US Medical Term · mental-health
Psychiatrist
Psiquiatra
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Psychiatrist |
| Spanish (Español) | Psiquiatra |
| Chinese (中文) | 精神科醫師 |
| Korean (한국어) | 정신과 의사 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Bác sĩ tâm thần |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Psychiatrist |
| Portuguese (Português) | Psiquiatra |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | จิตแพทย์ |
| Japanese (日本語) | 精神科医 |
What it means
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. Because psychiatrists are physicians, they can prescribe psychiatric medications such as antidepressants, mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and anti-anxiety medications. They conduct psychiatric evaluations and manage complex mental health conditions that require medical oversight. Many psychiatrists focus primarily on medication management and collaborate with therapists or psychologists who provide the ongoing talk therapy. Wait times for psychiatrists in the US can be long due to provider shortages — if you are waiting for a psychiatrist appointment, your primary care provider can often begin medication management for common conditions like depression and anxiety in the meantime.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I need a referral to a psychiatrist to evaluate me for a mood disorder and discuss medication options.
Necesito una derivación a un psiquiatra para que me evalúe por un trastorno del estado de ánimo y analice opciones de medicación.
My current psychiatrist is leaving the practice — can you help me find a new one who accepts my insurance?
Mi psiquiatra actual está dejando la consulta — ¿puede ayudarme a encontrar uno nuevo que acepte mi seguro?
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
¿Cuál es la diferencia entre un psiquiatra y un psicólogo?
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026