How to Hire a Psychiatrist Consultant

Hiring a psychiatric consultant can be tricky. There are many medical professionals, so it's important to find one that specializes in particular mental health disorders. While therapists can treat many mental health issues, psychiatrists can administer medications for treatment while therapists can't. Some psychiatrists specialize in anxiety disorders, while others focus on obsessive-compulsive, bipolar and other disorders that often respond best to medication. Regardless of your affliction, a properly-qualified and certified psychiatrist can make a big difference in your personal well-being.

Instructions

• 1

  Ask around, among friend and colleagues that you trust, to see if they recommend a mental health care professional. According to Dr. Jim Phelps, a psychiatrist and author, "you may be surprised to discover how many of your friends have some sort of experience with mental health providers."

• 2

  Consult with your primary care physician. Your doctor may be in tune to local psychiatrists that get good results.

• 3

  Call your insurance provider to see which doctors in your area are accepted for medical coverage. If you've met with friends or your primary care physician, you can cross-reference the list provided by either of these two resources and see which doctors are covered by your insurance.

• 4

  Seek out other resources, like religious leaders or referral services on the Internet. Online referral services can provide information on a doctor's training and area of expertise. Both the Obsessive Compulsive Foundation and the Anxiety Disorder Association of America provide referral lists of psychiatrists in those particular fields.

• 5

  Make an initial appointment with the provider you've chosen. Set up a preliminary consultation before you begin regular visits for health care. This will give you a chance to see if the mental health care provider is a good fit for you.