What Psychiatrists Do

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health. They diagnose, treat, and help prevent mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Treatment can include talk therapy (psychotherapy), medication, or other medical approaches. Care is tailored to each person’s needs, and psychiatrists work with people of all ages and backgrounds.^{[1] [2]}

What to Expect at a Psychiatric Visit

• Comprehensive Evaluation: Initial visits include a detailed conversation about current symptoms, personal and family history, medical background, and social or cultural factors that may affect mental health. Psychiatrists may ask about stress, trauma, substance use, and any legal or relationship issues. With permission, information from family or other sources may be included.^[3]
• Discussion of Diagnosis and Treatment: After evaluation, the psychiatrist explains possible diagnoses, the risks of untreated illness, and available treatment options. Patients are encouraged to ask questions and share preferences; decisions about therapy and/or medication are made together.^{[3] [1] [4]}
• Patient‑Centered Care: Psychiatrists aim to build a trusting, respectful relationship. Listening, understanding, and involving patients in decisions are central to care. Patients are treated with empathy and professionalism, and privacy is protected.^{[1] [5]}
• Ongoing Monitoring: Psychiatric care is ongoing. Psychiatrists regularly check progress, adjust treatment as needed, and monitor for side effects or new symptoms. Questionnaires may be used to track symptoms and quality of life.^[3]
• Education and Support: Psychiatrists provide information about mental health conditions, causes, and treatments. Many patients want to learn more about their illness and often prefer one‑on‑one conversations with their psychiatrist.^[6]
• Integrated and Holistic Care: Psychiatrists consider both physical and emotional health, and may coordinate with other healthcare providers. They provide therapy, prescribe medications, or combine both approaches to achieve the best outcome.^[1]
• Confidentiality: All discussions and records are kept private, except in situations where safety is at risk.

What Patients Value Most

Patients often say the most important aspects of psychiatric care are being listened to, understood, and respected. They value clear information, involvement in decisions, and a caring relationship with their psychiatrist.^{[5] [4]}

If You Have Questions

Patients are encouraged to ask about their diagnosis, treatment options, what to expect from care, and any concerns. Open communication builds a strong partnership and supports the best possible outcomes.^{[3] [7] [1] [5] [4] [6] [2]}

“It is a luxury to be understood.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

References

1. Resource Document on Psychotherapy as an Essential Skill of Psychiatrists. American Psychiatric Association (2014):contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
2. Guidelines for Psychiatrists in Consultative, Supervisory or Collaborative Relationships with Nonphysician Clinicians. American Psychiatric Association (2009):contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
3. The American Psychiatric Association Practice Guidelines for the Psychiatric Evaluation of Adults. Am J Psychiatry. 2015 Aug 1;172(8):798‑802:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
4. What Do Patients Expect of Psychiatric Services? A Systematic and Critical Review of Empirical Studies. Soc Sci Med. 2001 Apr;52(7):985‑98:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
5. What Is Important in Psychiatric Outpatient Care? Quality of Care From the Patient’s Perspective. Int J Qual Health Care. 1995 Dec;7(4):355‑62:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
6. What Do Outpatients With Schizophrenia and Mood Disorders Want to Learn About Their Illness?. Psychiatr Serv. 2013 Aug 1;64(8):764‑9:contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
7. How Psychiatrists Should Introduce Themselves in the First Consultation: An Experimental Study. Br J Psychiatry. 2013 Jun;202:459‑62:contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.