Everyone may experience mild and short-term or more severe and long-lasting mental health problems throughout their lives.
A psychiatrist specialises in mental health problems, focusing on the diagnosis, assessment, treatment and prevention of psychiatric and behavioural disorders. A psychiatrist assesses a person’s mental state and makes recommendations for further treatment. Depending on individual needs, the psychiatrist prescribes medication and recommends psychotherapy or treatment from another specialist. The frequency of psychiatric consultations and the duration of treatment depend on the patient’s condition and the course of the illness. As a rule, the frequency of visits is higher in the initial phase of treatment. The main examination method of a psychiatrist is a psychiatric interview; further examinations are determined, where necessary.
A referral is not needed to consult a psychiatrist.
