We were lied to about the effectiveness of SSRI drugs by the drug companies. Psychiatrists were as much victims as their patients. I don't blame Psychiatrists. I have the look on my Psychiatrist face imprinted, when I sat in that chair, and told him "That drug did nothing." It got to the point where I felt like lying. "It kinda worked?" But I didn't. It was my life--I wanted to get better.
I finally found a drug that worked, a little bit. I think that's the rub. You need to see a Psychiatrist to find a drug that works a little bit. Keep in mind that drug might be habit forming, so only go if you are certain your condition is Not Situational.
If your psychiatrist just offers SSRI's, ot tricyclics; find another Psychiatrist. If you do find a drug that seems to work, be prepared for mandatory office visits. They need to make a living. (These drugs should be regulated differently, but that's another fight. By regulated, I mean, if you are on a long term drug; you shouldn't have to see a psychiatrist to get refills.)
If I was to do it over again, I'm not sure I would take anything, but my anxiety was not situational. It came from "I have no clue. Just life?". I have found controlled use of alcohol helps. Try to keep the alcohol to a minimum. Two drinks for a panic attact. Don't drink socially. You are drinking to control that busted gasket. It needs time to heal. An understanding family really helps.
I have said this before, and I have no reason to lie. You will get better with time.
I have gotten to read my Psychiatrists face/non-verbal tells. I believe it when he says "Anti-depressants do work for some of my patients." I've looked into the litature, and they might help some really depressed patients? Might? If you are seriously suicidial go to the hospital. Don't rule out ECT. (Use it as a last resort, but don't kill yourself. Emergency room personal are prepared to deal with psychiatric emergencies.)
And again, if you are reading this and just not feeling right, a little dizzy, just not right; you will get better with time.
As to the original question; No--mainstream Americans does not need to see a Psychiatrist. Most good Psychiatrists only want to see the patients who don't respond to a Psychologist's therapy.
As to therapy--give it a shot, I guess? I found it completely useless. I think they did more damage to a once innocent twenty something mind? They might have changed? My psychologist was a Freudian. I remember making an a appointment with another Psychologist. "What's your reason for seeing Dr.whatever?" Me, "I was told I have a Electra Complex." Office, "A what?" It's funny now.
Good luck! If you know someone fighting these problems, don't give offer them worn our clichés. Whatever you do, don't take advantage of a wounded individual. I was financially abused at my worst. Will never forget that retched person.