A local psychiatrist is a physician who specializes in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. A local psychiatrist may work in a private practice, an institution or a hospital. The main difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist is that a local psychiatrist can prescribe medication. A local psychiatrist may use a variety of treatments, such as medication, psychotherapy, medications and psychosocial interventions. Managing a health condition such as back and sciatic pain, knee replacement or arthritis can be stressful and lead to mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety. Patients who are seeing a local physiotherapist for an acute or chronic health condition may benefit from working with a local psychiatrist.