Compare 40 psychiatrists in Discovery Bay, CA. Check ratings, insurance, and availability.
An initial psychiatric evaluation takes 45 to 90 minutes. The psychiatrist will review your symptoms, medical history, family history, current medications, and any substance use. They may order blood work or other tests. By the end of the appointment, they will provide a diagnosis, discuss treatment options (medication, therapy, or both), and write prescriptions if appropriate.
See a psychiatrist if you think you may need medication for a mental health condition, if your current medication is not working well, if you have a complex diagnosis (bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, treatment-resistant depression), or if you want a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. Primary care doctors prescribe many psychiatric medications, but a psychiatrist offers specialized expertise.
Initial evaluation: $250-500 · Follow-up (med management): $100-300 · Psychological testing (if offered): varies
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who prescribe and manage psychiatric medications. They monitor effectiveness, adjust dosages, and watch for side effects to find the right balance for you.
When standard antidepressants have not worked, psychiatrists can explore alternative medications, combination strategies, and newer treatments. They bring the full medical toolkit to complex cases.
Managing the highs and lows of bipolar disorder requires careful medication management. Psychiatrists prescribe and monitor mood stabilizers, atypical antipsychotics, and other treatments specific to bipolar spectrum conditions.
Psychiatrists prescribe stimulant and non-stimulant ADHD medications and work with you to find the right fit. They also screen for co-occurring conditions like anxiety or depression that affect treatment.
When anxiety is debilitating and therapy alone is not enough, psychiatrists can prescribe medications that reduce the intensity of symptoms while you build coping skills in therapy.
Psychiatry visits are covered under mental health benefits, which parity laws require to be comparable to medical benefits. The initial evaluation is billed at a higher rate than follow-ups. Medication costs vary widely. Ask your psychiatrist about generic alternatives. Many psychiatrists do not accept insurance, so verify network status before booking or ask about superbill reimbursement.