How To Find A Psychiatrist And Other Questions

The British Medical Association (BMA) has acknowledged that the demand for mental health services is fast outpacing the resources afforded them. The rates of mental illness in England have been rising for quite some time, but to really put this into perspective, let’s take a look at some numbers. The prevalence of common mental disorders (i.e. depression and anxiety) in adults in 2007 was 17.6%. In 2023/4, this figure had risen to 22.6%. Data also shows COVID-19 was a significant factor, with a record 5.2 million referrals during 2024 (an increase of 37.9% from 2019, the year prior to the pandemic), demonstrating long-lasting impact of the pandemic.

With more individuals requiring support than ever before, it’s no surprise that Google searches around the topic of mental health are on the rise. Here, we take a look at some commonly asked questions about psychiatrists and mental health support.

Table of Contents

How can I find a psychiatrist?

When it comes to finding a psychiatrist it can be tricky to find where to start – after all, there is no single central resource for this. Below we have outlined the two main avenues to finding a psychiatrist in the UK.

Referral from your GP

The first place many people look when it comes to mental health support is their GP. If you are concerned about your mental health then this can be a good place to start. If your GP suspects you could have a mental health condition they may provide you with a referral to a mental health specialist but it is unlikely they will refer you directly to a psychiatrist in the first instance. However, once you have spoken to a mental health professional they may refer you on to a psychiatrist. Unfortunately, as we have mentioned above, the demand for mental health services in the UK is high. As such, the waiting list for support can be quite lengthy. It is for this reason that many individuals find themselves turning to the help of a private psychiatrist to speed up assessment and diagnosis so that they can recover and feel like themselves again as quickly as possible.

Online resources

If you have chosen to look into seeking help privately then to find a registered psychiatrist in London or the UK you can take a look at the General Medical Council (GMC) register. All registered doctors (including psychiatrists) with practising privileges are required to be registered here. This is also a great way to check the qualifications of a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional.

You may also like to explore the Royal College of Psychiatrists website. Alternatively, you can use a search engine to explore psychiatry clinics and get touch with any that you feel might be a good fit directly.

What do I do if I need urgent support?

If you need urgent support for a mental health condition – for example, if you are feeling suicidal and your life is in danger – then you should dial 999 immediately. If you’re able to, you should make your way to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department.

If you feel the need to speak to someone you can also draw on the support of the Samaritans. Their phoneline is open at all hours of the day and night by calling 116 123. You can also talk to them online.

What do psychiatrists do?

What psychiatrists do can feel quite mysterious to the average person so let’s explore this a little. Psychiatrists work as part of a multi-disciplinary team of nurses, psychologists and other healthcare professionals. They are medical doctors who have chosen to complete further training specialised in psychiatry. This means they are able to determine whether your symptoms are a result of a physiological condition, a mental health issue or even a combination of both. They can assess, diagnose, and provide treatment. Unlike psychologists and counsellors, psychiatrists are qualified to prescribe medication as part of treatment.

What can a psychiatrist help with?

A psychiatrist can provide diagnosis, treatment and support for all mental health conditions. However, due to their understanding of the body, they are particularly well placed to help with complex scenarios like psychosis and cases where a combination of disorders are present for example, depression and PTSD.

A psychiatrist could help with any of the following (but please bear in mind this is not an exhaustive list):

Depression
Bipolar disorder (type 1, type 2, subthreshold)
Anxiety disorders
Personality disorders
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Eating disorders
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)
ADHD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Alcohol or substance misuse

If you have already had treatment for any of these conditions and have found that it has either not been helpful, has made symptoms worse or the side effects outweigh the benefits, then you may benefit from seeing a psychiatrist.

Your relationship with your psychiatrist

How you feel about your psychiatrist is very important. It is vital that you feel comfortable with your psychiatrist so that you can have an open and honest relationship with them. The sole goal of their work is to understand what is going on and provide helpful treatment that will aid recovery or management of any mental health conditions. If you don’t feel comfortable, it can be challenging to have an open and honest conversation. Here is some advice to bear in mind when speaking with your psychiatrist to get the best experience:

Try not to be untruthful or exaggerate
Try to share relevant information
Try not to downplay symptoms or experiences or how they felt to you
Be sure to tell the whole story, not just part of it – don’t miss out crucial information

The trust is that sometimes, people just don’t gel well. But, in the unlikely event that you do not feel comfortable with your psychiatrist or if you feel like they shame you or make you feel uncomfortable then this is not a relationship you should continue. You should raise your concerns with the practice manager at the clinic and look for an alternative psychiatrist.

Getting help

While the current pressures on mental health services can make finding support feel daunting, help is available through both NHS and private pathways. The most important step is reaching out. Remember that finding the right psychiatrist for you may take time, and it’s perfectly acceptable to seek a different professional if the relationship doesn’t feel right. Your mental health matters. With persistence and the right support, recovery and effective management of mental health conditions possible. Don’t hesitate in taking that first step toward getting the help you deserve.