Who Can Diagnose a Mental Disorder?

When it comes to diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, it's essential to put your trust in the right person. Psychiatrists, psychologists, and other mental health professionals are all trained to assess a person's mental health and provide the best treatment plan for their individual needs. Psychiatrists are licensed doctors who have completed their psychiatric training. They can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe and monitor medications, and provide therapy.

Some have additional training in child and adolescent mental health, substance use disorders, or geriatric psychiatry. Psychotherapists, such as psychologists or licensed counselors, are masters-level health professionals who are trained to assess a person's mental health and use therapeutic techniques based on specific training programs. They work in inpatient centers, such as general hospitals and psychiatric centers, and in outpatient centers, such as community mental health clinics, schools, and private offices. Family nurses and mental health professionals must work together to determine the best treatment plan for each person.

A nurse specializing in mental health or psychiatry can help with the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of substance use disorders, as well as mental health conditions. Health professionals who can also prescribe medications once the diagnosis has been completed have been licensed as medical providers and mental health professionals. For common problems such as depression and anxiety, your GP can give you a diagnosis after one or two appointments. For less common problems, you'll need to see a mental health specialist (such as a psychiatrist), and they may want to see you for a longer period of time before making a diagnosis.

The NAMI helpline can provide information on how to find various mental health professionals and resources in your area. Mind has more than 150 stores in England and Wales that raise money to fund vital mental health support services. In most cases, you won't begin to delve deeper into your mental health problem during the first session. Working with one of these mental health professionals can lead not only to a reduction in symptoms, but also to better ways of thinking, feeling and living.

Caring for mental health is essential at all stages of life, from adolescence to adulthood.