How to find the right psychiatrist near you
Our guide to finding the best psychiatrist for you, including tips on how to choose a provider who is in-network, flexible, and a good fit for your needs.
Key takeaways
- Psychiatrists can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication for them.
- Your primary care doctor may be able to point you to a psychiatrist, who may even be in the same hospital network and take your insurance.
- When looking for a psychiatrist, you might also consider if they specialize in certain conditions.
Here's a guide to finding the best psychiatrist for you, including tips on how to choose a provider who is in-network, flexible, and a good fit for your needs. We get it, it’s difficult to find a psychiatrist. It can be especially difficult to find a psychiatrist who is a good match for you or a loved one. Luckily, it is possible. There are many other factors to consider when choosing the best psychiatrist for you, so if you’re not sure where to start, use this guide.
How do I find a psychiatrist?
As cumbersome as it may be to find the right mental health professional, there are things you can do to make the process easier. Stick with it! You deserve to find the right provider and the right treatment plan so that you can start feeling like yourself again.
Start on your insurance company’s website
This is the best way to ensure that you find a psychiatrist or mental health professional who accepts your insurance. In addition, many insurance provider websites will allow you to further narrow your criteria by factors such as location, gender, and language. Sites like ZocDoc.com and PsychologyToday.com are also great places to check. You will be able to filter providers by the insurance they accept as well as other factors such as years of experience, whether they offer telehealth or in-person care, or specialize in psychotherapy or medication management etc.
Learn how to find:
Ask your primary care provider for a referral
You may not need a note from primary care doctor’s to see a psychiatrist, but it can be helpful to led them know when you’re looking for one. They may be able to direct you to someone who they work with or know. Just because you like your doctor, doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll like the psychiatrist they mention to you, but it can be a good starting point, especially if you’re looking for someone close by. Your primary care physician likely knows mental health professionals nearby.
Consider their specialities
When searching for the right psychiatrist, it's essential to consider their specialties to ensure they align with your specific needs. Some doctors can have various areas of expertise, beyond depression and anxiety disorders , like OCD ,bipolar disorder, substance use. By identifying a psychiatrist who specializes in the particular issue you’re facing, whether it’s an eating disorder, schizophrenia, or something else, you increase the likelihood of receiving tailored treatment that addresses your unique situation. Always feel free to ask the psychiatrist about their experience during your initial consultation.
Make sure they are flexible
It can be difficult to be in the same place at the same time for an appointment each week. If this is a challenge for you, make sure your psychiatrist offers telemedicine appointments. This will allow you to keep your appointments even if you’re traveling. Also, if they have the right technology in place, you can easily reschedule or cancel appointments online.
Be comfortable in their space
This point is often overlooked, but it’s an important factor to consider to ensure you get the most out of your visits. If the space doesn’t make you feel comfortable while speaking about your mental health concerns and well-being, then you should find an environment that does.
Finding a psychiatrist or health care professional that meets all of your needs may feel impossible, but keeping these factors in mind as you begin your search will allow you to narrow down your options quickly.
At Talkiatry, we make finding a psychiatrist easy. All of our doctors accept insurance and offer virtual appointments. Take our 10-minute online assessment to see if Talkiatry is right for you
How do I find a cheap psychiatrist?
Finding affordable mental health care can be a daunting task, but it’s crucial for maintaining your well-being. Here are some practical tips to help you locate a psychiatrist who fits your budget without compromising on quality.
- Community health clinics: Explore local community health clinics or mental health centers, which often provide services on a sliding scale. These clinics are designed to serve individuals regardless of their financial situation and may offer lower rates for those without insurance.
- Ask about payment plans: When contacting a psychiatrist’s office, inquire about payment plans or sliding scale fees. Some practitioners are willing to adjust their rates based on your financial situation.
- Nonprofits and support groups: Look for nonprofit organizations that focus on mental health. They often provide resources, support groups, and referrals to low-cost providers. Organizations such as NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) can be a valuable resource.
Have more questions about finding affordable mental health care? Check out: How much does a psychiatrist cost?
Why is it so hard to find a good psychiatrist?
If you’re living with a mental health condition and have decided to reach out for professional support, it can be frustrating to run into roadblocks when searching for care— whether that’s with a psychiatrist or another mental health care professional. Here are a few of the challenges you may face— and what to do about them.
Not sure if you need to see a psychiatrist? Check out when to see a psychiatrist.
Many providers do not accept insurance
Almost half of all mental health providers in America do not accept health insurance, compared to 10% in other specialties. This is an alarming fact that hinders the availability of affordable and accessible mental health care. There are many reasons for this, but one of the top reasons is that insurance companies reimburse a psychiatrist, on average, 20% less than other providers.
Many providers aren't taking new patients
As mental health treatment becomes more widely accepted, more people seek help. However, seeking help for a mental health condition still carries a stigma that can push patients away from hospitals and further lower the pool of available psychiatrists. This leaves you to compete with other patients for treatment availability in group and private practices. In addition, the United States is experiencing a psychiatrist shortage, making it even more challenging to find a health care provider. In fact, 57% of adults with a mental illness do not receive any form of care in a given year.
Finding the right fit is hard
Once you find a psychiatrist, you may realize you don’t feel a connection with that doctor, making it difficult to open up in treatment. This might be due to factors like a significant age gap, the provider lacking contextual knowledge about your culture, or a difference in communication styles. In addition, the lack of reviews and transparency in the treatment methods of any given psychiatrist makes finding the right one challenging.
You can start the process of finding the best psychiatrist for you by focusing on the course of treatment you are looking for. This might include medication, talk therapy (also called psychotherapy), such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, or both.
Looking for a psychiatrist? Talkiatry can help. Talkiatry is a national psychiatry practice that provides in-network, virtual care. Co-founded by a patient and a triple-board-certified psychiatrist, Talkiatry has over 300 doctors, 60 insurance partners, and first visits available in days. We treat patients with anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and more.
Get started with a short online assessment.
Getting in touch with a psychiatrist isn't easy
Due to decreased reimbursement rates, differences in coverage between insurance plans, and other issues we’ve mentioned here, most psychiatrists do not have a robust platform for patient engagement. There is seldom a way of contacting the right psychiatrist online in real-time to simply ask questions without making a first appointment. As a result, you spend more time calling phone numbers and waiting for a response than getting the help you need. To avoid this issue, consider a psychiatrist with up-to-date technology that enables you to communicate and schedule appointments easily.
4 signs a psychiatrist is right for you
How do you know if your psychiatrist is a good fit? Here’s what to look for.
1. They make you feel heard
You know yourself best. So when it comes to getting care for a mental health condition, you should always feel like your psychiatrist is listening to you. Are they addressing your concerns? Do you feel encouraged to share your concerns? You should feel like you have a say in your treatment plan.
2. They validate your concerns
No one likes to feel like their worries are being brushed aside. This is especially true when it comes to getting care for your mental health. Sharing what you’re going through can feel vulnerable. Having a psychiatrist who validates your feelings and concerns can help you remain open and honest throughout your sessions and get the most out of your treatment plan.
3. They recall details from previous sessions
It can feel frustrating and time-consuming to have to repeat the information you provided in previous sessions. While you may need to repeat or reshare minor details, you should always feel like your psychiatrist is taking good notes and is starting off your next session where you ended your last one. Your time is valuable too!
4. They take time to answer your questions
It can be hard to fit everything into a 30 or 60-minute session, but you should never feel rushed in and out of your psychiatrist's office. Your psychiatrist should take them time to answer your questions thoroughly and follow-up on questions you may not have had time to address in your session.
FAQs
Here are more questions about finding the right psychiatrist.
What is a psychiatrist?
Psychiatrists are medical doctor specializing in mental health diagnosis and treatment. They’re different from therapists, which can include social workers, mental health counselors, and nurse practitioners. Therapists do not prescribe medications and becoming does not typically require a medical degree.
Learn more about the differences between therapist and psychiatrist here.
Can I self refer to a psychiatrist?
In many cases, you can self-refer to a psychiatrist without a referral from another healthcare provider. Check with your insurance and the psychiatrist's office for their specific requirements.
Learn more about whether you need a referral to see a psychiatrist.
The information in this article is for informational and educational purposes only and should never be substituted for medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. If you or someone you know may be in danger, call 911 or the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 right away.
Sources
Mental Health America | Mental Health in America Printed Reports
