Question 1

What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a therapist?

Accepted Answer

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who specializes in mental health and can diagnose conditions and prescribe medication. Psychiatric nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) can also evaluate and prescribe in most states. Therapists, such as psychologists, licensed counselors, and clinical social workers, provide talk therapy; most do not prescribe. Many clinics combine both.

Question 2

What happens at a first psychiatric evaluation?

Accepted Answer

A first visit usually lasts 45 to 90 minutes. The clinician asks about your symptoms, history, medications, substance use, family history, and goals, and may use standardized questionnaires or order lab work. You should leave with a working diagnosis and a proposed treatment plan you can discuss and adjust.

Question 3

Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist?

Accepted Answer

Often not. Many clinics accept self-referrals. Some insurance plans, especially HMOs, require a referral from a primary care provider before they will pay. Check with your plan and the clinic before booking.

Question 4

How often are medication management visits?

Accepted Answer

Follow-up visits are often every few weeks when starting or changing a medication, then every one to three months once things are stable. Visits are usually 15 to 30 minutes and focus on how well the medication works, side effects, and any changes.

Question 5

Is telepsychiatry as good as in-person care?

Accepted Answer

For many people and conditions, video visits are a reasonable option, and research has generally found similar outcomes for common conditions such as depression and anxiety. Some treatments, like TMS, ECT, and SPRAVATO®, must be given in person, and prescribing certain controlled medications by telehealth follows federal and state rules.

Question 6

What is treatment-resistant depression?

Accepted Answer

The term is commonly used when depression has not improved enough after at least two adequate antidepressant trials. It is the main reason people are referred for options such as TMS, SPRAVATO®, ketamine, or ECT. A psychiatrist confirms whether this applies to you.

Question 7

What is TMS?

Accepted Answer

Transcranial magnetic stimulation uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific brain areas. It is FDA-cleared for major depression that has not responded to medication, and some devices are cleared for OCD and smoking cessation. Sessions are in-office, you stay awake, and you can usually drive afterward.

Question 8

What is SPRAVATO®?

Accepted Answer

SPRAVATO® is an FDA-approved nasal spray for adults with treatment-resistant depression and for depressive symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder with acute suicidal thoughts or behavior. It carries a boxed warning and is given only at REMS-certified healthcare settings, with at least two hours of monitoring after each dose. You cannot drive until the next day after restful sleep.

Question 9

Is ketamine the same as SPRAVATO®?

Accepted Answer

No. SPRAVATO® is a specific FDA-approved nasal spray with set dosing and a REMS program. IV, IM, and oral ketamine are FDA-approved as anesthetics; using them for depression or other psychiatric conditions is off-label and follows each clinic's own protocol.

Question 10

Will insurance cover psychiatric care?

Accepted Answer

Most health plans cover psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and therapy, and federal parity law generally requires mental health benefits to be comparable to medical benefits. Coverage for TMS and SPRAVATO® often requires prior authorization. Off-label ketamine is usually self-pay. See our insurance guide for details.

Question 11

Do psychiatry clinics treat children and teens?

Accepted Answer

Some do. Child and adolescent psychiatrists have extra training in younger patients. Check each clinic's listing or ask directly about age ranges before booking.

Question 12

What should I do in a mental health crisis?

Accepted Answer

Call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, any time. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you or someone else is in immediate danger. Outpatient clinics in this directory are not emergency services.

Psychiatric care questions, answered