If you’re struggling with your mental health and have recognized that you need psychiatric support, it can be incredibly disheartening and frustrating to then not be able to find a psychiatrist to help you.
And in recent years, and since the pandemic in particular, it’s increasingly being questioned as to why it is so hard to find a psychiatrist.
From long wait times to insurance issues, not being able to find a psychiatrist near to where you live or with availability at convenient times, or not feeling a connection with the psychiatrist you have finally found, there are many barriers that are stopping people from accessing the care they need.
Yet fortunately, simply understanding some of these obstacles better can help you navigate the process more effectively. So in this article we’ll explore why it can be so hard to find a psychiatrist, and provide you with actionable steps to overcome these challenges.
Why is it so hard to find a psychiatrist?
Growing demand
The growing demand for mental health services is one of the main reasons it’s so hard to find a psychiatrist. Over the past decade, more people are seeking care for their mental health, which is a positive sign that the stigma around mental health is finally decreasing. However, the number of practicing psychiatrists hasn’t kept up with the growing demand, leading to long wait times and limited availability.
This is particularly true in rural areas, where access to psychiatric services is often sparse, plus there’s the knock-on effect of scheduling challenges with psychiatrists you do find, as fitting appointments around work, school, or other commitments can often be extremely difficult.
Insurance issues
Another key challenge is that many psychiatrists don’t accept insurance. This is due in part to the fact that insurance companies typically reimburse psychiatrists around 20% less than other medical providers. On top of that, insurers often make it difficult for patients to access the care they need by adding bureaucratic hurdles. The combination of high demand and the complexities of working with insurance companies pushes many psychiatrists to prefer cash-paying clients, avoiding insurance networks altogether.
At REACH Behavioral Health Ohio, we take a different approach. We work with all major insurance providers and can also assist you in navigating the insurance requirements and paperwork, helping to make psychiatric services more accessible to Ohio residents and ensuring that you can access the care you need without additional stress.
Finding the right fit
Lastly, finding the right psychiatrist isn’t just about securing an appointment – it’s about finding someone you feel comfortable with and connected to.
Mental health treatment works best when there’s a strong, trusting relationship between you and your psychiatrist. Factors like culture, age, communication style, or a doctor’s experience with your specific mental health concern all matter. At REACH, our team is committed to helping you find the right fit to get started with, but we also have a large team of therapists and psychiatrists which means it’s easier for you to switch to another professional if you don’t feel you’ve quite found your perfect fit the first time.
Overcoming the barriers: online psychiatry as a solution
For those facing obstacles like long waitlists, scheduling issues, or limited local options, online psychiatry – also known as teletherapy or telehealth – offers a convenient solution.
Telehealth services allow you to receive psychiatric care from the comfort and safety of your home or other location of your choice, and there is absolutely no difference in the quality or type of care received through online psychiatry compared to in-person sessions – with psychiatrists also able to prescribe and manage medications during online sessions.
Many patients find this setting more comfortable, as it eliminates the stress of commuting or trying to fit an appointment into your schedule, and also allows you to engage in therapy in a familiar environment, which can be especially beneficial for those managing conditions like anxiety.
For patients with chronic conditions, such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, or bipolar disorder, regular check-ins for medication management are crucial, and teletherapy makes it easier to stay on track. While most sessions can be conducted online, there may be times when an in-person visit is necessary, especially for certain aspects of medication management. However, the majority of your care can be managed online just as it would be in an office setting, giving you more flexibility without compromising on the quality of treatment.
At REACH we offer online psychiatry for all Ohio residents, giving you access to expert care wherever you are in the state. Our expert psychiatrists also provide a holistic approach that integrates both psychotherapy and medication management, ensuring you receive comprehensive care tailored to your needs.
Steps to finding psychiatric services that work for you
If you’re finding it hard to find a psychiatrist, there are several strategies that can simplify the process:
- Check with your insurance provider: Start by reviewing your insurance network to find psychiatrists who accept your plan. Many insurance companies provide online directories, making it easier to find local providers. If you’re in Ohio, REACH Behavioral Health works with major insurance providers and can help connect you with the right psychiatrist.
- Search online platforms: Platforms like Psychology Today offer comprehensive directories where you can filter by location, insurance, and specialty to find a psychiatrist that meets your needs. Additionally, REACH’s own website features profiles of our psychiatrists, making it easy to learn more about our team and services.
- Ask for referrals: Your primary care physician can often provide a referral to a trusted psychiatrist. In some cases, they may even be able to coordinate your care, ensuring a seamless experience between medical and mental health services.
- Contact REACH Ohio: If you are an Ohio resident, get in touch with our intake team at REACH Behavioral Health, who will be able to walk you through everything and get you in front of our expert psychiatrists as quickly as possible.
Psychiatry medication management: what you need to know
For many people, medication management is a key part of psychiatric care. It involves regularly reviewing your medications to ensure they are effective and adjusting dosages if needed.
At REACH, we take a personalized approach to medication management, with our psychiatrists closely monitoring your progress to ensure your treatment plan evolves with your needs.
Whether you’re dealing with depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions, medication management requires consistent follow-up and communication. Our psychiatrists are highly experienced in this area, helping patients navigate the complexities of medication while ensuring they receive compassionate, individualized care.
Get the psychiatric care you need at REACH Ohio
While it may seem overwhelming or hard to find a psychiatrist when you first start looking, please don’t give up. By understanding the barriers and using the tips and strategies discussed above, you can simplify the process and find the help you need.
And if you live in the state of Ohio, REACH is here to make the process even smoother for you. With short wait times, both in-person and online psychiatry options, and a large team of expert psychiatrists and other mental health care professionals to choose from, we are ready to guide you on your journey to better mental health.
Contact us today to learn more about our psychiatric services, including online psychiatry and medication management, plus the other types of therapy we offer, and take the next step in your mental wellness journey.