How to select a Psychiatrist for yourself?

iChhori Team

Looking for a psychiatrist? Here's how to choose the right one for you without wasting time, money, or getting stuck with the wrong fit.

Picking a psychiatrist isn’t like picking a dentist. This person is going to dig into your mind, your history, your trauma — so getting it right matters.

But if you’ve never done it before, it can feel overwhelming. Where do you even start?

Here’s how to select a psychiatrist for yourself — without guessing, Googling endlessly, or wasting months with the wrong fit.

1. Know What a Psychiatrist Actually Does

Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs or DOs) who specialise in mental health. They can:

  • Diagnose mental disorders
  • Prescribe medications (unlike psychologists or therapists)
  • Provide talk therapy (some do, some don’t)
  • Manage long-term treatment plans for conditions like anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, ADHD, PTSD, and more

If you want meds or have a complex condition, you want a psychiatrist — not just a therapist.

2. Figure Out What You Need Help With

Before searching, write down what’s going on with you:

  • Do you feel depressed, anxious, overwhelmed, numb?
  • Have you been diagnosed before? Are you on medication now?
  • Are you struggling with trauma, sleep, eating, or addiction?

Knowing this helps you filter the right specialist — fast.

3. Decide What Type of Care You Want

  • Medication only: Some psychiatrists only prescribe, no therapy
  • Medication + therapy: Fewer psychiatrists do both, but it’s ideal for many
  • In-person vs virtual: Telepsychiatry is now mainstream and often just as effective

Make sure their style fits your needs. Don’t assume all psychiatrists do talk therapy — many don’t.

4. Use Trusted Directories

Skip random Google results. Use sites that vet credentials:

5. Check Qualifications and Specialties

Look for:

  • Board certification in psychiatry
  • Specialisation in your specific condition (e.g. bipolar, PTSD, OCD)
  • Experience with your age group (teens, adults, etc.)
  • Years in practice + reviews

Experience matters. So does style. Someone can be brilliant and still not be right for you.

6. Ask These Questions Upfront

  • Do you prescribe medication only, or offer therapy too?
  • How often do you see patients?
  • What’s your treatment approach?
  • Have you treated people with what I’m experiencing?
  • What’s your stance on meds, alternatives, lifestyle changes?

If they rush you, dodge answers, or make you feel like a burden — move on.

7. Trust the First Session Vibe

The first visit isn’t a contract. It’s an interview — for both of you.

  • Did they listen, or just talk?
  • Did you feel judged?
  • Did they explain things clearly?
  • Did they ask what YOU wanted from treatment?

If something feels off, it probably is. Keep looking.

8. Don’t Ghost — Get a Referral

If you don’t click, that’s normal. Just tell them. They might recommend someone else who fits better.

9. Track How You Feel Over Time

Give it 2–3 sessions. Are you feeling heard? Noticing change? Understanding your diagnosis better?

It’s okay to change providers. You’re not locked in.

10. Red Flags to Watch For

  • They overprescribe without real diagnosis
  • They talk down to you or dismiss your concerns
  • No follow-up plan or tracking system
  • They don’t explain side effects or med risks
  • You leave more confused than when you arrived

Your mental health is too important to hand over to someone who treats you like a chart, not a person.

FAQs

Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist?

Depends on your insurance. Some plans need it, some don’t. Private pay? No referral needed.

How much does it cost?

Without insurance: $100–$400/session. With insurance: co-pays vary. Telepsychiatry may cost less.

What’s the difference between a psychiatrist and a therapist?

Psychiatrists prescribe meds. Therapists don’t. Many people see both.

What if I don’t like the first one I try?

Totally normal. Try another. Finding the right fit takes time.

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