About psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are medical doctors specialised in mental health. They diagnose, prescribe and monitor medication and may also provide psychotherapy. They are usually the first choice when medication may be needed or symptoms are severe.
Getting mental health care in the United States
Public health system · No single public system (Medicaid, Medicare, community mental health centers)
There is no universal public mental health service. People with low incomes may be covered by Medicaid, older adults by Medicare, and publicly funded community mental health centers and treatment facilities can be located through the federal SAMHSA locator. More information
How to check that a professional is licensed
- State medical boards (umbrella body: Federation of State Medical Boards). Psychiatrists are physicians licensed by each state medical board. The FSMB DocInfo service lets you look up a physician's license and disciplinary history. Search the official register
Insurance and coverage
Federal parity law (MHPAEA) requires most group health plans that cover mental health to do so on terms no more restrictive than for physical health; deductibles, copays and in-network rules still apply.
Online therapy in the United States
The clinician must normally be licensed in the state where the patient is located. Psychologists in PSYPACT member states may practice telepsychology across those states.
Urgent help in the United States
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 911 · Emergency (911)
- 988 · 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: findtreatment.gov, docinfo.org
What does a psychiatrist do?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who assesses mental health problems from a medical point of view. Day to day they carry out diagnostic interviews, rule out physical causes, decide whether medication could help, prescribe it and monitor its effects and side effects. Many also offer psychotherapy or work alongside psychologists. They see adults, older people and, if specialised, children and adolescents.
When to see a psychiatrist
Consider a psychiatrist when symptoms are intense or long-lasting, when therapy alone has not been enough, when you are already taking psychiatric medication, or when there are experiences such as severe mood swings, hearing or seeing things others do not, or very disturbed sleep. If what you mainly need is talking therapy for everyday difficulties, a psychologist or psychotherapist may fit better.
How is it different from other professionals?
Unlike a psychologist, a psychiatrist has a medical degree and can prescribe medication and order medical tests. A psychologist focuses on psychological assessment and therapy. A psychotherapist may come from either background and is defined by training in a therapy model. In practice, psychiatrists and psychologists often work together: one handles medication and medical follow-up, the other the therapeutic process.
What happens in the first session
The first appointment is usually a detailed interview about your symptoms, how long they have lasted, your medical history, current medication, sleep, substance use and family history. The psychiatrist may suggest tests to rule out physical causes and will explain the options. Bring a list of any medication you take, previous reports, and questions about benefits, side effects and alternatives to medication.
How long does the process take?
A first psychiatric consultation is often longer than follow-ups. Follow-up visits are usually shorter and more spaced out, for example every few weeks while adjusting treatment and less often once things are stable. How long follow-up lasts depends on the condition, the response to treatment and your preferences. Medication should never be stopped or changed without talking to the prescribing doctor.
Online or in person?
Online psychiatric consultations can work well for follow-ups, reviewing how treatment is going, and for people with mobility or distance barriers. Whether a psychiatrist can prescribe remotely depends on local rules and on the case. An in-person visit is often preferable for a first assessment, when a physical examination or tests are needed, or when symptoms are severe or there is any risk.
How to check their qualifications
Psychiatry is a medical specialty, so a psychiatrist must be a licensed doctor with recognised specialist training. You can check their registration with the medical licensing body or medical college of the country where they practise, which often has a public register. You can also ask about their specialist certification, areas of experience, and the hospital or service where they work.
What affects the price?
Prices depend on whether it is a first visit or a follow-up, the psychiatrist’s experience and subspecialty, the city, and whether the consultation is online or in person. Reports, assessments or longer appointments may be charged separately. Medication and tests are additional costs. Ask whether health insurance or the public health system covers psychiatric care in your area, and about cancellation policy.
How to choose
When choosing, check the licence and training, the approach they use and whether they have experience with what you need. Consider practical aspects too: language, price, location or online sessions and availability. The relationship with the professional matters a great deal; if after a few sessions it does not feel right, it is fine to change.
Frequently asked questions
Does the public health system in the United States cover psychological care?
There is no universal public mental health service. People with low incomes may be covered by Medicaid, older adults by Medicare, and publicly funded community mental health centers and treatment facilities can be located through the federal SAMHSA locator.
How do I check that a psychiatrist is licensed in the United States?
State medical boards (umbrella body: Federation of State Medical Boards): Psychiatrists are physicians licensed by each state medical board. The FSMB DocInfo service lets you look up a physician's license and disciplinary history.
Can I have online therapy in the United States?
The clinician must normally be licensed in the state where the patient is located. Psychologists in PSYPACT member states may practice telepsychology across those states.