Who Can Prescribe Anxiety Medication?

Should I see a psychiatrist or my primary care doctor? Maybe a therapist? Whether you're already taking anxiety medication or think you might need it, you may be wondering where to look for help.

At Next Step Psychiatry in Lilburn, we understand that navigating mental health care can feel overwhelming. Here's a guide to help you understand your options and find the right provider for your needs.

Providers Who CAN Prescribe Anxiety Medication

Psychiatrists

Education: Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MD or DO) who specialize in mental health. They complete medical school plus four or more years of specialized psychiatry training. Some pursue additional certification in specialties like addiction psychiatry or child and adolescent psychiatry.

What they do: Psychiatrists can evaluate your symptoms, diagnose mental health conditions, and prescribe medication. Many also provide talk therapy as part of treatment.

Why choose a psychiatrist: Unlike primary care doctors, psychiatrists are highly specialized in diagnosing complex mental health conditions and have extensive training in psychiatric medications. If you think you may have an anxiety disorder, a psychiatrist is an excellent choice.

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners

Education: Psychiatric nurse practitioners complete nursing school plus a master's program with specialization in psychiatry.

What they do: Like psychiatrists, they can assess symptoms, diagnose conditions, prescribe medication, and sometimes provide therapy. Depending on state laws, they may work under physician supervision.

The difference: The main distinction is education and training—psychiatrists have more years of specialized medical training.

Primary Care Doctors

Education: Primary care doctors complete medical school plus training in family medicine or internal medicine. They're generalists who treat a wide range of conditions.

What they do: They can recognize anxiety, prescribe medication, and refer complex cases to psychiatrists.

Considerations: While many people turn to primary care doctors because they're accessible, these doctors have less specialized mental health training. They may not be aware of all treatment options available for anxiety.

Providers Who CANNOT Prescribe Medication

Psychologists

Education: Clinical psychologists hold doctoral degrees (PhD or PsyD) but are not medical doctors.

What they do: They can diagnose conditions and provide talk therapy but cannot prescribe medications in most states.

Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs)

Education: LCSWs complete a bachelor's degree, master's in social work, three years of clinical experience, and pass a clinical exam.

What they do: They can diagnose conditions and provide various types of therapy but cannot prescribe medications.

How to Decide Who to See

Consider these questions to guide your decision:

1. What type of treatment are you looking for?

If you're considering talk therapy alone, a psychologist or therapist is a good starting point. If you think you might need medication or aren't sure, a psychiatrist can evaluate whether medication is appropriate for you.

2. Have you been on anxiety medication before?

If you know what works and have a good relationship with your primary care doctor, that may be sufficient. If you haven't had success with medication or want to try something new, a psychiatrist can explore all your options.

3. How severe are your symptoms?

For occasional, mild anxiety, therapy may be enough. If symptoms are severe or interfering with daily life, seeing a psychiatrist is often the best choice.

4. How urgently do you need an appointment?

Wait times vary. Primary care may be quickest. Virtual psychiatry is another option that often has shorter wait times than in-person providers.

Note: If you feel you're in immediate danger, call 911, go to the emergency room, or call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

5. Do you have insurance?

Not all mental health providers accept insurance. Call your insurance company for a list of in-network providers, or check directly with practices you're considering.

Do I Have to See a Doctor in Person?

No! For common conditions like anxiety, virtual psychiatry (telepsychiatry) is highly effective and offers greater accessibility. You can receive a comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis, and medication management from the comfort of your home.

What If I Don't Have a Diagnosis Yet?

Even after finding the right provider and scheduling an appointment, you might feel unsure about what will happen. Asking for help isn't always easy, especially for something as personal as anxiety.

Remember: your psychiatrist isn't there to judge you or decide whether you're "anxious enough" to deserve help. Their goal is figuring out how best to help you.

The best approach is to communicate clearly, openly, and honestly about your symptoms. Don't minimize what you're experiencing—describe how anxiety affects your daily life, work, and relationships.

What Happens After Your Appointment?

Unlike treating a simple infection, you can't fix anxiety with a single prescription or therapy session. You'll work with your provider over time to:

• Track your symptoms
• Adjust medications as needed
• Monitor for side effects
• Evaluate what's working

While this may sound like a lot of work, it pays off. Eventually, you'll have a relationship with a provider who knows you, your history, and your preferences—making ongoing care much more effective.

Conditions We Treat

At Next Step Psychiatry, we provide medication management for:

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• Panic disorder
• Social anxiety disorder
• Specific phobias
• PTSD
• OCD
• Anxiety with co-occurring depression

Ready to take the next step? Contact us to schedule your evaluation.