Pearlman & Associates

655 Craig Road
St. Louis, MO 63141

Monday – Saturday
Sunday CLOSED

The Role of a Psychiatrist & How to Prepare

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who did special training in psychiatric diseases and medications. A psychiatrist will meet with a patient between every three weeks and three months to ensure the medications prescribed are working – as well as addressing any negative symptoms and/or side effects.

How to talk with your psychiatrist…

  • Go in with questions.
  • Ask about medications. What are they? What are they for?
  • Ask about your diagnosis.
  • Be honest. The psychiatrist cannot help you if you’re not honest.
  • Do not be afraid to call the psychiatrist if you’re experiencing an acute event.

What else should you know?

  • Usually, there is a wait list.
  • Appointments aren’t very long. For the first appointment, it may last an hour. For the remainder of appointments, they may last 10-15 minutes.
  • Most psychiatrists are not therapists.

Finding a psychiatrist…