If you see a new psychiatrist, they will not automatically know what your previous psychiatrist knows. Confidentiality rules and laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States, protect your medical information. Therefore, your new psychiatrist would need your consent to get information from your previous psychiatrist.
If you provide consent, your new psychiatrist can request your medical records from your previous psychiatrist, which would include your diagnosis, treatment plan, and progress notes. However, the level of detail and the type of information that gets transferred can vary.
It is important to note that your new psychiatrist may want to conduct their own assessment, even if they have access to your past medical records. This is because they need to understand your current condition, symptoms, and treatment needs from their perspective.
Remember, clear and open communication with any mental health professional is key to successful treatment. You should feel comfortable sharing your history, symptoms, and concerns, and they should be responsive and understanding. If you are switching psychiatrists and feel comfortable doing so, it may be beneficial to facilitate a conversation or correspondence between the old and new psychiatrist to ensure continuity of care.