What does a psychiatrist do?

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have completed specialised training in how to diagnose, treat and prevent mental, emotional and behavioural disorders.

They work in different ways and can use a combination of treatments, including counselling, psychotherapy and medicines. They can arrange admission to hospital if needed.

Psychiatrists often work together or alongside general practitioners (GPs) and other health professionals. If you need to see a psychiatrist, your GP can give you a referral. This might be for a serious or ongoing mental health condition such as:

• severe depression
• anxiety disorders, such as panic attacks and phobias
• complex conditions, like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia
• eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia
• attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Psychiatrists work in hospitals, clinics and with community mental health services, as well as in private practice.

Many psychiatrists are registered with the Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP). They must be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). You can check their registration at the AHPRA website.

What does a psychologist do?

Psychologists are registered health professionals who are trained in human behaviour. Some psychologists choose to complete further training in specific areas of psychology, such as clinical psychology, neuropsychology, health, community, forensic, organisational, or sports and exercise psychology.

Psychologists work in areas such as:

• schools
• hospitals
• community health services
• courts
• prisons
• businesses and private practices

They may specialise in helping children, teenagers or families. More information about different types of psychologists is available on the Australian Psychological Society (APS) website.

You might see a psychologist for

• depressed, or low mood
• anxiety or worry
• difficulty adjusting to major life changes, trauma stress
• drug and alcohol abuse, eating disorders
• fears and phobias
• low self-esteem
• post-traumatic stress disorder

A psychologist can also help you deal with challenges you may face in life such as:

• financial stress
• relationship breakups
• domestic violence
• ageing
• grief or loss

Practising psychologists must be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). You can check this at the AHPRA website.

What are the differences between psychiatrists and psychologists?

The main difference between psychiatrists and psychologists is that a psychiatrist has trained as a medical doctor and can prescribe medicines. A psychologist is not a medical doctor and can't prescribe medicines.

There are also many similarities between psychiatrists and psychologists. Both are trained to understand how your brain works, how you think and how you behave. Both can use different types of counselling and psychotherapy to help.

Both psychologists and psychiatrists use various forms of therapy to help with mental health problems. They can work with you to develop helpful ways of thinking and behaving.

When do I see a psychiatrist or psychologist?

You might need to see a psychiatrist if:

• your condition is severe
• it has lasted a long time, or continues to come back
• other treatment isn't working
• you are thinking about self-harm or suicide
• your doctor refers you

You might need to see a psychologist if:

• you are experiencing anxiety, depression, stressful life events or any other mental health difficulty
• you feel like life is difficult and need support to cope
• you would like an assessment of your mental health

What should I expect during an appointment with a psychiatrist or psychologist?

At your appointment with a psychiatrist, they may:

• listen to you talk about your concerns and symptoms
• ask questions about your general health
• ask about your family history
• take your blood pressure and do a basic physical check-up if necessary
• ask you to fill out a questionnaire

At your first appointment with a psychologist:

• They may ask you questions such as why you came to see them and what is happening in your life.
• You will be able to ask them questions about how therapy works and what techniques they will use.
• As the session comes to an end, your therapist will likely review what you've covered and offer some suggestions on the plan moving forward.

You may also have questions for your psychiatrist or psychologist. Being honest and upfront is important, so feel free to raise any concerns you have. Here are some questions you may want to ask:

• How can you help me?
• How many sessions do I need?
• How often do I need to see you?

How can I find a psychiatrist or psychologist?

Visit your doctor (GP) if you feel you need to see a psychiatrist or psychologist, or if you are a carer of someone who might. Your doctor can help you choose one, or make a recommendation.

Read more about speaking to your doctor about mental health.

You can search for a psychiatrist using RANZCP's Find a psychiatrist directory, healthdirect's service finder or read more about where to get help with mental health.

You can find a psychologist by using the APS search engine, or a clinical psychologist by using the Australian Clinical Psychology Association's search directory.

There are organisations that provide support and education for people with mental illness and their families and carers throughout Australia. There are also mental health helplines that can help you.

How much do psychiatrists or psychologists cost?

Medicare covers some of the costs of seeing a psychiatrist or psychologist if you have a referral or a mental health treatment plan from your doctor.

Private health insurance may not cover the costs unless you're in hospital. Ask about the psychiatrist's or psychologist's fees before making an appointment.

You can get more information about low cost or free mental health services.

Resources and support

You can read more about

• psychiatrists at the Royal & New Zealand College of Psychiatrists
• psychologists at the Australian Psychological Society
• clinical psychologists at Australian Clinical Psychology Association.

The Black Dog Institute website has resources and support tools and fact sheets on various mental health issues.

Beyond Blue has information about different types of treatment for depression.

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists outlines the costs to see a psychiatrist.

Looking for information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people?

The Australian Psychology Society provides information on accessing psychological services under the Medicare follow-up allied health services for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.