Types of Psychiatrists: How to Find the Right Specialist for Your Needs

The National Institute of Health estimates that about one in five adults in the US lives with a mental illness. Psychiatrists play a vital role in diagnosing, treating, and helping people manage these conditions.

But not all psychiatrists are the same. Just like other medical specialties, psychiatry has subspecialties focused on particular conditions, populations, and treatments. Knowing the basics can help you find the provider who's the best fit for your needs.

At Next Step Psychiatry in Lilburn, GA, we believe finding the right psychiatrist is essential for getting the most effective treatment possible.

What Does a Psychiatrist Do?

Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs or DOs) who specialize in treating mental health conditions. After medical school and residency, many pursue additional training in specific areas. A psychiatrist's practice typically includes:

• Diagnosis: Clinical evaluation and psychological testing to identify mental health conditions
• Medication management: Prescribing and monitoring psychiatric medications
• Supportive therapy: Some psychiatrists provide psychotherapy alongside medication management
• Collaboration: Working with your other healthcare providers for integrated care

Types of Psychiatrists

General Psychiatry

General psychiatrists treat a wide range of mental health conditions in adults. They don't specialize in one particular condition or population. If your needs might be better served by a specialist, they can refer you.

Conditions treated: Depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, and other common mental health conditions.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

These psychiatrists specialize in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions in children and teenagers. They undergo additional training to understand developmental factors and find age-appropriate treatments.

Common conditions: ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and behavioral disorders.

Child psychiatrists also work closely with families and schools to provide comprehensive care.

Geriatric Psychiatry

Geriatric psychiatrists focus on mental health issues affecting older adults. As the population ages—currently about 18% are over 65, projected to reach 23% by 2054—demand for these specialists continues to grow.

Expertise includes: Alzheimer's disease, other forms of dementia, late-life depression, anxiety, and understanding how aging interacts with mental health conditions.

Addiction Psychiatry

In 2021, an estimated 46 million Americans lived with a substance use disorder. Addiction psychiatrists specialize in diagnosing and treating these conditions along with any co-occurring mental health issues.

Conditions treated: Alcohol use disorder, opioid addiction, other drug dependencies, and behavioral addictions like gambling. They may prescribe medications that help patients stop using substances or minimize withdrawal symptoms.

Perinatal Psychiatry

Perinatal psychiatrists specialize in mental health care for those who are pregnant or have recently given birth. They understand the unique challenges expectant and new parents face.

Expertise includes: Postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, post-weaning depression, and knowing which medications are safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

How to Choose the Right Psychiatrist

1. Consider Your Needs

If you're unsure what you need, a general psychiatrist is often a good starting point. For conditions like depression and anxiety, they can provide appropriate care.

If you have a specific condition (ADHD, addiction) or belong to a specific population (children, elderly, pregnant), seek out a psychiatrist with matching expertise.

2. Evaluate Qualifications and Experience

Consider:

• Are they board-certified?
• How many years have they been practicing?
• Do they have experience treating your specific condition?
• What are their treatment approaches?

Reading about their background and philosophy can help you find someone who resonates with you.

3. Check Availability and Insurance

The right provider offers more than great clinical care—they also need to be accessible and affordable:

• Do they have availability that works with your schedule?
• Do they offer telehealth appointments?
• Do they accept your insurance?

FAQs

What's the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication and may also provide therapy. Psychologists hold a PhD or PsyD and provide therapy but generally cannot prescribe medication (with limited exceptions in some states).

Do all psychiatrists provide therapy?

No. Some psychiatrists focus primarily on medication management, while others offer psychotherapy. Ask about your psychiatrist's approach when scheduling.

Do psychiatrists specialize in specific disorders?

Yes. Beyond population-specific specialties (children, elderly, perinatal), some psychiatrists specialize in treating specific disorders like OCD, eating disorders, or treatment-resistant depression.