Psychiatry Terms in Plain English
Words that get used in appointments and on insurance paperwork, explained without the jargon that made them confusing.
Treatment and Medication
SSRI
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. A commonly prescribed class of antidepressant also used for conditions including anxiety and OCD. Sertraline, escitalopram and fluoxetine are examples. Benefits usually build over several weeks, and timing varies by condition and person.
SNRI
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. A related class acting on two neurotransmitters rather than one. Venlafaxine and duloxetine are examples, and duloxetine is also used for nerve pain.
Mood stabilizer
Medication used mainly in bipolar disorder to treat or help prevent manic and depressive episodes. Examples include lithium, lamotrigine and valproate. Some require periodic blood tests.
Titration
Gradually adjusting a dose to find a level that helps while keeping side effects manageable.
Off-label
Using a medication for something other than its formally approved indication. Common in psychiatry, legal, and often supported by evidence. Trazodone for sleep is a familiar example.
Insurance and Cost
Copay
A fixed amount your plan may require you to pay for a covered visit or service. The amount and when it applies are set by your plan.
Deductible
What you pay yourself before your plan starts contributing. If yours is unmet you may pay the full contracted rate until it is.
Coinsurance
A percentage of the cost rather than a flat fee, common once a deductible is met.
Superbill
An itemized receipt containing the diagnosis and procedure codes an insurer may require for an out-of-network claim. Reimbursement depends on your plan and is not guaranteed. Self-pay rates.
Parity
Federal rules that generally prevent covered mental health and substance-use benefits from being subject to more restrictive financial requirements or treatment limitations than comparable medical benefits. The rules do not require every plan to cover every service.
Who Does What
PMHNP
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Diagnoses and prescribes under a protocol agreement with a collaborating physician, as Georgia requires.
Psychiatrist
A physician who completed medical school and a psychiatric residency. Diagnoses and prescribes.
Psychologist
A doctoral-level clinician who provides therapy and psychological testing. In most states, including Georgia, psychologists do not prescribe.
Therapist
A broad term covering several licenses that provide talking therapy. Therapists do not prescribe. We do not provide therapy and will refer you. Our scope of care.
Still Have Questions About What You’ve Read?
Ask at your appointment. Nobody should leave a psychiatric visit unsure what was said, and we’ll explain it as many times as it takes. Book in person or by telehealth.