Choosing a Psychiatrist in Bangkok

Choosing a Psychiatrist in Bangkok: Get the Right Diagnosis & Treatment for Your Needs

Consulting with a psychiatrist in Bangkok can play a vital role in supporting your mental health by offering medical diagnosis, prescribing medication, and managing complex psychological conditions. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or more complex mental health concerns, understanding the role of psychiatrists in Thailand can help you make an informed decision about the support you need.

Accessing psychiatric services in Bangkok may differ from those in other countries. This guide will walk you through how psychiatrists work in Thailand, how to access their services, and how to decide whether a psychiatrist is the right professional for your mental health needs.

Licensing and Qualifications Required for Psychiatrists in Thailand

A psychiatrist in Bangkok is a medically trained doctor qualified to provide essential support for adults and children who require clinical oversight, structured treatment plans, formal mental health diagnoses and prescribing appropriate medication along with any required on going medical supervision. Psychiatrists typically work in both public hospitals and private clinics, as well as specialised mental health centres all of which are required to be registered, licensed or governed by the MOPH – Ministry of Public Health Thailand.

After completing a medical degree, psychiatrists in Thailand are required to undergo additional specialist training in psychiatry, typically through a four-year residency equipping them to manage complex psychological disorders using a combination of medical knowledge and therapeutic insight.

All practising psychiatrists in Thailand must also be registered with the Thai Medical Council and hold a specialist certification in psychiatry. Their qualifications are monitored and upheld through continuing medical education.

What Mental Health Issues Can a Psychiatrist Help With?

Psychiatrists in Thailand are trained to work with a broad range of mental health conditions, including:

Depression and anxiety disorders
Bipolar disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Schizophrenia and psychotic disorders
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Psychiatrists are also the most appropriate professionals to consult when:

Medication may be needed.
A formal diagnosis is required (e.g. for insurance, school, or legal documentation).
Hospitalisation or intensive medical supervision is necessary.

Do any Psychiatrists in Bangkok Provide Counselling and Therapy Services?

While psychiatrists are trained in mental health, their primary focus is typically on diagnosis and the medical management of symptoms through prescribed medication. Based on our experience in Bangkok and other major Thai cities, it is rare for psychiatrists to provide talk therapy or counselling themselves.

Instead, they often work alongside psychologists or private counselling practices such as ourselves to provide any necessary therapeutic support for long-term emotional development, trauma recovery, and behavioural change.

This collaborative approach is particularly helpful in complex cases—such as combining medication with therapy for mood disorders or recovery from PTSD.

What’s the Difference Between a Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Counsellor or Therapist

Psychiatrists:

Training and Education:

Psychiatrists are licensed medical doctors (MDs) who specialise in mental health. They complete medical school which usually takes 6 years, followed by a residency in psychiatry (usually 3 to 4 years).

Training includes extensive clinical experience in diagnosing and treating mood disorders, psychiatric conditions and complex mental illnesses.

Psychologists:

Training & Education

Psychologists typically hold a Masters or Doctoral degree in psychology (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) and are registered members of one or more psychological associations. It is important to note that unlike psychiatrists, psychologists (even those with Master’s degrees in Clinical Psychology) are not medical doctors. Their training focuses on the study of behaviour, emotions, and mental processes and usually has one or more areas of specialisation.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Conduct psychological testing and assessments to clinically diagnose mood disorders or mental health conditions and other psychological issues strictly under the guidance and supervision of a licensed psychiatrist especially when any prescription medication may be involved.
Work either as researcher or provide psychotherapy and counselling using various therapeutic techniques.

Counsellors & Therapists:

Training & Education

Counsellors and Therapists in Thailand typically hold a master’s degree (2 – 3 years) in counselling, psychology or counselling psychology. Practical experience working with clients for counselling for masters degrees usually range between 200 and 300 hours of clinical practice in both individual and group counselling utilising a range of counselling techniques supervised by an appointed clinical supervisor.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Provide individual counselling for adults, children, teens, couples or family therapy.
Help clients process, cope, manage and resolve personal and emotional issues utilising therapeutic techniques like CBT, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused therapy.

Counsellors cannot provide a formal medical diagnosis or prescribe medication, but they will refer clients to a psychiatrist or psychologist for formal psychological testing or when more intensive treatment is required

How to Access a Psychiatrist in Bangkok

Unlike many western countries, anyone seeking psychiatric services can usually self-refer to a psychiatrist in Bangkok without needing a referral letter from their local doctor or GP. Most government and private hospitals will have a dedicated psychiatric department. The psychiatrists will almost certainly be native Thai however many of them will speak fluent English particularly in the most well known establishments such as:

Private Hospitals:

Bumrungrad International Hospital

Address: 33 Sukhumvit 3 (Soi Nana Nua), Wattana, Bangkok 10110
Website: https://www.bumrungrad.com/en
Google Maps:
Locate Bumrungrad International Hospital on Google Maps

Samitivej Srinagarindra Hospital

Address: 488 Srinagarindra Road, Suan Luang, Bangkok 10250
Website: Accessible via their main portal (e.g., http://www.samitivej.co.th or https://www.samitivejhospitals.com/)
Google Maps:
Locate Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital on Google Maps

Bangkok Hospital (Main/Head Office)

Address: 2 Soi Soonvijai 7, New Petchburi Road, Huaykwang, Bangkok 10310
Website: http://www.bangkokhospital.com
Google Maps:
Locate Bangkok Hospital (head office) on Google Maps

Public Hospitals:

Rajavithi Hospital

Address: 2 Phaya Thai Road, Thung Phayathai Subdistrict, Ratchathewi District, Bangkok 10400
Website: https://www.rajavithi.go.th/eng/
Google Maps:
Locate Rajavithi Hospital on Google Maps

Srithanya Hospital (Psychiatric Hospital in Nonthaburi)

Address: 47 Moo 4, Talat Khwan Subdistrict, Mueang Nonthaburi District, Nonthaburi Province
Website: https://www.srithanya.go.th/
Google Maps:
Locate Srithanya Hospital on Google Maps

Need Help Finding the Right Mental Health Support in Bangkok?

If you’re unsure whether you need a psychiatrist, psychologist, or counsellor, you’re not alone. Many people begin by booking a free initial consultation with a member of our counselling or client management team. This helps us assess your situation and provide guidance on the most suitable professional for your needs.

To begin, please complete our online enquiry form, which allows us to gather a few essential details in advance.

If you have any questions before booking the free initial call you can either visit our Frequently Asked Questions Page, or mention these whilst completing the online enquiry form.