Title: Psychiatry, Psychology, Counseling, and Therapy: What to Expect
Headings: Guide to Psychiatry and Counseling
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Guide to Psychiatry and Counseling
Where to Start
Types of Mental Health Professionals

Content: So the first person to see if you think you are having a mental problem is your primary care doctor. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, how long you've been having them, and whether they're constant or come and go. Your doctor will check for physical problems that could be causing your symptoms and help you decide what type of mental health professional and what kind of therapy might be best for you. Types of Mental Health Professionals
Your doctor might refer you to any of the following mental health professionals: Psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (M.D. or D.O.) who specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating mental illness. A psychiatrist's training starts with four years of medical school and is followed by a one-year internship and at least three years of specialized training as a psychiatric resident. A psychiatrist is trained to differentiate mental health problems from other underlying medical conditions that could present with psychiatric symptoms. They also monitor the effects of mental illness on other physical conditions (such as problems with the heart or high blood pressure ), and the effects of medicines on the body (such as weight, blood sugar, blood pressure, sleep, and kidney or liver functioning). Continued
As a doctor, a psychiatrist is licensed to write prescriptions.