Pillar 3: How Therapy Works / E-E-A-T
You’ve Been Referred To A Psychiatrist: What Happens Next?
4 min read
Hearing "We think a psychiatrist should see you too" can feel scary.
Maybe your MindMed psychologist said it during therapy.
Right away the thoughts come: Does this mean I’m really bad? Will I be forced to take drugs? Will I be admitted?
Take a breath. A referral is not a bad thing. It’s us making sure you get complete care.
Here’s exactly what happens after your psychologist refers you to a psychiatrist in Nigeria.
What’s The Difference? Psychologist vs Psychiatrist
MindMed Psychologist: We talk with you. We help with thoughts, emotions, trauma, relationships, coping skills. We do therapy. We cannot prescribe medication.
Psychiatrist: A medical doctor who specializes in mental health. They can diagnose medical conditions, prescribe medication, and manage the biological side of mental health.
Think of it like this:
Therapy & Psychiatry = Full care for your mind and body
Many people see both at the same time. They work together.
Why Would Your Psychologist Refer You?
We only refer when we think it will help you get better, faster. Common reasons:
Medication could help: For moderate-severe depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar, psychosis, severe insomnia
Need for medical diagnosis: To rule out thyroid issues, vitamin deficiencies, or other health causes
Therapy alone isn’t enough right now: You’re stuck, and your brain chemistry needs support too
Safety check: If there are risks we want a medical doctor involved
It doesn’t mean therapy "failed". It means we care enough to get you more support.
What Happens In Your First Psychiatrist Appointment
Most psychiatric consults in Nigeria are now online. Here’s what to expect:
1. Check-in & Confidentiality
The psychiatrist will explain that what you say is private.
2. Assessment Conversation
They’ll ask about:
- What you’ve been going through and for how long
- Sleep, appetite, energy, concentration
- Medical history and other medications, including herbal remedies
- Family mental health history
- Safety: "Have you had thoughts of hurting yourself?"
3. Feedback & Treatment Plan
They may share a diagnosis or "working impression". Then discuss options:
- Medication: What it does, side effects, timeline. Most take 2-6 weeks
- No medication yet: Maybe more tests or therapy first
- Blood tests: To check for medical causes
- Follow-up: Usually in 2-4 weeks
4. Collaboration With Your Psychologist
With your permission, your psychiatrist and MindMed psychologist will coordinate. So your medication and therapy support each other.
5 Myths About Seeing A Psychiatrist in Nigeria
Myth 1: "They will lock me up"
Reality: Almost all care is outpatient. Hospitalization only happens if there’s immediate danger.
Myth 2: "They’ll force medication on me"
Reality: It’s a conversation. You decide together.
Myth 3: "Medication means I’m weak or 'mad’”
Reality: It’s medical care. Like insulin for diabetes. It can help your brain so therapy works better.
Myth 4: "I’ll be on medication forever"
Reality: Some people use it short-term. Some longer. It depends on you.
Myth 5: "It’s too expensive"
Reality: Online psychiatric consults in Nigeria start around ₦15,000. Some HMOs cover it.
How MindMed Supports You Through The Referral
We don’t leave you after the referral. Here’s how we help:
We explain why: No medical jargon. Just clear reasons.
We help you find one: We can recommend trusted psychiatrists for online consults
We prep you: What to say, what to ask, what to track
We continue therapy: While you see the psychiatrist, we keep doing the emotional work with you
You’re not doing this alone.
How To Prepare For The Appointment
Before The Appointment:
Journal your symptoms: When did they start? What makes them worse/better?
List everything you take: Prescription, supplements, herbal teas
Write questions: "What are the side effects?" "How will I know it’s working?"
Set up privacy: Quiet room, headphones, good data for online sessions
Bring someone: If that makes you feel safer
After The Appointment
Fill your prescription at a pharmacy if given one
Track changes: Mood, sleep, side effects. Tell both your psychiatrist and psychologist
Keep coming to therapy: Meds can stabilize. Therapy helps you heal.
Be patient: It takes time. Don’t stop anything without talking to your doctor first.
Need more information on what to expect on your first therapy session? Our article on it will guide you.
A Word From MindMed
Being referred to a psychiatrist is a sign that your care team is taking you seriously.
You will find our piece on psychiatric hospital vs mental health clinic very helpful for more in-depth knowledge of the two.
At MindMed, our psychologists will walk with you through the whole process, from referral to recovery. We coordinate with psychiatrists so you get seamless care.
Book a Therapy Session, or Chat With Us on WhatsApp
Online sessions from ₦7,000. Private.
You deserve to feel better. Let’s get you the right support.