What is Consultant Psychiatry?

A Consultant Psychiatrist is a specialist medical doctor who is an expert in mental health. Unlike other mental health professionals, such as psychologists and counsellors, a psychiatrist must be a medically qualified doctor and has chosen to specialise in psychiatry in order to find the most effective management of mental health conditions. This means that they can provide diagnosis and prescribe medication when appropriate as well as recommend other forms of treatment. Psychiatrists have a deep understanding of physical and mental health and how they affect each other.

A psychiatrist can be of particular help if your mental health condition is complex or difficult to diagnose, needs medication that only a psychiatrist can recommend/prescribe or isn’t responding to standard treatment through your GP.

A psychiatrist takes into account the complete medical, mental health, psychological and social history of the patient. They will make a diagnosis and work with you to develop the most appropriate management plan for your treatment and recovery, whether that be psychological treatment, medicine, other therapies or a combination of these.