Mental health is an important part of overall wellbeing, but it is not always easy to know when you might benefit from specialist support. You may have been managing changes in your mood, thoughts or behaviour for some time, or perhaps treatments you have already tried have not provided the improvement you hoped for.
For some people, speaking with a psychiatrist can be an appropriate next step.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors with specialist training in diagnosing, treating and helping prevent mental, emotional and behavioural disorders. Their medical training also allows them to prescribe medicines when appropriate, alongside other approaches such as psychotherapy. Healthdirect
Understanding what psychiatrists do, when you might consider seeing one, and what to expect from an appointment can make seeking support feel more manageable.
What Does a Psychiatrist Do?
A psychiatrist is a medical specialist who has completed additional training in mental health. Psychiatrists assess mental health concerns and can diagnose and treat a range of mental health conditions.
Depending on an individual’s circumstances, psychiatric care may involve assessment and diagnosis, discussing treatment options, medication where appropriate, psychological therapies, monitoring progress, or working alongside GPs, psychologists and other healthcare professionals. Healthdirect
This ability to consider both physical and mental health can be particularly valuable when someone’s needs are complex or when previous approaches have not been effective.
When Might Seeing a Psychiatrist Be Helpful?
There is no single point at which everyone should see a psychiatrist. Mental health care should be based on the individual’s symptoms, circumstances and needs.
However, specialist psychiatric assessment may be considered when mental health concerns are severe, have continued for a long period, keep returning, or have not responded adequately to previous treatment. A doctor may also recommend psychiatric assessment depending on the person’s presentation. Healthdirect
Some situations in which you might speak with your GP about specialist support include:
- Your mental health is significantly affecting work, study, relationships or everyday activities.
- Symptoms have persisted or continue to return.
- Previous treatments have not provided sufficient improvement.
- Your diagnosis or symptoms are complex or unclear.
- You would benefit from specialist advice about medication or treatment options.
- You are experiencing concerns that may require specialist assessment, such as ADHD or other mental health or neurodevelopmental presentations.
Experiencing one of these situations does not necessarily mean you need psychiatric treatment. Your GP can help assess what type of care may be appropriate for you.
Mental Health Is Not Always Easy to Recognise
Mental health difficulties do not always appear suddenly or dramatically.
Sometimes changes develop gradually. You might notice that everyday responsibilities are becoming harder, you are withdrawing from activities or people you previously enjoyed, your sleep or concentration has changed, or you are finding it increasingly difficult to manage your emotions.
Healthdirect recommends seeking help when symptoms of mental illness are affecting daily life, with a GP often being a useful first point of contact. Healthdirect
You do not have to wait until things become overwhelming before discussing your concerns with a healthcare professional.
Psychiatrist or Psychologist: What’s the Difference?
Psychiatrists and psychologists both work in mental healthcare, but their training and roles differ.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has undertaken specialist psychiatric training. Psychiatrists can diagnose mental illness, prescribe medication and provide or coordinate different forms of treatment.
A psychologist is not a medical doctor and cannot prescribe medication. Psychologists commonly provide psychological assessment and therapies that help people understand and manage mental health concerns.
Depending on your needs, you may work with one or both professionals. Psychiatrists also frequently collaborate with GPs, psychologists and other members of a person’s healthcare team. Healthdirect
What Happens During Your First Psychiatry Appointment?
Your first appointment is an opportunity for your psychiatrist to understand what has been happening and how it is affecting you.
A psychiatrist may ask about your current concerns and symptoms, general and physical health, medical history, family history, previous mental health treatment, medications and different aspects of your everyday life. In some circumstances, questionnaires or other assessments may also form part of the process. Healthdirect
It can help to prepare beforehand. Consider bringing information requested by the clinic, a list of current medications and any questions you would like to discuss.
You can also ask questions during your appointment. Understanding your options and participating in decisions about your care are important parts of the process. The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists notes that patients have a say in treatments recommended to them and may also bring someone to an appointment for support. RANZCP
Do You Need a Referral to See a Psychiatrist?
In Australia, the usual first step is to speak with your GP or another medical doctor about obtaining a referral to a psychiatrist. A referral provides the psychiatrist with relevant background information and is also important for accessing applicable Medicare rebates. RANZCP
Your GP can discuss your concerns with you and help determine whether psychiatric assessment is appropriate.
If you already have a particular psychiatrist or clinic in mind, you can discuss this with your GP when requesting the referral.
Preparing to Speak With Your GP
Talking about mental health can sometimes feel difficult, particularly if you are unsure how to describe what you have been experiencing.
You do not need to have everything worked out before making an appointment.
It may help to write down the changes you have noticed, approximately when they began, how they affect everyday life, previous treatments you have tried, medications you take, and questions you want to ask.
Healthdirect also suggests considering a longer GP appointment when discussing mental health so there is adequate time to talk through your concerns. Healthdirect
Taking the Next Step
Seeking mental health support is different for everyone. For some people, their GP may continue to manage their care or recommend another mental health professional. For others, specialist psychiatric assessment may be appropriate.
At Hillside Specialists, the approach is centred on providing psychiatric care grounded in compassion, respect and clinical excellence, while recognising that each person’s experiences, strengths and needs are different. The clinic provides specialist support across areas including Adult Psychiatry, Adult ADHD, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, and Mums & Bubs. hillside-specialists-landing-pa…
If you are concerned about your mental health, consider speaking with your GP about your circumstances and the support options available to you.
For referrers: Use the Hillside Specialists referral pathway to submit a referral for consideration.
Suggested CTA: Make A Referral →
Important Information
This article provides general information only and is not a substitute for individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger or needs urgent medical assistance in Australia, call Triple Zero (000). Healthdirect also advises people experiencing suicidal thoughts who need support to contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.