What Is a Psychiatrist? A Complete Guide to Psychiatric Care
If you're considering mental health support for the first time—or even if you're returning to care—you may have questions like: What exactly is a psychiatrist? How is a psychiatrist different from a therapist? Will they understand me or just prescribe medication? These questions are common and completely valid.
In this blog, we’ll explain generally what a psychiatrist does, how they can help, what kinds of mental health conditions they treat, and what types of subspecialties exist within psychiatry. Whether you're exploring care for anxiety, depression, or a more complex condition, this guide will help you feel more informed.
What Is a Psychiatrist?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental health conditions. They are trained to understand the full spectrum of emotional and behavioral challenges—ranging from common concerns like anxiety and insomnia to more complex conditions like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
Because psychiatrists complete medical school and clinical residency training in psychiatry, they are able to combine knowledge of physical health, brain function, and mental health. Unlike therapists or counselors, psychiatrists can:
Prescribe medication
Diagnose mental health disorders
Order labs or medical tests
Collaborate with primary care providers
Provide psychotherapy (in some settings)
Psychiatrists work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, academic settings, and private practice. They may work independently or as part of a broader care team with therapists, social workers, and primary care physicians.
What Conditions Do Psychiatrists Treat?
Psychiatrists care for people experiencing a wide range of symptoms, emotional difficulties, and mental health conditions. These include:
Depression and other mood disorders
Anxiety and panic disorders
Bipolar disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Schizophrenia and psychosis
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Substance use and addiction
Eating disorders
Personality disorders
Sleep-related disorders
They may also provide support during life transitions, grief, or stress that is interfering with a person’s ability to function and thrive.
What Makes Psychiatry Different From Therapy?
The main difference is medical training. Psychiatrists go to medical school and can prescribe medications, diagnose complex mental health disorders, and understand the relationship between the brain, body, and mind.
Psychiatrists treat mental health conditions using medication, psychotherapy, or a combination.
Psychologists and other therapists focus primarily on psychotherapy (talk therapy), without prescribing medications.
Many people benefit from a combination of both psychiatry and therapy. Psychiatrists often refer patients to therapists and vice versa.
Subspecialties Within Psychiatry
Psychiatry is a diverse field with several areas of specialization. Some psychiatrists pursue additional training to focus on specific populations or treatment methods. Here are the major subspecialties:
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Focuses on the emotional and behavioral health of children, teens, and their families. These psychiatrists are trained to recognize how mental health issues present differently in younger populations.
Geriatric Psychiatry
Specializes in the mental health of older adults, including issues like dementia, depression related to aging, and adjusting to life changes later in life.
Addiction Psychiatry
Trained in diagnosing and treating substance use disorders, addiction-related behaviors, and co-occurring mental health conditions like anxiety or depression.
Forensic Psychiatry
Involves the intersection of psychiatry and the legal system. Forensic psychiatrists may conduct evaluations related to competency, criminal responsibility, or provide expert testimony in court.
Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry (Psychosomatic Medicine)
Works at the interface of physical and mental health, often consulting on cases in hospitals where medical illness is complicated by psychiatric symptoms.
Public and Community Psychiatry
Focuses on mental health care systems and services for underserved or vulnerable populations. These psychiatrists often work in public health clinics or correctional facilities.
Reproductive Psychiatry
Specializes in mental health related to reproductive life stages, including premenstrual mood disorders, pregnancy, postpartum, infertility, and menopause.
Emergency Psychiatry
Provides acute care for individuals experiencing mental health crises, often in hospital emergency rooms or inpatient settings.
How Are Psychiatrists Trained?
Psychiatrists complete:
Undergraduate education (usually 4 years)
Medical school (4 years)
Psychiatry residency (at least 4 years)
After residency, many pursue fellowships in one of the subspecialties listed above. Their education includes training in:
Medical sciences and brain function
Psychopharmacology (medications for mental health)
Diagnosis and evaluation of psychiatric disorders
Psychotherapy techniques (CBT, psychodynamic, trauma-informed)
Why People See Psychiatrists
You don’t have to be in crisis to seek psychiatric care. People work with psychiatrists for a variety of reasons:
Persistent sadness, anxiety, or emotional pain
Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected
Difficulty focusing or functioning day-to-day
Traumatic experiences that feel unresolved
Questions about whether medication may help
Managing chronic conditions like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or PTSD
Whether you're seeking relief, clarity, or support through a life transition, psychiatrists are trained to meet you with both medical knowledge and compassionate care.
Getting Started with Psychiatric Care
If you’re considering seeing a psychiatrist, here are a few ways to begin:
Talk to your primary care doctor for a referral
Search for board-certified psychiatrists in your state
Ask if your workplace or insurance offers mental health benefits
Look for virtual mental health services that offer flexibility and privacy
You can prepare by jotting down symptoms, past treatment, questions about medication, and what you're hoping to feel or achieve through care.
Final Thoughts
Psychiatrists are uniquely trained to understand the mind and body connection, provide a full range of treatment options, and support individuals across all stages of life. Whether you’re facing a new mental health challenge or managing a long-standing condition, a psychiatrist can be a vital part of your healing team.
Mental health is just as important as physical health—and getting support is a powerful act of self-care.
