What is the Difference Between a Primary Care Physician and a Psychiatrist?
A primary care physician (PCP) is a doctor who is trained to diagnose, treat, and provide preventative medical care to individuals and families of all ages.
Primary care physicians may refer patients to specialists when needed to further diagnose or for treatment. Many patients with mental health issues will see a primary care physician first and then will go see a psychiatrist if recommended.
PCPs are well equipped to treat mild to moderate mental illnesses and are more convenient and affordable than psychiatrists. Because of this many patients are more open to seeing PCPs for mental health issues instead of going to see a specialist.
Psychiatrists are also medical doctors but they specialize in diagnosing, treating, and preventing disorders of the mind. Psychiatrists are well-informed about depression and other mental health illnesses as they are mental-health specialists.
When to See a Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists specialize in treating mental health conditions. Some mental health conditions that psychiatrists treat include:
Depression
Anxiety
Bipolar disorder
Schizophrenia
Addiction disorders
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Eating disorders
Insomnia
Psychiatrists specialize in mental health and are seen as experts in their field. If mental health treatment cannot be provided by primary care physicians, such patients are often referred to see a psychiatrist.
Here's when to see a psychiatrist:
If you are referred by a PCP
If you have a complicated or severe mental illness
If you are struggling to find the right mental health medication for you
If you want a second opinion on a mental health diagnosis and care plan
When to See a Primary Care Physician
Primary care physicians treat overall health and wellness, they practice general medicine. PCPs are known mostly as preventative care management experts.
If you are looking for mental health treatment, PCPs are a great place to start. They can recommend a treatment plan and prescribe medication, or refer you to a psychiatrist for further treatment.
Primary care providers can treat mild to moderate cases of anxiety and depression but will often refer patients with severe depression or anxiety to a psychiatrist.
Some health conditions that primary care physicians treat include:
Anxiety/Depression
Asthma
Back pain
Conjunctivitis
Constipation
Cough/influenza
Diabetes
Earaches
Headaches
High cholesterol
Laryngitis
Nausea/vomiting/diarrhea
Rashes
Pneumonia
Sexually transmitted diseases
Shingles
Erectile dysfunction
Fever
Heart disease
Heartburn
Minor aches and pains
Women’s health (pap smear, vaginal infections, birth control)
Obesity
Thyroid disorders
Patients with severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder will also be referred to a psychiatrist for medication management. However, mental health patients can still be treated by primary care physicians for other non-mental health-related illnesses.
When to See a Therapist
Therapists are licensed professionals that help people manage and overcome problems with themselves, family members, and other relationships.
Therapists encourage patients to discuss their emotions and experiences, help guide patient’s decisions, give tools to help manage mental disorders, refer patients to support groups, and help patients adjust their reactions to life and how to handle difficulties.
If you are unable to manage your emotions, cannot express your emotions in a clear, calm manner, or are unable to keep or form relationships, you may benefit from seeing a therapist.
If you have been diagnosed with a mental illness and are taking medication, it is often recommended that you seek therapy in conjunction with your other treatment regimen for the fastest recovery.
Is Mental Health Medication Right for Me?
Taking prescription medication for mental health is a big step. If you have exhausted other non-pharmacological outlets or are in an acute mental health crisis, medication may be right for you.
Medication can be temporary or lifelong, depending on your diagnosis and progress you have made with the illness.
If you are interested in learning more about if mental health medication is right for you, speak with your primary care physician. You and your provider will determine the right medication for you to take and whether or not you should see a psychiatrist.
If one medication does not work for you tell your doctor and they can prescribe a different medication.
Keep in mind that depression medication can take 4-6 weeks to feel the effects, you will not feel instant relief from the medication, which can be difficult for some. Be patient with your care plan and keep in close contact with your prescribing doctor as you start your new medication.
See a Primary Care Physician Online
Do not wait for your depression to get better on its own. The sooner you seek treatment, whether that's medication or therapy, the easier your path to recovery will be.
If you have symptoms of depression, you can make an online appointment with a board-certified PlushCare doctor today. Although it may seem daunting, calling for help is the biggest step you can take in your mental health journey.
With online services like PlushCare, getting depression medication is simple. Our PCPs can prescribe antidepressants online and other medications not prescribed as controlled substances.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
Read More About Primary Care Physicians
Note: PlushCare does not have online psychiatrists at this time. That said, our primary care physicians are able to prescribe mental health medications such as antidepressants, and if necessary can provide you with a referral to a psychiatrist.
Sources
ncbi.gov. What Psychiatry Means to Us. Accessed March 1, 2021 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3190449/
psychiatry.org. What is a Psychiatrist? Accessed March 1, 2021 https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/what-is-psychiatry-menu
