Six things to look for in the right psychiatrist

Deciding to seek psychiatric care is an important step toward taking care of your mental health. But searching for the right psychiatrist can be overwhelming, especially when you’re already dealing with mental health symptoms. Knowing what to look for can help you feel more confident about your decision.

To choose the right psychiatrist for you, remember to:

1. Look at licensure

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental healthcare. That means they have a medical degree and are licensed to prescribe medication. 

Unlike therapists or counselors, psychiatrists complete medical school and residency in psychiatry. Some may also be board certified, which means they’ve gone through additional testing for certification. It’s also important to make sure the provider you’re considering is licensed to practice psychiatry in your state. 

Another option is to see a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP). These are nurse practitioners who specialize in psychiatry and will be able to meet your needs as well.

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2. Consider your specific needs and goals

It may be helpful to first think about your needs and goals when it comes to psychiatric treatment. Consider questions like, “What do I hope to gain from seeing a psychiatric provider?” or, “How will I know that the sessions have been helpful?” The answers to these questions may help you narrow your search.

For example, if you hope to find someone you can build a strong patient-provider relationship with, you may want to look for a psychiatric provider who offers therapy in sessions.

If you’re hoping to understand your mental health symptoms on a deeper level, you might look for someone who specializes in your specific conditions. If the connection between your physical and mental health is important to you, you might want to seek out an integrative or functional psychiatrist.

3. Prioritize personal preferences

Many people also have personal preferences when it comes to choosing a psychiatrist. These can include things like:

• Online vs. hybrid vs. in person: Some people prefer the convenience and flexibility of virtual psychiatry, while others feel more comfortable meeting in person. Hybrid care (a mix of both) can also be an option, depending on the provider.
• Personal identity: You may feel more at ease with someone who shares aspects of your background — like race, gender, sexuality, or cultural identity — or who has experience working with people from similar communities.
• Communication preferences: Some psychiatric providers allow communication between sessions, like messaging through a secure portal, while others don’t. If it’s important to you to be able to ask follow-up questions or get support between visits, check what options are available.
• Personality preferences: Different people have different preferences when it comes to the personality style of their psychiatric provider. Some people prefer providers who are warm and conversational, while others feel better with someone who’s more direct and structured. The right match can make a big difference in how supported you feel.

4. Be aware of availability

It’s also important to look at each psychiatric provider’s availability. Unfortunately, the U.S. is facing a national psychiatrist shortage, which means that many psychiatrists may not be accepting new patients. So it’s important to ask potential psychiatrists if they have any availability and when. Even if they don’t have availability now, they may have openings in a few months, which may work for you if you’re not in crisis. You could also get added to a waiting list if an earlier appointment becomes available.

Look at how often and at which times they offer sessions as well. For example, if they only have session times on weekday afternoons, this may not work with your work schedule. So, if having weekend or evening availability is important to you, that’s something you should ask about before making your first appointment.

5. Check insurance

Another factor to check before your first appointment is whether services with a particular psychiatrist are covered under your insurance plan. You can usually call your insurance company to ask whether each psychiatric provider is in network. Psychiatrists also know what insurance plans they’re in network with, and should be able to check whether your insurance will cover psychiatric services.

6. Ask about treatment methods and services

It’s also a good idea to ask which treatment methods the psychiatric provider uses and what services they offer. For example, some psychiatrists also offer therapy, while others focus only on medication management. Some have specific areas of expertise, like trauma, ADHD, or eating disorders. Others, like functional psychiatrists, may run laboratory tests to figure out the root cause behind your symptoms.

Asking about each psychiatric provider’s approach can help you understand what kind of care you’ll be getting and whether their style is a good fit for your needs. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. The right psychiatrist will want you to feel informed and comfortable.

Find care with Rula

Finding a psychiatric provider who fits your needs can make a big difference in how supported and empowered you feel throughout your treatment journey. Finding the right psychiatrist or PMHNP can take time, and it’s OK if the first provider you meet isn’t the right fit.

At Rula, we’re committed to delivering a comprehensive behavioral health experience that helps people feel seen and understood so they can get back to feeling their best.

Rula makes it easier to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who accepts your insurance so you don’t have to choose between affordable care and excellent care. With a diverse network of more than 15,000 providers, 24/7 crisis support, and appointments available as soon as tomorrow, we’re here to help you make progress — wherever you are on your mental health journey.

Find a provider with Rula