Dr. Alexander Sidawi, Orlando
Psychiatrist & Florida Telepsychiatrist

Psychiatrists are medical doctors that specialize in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, both with medications and therapy. In medication management, they play several roles:

1. Diagnosis: Drawing on their diagnosis, psychiatrists select medications specifically aimed at alleviating the symptoms of the mental health condition. Leveraging their extensive medical training, they expertly consider factors like drug metabolism, potential drug interactions, and side effects to identify a medication that is optimally suited to your unique physiological needs.
2. Prescription: Based on the diagnosis, psychiatrists prescribe medications that target the symptoms of the mental health condition. Due to their medical training, they are able to integrate topics such as drug metabolism, drug-drug interactions, and side effects to choose a medication that best fits your body.
3. Monitoring: Once medication is prescribed, psychiatrists diligently monitor its effects, fine-tuning dosages as required and addressing any side effects. Their medical training is instrumental in discerning the necessity and relevance of various lab tests, such as blood draws or EKGs, ensuring that only beneficial diagnostics are employed. Their medical training assists in differentiating when something is caused by mental illness versus a medical condition. For example, it is helpful to differentiate if physical symptoms like a racing heart or stomach pains are medical in nature, rather than psychiatric in nature such as physical symptoms caused by Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

Whether or not you need a referral to see a psychiatrist in Florida depends on if you plan to use HMO insurance, PPO insurance, or are paying cash. Generally, if using an HMO insurance you will need a referral, whereas if using a PPO insurance or paying cash you will not need a referral to see a psychiatrist.

Psychiatric medication management involves the careful selection, dosing, and monitoring of medications prescribed for mental health conditions. This process is integral for ensuring the effectiveness of treatment while minimizing side effects and risks. At its core, psychiatric medication management is a collaborative process between the patient and their psychiatrist. It begins with a thorough evaluation of the patient’s mental health condition, medical history, and any other factors that might influence medication choices. The psychiatrist then prescribes the most suitable medication, considering the patient’s unique needs.

Psychiatric medications are generally managed by a psychiatrist (M.D. or D.O.). Primary care physicians such as internists or family physicians may elect to initiate psychiatric medications for patients, though they typically refer patients to a psychiatrist when they suspect a patient may need a more in-depth assessment and treatment plan. Midlevel providers, such as Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Physician’s Assistants (PAs), may also prescribe psychiatric medication though are generally under the supervision of a medical doctor (M.D. or D.O) with whom they can elect to discuss difficult cases with.

Psychiatrists and psychologists both work in the mental health field; however, psychiatrists generally specialize in managing medications, whereas psychologists primarily engage in talk therapy.

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) who specializes in mental health and is trained in both general medicine and psychiatry. They can provide both medication management and psychotherapy.

A psychologist is a mental health professional who holds a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in psychology. Psychologists focus on understanding human behavior, emotions, and cognition, utilizing various psychological assessments and therapeutic techniques to help individuals cope with emotional challenges and improve their mental health. Psychologists are experts in different forms of psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, exposure-response prevention (ERP), eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR), accelerated resolution therapy (ART), family therapy, and/or mindfulness therapy among others. They do not prescribe medications but may refer patients to psychiatrists for medication management.

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor, who completed undergraduate studies in general sciences, 4 years of medical school and then received specialized training in mental health for an additional 4 years. A PMHNP is a nurse practitioner, who completed undergraduate studies in nursing followed by 1 year of training in mental health. Both can prescribe psychiatric medications.

A psychiatrist, holding either an M.D. (Medical Doctor) or a D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) degree, is a highly trained specialist in mental health with 8 years of post-graduate training. Their educational journey begins with undergraduate studies, followed by four intensive years in medical school covering general medicine. This is succeeded by another four-year residency specifically in psychiatry, where they gain in-depth knowledge and experience in both the medical aspects of psychiatric conditions and the practice of psychotherapy. As fully qualified medical doctors, psychiatrists are equipped to diagnose mental health disorders, conduct comprehensive medical evaluations, order and interpret laboratory tests, and prescribe medications. Their approach to mental health is holistic, taking into account the biological, psychological, and social dimensions that influence an individual’s mental health. Psychiatrists operate independently without the need for supervision.

A Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) is a type of Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP, also known as APRN) with a focus on mental health care, who receive 1 year of post-graduate training. Their path begins with undergraduate nursing education, followed by a specialized one-year master’s program in mental health nursing. PMHNPs are qualified to diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medications. However, their medical and psychiatric training is not as extensive as that of a psychiatrist. The scope of practice for ARNPs, including PMHNPs, varies by state. For example, in Florida, PMHNPs initially work under the supervision of a psychiatrist, offering the opportunity for case discussion and collaborative learning. After completing 3000 clinical hours under such supervision, they may apply to the Florida board to attain autonomous ARNP status, allowing them to practice without physician oversight.

The term therapist is used to refer to any mental health provider who offers talk therapy. A counselor is a specific type of therapist.

The term therapist broadly refers to any mental health professional who provides talk therapy, including psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, and similar roles.

A counselor is a mental health professional who typically holds a master’s degree (MS, MA, LMHC, LCSW) in counseling, psychology, social work, or related fields. Their training focuses on providing counseling and psychotherapy services to individuals, couples, families, or groups. Similar to a psychologist, they do not prescribe medications but may refer patients to psychiatrists for medication management.

Depression is a general term used to describe feeling down, and doesn’t necessarily mean you have a diagnosable psychiatric disorder like major depressive disorder (MDD). Generally, MDD can be diagnosed by a physician when someone experiences 2 weeks or longer of depressive symptoms like diminished interest in activities, weight loss/gain, sleep changes, fatigue, poor concentration and guilt. Read our blog post about Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) to learn more about depression and the DSM-5 criteria for diagnosing. You can also refer to our treatment page to learn more about other psychiatric disorders.

Anxiety is a general term used to describe feeling worried or on edge, but some people’s anxiety is significant enough to meet DSM-5 criteria for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Generally, GAD can be diagnosed by a physician when someone has been experiencing, for 6 months or longer, excessive worry that is difficult to control, causes significant distress or impairment in daily function, and causes symptoms like tension, irritability, poor concentration and trouble sleeping. Read our blog post about Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) to learn more. You can also refer to our treatment page to learn more about other psychiatric disorders.

Diagnosing ADHD is more nuanced than just having poor concentration, and requires meeting the criteria as defined by the DSM-5. Generally, ADHD can be diagnosed by a physician when someone has been experiencing, for 6 months or longer, symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity with impulsivity. Symptoms of inattention include easily being distracted, constant procrastination, and trouble staying on task, listening, or organizing. Symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity include fidgeting, talking excessively, difficulty waiting your turn, as well as trouble sitting still, staying seated or being quiet. Read our blog post about Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) to learn more. You can also refer to our treatment page to learn about other psychiatric disorders.