist is a mental health professional with a highly specialized doctoral degree. Both are great options to address issues with your mental health, but it just depends on what you need.  

Should I see a psychiatrist near me? 

There are many reasons one might want to see a psychiatrist. Some reasons include:

• To receive a mental health diagnosis.
• To be prescribed medication for mental health.
• To manage medication and treatment for mental health. 

The main reason people see a psychiatrist is that they think they might be struggling with a mental health disorder and would like a diagnosis for treatment and other purposes. 

A psychiatrist is one of the only ways you can receive an official diagnosis, but if you’re not ready to see a psychiatrist yet, taking a free online mental health screener can be a good first step. 

A mental health assessment is a collection of questions pulled from the DSM-5, the handbook for diagnosing and treating mental health conditions for psychiatrists and therapists. Answering these questions will assess you for the likelihood of having that specific mental health disorder. It is not a concrete result and should not be taken as a diagnosis. However, it can help guide your decision on whether or not you should talk to a psychiatrist. Also, having an idea of what you want to talk to a psychiatrist about (whether it’s anxiety, depression, ADHD, or something else) can be very helpful. For a collection of good mental health assessments, visit Lifebulb Counseling and Therapy’s site.