What is a psychiatrist?

1 minute Mental Health Match Written by Mental Health Match Published 01/21/20

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has received additional training in psychiatry, which is the diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses. They typically will be responsible for medication management services. This means they can prescribe you medication to help treat your mental illness and will check in with you during short sessions to ensure your medications are working well. 

Most psychiatrists do not provide psychotherapy, but some do –  which can be convenient if you are taking medications and want to attend therapy sessions. 

In many states, psychiatric nurse practitioners can also provide medication management and prescriptions.

Mental Health Match can help you find a psychiatrist in your area today.

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