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 choosing a provider who is in-network, flexible, and a good fit for your needs.
How do I find a psychiatrist near me?
If you’re seeking mental health care for the first time, you may be wondering how to get started. Here are some tips to help you narrow your search.
Ask your primary care physician for a referral
One good first step is asking your primary care physician (PCP) for a referral to a psychiatrist. Psychiatrists who are in the same hospital system as your PCP are more likely to take your insurance. A referral also tends to speed up the process of getting an appointment.
Check your insurance company’s website
You can also browse your insurance company’s list of in-network providers. You can often filter by specialty, language, type of provider, and more.
You should be able to find this on your insurer’s website. Some insurance companies have also set up their own apps to help people find providers. There are also third-party websites, like ZocDoc, that compile psychiatrists and other providers.
Ask friends and family
If the people in your life have seen a psychiatrist you trust, their recommendations are a great starting point. You can also ask your friends and family to help you research and vet providers—it can help to have support, especially if you’re new to seeking treatment.
Use a telepsychiatry service
If you prefer to meet your psychiatrist from the comfort of home, Talkiatry might be right for you. We match patients with psychiatrists online and we’re in-network with most major insurance plans. Plus, first visits are available within days. You can also meet with your psychiatrist online, which saves you the trouble of commuting.
What should I look for in a psychiatrist?
Once you have some options, here are some things to consider when finding a good match.
They should be in-network with your insurance
Make sure the psychiatrist you choose is covered by your insurance. This can save you significant out-of-pocket costs. If they are in-network, ask about your co-pay or coinsurance, and whether you’ll need to meet your deductible before your benefits kick in.
If you have an HMO plan (Health Maintenance Organization), you may need a referral from your primary care physician. If you have a PPO plan (Preferred Provider Organization), you may not need a referral—but check your plan to be sure.
They should fit your needs
When it comes to treatment, one size doesn’t fit all. Psychiatrists have different areas of expertise, and while they typically treat the same broad range of conditions, some may specialize in, say, treating adolescents or in a certain type of condition.
Make sure the psychiatrist you choose has experience with the condition you’d like treated.
They should be able to see you soon
If you’re in need of care now, wait times matter. Ask about availability for new patients before committing to a provider.
They should be easy to access
Think about how you’d like to receive your care. If you’d prefer to be seen in person, make sure they see patients in a location you can get to. If you’d prefer a video appointment from home, find a provider who offers that.
Another option is Talkiatry—we offer virtual psychiatry from home in days and are in-network with most major insurance plans.
What questions should I ask my psychiatrist at my first appointment?
The first appointment with a psychiatrist is a chance to assess whether they’re a good fit for you. Here are some questions you can use to help you decide.
What’s your experience with my condition?
If you’ve already been diagnosed, or have a sense of what you’re dealing with, ask about the psychiatrist’s experience treating it and what types of treatment they typically recommend. If you haven’t been diagnosed yet, ask what types of conditions they specialize in or most commonly see.
How will we communicate between appointments?
Find out how to get in touch with your psychiatrist and their team if something comes up between appointments. Will you message via a patient portal? Can you text? Call? You need to know what to do in case of a non-urgent question or concern.
How will we know if treatment is working?
Some psychiatric conditions take time to treat. Ask your psychiatrist how you’ll assess your progress, and when you should expect to feel better.
What happens if treatment doesn’t work?
If first-line treatment doesn’t work for you, ask about what next steps look like. You want a psychiatrist who can adapt their approach as they learn more about your needs.
What are the different types of mental health providers?
Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in mental health. Because they’re a medical doctor, a psychiatrist can both prescribe medications and provide therapy. See our explainer: What’s a psychiatrist?
Psychiatric nurse practitioner (PNP/PMHNP)
A psychiatric nurse practitioner is a nurse with advanced training in psychiatric care. Like psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners can both prescribe medications and provide therapy. See our explainer: What’s a psychiatric nurse practitioner?
Therapist
A therapist is a mental health professional who specializes in talk therapy. Unlike a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner, a therapist cannot prescribe medications. See our explainer: What’s a therapist?
Primary care physician
Your primary care physician can make referrals to mental health specialists and may prescribe some psychiatric medications themselves.
What are some examples of mental health conditions a psychiatrist treats?
Psychiatrists treat many conditions, including:
- ADHD
- Anxiety disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression
- OCD
- PTSD
- Insomnia
- Substance use disorders
About Talkiatry
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 800 doctors, 100 insurance partners, and first visits available in days. We treat patients with anxiety disorders, depression, trauma, ADHD, and more. Get started with a short online assessment.
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.
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