Before stepping into choosing a good Psychiatrist, first, clarify yourself whether you want help from a Psychiatrist or a Psychologist. Most often, people confuse a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist. Though both deal with mental illnesses, each has its specialization and fortes.
A Psychiatrist is a medical doctor who helps in the diagnosis & treatment of mental and behavioral disorders. While, a Psychologist, also deals with your mental illness. But does not prescribe medicines like a Psychiatrist. Instead, they focus more on counseling and therapies that Psychiatrists are less specialized in.
Certainly, Psychiatrists seem to handle more complicated mental issues than Psychologists. And those that need immediate medication or any form of medical treatment of psychiatric disorders.
What Does a Good Psychiatrist Do?
- Listen to your mental and behavioral problems.
- Look for any symptoms so far
- Perform physical examination if needed (laboratory tests)
- Perform psychological evaluation or route to a Psychologist if necessary
- Convey what sort of mental illness or disorder you’re suffering from
- Discuss the possible treatments, therapies, or medications
How to Choose a Good Psychiatrist?
You can choose good Psychiatrist when you know what to validate or what to look for in a psychiatrist. Thus, we have curated some major factors that you may have to consider before finalizing the right Psychiatrist for you or your family.
1. Ask for referrals
Instead of asking google for good psychiatrists near you, better ask your friends, colleagues, or well-wishers. Because they might have come across the same situation as yours earlier. So they know how many psychiatrists are in your locality, how they treat their patients, etc.
Indeed, word of mouth is powerful and sufficient enough to choosing a psychiatrist.
2. Validate their credibility
- Education: Like other medical doctors, Psychiatrists must have completed their MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine). And then an MD (Post graduation) in Psychiatric medications.
- Training: Psychiatrists had to undergo training in Psychiatry. It may last for up to 4-6 years after their postgraduation or certification in Psychiatry.
- Board-certification: Board-certified psychiatrists are legitimate. And can be trusted for treating any type of psychiatric disorders.
3. Consider their Experience & Versatility
A well-trained and experienced Psychiatrist must have widespread knowledge and hands-on skills. They must be able to handle a variety of mental illnesses such as:
- Schizophrenia,
- Alzheimer’s disease,
- Bipolar disorder,
- Addiction,
- Personality disorders,
- Gender dysphoria,
- Autism,
- Dissociative disorders, etc.
Also, a good Psychiatrist must have up-to-date insights on the latest treatment methods. Some of them include,
- Psychiatric therapy
- Light therapy
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
- Brain stimulation therapies (BST)
- Talk therapy
- Problem-solving therapy (PST)
- Interpersonal therapy (IPT)
- Medications
- Mood stabilizers
- Antidepressants
- Stimulants
4. Check for Testimonials or Reviews
Sometimes you may not have any referral Psychiatrists to reach out to. And you must only depend only on the internet. When surfing the internet for good Psychiatrists, you may end up seeing huge results. So how can you screen or filter them?
Absolutely with the help of reviews, ratings, or testimonials from their customers/ patients. This feedback can easily help you to choose the right Psychiatrist for your need.
5. Hospitability and friendliness
A good Psychiatrist will always ensure his/her clinic or hospitable to be hospitable and kind to patients. Thus, check for their:
- friendliness in booking appointments,
- after-treatment care services,
- hospital amenities,
- the nature of the supporting staff, etc.
6. Insurance Acceptance
Last, but not least! Insurance is a crucial aspect that you have to take into consideration before starting the treatment from a Psychiatrist. Because a few Psychiatrists do not accept insurance coverage for their services. In such circumstances, you may have to pay extra from your pockets which is unfavorable. So, get this aspect clarified upfront and then start your treatment.
Now that you know how to find a good Psychiatrist, let’s see who needs help or when you need the help of a Psychiatrist.
When Do You Need the Help of a Psychiatrist?
If you experience any of the following symptoms, then you’re actually in need of a good Psychiatrist. Book an appointment sooner!
- Prolonged anxiety or depression
- Feeling to suicide
- Regular lack of sleep
- Feel emotionally weaker
- Any form of drug abuse (Alcohol, cigars, drugs, gambling, etc)
- Hallucination
- Violence or any outbursts
- Socially isolated or ignored
Book an appointment with the best Psychiatrists in Coimbatore at Naveen Hospital (20+ years experienced and well-established)
