Psychiatrist
What is a psychiatrist?
A psychiatrist is a doctor who focuses on mental health. Psychiatrists are medical practitioners in Australia with specialist registration with extra training in assessing and managing mental health issues. They can use psychological therapies and administer medications whenever necessary.
What do psychiatrists do?
A psychiatrist examines how mental health problems influence a person’s thoughts, feelings, behaviour, and everyday life. They can also consider physical health, medications, family history, and other things that may influence mental health.
A psychiatrist may
- Evaluate mental health symptoms.
- Diagnose mental health issues.
- Discuss management options.
- Prescribe and monitor medications as needed.
- Provide some psychological treatment.
- Assess risks and safety problems.
- Help individuals who have complicated or severe mental health issues.
- Collaborate with GPs, psychologists, and other healthcare providers.
- Monitor progress and modify the management plan as required.
What conditions can a psychiatrist help manage??
Psychiatrists can help manage a wide range of mental health disorders, including:
- Anxiety disorders.
- Bipolar Disorder.
- Schizophrenia and related psychotic illnesses.
- Eating disorders.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
- Personality disorders.
- Substance use disorders.
- Mental health conditions associated with physical illness.
Types of psychiatrists
Psychiatrists can specialise in several fields:
- General adult psychiatry helps individuals with a variety of mental health issues.
- Child and adolescent psychiatry focuses on children and young people.
- Old age psychiatry helps elderly people.
- Forensic psychiatry addresses mental health issues in legal and criminal justice contexts.
- Perinatal psychiatry focuses on mental health during pregnancy and after childbirth.
- Addiction psychiatry helps persons who have alcohol or drug issues.
- Eating disorder psychiatry specialises in eating disorders.
- Liaison psychiatry helps persons with mental health issues in normal healthcare settings.
- Neuropsychiatry focuses on the link between the brain, physical disorders, and mental health.
Psychiatrist vs psychologist vs counsellor
| Feature | Psychiatrist | Psychologist | Counsellor |
| Medical doctor | Yes | No | No |
| Mental health assessment | Yes | Yes | Yes, within their role |
| Can diagnose | Yes | Can diagnose within their professional scope | Usually not their main role |
| Can prescribe medicines | Yes | No | No |
| Psychological therapy | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Medical assessment | Yes | Limited | No |
| Common focus | Mental health assessment, management plans, and medication reviews (if clinically appropriate). | Psychological assessment and therapy | Emotional support and life difficulties |
When should you see a psychiatrist?
You could benefit from consulting a psychiatrist if:
- Mental health symptoms have a huge impact on your daily life.
- Symptoms are severe, persistent, and difficult to treat.
- You may require medications as part of your treatment.
- Previous therapies have not been effective enough.
- You have complicated mental health demands.
- Your doctor or another healthcare professional advises a psychiatric evaluation.
- You are suffering hallucinations, delusions, or extreme mood swings.
If you are in immediate danger of injuring yourself or someone else, contact emergency services.
How to see a psychiatrist
- Consult your doctor or another healthcare provider.
- Discuss if a psychiatric evaluation might be beneficial.
- If you are arranging for private care, select a suitable psychiatrist or service.
- Check costs, wait times, and appointment schedules.
- Attend your evaluation and express your concerns freely.
Hola Health does not currently offer psychiatrist consultations. If your doctor recommends a psychiatric referral, they can refer you to an appropriate specialist service.
Benefits of seeing a psychiatrist
A psychiatrist may help you:
- Understand complex mental health symptoms.
- Get a thorough mental health assessment.
- Consider several therapy alternatives.
- Support the management of severe or chronic symptoms.
- Coordinate treatment with other professionals.
- Create a long-term therapy strategy.
Health Information Disclaimer: Hola health does not provide Psychiatrist consult or referral to Psychiatrist. This content is for general information purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Hola Health can assist with consultations, health management and referrals, but is not an emergency service. For medical emergencies, call 000.
