More than meds: Nine benefits of talking to a psychiatrist

Any licensed medical professional (including physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners) can prescribe medication, including psychiatric medication. So you might wonder about the benefits of seeing a psychiatrist if you could just get the same prescription from your family doctor — especially if you’re already in therapy.

But psychiatrists are trained in treating mental health conditions, and seeing one has many advantages. A psychiatric provider can aid you in getting the right diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing support you need to feel better.

1. Getting the right diagnosis

One of the biggest benefits of seeing a psychiatrist is getting an accurate mental health diagnosis. Although any medical doctor can diagnose mental health conditions, general practitioners don’t have the same training that psychiatrists do. Primary care providers may miss nuances, misattribute symptoms, or overlook conditions that often co-occur or get misdiagnosed for each other.

Psychiatrists have specialized knowledge about different mental health conditions and how they can manifest. Just like you wouldn’t go to a dermatologist to get a heart disease diagnosis, you’re more likely to get an accurate mental health diagnosis from a psychiatrist.

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2. A whole picture of your health

Psychiatrists are medical doctors. They specialize in mental health, but they’re also knowledgeable about other areas of health. They can take a big-picture view of your overall health and how each area of your well-being is connected. They may also be able to point out other illnesses that could be attributing to your mental health symptoms.

For example, sleep difficulties could be caused by a number of different conditions related to both mental and physical health. Because of their medical training, a psychiatrist could be better positioned to rule other causes out. They can also coordinate with other doctors to ensure that you’re not missing anything important.

3. Support for more severe mental health symptoms

While therapy can be helpful for almost anyone, therapy alone may not be enough for certain more severe symptoms of mental health conditions. For example, a combination of therapy and psychiatric medication has been found to be most helpful for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. These medications have been found to be very effective. For example, up to 95% of people with schizophrenia find relief from their symptoms with medication.

Research finds that, at least in certain U.S. states, psychiatrists have more patients who live with these types of conditions than psychologists. If you’re experiencing severe symptoms — like hallucinations, delusions, or intense mood swings — a psychiatrist is typically the best provider to help you figure out next steps. Even if your symptoms aren’t extreme, a psychiatrist can help prevent them from getting worse by catching early warning signs and adjusting your treatment plan.

4. Measuring your progress

Seeing a psychiatrist can also be a great way to measure your progress on specific symptoms. Psychiatrists need to know how you feel in certain specific areas to be able to tell whether your medications are working. For example, if you’re seeing a psychiatrist for depression, they might ask you about your sleep, appetite, energy levels, and motivation to gauge progress.

Therapists will measure your progress as well, but it may be more focused on your subjective experiences and worldview rather than trying to objectively measure certain symptoms. Many people also only see their psychiatrist a few times a year, so the progress you’ve made between appointments could feel more impactful.

5. Learning more about your condition

Many people also gain a deeper understanding of their diagnosis by seeing a psychiatrist. Not only will a psychiatrist be able to provide a more accurate evaluation to get you the right diagnosis, but they’re also better equipped to explain the deeper science behind your condition.

Understanding exactly how your condition affects your brain can help you detach from the mental health stigma that’s, unfortunately, still so prevalent in today’s world. Knowledge is power, and staying informed can help you feel more in control of your treatment.

6. Finding the right medication and dosage

It often takes time to find the right medication and dosage for your needs. Research gives us a starting point, but different people react differently to medications. Starting medication isn’t usually as simple as getting the first prescription and feeling better right away.

Psychiatrists are highly trained in the dosages and combinations that are typically effective, and they can use their clinical experience to help you find the right fit. They also monitor how your symptoms change over time and adjust your treatment based on those observations, which is especially important for conditions that require ongoing support.

7. Answers about side effects

You’re not guaranteed to experience side effects if you start psychiatric medication. But if you do experience mild side effects, they should be temporary and go away as your body adjusts to the medication. Some side effects can be more severe, in which case you should reach out to your psychiatric provider. A psychiatric provider can help you decide whether side effects are worth the benefits of taking medication.

When you see a psychiatrist, you have someone to turn to for answers about these side effects and whether they’re “normal.” They can make adjustments to your dose and recommend alternatives that may have worked for other patients. They can also help you taper off medication slowly and carefully if you decide you want to stop.

They’re there to support you in figuring out what’s working and what isn’t — not just physically, but emotionally too. This can be a reassuring presence to have when you’re experiencing new side effects.

8. A trusted sounding board

Another benefit of seeing a psychiatrist is having a trusted, professional sounding board for your mental health questions. Even if you’re already in therapy, it can be helpful to have a consistent relationship with a medical provider who knows your history and can help you think through difficult decisions about your care.

Psychiatrists can talk with you about new medical research, help you interpret confusing mental health advice you’ve seen online, or answer questions you might feel uncomfortable asking other people. They aren’t just there to monitor your medication. They’re also there to help you feel more informed and empowered about your mental health.

9. Making a commitment to your well-being

Lastly, many people find that seeing a psychiatrist is about making a commitment to their overall mental health and well-being. Even if you don’t end up taking medication, it’s a signal that you’re committed to looking at all available treatment options and making the best decision for you and your needs.

Seeing a psychiatrist can be a way of showing up for yourself consistently. By regularly checking in with a psychiatric provider, you’re giving yourself space to reflect on how you’re doing and whether your current strategies and treatment approaches are working.

Find care with Rula

Seeing a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner isn’t just about getting medication and walking away. It’s about learning more about yourself, getting the right diagnosis, and building a support system and treatment team that works for you. 

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.

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