Exploring the Various Types of Psychiatry Providers and Their Roles

If you’re struggling with mental health concerns, a psychiatry provider may offer the right help. These providers can diagnose mental health disorders and prescribe medication as a part of treatment.

But not all psychiatric providers are the same. Some specialize in treating certain populations. Some are medical doctors. Others are nurses. Seeing the right type of provider for your needs and preferences may lead to better outcomes.

In the following sections, we’ll go over the different types of psychiatry providers that are available. We’ll also discuss when to see one of these providers — and how to choose one. 

The importance of understanding the various types of psychiatry providers 

All psychiatry providers can make diagnoses, prescribe medication, and provide ongoing treatment. However, they differ in other ways, such as education and training, specific responsibilities, and the kinds of patients they work with. 

Depending on your age, mental health concerns, and personal preferences, you may benefit from seeing a specialized psychiatry provider. But the opposite is also true — if your case isn’t particularly complex, you may be able to get effective treatment from a general psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner.

The types of psychiatry providers 

Understanding the different types of psychiatry providers can help you make the right choice for your care and mental wellness goals. Below, we’ll go over the different types of mental health professionals who offer psychiatric care services.

Psychiatrists 

Psychiatrists are mental health professionals who have earned a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. They also need to complete a psychiatry residency and fellowship and obtain a medical license. 

These providers can evaluate patients and diagnose mental health disorders — or underlying medical conditions that cause similar symptoms. They may also treat physical health problems that are linked to mental health concerns, such as high blood pressure due to stress. 

Psychiatrists focus mainly on the medical treatment of mental health disorders. They can prescribe medications, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, or anti-anxiety medications, to treat mental health disorders. 

For example, they might prescribe medication for depression or anxiety to help correct chemical imbalances in the brain. They also manage these medications for patients, evaluating how effective they are and adjusting them as needed. 

While they can also provide emotional or behavioral support through psychotherapy or talk therapy, many choose to refer patients to a licensed therapist or psychologist for this portion of treatment.

Psychiatrists can treat many mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and depression. They also treat more complex disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance use disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and eating disorders. 

Psychiatric nurse practitioners (PMHNPs)

PMHNPs are registered nurses (RNs) who have earned an advanced nursing degree, such as a Master of Science in Nursing, with a focus on psychiatric mental health. They must undergo 500 hours of supervised clinical practice, pass the PMHNP exam, and become licensed in their state as well.

They can prescribe medication, either on their own or with a collaborating physician, depending on state laws. They may also offer therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, diagnose mental health conditions, and educate patients. 

As nurses, they can also check for physical health problems in patients and recommend specialized medical care if needed. 

PMHNPs can treat many of the same conditions that psychiatrists treat, such as depression, eating disorders, panic disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). They may work in collaboration with other healthcare providers, such as physicians, to ensure patients receive comprehensive care. 

Child and adolescent psychiatrists 

Roughly 10% of U.S. children ages 3–17 have an anxiety diagnosis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). And that’s just one type of mental health concern that children and adolescents may have.

Child and adolescent psychiatrists are psychiatry providers who are specially trained to help younger patients with mental health challenges. 

These mental health professionals go through medical school and receive the same training as general psychiatrists. But their education also includes specialized training on how to provide psychiatric care for children and adolescents and educate family members on mental health disorders. 

Child and adolescent psychiatrists can diagnose mental health disorders, prescribe medication, and offer therapy. To make diagnoses, they may gather information from parents or guardians about symptoms, school, family dynamics, and other aspects of everyday life. They might also do medical tests for diagnostic purposes. 

These psychiatrists can treat a wide range of mental health concerns. However, they may specialize in those that commonly occur in young populations, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, autism, depression, and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD).

Geriatric psychiatrists 

Research shows that roughly two out of three adults in the U.S. experience cognitive impairment to some degree by the age of 70. In addition, mental health concerns like depression and anxiety are increasing among aging populations. Age-related neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, can also affect mental well-being. 

Geriatric psychiatrists are psychiatry providers with specialized training in helping elderly patients manage these conditions. These mental health professionals have the same education and training as general psychiatrists, but they also undergo specialized training in geriatric psychiatry. This training focuses on the connection between mental health and aging. 

Geriatric psychiatrists can diagnose both mental health disorders and medical conditions or diseases in patients. Some of these include depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, Parkinson’s disease, memory issues, and chronic pain. They can also help older adults cope with stressful events in their lives, such as losing loved ones. 

These psychiatry providers may also prescribe and manage medication for mental and physical conditions, and some also provide psychotherapy. 

When to see a specialized psychiatry provider 

For many people with mental health concerns, a general psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner may offer effective care. But in some cases, specialized care may be more helpful. 

For example, older individuals may benefit from working with a geriatric psychiatrist, while children and young teens may respond better to a child and adolescent psychiatrist. 

Some psychiatry providers also specialize in treating certain disorders, such as addiction psychiatrists and neuropsychiatrists. 

Underlying physical health concerns are another factor to consider. If you have any physical conditions that may impact your mental health, you may benefit from seeing a psychiatrist rather than a nurse practitioner, since they can treat mental and physical health concerns at the same time.

Here are a few examples of cases where specialized care might be needed:

• A child’s ADHD symptoms are affecting their day-to-day life or school performance
• An elderly person experiences severe depression after losing a spouse or loved one
• A teenager is struggling with an eating disorder
• An elderly individual’s dementia symptoms affect their quality of life and family relationships 

Choosing the right psychiatry provider 

So how do you decide which type of provider to work with? It depends on your individual needs, situation, and preferences, but these tips are a great place to start:

• Consult with your primary care physician or other healthcare professionals to get referrals. 
• If you’re choosing a provider for a child or elderly relative, consider their age and specific needs. 
• Look for a provider with the right experience, such as one who specializes in treating PTSD, substance use disorders, or eating disorders.
• Consider other factors that are important to you, such as the provider’s location or gender. 
• Consider finding a provider who offers telehealth services for greater convenience. 
• Look for a psychiatry provider who is in-network with your insurance. 

Connect with the right psychiatry provider for you at SonderMind

There are several different options available for psychiatric mental healthcare, and the right one for you depends on your unique circumstances and challenges. Knowing more about the different types of psychiatry providers can help ensure that you — or a loved one — get effective mental health services. 

With the right help, you can start your journey to improved mental well-being and a better quality of life. At SonderMind, we’ll get to know your needs and connect you with the perfect psychiatry provider for your situation. 

Get started with SonderMind today and get on the path toward better mental wellness.