When to See a Psychiatrist

Emotions can be confusing, and when they feel out of control and affect your behavior, you might need to speak with someone who can help. Seeking help from a mental health professional can be invaluable for addressing a variety of feelings and symptoms.

At Next Step Psychiatry in Lilburn, we help patients throughout Gwinnett County and metro Atlanta understand their mental health needs and find effective treatment. Here's what you should know about when—and why—to see a psychiatrist.

What Does a Psychiatrist Do?

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health. They're trained to assess your symptoms, provide a diagnosis, and determine whether medication—and what kind—might support your treatment.

Working together with a psychiatrist can help you overcome feelings and behaviors that may be limiting your personal growth and impacting your quality of life. Because psychiatrists are medical doctors, they can prescribe medications to treat conditions like depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and more.

Psychiatrist vs. Psychologist: What's the Difference?

Psychiatrists

• Medical doctors (MD or DO)
• Complete at least 12 years of training (college, medical school, 4-year residency)
• Can prescribe medication
• Diagnose and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders
• Some also provide therapy

Clinical Psychologists

• Hold doctoral degrees (PhD or PsyD) but are not medical doctors
• 5-7 years studying psychotherapy and counseling
• Cannot prescribe medication (in most states)
• Help through talk therapy and psychological testing
• May refer to a psychiatrist if medication is needed

Signs It's Time to See a Psychiatrist

There's no one-size-fits-all answer, but consider seeing a psychiatrist if you're experiencing:

Major Life Challenges

Struggling with illness, death of a loved one, end of a relationship, job loss, or other major stressors that feel overwhelming.

Uncontrollable Emotions or Thoughts

When emotions, thoughts, or behaviors feel out of control and affect your work, relationships, or well-being.

Suicidal Thoughts

If you feel suicidal or like the world would be better off without you, seek help immediately. Call 988 or go to your nearest emergency room.

Medication Recommendations

Your therapist or another doctor suggests you may need medication to help manage symptoms.

Social Isolation

You've withdrawn from friends and family, and your social life has dramatically reduced.

Substance Abuse

Substance use is interfering with your job, relationships, or physical health.

Therapy Alone Isn't Enough

You've been in therapy but aren't seeing the improvement you'd hoped for.

Why See a Psychiatrist for Medication Management?

While family physicians can prescribe psychiatric medications, psychiatrists have significantly more specialized training. As part of their education, psychiatrists learn:

• How the body absorbs, distributes, and metabolizes psychiatric medications
• How medications interact with each other
• How to diagnose complex mental health conditions accurately
• The full range of medication options available

This expertise may help you feel better faster and reduce the risk of being prescribed the wrong medication for your condition.

Types of Psychiatric Specialties

Not sure if you need a specialist? Here are some branches of psychiatry:

• General adult psychiatry: Mental health conditions in adults
• Child and adolescent psychiatry: Behavioral and emotional disorders in children and teens
• Addiction psychiatry: Substance use disorders and addiction
• Geriatric psychiatry: Mental health in adults 65 and older

Overcoming Reluctance to See a Psychiatrist

Currently, 20% of Americans live with a mental health condition, but only half seek help. Common barriers include:

Stigma

Unfortunately, stigma still surrounds mental illness. Remember: seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Mental health conditions are medical conditions that deserve treatment.

Past Bad Experiences

If you've had a negative experience with a provider before, know that not all psychiatrists are the same. Finding the right fit matters.

Cost Concerns

Using insurance can make treatment affordable. Many psychiatrists, including our practice, accept a wide range of insurance plans.

Convenience

Virtual psychiatry (telepsychiatry) allows you to consult with a psychiatrist from home, eliminating distance and travel concerns.

What to Expect at Your First Appointment

Your first psychiatric session typically lasts about an hour. Your psychiatrist will:

• Ask questions about your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors
• Review your medical history and current medications
• Discuss family history of mental health conditions
• Work with you to identify symptoms and make a diagnosis
• Develop a personalized treatment plan

It may take several sessions to confirm your diagnosis, and that's normal. The goal is to understand your unique situation and find the most effective treatment approach.

Conditions We Treat

• Depression and mood disorders
• Anxiety disorders
• ADHD
• Bipolar disorder
• PTSD and trauma
• OCD
• Sleep disorders
• Treatment-resistant conditions

If you're wondering whether it's time to see a psychiatrist, that question itself may be your answer. Taking the first step toward help is often the hardest part—but it's also the most important.