Types of Mental Health Professionals

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Psychiatrists

Psychiatrist: What They Do and Who They Can HelpPsychiatrists are specialized doctors who diagnose, treat, and prevent mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders using a combination of psychiatric medicine, physical exams, and lab tests. They hold either a doctor of medicine (MD) degree or a doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) degree.

While general practice doctors can also prescribe medications for mental and emotional issues, many individuals prefer to seek care from psychiatrists for more complex disorders. Psychiatrists’ specialties can include child and adolescent psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, addiction psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, emergency psychiatry, neuropsychiatry, sleep medicine, and pain medicine.

Psychiatrists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, and mental health clinics. Their expertise in medication management is often critical for patients dealing with severe mental health issues. By combining therapy and medication, psychiatrists provide comprehensive mental health care tailored to individual needs.

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