Introduction: How To Find A Good Psychiatrist 

A common complaint that people have when searching for a good psychiatrist is that many psychiatrists seem like they lack empathy and are hell-bent on giving medication. 

While a psychiatrist’s job is to prescribe and manage medication, no healthcare professional should be apathetic. Whether it’s a psychiatrist, a GP or a counsellor that you’re on the lookout for, it’s important that you feel comfortable with them. 

A part of establishing that comfort is understanding what a psychiatrist does. 

In this article, we will look at the scope of work of a psychiatrist, and what are some key qualifications and qualities you can look for when searching for a suitable psychiatrist 

Understanding the Role of a Psychiatrist

Definition and Scope: A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing, treating and preventing mental, emotional and behavioural disorders. 

In India, a psychiatrist studies MBBS followed by MD or DNB in psychiatry. They diagnose mental health conditions based on the DSM - Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders and work with populations whose daily functioning is impaired by their mental health condition. 

Their treatment methodology usually involves medication, but some psychiatrists may choose to get additional training in psychotherapeutic interventions like CBT, behavioural therapy or psychoanalysis. 

As of 2019, there are about 9000 psychiatrists in India, roughly translating to 0.75 psychiatrists per 100,000 people. The ideal number of psychiatrists is 3 per 100,000 population. This points to a severe shortage and may explain why psychiatrists are often not able to give their patients due attention and time. 

When to See a Psychiatrist: Seeing a psychiatrist can be beneficial when one’s mental health condition impairs one’s daily functioning. This can happen in all psychological issues from anxiety to schizophrenia. 

While the ideal treatment for anxiety, depression and other mood disorders is psychotherapy, sometimes the severity of symptoms can make therapy difficult. 

This is where seeing a psychiatrist for medication can be really helpful. In complex and severe cases where an individual may be violent or may be experiencing hallucinations or delusions, medication can help manage the symptoms and reduce harm. 

Know the Difference between a Psychologist vs Psychiatrist

How to Find a Good Psychiatrist in 3 Ways

1. Ask for a Referral List: 

The best way to find a suitable healthcare professional is through word of mouth. Ask your GP or any other physician you may be working with for a referral. If you’re seeing a therapist, they might know a psychiatrist they can recommend. If neither of these options is available, you can a friend or colleague if they might know someone. 

2. Search for Professionals Through Your Insurance: 

Use your insurance provider’s directory to find in-network psychiatrists. Insurance companies generally have empanelled healthcare providers. If you don’t know someone who can refer you, this may be a good route to explore. 

3. Review Patient Reviews:

Look up reviews online to understand other patients’ experiences and satisfaction levels. Some places to check out reviews include Practo and Google business listings. However, keep in mind that patient reviews don’t always paint the full picture, and should not be the sole criteria to base your decision on. 

#6 Tips for Choosing A Psychiatrist in 2024: Key Considerations When Choosing a Psychiatrist

1. Qualifications and Credentials:

A. Education and Training: 

Psychiatrists have an MBBS degree along with a DNB or MD in psychiatry. In India, psychiatrists - like all medical doctors - are licensed and registered with the medical association. You can verify their education details by looking this up. 

B. Specializations: 

Psychiatrists may have sub-specializations in area like addiction, geriatric psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry, or psychosomatic medication. Depending on your concerns and needs, you may ask your psychiatrist about their sub-speciality. 

2. Experience:

C. Years in Practice: 

Most clinicians with more years in practice will have seen a wider range of patients and will have more experience working with different concerns and capabilities.

However, younger clinicians may be more up-to-date with current literature and research in the field. Both young and experienced clinicians have pros and cons, but ultimately, the decision rests on your comfort level. Are you more comfortable with a senior clinician or someone younger? 

D. Reputation and Reviews: 

One’s reputation in their field and reviews from other patients are usually a good indicators of how a psychiatrist’s services will be. You may find reviews online or, if you know doctors, you can ask them.

3. Approach to Treatment:

E. Therapeutic Methods: 

Some psychiatrists may get additional training in psychotherapy modalities like CBT or psychoanalysis. When they are not trained to provide psychotherapy themselves, they may be working in association with a psychologist or psychotherapist. A good question to ask a psychiatrist is what kind of therapeutic methods they recommend - they may or may not be able to provide you with the therapy, but they can give you a referral. 

F. Medication Management: 

A psychiatrist’s primary role is medication management. This includes the prescription of medication, tracking symptoms and managing side effects (if any), adjusting dosage as needed, as well as stopping the medication. 

4. Cultural Sensitivity and Communication:

G. Understanding Cultural Background: 

How our mental health issues manifest is often determined by the culture we live in. Common culture-specific syndromes seen in India are possession syndrome (where it is believed that the spirit of a dead relative or of a God or Goddess enters the body), dhat syndrome (where one develops a fear of losing semen because it is seen as the life force).

Sensitivity about cultural beliefs and misconceptions helps a psychiatrist make an informed decision and talk to the patients and their families with compassion.  

H. Language and Communication: 

India is a land of many languages. Since talking about one’s mental health can be challenging, it is helpful to consult with someone with whom you can communicate in the language you’re most comfortable using. 

5. Accessibility and Convenience:

I. Location and Availability: 

Psychiatrists work in various settings including hospitals and private clinics. It’s ideal to find a psychiatrist who is close to where you live and whose work hours and availability are suitable for you in the long run. 

J. Telemedicine Options: 

If you can’t find a psychiatrist who is accessible for in-person meetings, you can always consider online consultations. At Mave Health’s Therapy Club, you can connect with experienced practitioners. 

6. Personal Comfort and Preferences:

K. Think About Gender: 

While a psychiatrist’s primary job is to prescribe and manage medication that can help with symptom reduction, it is important that you feel comfortable being candid with them. Many people prefer working with a mental health care professional of the same sex or gender. If you would feel safer and more comfortable with someone of the same gender, then please don’t dismiss that.  

12 Questions to Ask During the Initial Consultation with Psychiatrist

A. Compatibility Assessment:

1. Are they qualified to help you? 
2. Is their fee affordable for you? Keep in mind that you’ll probably be meeting your psychiatrist every fortnight or once a month
3. Do they understand your cultural context and background?
4. Are you comfortable with the language they speak? 
5. Do you feel safe talking to them?

B. Treatment Philosophy: 

6. Do they support seeking psychotherapy? (The answer should be yes!)
7. Do they work with other mental health professionals? 
8. Do they believe that medication should be had for life? (The answer will depend on the severity of the condition and resources of the patient)

C. Communication and Follow-up:

9.  How can you set up follow-up appointments? 
10. What is their cancellation/rescheduling policy? 
11. Whom can you reach out to in case of emergency? 
12. What should you do if you need to consult with someone and your psychiatrist is not available? 

Know Questions Psychiatrists Ask You on the First Visit Related to Your Mental Health Issue 

6 Red Flags to Watch Out For to Identify the Bad Psychiatrist in 2024

A. Signs of Incompatibility:

1. Lack of Empathy: 

Lack of empathy is a common complaint patients have with psychiatrists. This is partly because a psychiatrist’s job is to prescribe medication, and in many settings, they have a long line of patients waiting for them. 

This is why sometimes psychiatrists tend to do a quick symptom check and move on to the next patient. However, paucity of time should not mean that they are dismissive or judgemental or blame you for how you’re feeling. 

2. Overemphasis on Medication: 

For most mental health conditions, a holistic mental health intervention which includes psychotherapy, and creating space for relational and existential concerns is necessary. If a psychiatrist tells you that medication is enough, consider this a red flag. 

While medication will relieve the symptoms, that is not enough for mental “health”, and we deserve care that helps us thrive. In the case of mental health, this is often more than medication and may include psychotherapy, exercise, good nutrition, and supportive social networks. 

B. Professionalism Concerns:

3. Ethical Boundaries: 

Ethical boundaries include maintaining confidentiality, not having dual relationships, and not accepting gifts or favours.

Respect for the dignity of the patient, and avoiding differential treatment are also important ethical boundaries a psychiatrist must adhere to. Differential treatment might include extending appointment times when not necessary or giving more time to more influential patients. Additionally, a psychiatrist should not reveal unnecessary personal details. 

4. Inconsistent Communication: 

Communication can be inconsistent in two ways - they are not consistent with the frequency of communication, or they are not consistent with the content of communication. 

In terms of frequency, inconsistency might mean sometimes they respond, and other times they don’t. In terms of content, inconsistency may mean changing their hypothesis or interventions frequently or not clearly communicating information about medication, treatment plan or appointments. 

C. Making the Final Decision

5. Evaluating Your Options: 

While there may be many options available to you, the three important things to consider are qualifications, your comfort level, and affordability. Remember that when you start seeing a mental health professional, you are entering a relationship that will last for some time. It must be sustainable. 

6. Flexibility and Trial Period: 

Sometimes, it takes a bit of trial and error to find the right psychiatrist. Be open to consulting with a different psychiatrist if there are issues with availability, ethics or comfort. 

Conclusion

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor trained in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions with medication. 

While psychiatric medication can help reduce symptoms, it is important to find a psychiatrist who has a holistic approach and can support you in seeking therapy and making sustainable lifestyle changes. 

We, at Mave Health, follow a holistic approach and provide access to psychiatrists and psychologists. You can reach out for an online consultation.

References/Citations

Aravind, V., Krishnaram, V., & Thasneem, Z. (2012). Boundary Crossings and Violations in Clinical Settings. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 34(1), 21–24. https://doi.org/10.4103/0253-7176.96151 

‌American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR). Psychiatry.org; American Psychiatric Association. https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/dsm 

Cherry, K. (2019). How Is a Psychiatrist Different From a Psychologist? Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/psychiatrist-a-career-overview-2795641 

Cleveland Clinic. (2022, April 10). What Is A Psychiatrist? What They Do and When to See One. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22702-psychiatrist 

Kabir Garg, C Naveen Kumar, & Chandra, P. S. (2019). Number of psychiatrists in India: Baby steps forward, but a long way to go. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 61(1), 104. https://doi.org/10.4103/psychiatry.IndianJPsychiatry_7_18 

‌Kapoor, A., Juneja, R., & Chand Singh, D. (2018). Cultural Specific Syndromes in India – An Overview. International Journal of Current Research and Review, 10(11), 2–6. https://doi.org/10.31782/ijcrr.2018.10111 

‌Launer, J. (2011). What would an ideal mental health service for primary care look like? London Journal of Primary Care, 4(1), 49–54. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3960672/