Psychiatrists in 11226
![Photo of Dr. Anne Phan-Huy, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bd870665-dc16-4d96-84cd-1876dc143bfc/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Phan-Huy's philosophy of care is all about you. Your beliefs, your experiences, your goals. By partnering with Dr. Phan-Huy, you will be empowered with the tools necessary to achieve fulfilment. That’s because – with Board certification in psychiatry and specialty training from the University of Michigan – Dr. Phan-Huy is a beacon of clarity in the complex world of mental health.
Dr. Phan-Huy's philosophy of care is all about you. Your beliefs, your experiences, your goals. By partnering with Dr. Phan-Huy, you will be empowered with the tools necessary to achieve fulfilment. That’s because – with Board certification in psychiatry and specialty training from the University of Michigan – Dr. Phan-Huy is a beacon of clarity in the complex world of mental health.
![Photo of Kemisola Ebietomiye, APRN, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c47f981-dec7-43bf-ace9-80ed48d16b80/1/320x400.png)
Kemisola Ebietomiye
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11226 (Online Only)
Accepting New Patients Across Newyork! Are you grappling with feelings of forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, or constant distractions? Do you find it hard to muster the motivation to face the day, feeling tearful without reason, or struggling with restless nights? If trauma has left you feeling anxious and on edge, remember, you are not alone.
Accepting New Patients Across Newyork! Are you grappling with feelings of forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, or constant distractions? Do you find it hard to muster the motivation to face the day, feeling tearful without reason, or struggling with restless nights? If trauma has left you feeling anxious and on edge, remember, you are not alone.
![Photo of Tresa Morris-Simpkins - Mind Over Matter Psychiatric Services, LLC, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/62173fee-99d9-48a2-b200-2cdba7d8c7d4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Mind Over Matter Psychiatric Services, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11226 (Online Only)
Our provider is a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner licensed to prescribe psychiatric medication across the lifespan, currently focusing on adolescents and geriatrics. Tresa acquired a Master’s degree with a focus in Mental Health Nursing and Psychiatry from Walden University, Minnesota.
Our provider is a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner licensed to prescribe psychiatric medication across the lifespan, currently focusing on adolescents and geriatrics. Tresa acquired a Master’s degree with a focus in Mental Health Nursing and Psychiatry from Walden University, Minnesota.
![Photo of Natasha Felton, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46d879d6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Do you feel that it is time to get help and to address the emotional pain you have been feeling? Maybe you are ready to focus on yourself and to break through old patterns that keep you feeling stuck. It is not easy to find a good provider in NYC and I'd like to make it easier for you to get the care that you deserve. Your health and well-being are my top priority. I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with more than 20 years of experience in holistic and integrative psychotherapy and psychopharmacology.
Do you feel that it is time to get help and to address the emotional pain you have been feeling? Maybe you are ready to focus on yourself and to break through old patterns that keep you feeling stuck. It is not easy to find a good provider in NYC and I'd like to make it easier for you to get the care that you deserve. Your health and well-being are my top priority. I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with more than 20 years of experience in holistic and integrative psychotherapy and psychopharmacology.
![Photo of Natasha Felton, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46d87770-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Your health and well-being are my top priority. I am a Brooklyn-based Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with more than 18 years of experience. I focus on integrative psychotherapy and psychopharmacology considering your priorities, lifestyle, and your symptoms to help you address your concerns and to enhance your life. As we collaborate to achieve your goals, you can expect a thorough, but gentle, compassionate and personalized experience. I work with both adolescents and adults, and serve individuals from every cultural background. I work in private practice with Dr. Beata Lewis MD at Mind Body Seven.
Your health and well-being are my top priority. I am a Brooklyn-based Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with more than 18 years of experience. I focus on integrative psychotherapy and psychopharmacology considering your priorities, lifestyle, and your symptoms to help you address your concerns and to enhance your life. As we collaborate to achieve your goals, you can expect a thorough, but gentle, compassionate and personalized experience. I work with both adolescents and adults, and serve individuals from every cultural background. I work in private practice with Dr. Beata Lewis MD at Mind Body Seven.
![Photo of Erik Frost - Brightside Health, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1e6831df-912f-4d6b-9ba2-eace3a032fab/1/320x400.jpeg)
Brightside Health offers online psychiatry and therapy from the comfort of home. Meet with a psychiatric provider in as little as 24 hours. We provide personalized, data-driven psychiatry, evidence-based therapy, and continuous support from expert providers to help our members feel better and stay that way. Our precision-prescribing analyzes over 100 unique data points and decades of clinical research to pinpoint your best match. At Brightside, we track your progress at every step so you and your provider can make informed decisions and adjust your care until it’s right for you.
Brightside Health offers online psychiatry and therapy from the comfort of home. Meet with a psychiatric provider in as little as 24 hours. We provide personalized, data-driven psychiatry, evidence-based therapy, and continuous support from expert providers to help our members feel better and stay that way. Our precision-prescribing analyzes over 100 unique data points and decades of clinical research to pinpoint your best match. At Brightside, we track your progress at every step so you and your provider can make informed decisions and adjust your care until it’s right for you.
![Photo of Tamoya Thomas, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/eb09dbaa-809d-47a0-b9ed-a5c2940d61f1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Tamoya Thomas
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11226 (Online Only)
Hello. I am Tamoya Thomas, a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 12 years of nursing experience. I graduated from Wilkes University in Wilkes Barre, Pa. I specialize in Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, OCD, etc. I offer initial psychiatric evaluations, diagnosis, and medication management. My practice is rooted in evidence-based treatments to provide you with the most effective and comprehensive care possible.
Hello. I am Tamoya Thomas, a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 12 years of nursing experience. I graduated from Wilkes University in Wilkes Barre, Pa. I specialize in Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, OCD, etc. I offer initial psychiatric evaluations, diagnosis, and medication management. My practice is rooted in evidence-based treatments to provide you with the most effective and comprehensive care possible.
![Photo of Vesela Valnarov, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/456d3669-7ac5-4f63-baa3-44aad1e756eb/1/320x400.jpeg)
Vesela Valnarov
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11226 (Online Only)
Hi. I am a board-certified mental health provider licensed in NY State. I obtained my Master’s in Psychiatry and Mental Health at D’Youville University, Buffalo, NY, and I am concluding my Doctoral program in Psychiatry at the same university. I am also a licensed medical doctor and dermatologist in Europe. I offer my patients inclusive medical knowledge and experience of psychiatric and physical health conditions necessary in the holistic management of mental disorders.
Hi. I am a board-certified mental health provider licensed in NY State. I obtained my Master’s in Psychiatry and Mental Health at D’Youville University, Buffalo, NY, and I am concluding my Doctoral program in Psychiatry at the same university. I am also a licensed medical doctor and dermatologist in Europe. I offer my patients inclusive medical knowledge and experience of psychiatric and physical health conditions necessary in the holistic management of mental disorders.
![Photo of Olayemi Omotosho, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c8a5d5f-7091-4b01-8347-4942dbb29346/1/320x400.jpeg)
Olayemi Omotosho
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11226 (Online Only)
I have specialized training as a psychiatric-mental health provider, coupled with extensive experience and a steadfast commitment to client-centered care. With a deep understanding of the complexities of mental health, I bring expertise in assessing and treating a diverse spectrum of disorders across all stages of life. My approach integrates evidence-based practices with a compassionate and empathetic perspective, recognizing each individual's unique challenges and strengths.
I have specialized training as a psychiatric-mental health provider, coupled with extensive experience and a steadfast commitment to client-centered care. With a deep understanding of the complexities of mental health, I bring expertise in assessing and treating a diverse spectrum of disorders across all stages of life. My approach integrates evidence-based practices with a compassionate and empathetic perspective, recognizing each individual's unique challenges and strengths.
![Photo of Aleksandr Zverinskiy - Brave Health, MD, PhD, FNP-C, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/37b7574f-24d7-4807-9e76-4949f290e31b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Brave Health is a virtual mental health provider dedicated to helping people thrive by engaging them in high-quality, affordable, and easily accessible mental health care. Our diverse clinical staff includes licensed psychiatrists and nurse practitioners with expertise in treating mental health. One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to your health. We’ll work together to create a customized treatment plan for your needs. Our programs are evidence-based, drawing on approaches to treatment that are clinically proven to be effective.
Brave Health is a virtual mental health provider dedicated to helping people thrive by engaging them in high-quality, affordable, and easily accessible mental health care. Our diverse clinical staff includes licensed psychiatrists and nurse practitioners with expertise in treating mental health. One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to your health. We’ll work together to create a customized treatment plan for your needs. Our programs are evidence-based, drawing on approaches to treatment that are clinically proven to be effective.
![Photo of Dr. Shawn Faust, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/11fe9b4c-1547-4473-88e7-f74143b85738/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Shawn Faust
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11226 (Online Only)
Dr. Shawn Faust, DNP, PMHNP-BC is a distinguished Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who brings a unique and patient-centric approach to the field of mental health. His philosophy centers around the belief that individuals are experts in their own experiences, and collaboration between the patient and their mental health provider is essential for effective and personalized treatment. He believes that informed patients are better equipped to navigate their unique mental health challenges. Thus, treatment with Dr. Faust often involves teaching patients about their diagnosis and discussing the pros and cons of various treatment options.
Dr. Shawn Faust, DNP, PMHNP-BC is a distinguished Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who brings a unique and patient-centric approach to the field of mental health. His philosophy centers around the belief that individuals are experts in their own experiences, and collaboration between the patient and their mental health provider is essential for effective and personalized treatment. He believes that informed patients are better equipped to navigate their unique mental health challenges. Thus, treatment with Dr. Faust often involves teaching patients about their diagnosis and discussing the pros and cons of various treatment options.
15 Second Videos
Anne Phan-Huy
Brightside Health
Shawn Faust
LocalMD Psychiatry
![Photo of Theresa Chibuoke, MSN, MBA, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f40d95bb-29c6-418f-94de-ffa302795f35/1/320x400.jpeg)
Theresa Chibuoke
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, MBA, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11226
Hello I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Texaas, New York and Arizona. My expertise lies in assessing, diagnosing, and treating mental health conditions, as well as promoting overall well-being.
Hello I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Texaas, New York and Arizona. My expertise lies in assessing, diagnosing, and treating mental health conditions, as well as promoting overall well-being.
![Photo of Orah Mahtov, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/db207f79-2666-4424-bbac-41aead045d80/1/320x400.jpeg)
Orah Mahtov
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11226 (Online Only)
Orah Mahtov is a highly experienced, dual certified nurse practitioner specializing in psychiatry and psychotherapy in California. With years of experience in diverse medical settings, Orah discovered her passion for mental health and obtained a post-master’s certificate in psychiatry at California State University, Los Angeles.
Orah Mahtov is a highly experienced, dual certified nurse practitioner specializing in psychiatry and psychotherapy in California. With years of experience in diverse medical settings, Orah discovered her passion for mental health and obtained a post-master’s certificate in psychiatry at California State University, Los Angeles.
![Photo of Sabrina Walcott, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/730d54dc-09bc-4c69-87e9-af6beaff3cb9/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sabrina Walcott
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, BC
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11226 (Online Only)
I am committed to providing individualized care to persons across the lifespan. In my role as a Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I consider myself an agent of care to our society’s most vulnerable individuals. Personally, I pride myself in proving optimal restorative healing to others. I believe that the most important part of patient care is putting the patient's needs first and allowing them to be the focal point of the plan of care to foster a better patient relationship and outcomes.
I am committed to providing individualized care to persons across the lifespan. In my role as a Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I consider myself an agent of care to our society’s most vulnerable individuals. Personally, I pride myself in proving optimal restorative healing to others. I believe that the most important part of patient care is putting the patient's needs first and allowing them to be the focal point of the plan of care to foster a better patient relationship and outcomes.
![Photo of Keri Karman, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f6f39c0a-6e9a-48a3-ba97-0b9c5afade88/2/320x400.jpeg)
Keri Karman
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11226 (Online Only)
Hello and nice to meet you! My name is Keri Karman and I have 2+ years of experience providing medication management services to clients from various backgrounds.
Hello and nice to meet you! My name is Keri Karman and I have 2+ years of experience providing medication management services to clients from various backgrounds.
![Photo of Hong Kim, PMHNP, NP-P, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/453f3713-aee5-4670-81e4-6d1329ef2b14/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a board-certified psychiatric NP, trained at New York University. I specialize in adults, children, adolescents, and geriatrics. My virtual and in-person practices are friendly and confidential spaces where I provide a thorough psychiatric evaluation and personalized medication management. My approach is to always see things from the client’s perspective. My mission is to support my clients while they create more meaningful progress in life. I use my expertise to help them find harmony between mind and body. I think mental health care can be a spiritual, and yet a scientific way for the client to look into their soul.
I am a board-certified psychiatric NP, trained at New York University. I specialize in adults, children, adolescents, and geriatrics. My virtual and in-person practices are friendly and confidential spaces where I provide a thorough psychiatric evaluation and personalized medication management. My approach is to always see things from the client’s perspective. My mission is to support my clients while they create more meaningful progress in life. I use my expertise to help them find harmony between mind and body. I think mental health care can be a spiritual, and yet a scientific way for the client to look into their soul.
![Photo of Clint George, PMHDNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0987d8e0-be31-42d3-adcd-d425fd7611c1/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 13 years of mental health experience. Having studied men’s peripartum depression for my doctoral degree, I am eager to help individuals manage peripartum anxiety/depression. I also genuinely enjoy working with those struggling with ADHD, sleep disorders, or bipolar disorder. Working with me, we will discuss your medication options to help alleviate symptoms that are interfering with your life.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 13 years of mental health experience. Having studied men’s peripartum depression for my doctoral degree, I am eager to help individuals manage peripartum anxiety/depression. I also genuinely enjoy working with those struggling with ADHD, sleep disorders, or bipolar disorder. Working with me, we will discuss your medication options to help alleviate symptoms that are interfering with your life.
![Photo of James Valinoti, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e6f87d0-0284-4939-9225-92f84349fe01/1/320x400.jpeg)
James Valinoti
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11226 (Online Only)
My name is James Valinoti. I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental health Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-BC. I see clients across the lifespan including young children. I treat numerous areas of psychiatry including, ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar, PTSD and Trauma, sleep and appetite, Schizophrenia, and disorders involving: OCD, ODD, personality, and eating disorders. I also treat addiction.
My name is James Valinoti. I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental health Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-BC. I see clients across the lifespan including young children. I treat numerous areas of psychiatry including, ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar, PTSD and Trauma, sleep and appetite, Schizophrenia, and disorders involving: OCD, ODD, personality, and eating disorders. I also treat addiction.
![Photo of Yandama Bangura - Quality Telehealth NP in Psychiatry, PLLC, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/159b693d-c1c3-41cd-aff0-64a0325d86b0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Quality Telehealth NP in Psychiatry, PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11226 (Online Only)
Hello! My name is Yandama Bangura and I'm a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience in outpatient mental health. I received my graduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing in 2016. I am a dedicated and compassionate psychiatric nurse practitioner with a passion for improving mental health and well-being. With a firm belief in the power of both modern medicine and integrative approaches, I am committed to providing comprehensive and holistic care to my clients. I believe in providing non-judgmental, compassionate, and empathetic care.
Hello! My name is Yandama Bangura and I'm a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience in outpatient mental health. I received my graduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing in 2016. I am a dedicated and compassionate psychiatric nurse practitioner with a passion for improving mental health and well-being. With a firm belief in the power of both modern medicine and integrative approaches, I am committed to providing comprehensive and holistic care to my clients. I believe in providing non-judgmental, compassionate, and empathetic care.
![Photo of Samantha Vassor, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/160ca6cf-c023-4870-90cc-de6f7e98a687/1/320x400.jpeg)
Samantha Vassor
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11226 (Online Only)
Whether you are experiencing mood swings, life transitions, lack of motivation, trauma, or may just have a general need for a safe, nonjudgmental and open space to process life’s obstacles, I am here to walk alongside you on your journey towards healing. My name is Samantha Vassor and I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. With several years of behavioral health experience across the life spans in underserved populations within various settings, and witnessing the effects of underestimated and overlooked mental health needs of close loved ones, I bring empathy, enthusiasm, and compassion to the field.
Whether you are experiencing mood swings, life transitions, lack of motivation, trauma, or may just have a general need for a safe, nonjudgmental and open space to process life’s obstacles, I am here to walk alongside you on your journey towards healing. My name is Samantha Vassor and I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. With several years of behavioral health experience across the life spans in underserved populations within various settings, and witnessing the effects of underestimated and overlooked mental health needs of close loved ones, I bring empathy, enthusiasm, and compassion to the field.
See more therapy options for 11226
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 11226
20+
Average cost per session
$180
Psychiatrists in 11226 who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
95% | Bipolar Disorder |
81% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
81% | Trauma and PTSD |
71% | ADHD |
71% | Medication Management |
Average years in practice
6 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
90% | Cigna and Evernorth |
75% | Aetna |
75% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in 11226 see their clients
80% | Online Only | |
20% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
85% | Female | |
15% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 11226?
The Psychology Today Directory enables you to search specifically for psychiatrists, using the drop down provider menu in the navigation bar, by city or zip code, or by the name of the psychiatrist. Search results provide detailed profiles of professionals, including their treatment approach and areas of expertise. In addition, listings provide important information about each psychiatrist’s credentials, fees, payment options, and insurance affiliations. Directory users can select psychiatrists who meet an array of personally-desired criteria, such as familiarity with a specific community or condition.
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
Psychiatrists are medical specialists who focus on understanding, diagnosing, and treating diseases of the brain and disorders of the mind and behavior. As physicians, psychiatrists are trained to recognize the often-subtle biological causes of mental disorders and to monitor the effects of mental disturbances on physical conditions, such as heart disease. Psychologists are especially attuned to the influence of early experience on development and behavior, emotional and cognitive processes, the nature of personality, and social functioning. They are also trained to deploy an array of psychological tests—IQ tests, personality tests, behavioral assessments—to gauge a person’s functioning.
What is a psychiatric nurse practitioner?
A psychiatric nurse practitioner, also known as a mental health nurse practitioner, is a registered nurse who completes advanced training in psychiatric care, earning either a master’s or doctoral degree in psychiatric nursing, and in the U.S., passes a national certification exam. Like psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. In some locales, psychiatric nurse practitioners can offer the full range of psychiatric care, including prescribing and managing medication. In other places, they must work in collaboration with a physician.
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed psychiatrist?
The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and counselors. All psychiatrists listed in the directory have a valid license issued by the state(s) in which they practice and are certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some individuals or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
Can a psychiatrist prescribe medication?
Psychiatrists are licensed medical doctors who are trained to recognize the many ways body processes affect the functioning of the brain and mind. As physicians, they can prescribe medication. Patients who are prescribed medications will typically need to continue to see a psychiatrist so that the effects of the medication can be monitored. For many psychiatric conditions, including common disorders such as anxiety and depression, the preferred treatment is combination therapy—medication accompanied by psychotherapy.
Do psychiatrists offer therapy?
Psychiatrists are generally trained in a number of treatment modalities, including psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, and, increasingly, somatic therapies. Typically, psychiatrists make a diagnosis and determine a course of treatment based on chemical or biological factors, using lab tests, brain scans and physical and psychological evaluations. While psychotherapy may be used in the first session to aid in diagnosis, it is not typically utilized in subsequent visits. In fact, after the introductory session, most sessions with a psychiatrist may only be 15-20 minutes in length and are largely focused on medication management. Many psychiatrists who do not offer psychotherapy work collaboratively with psychologists and other mental health clinicians and can refer clients seeking talk therapy to those providers.
How do I know if I need a psychiatrist or a therapist?
It is not always easy to know which type of mental health practitioner to choose. Many people are unaware of the root of their mental or behavioral problem. One way many people learn which type of care is best for them is by seeing their primary care provider first. Depending on the nature and severity of the symptoms, the physician may review their medical history or perform medical tests to determine whether biological factors are involved before making a referral. It is not necessary for a person to know precisely what type of care they need in order to seek help. Many psychiatrists and psychologists refer clients to each other depending on client needs.
Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist?
A referral to a psychiatrist is often not required. However, seeing your primary care physician first can be helpful and actually prove to be a shortcut to getting what you need. Your PCP may have a clear idea whether psychiatric help is needed and/or which kind of mental health care would be most beneficial and refer you to the right type of practitioner. For that reason alone, some psychiatrists require a referral. Further, many insurance plans require a referral from a PCP if they cover all of part of the cost of seeing a specialist; if, however, you are paying out of pocket, you may not need a referral. In any case, a referral may speed the process of securing an appointment with a psychiatrist, especially in areas where there is a shortage of mental health specialists and new patients face long waits for appointments.