Psychiatry is a medical field concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental health conditions. A doctor who works in psychiatry is called a psychiatrist. Unlike other mental health professionals, such as psychologists and counsellors, psychiatrists must be medically qualified doctors who have chosen to specialise in psychiatry. This means they can prescribe medication as well as recommend
other forms of treatment. Most psychiatrists work as part of community mental health teams (CMHTs), in outpatient clinics or hospital wards. Some carry out sessions in GP surgeries. Mental health conditions that may be diagnosed and treated by a psychiatrist include: Psychiatrists may also provide psychological support for people with long-term, painful or terminal physical health conditions. Getting an appointment with a psychiatristYou'll usually need a referral from your GP or another doctor to see a psychiatrist on the NHS. Your GP may refer you directly to a psychiatrist or to a member of a local mental health team, who can assess your needs and help determine if you need to see a psychiatrist or a different mental health professional. You can also see a psychiatrist privately, although most private psychiatrists prefer a referral from your GP. Your GP may be able to recommend psychiatrists in your area. You can also try contacting a psychiatric clinic directly or using online psychiatry services. You'll see a psychiatrist who specialises in the area of psychiatry most relevant to your situation. The main areas of expertise include:
You can check the details of a psychiatrist, including their area of speciality, by looking on the medical register, a list of doctors in the UK. If they have the letters MRCPsych (Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists) or FRCPsych (Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists) after their name, they're a current member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych). What happens during your appointmentsDuring your first appointment, your psychiatrist will carry out an initial assessment. They'll look at both your mental and physical health, and may ask:
After assessing your condition, your psychiatrist may prescribe medication or recommend other treatments, such as counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). The number of times you need to see a psychiatrist and the length of each appointment will depend on your circumstances. A psychiatrist may continue to manage your treatment or they may refer you to other community mental health services in your area. These services work in small units or clinics and aim to help people manage their illness so they can lead a normal life within the community. Further information and supportThe Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) has mental health information in a number of areas, including problems and disorders, support and treatment, and advice for parents or carers and young people.
Which mental health professional is right for me? There are many types of mental health professionals. Finding the right one for you may require some research. Below is a listing of types of mental health treatment professionals to help you understand the differences between the services they provide. The following mental health professionals can provide psychological assessments and therapy; however, cannot generally prescribe medications (although some states will allow it):
The following mental health professionals can provide counseling and with proper training, assessments; however, cannot prescribe medication:
The following mental health professionals can prescribe medication; however, they may not provide therapy:
Additionally, your Primary Care Physician, Physician’s Assistant or Nurse Practitioner (depending on your state) are often qualified to provide medication. You've Made the Call to the Mental Health Professional. Now What?Spend a few minutes talking with him or her on the phone, ask about their approach to working with patients, their philosophy, whether or not they have a specialty or concentration (some psychologists for instance specialize in family counseling, or child counseling, while others specialize in divorce or coping with the loss of a loved one.) If you feel comfortable talking to the counselor or doctor, the next step is to make an appointment. On your first visit, the counselor or the doctor will want to get to know you and why you called him or her. The counselor will want to know-- what you think the problem is, about your life, what you do, where you live, with whom you live. It is also common to be asked about your family and friends. This information helps the professional to assess your situation and develop a plan for treatment. If you don’t feel comfortable with the professional after the first, or even several visits, talk about your feelings at your next meeting; don’t be afraid to contact another counselor. Feeling comfortable with the professional you choose is very important to the success of your treatment. Which type of practitioner holds a medical degree with a specialty in psychology?Psychologists. Psychologists hold a doctoral degree in clinical psychology or another specialty such as counseling or education. They are trained to evaluate a person's mental health using clinical interviews, psychological evaluations and testing. They can make diagnoses and provide individual and group therapy.
What is a clinical psychologist?Psychologists who provide clinical or counseling services assess and treat mental, emotional and behavioral disorders. They use the science of psychology to treat complex human problems and promote change. They also promote resilience and help people discover their strengths.
What is a psychologist simple definition?Definition of psychologist
: a person who specializes in the study of mind and behavior or in the treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders : a specialist in psychology.
Which of the following mental health professionals is a licensed physician?Psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is a physician with a doctor of medicine (M.D.) degree or osteopathic (D.O.) degree, with at least four more years of specialized study and training in psychiatry. Psychiatrists are licensed as physicians to practice medicine by individual states.
|