Mental Health Myths and Facts: What's True About Mental Illness and Seeing a Psychiatrist
Mental health myths and facts, from "just snap out of it" to "telehealth isn't real care." Learn what's true before you book your first psychiatry visit.
When you book a psychiatry appointment, you may be scheduled with a psychiatrist or with a psychiatric physician assistant (PA-C). Both are medical providers who can evaluate, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. Here's how their training differs and how they work together.
What does a psychiatrist do?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who has completed medical school and a residency in psychiatry. Many are also board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Psychiatrists:
- Perform comprehensive psychiatric evaluations
- Diagnose mental health conditions
- Order and interpret lab work
- Prescribe and manage medications
- Consider how physical health conditions affect mental health
- Oversee and consult on complex cases
What does a psychiatric physician assistant do?
A physician assistant (PA-C) is a nationally certified medical provider who has completed a graduate-level PA program and passed a national certification exam. Psychiatric PAs focus their practice on mental health. They can:
- Evaluate patients and diagnose mental health conditions
- Order lab work
- Prescribe medications and provide ongoing medication management
- Monitor progress and adjust treatment over time
Some PAs earn additional certification in psychiatry, such as the Certificate of Added Qualifications in Psychiatry (CAQ-Psychiatry), which recognizes advanced experience and knowledge in psychiatric care.
How a physician-led team works
In a physician-led practice, psychiatric PAs collaborate with a psychiatrist on patient care. The psychiatrist is available to consult on diagnoses, medication choices, and complex situations, so patients benefit from a team rather than a single prescriber.
This model has practical advantages too:
- Easier access. A team approach often means shorter waits for new-patient appointments.
- More time. Follow-up visits can be scheduled as often as you need to fine-tune treatment.
- Consistent care. Your provider and the supervising psychiatrist share a single approach and treatment philosophy.
Which provider should I see?
For most people, either provider is a great fit. When you schedule, our coordinators match you based on your needs, your age, provider specialties, and availability. If your needs change, your care team can adjust.
You might ask specifically for the psychiatrist if:
- You have a complex history involving several diagnoses or many medication trials
- You have significant medical conditions that interact with psychiatric medications
A psychiatric PA is often a good fit if:
- You're seeking evaluation and treatment for depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, or PTSD
- You want frequent follow-ups while finding the right medication and dose
- You'd like a provider with a particular specialty, such as women's mental health or LGBTQIA+ affirming care
Getting started
Our Chicago practice is led by a board-certified psychiatrist and includes experienced psychiatric physician assistants who see patients in person and by telehealth. Meet our providers or learn what to expect at your first visit.
