Psychiatrists are medical doctors who diagnose and treat mental disorders. They employ medication, psychotherapy or a mixture of both, depending on the psychiatric condition being treated. Psychiatrists treat patients directly, but they also often act as consultants to other health care professionals.

Psychiatrists treat a number of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, obsessions, sleeplessness, social phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder, pain syndromes and schizophrenia. They treat patients for problems that present themselves suddenly, such as hallucinations and panic attacks, or that develop more slowly, such as feelings of anxiety, sadness and hopelessness.

Individuals seeking a career as a psychiatrist must earn a medical degree and then complete a four-year residency in the practice of psychiatry. Once they have finished their residency training, most psychiatrists sit for an examination offered by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology to obtain board certification.

Psychiatrists take a comprehensive approach when treating mental illness. A complete mental and physical health evaluation and specialized treatment plan, which may include psychotherapy and medications, will be offered. During psychotherapy, or talk therapy, the psychiatrist helps the patient understand thoughts, feelings and behaviors and cope with difficult situations in a healthy way.

If psychotherapy cannot relieve the symptoms of a mental health disorder, medications may be prescribed. Psychiatric medications often address brain chemistry imbalances associated with certain mental disorders. While medications do not cure disorders, they help patients feel better and allow them to function.

It is important for an individual to find a psychiatrist with whom he or she is comfortable. Health care professionals, such as the family doctor, generally know which psychiatrists specialize in a particular disorder and will provide recommendations and referrals. Many psychiatrists are open to an initial brief meeting, allowing an individual to gauge his or her comfort level before committing to treatment.

Health insurance plans provide information concerning psychiatric care coverage. Those seeking psychiatric care should take note of any in-network and out-of-network benefits. The plan may provide more benefits for treatment by a psychiatrist in the plan’s network. Some health insurance companies require a referral or pre-authorization before they cover psychiatric treatment.

Other coverage topics to explore include deductible amounts, nature of services covered by the plan, limits on the number of visits, any annual or lifetime maximums and exclusion of preexisting conditions. Individuals are advised to call their health insurance company to verify details and prevent unwelcome surprises later on.

Taking care of your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Angie’s List Health can help connect you with an Indianapolis psychiatrist who can help. Sign in for exclusive reviews by members in your neighborhood and see who they recommend.