Online psychiatrist: consult without an appointment

Psychiatry: consult a psychiatrist online in under 24 hours

Looking to consult a psychiatrist? Have you already thought about teleconsultation? On Feeli, doctors and specialists are available remotely and offer fast care. For a consultation with a psychiatrist, you can be put in touch within 24 hours and exchange via secure instant messaging, phone call or video call. Online consultation guarantees the same quality of diagnosis, since doctors and patients can communicate smoothly. Take care of your health with Feeli! Mental health is also a public health issue.

What is the role of a psychiatrist?

A psychiatrist is a mental health professional. They have completed a full medical training programme, with training focused on mental disorders and their neurobiological, social and psychological aspects. So, within the field of psychiatry, their role includes several specialised functions, such as the diagnosis of mental disorders and the prescribing of medication. When it comes to diagnosis, the psychiatrist can draw on international classification systems such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) or the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). They are therefore able to interpret psychiatric symptoms and assess medical and social history through clinical interviews. When treatment is needed, the psychiatrist can prescribe psychotropic medication, taking care to account for contraindications and drug interactions. Furthermore, medical follow-up is essential at the start of treatment and throughout its course, in order to adjust doses in the event of side effects. In addition to pharmacological prescribing, the psychiatrist sometimes uses biological therapies (electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)), when certain disorders are resistant to medication. They may also make use of psychotherapy, although many psychiatrists limit themselves to pharmacological management. Integrative psychiatry, for example, can provide psychotherapeutic interventions. Lastly, the psychiatrist assesses the risk of suicide in their patients and any potential danger to others. Psychiatric disorders can also be linked to substance use, and the psychiatrist plays an essential role in managing psychiatric crises. To conclude, it is worth remembering that psychiatrists work closely with other health professionals, particularly within hospital settings. Among them, we can mention the role of psychologists, mental health nurses and social workers. On Feeli, you can consult a psychiatrist in under 24 hours thanks to online consultation.

What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?

Psychiatrists and psychologists have not followed the same training. Their areas of clinical expertise and the approaches they use in treating mental disorders can therefore differ. A psychiatrist, after obtaining a general medicine degree, usually continues their training in a psychiatric hospital. They thereby gain in-depth expertise in medical and neurobiological sciences. As for the psychologist, they may have completed a university degree in psychology, such as a doctorate in clinical psychology. The psychologist's expertise lies more in the understanding of mental, emotional and behavioural processes. When it comes to treating mental disorders, psychiatrists can also prescribe medication, unlike psychologists, for example to treat schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Depression also often requires medication, even at a low dose, to support psychological therapy. Psychologists, for their part, focus more on psychotherapy, such as psychoanalysis, cognitive behavioural therapy or other approaches. In conclusion, the main difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist lies in their therapeutic approach. The psychiatrist is able to prescribe medication and tends to favour a biological approach to treatment, whereas the psychologist places the emphasis on psychological aspects and psychotherapies to treat mental disorders. Generally, these two health professionals work closely together to ensure the best possible care.

What are the reasons for going to a psychiatric hospital?

Psychiatric hospitalisation for mental disorders is a complex clinical measure. It must be justified by several medical and psychiatric criteria. Among the reasons that can justify going to a psychiatric hospital, we can mention:
 • Posing a danger to oneself or others. Hospitalisation is often required when an individual presents a risk of suicide or of violence towards other people. Constant monitoring is indeed necessary, in order to accurately assess the origin of this behaviour;
 • When a person shows signs of a psychological breakdown. This can also be referred to as psychotic decompensation, when a person's emotional and psychological wellbeing is severely disrupted;
 • In the presence of severe psychotic disorders: bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, severe depression, mood disorders, etc.;
 • Sometimes a psychiatric diagnosis is difficult to establish on an outpatient basis, and hospitalisation may be justified to provide a better medical environment. In-depth psychiatric assessments include, for example, tests and continuous clinical monitoring;
 • In the presence of serious medical complications linked to mental disorders: self-harm, eating disorders, catatonic states, etc.;
Lastly, a hospital can also offer a setting more conducive to psychological interventions, particularly group sessions. In addition, medication adjustments can help manage psychiatric crises immediately, as well as providing a supportive structure. Admission to a psychiatric hospital is a decision generally made by a multidisciplinary team of health professionals. Patients' psychological, medical and social factors must also be taken into account during the clinical assessment.

When should you consult a psychiatrist?

If you show signs of mood disorders, with persistent depressive episodes, it is recommended that you consult a psychiatrist, for example on Feeli. Teleconsultation on Feeli offers a wide choice of health professionals: general practitioner, dermatologist, cardiologist, paediatrician... For a consultation with a psychiatrist, care can take place remotely within 24 hours. Generally speaking, it is also recommended to consult a psychiatrist in the presence of:
 • Anxiety and severe anxiety disorders;
 • Severe sleep disorders;
 • Psychotic disorders: hallucinations, delusions, etc.;
 • Suicidal thoughts (or self-harm);
 • Dependence and substance abuse;
 • Or eating disorders: anorexia, bulimia, etc.;
Relationship difficulties or traumatic events (sexual assault, serious accidents, etc.) may also require the support of a psychiatrist.