Psychiatrists in 20009
![Photo of Seth Gabriel Rosenblatt, MD, MPH, MA, FAPA, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c310dfa3-a241-4a1f-8271-e8ddef85e87c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Seth Gabriel Rosenblatt
Psychiatrist, MD, MPH, MA, FAPA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20009
I specialize in working with the LGBTQIA+ community and dual-diagnosis substance use disorders and mental health. I use compassionate talk therapy and medication management for my clients with a strong emphasis on relationship building and trust in our sessions. I am now accepting in-person patients at my new in person practice Vive Treatment Centers in Washington, DC! For telehealth, I am licensed to conduct intakes and follow ups in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. I completed my residency in Adult Psychiatry at George Washington University and am on staff at several area hospitals.
I specialize in working with the LGBTQIA+ community and dual-diagnosis substance use disorders and mental health. I use compassionate talk therapy and medication management for my clients with a strong emphasis on relationship building and trust in our sessions. I am now accepting in-person patients at my new in person practice Vive Treatment Centers in Washington, DC! For telehealth, I am licensed to conduct intakes and follow ups in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. I completed my residency in Adult Psychiatry at George Washington University and am on staff at several area hospitals.
![Photo of Daniel M Podell, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e7f1f9a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a psychiatrist and psychotherapist who treats adults and older adolescents with a wide range of psychological difficulties. My treatment approach stems from both my medical/psychiatric background and my extensive training in insight-oriented psychotherapy. In a comfortable and supportive atmosphere, I offer a highly personalized approach tailored to the individual needs of each of my patients. I work with patients to help them better understand the nature of the difficulties they have been facing, and identify and make lasting progress towards their personal goals.
I am a psychiatrist and psychotherapist who treats adults and older adolescents with a wide range of psychological difficulties. My treatment approach stems from both my medical/psychiatric background and my extensive training in insight-oriented psychotherapy. In a comfortable and supportive atmosphere, I offer a highly personalized approach tailored to the individual needs of each of my patients. I work with patients to help them better understand the nature of the difficulties they have been facing, and identify and make lasting progress towards their personal goals.
![Photo of Jason Wexler, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/514e422f-e75c-4a93-ae7c-d221e253fc75/3/320x400.jpeg)
Life is far from perfect. Everyone experiences loss, unforeseen change, and anxiety provoking stress. When these stresses become so powerful that they interfere with our work, self-care, or relationships, it is important to remember that we are not alone and help is available. With bravery, you can seek help and begin to heal. My goal is to help those who are facing these difficulties. I received my psychiatric training at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Adult Psychiatry. With this experience, I am able to diagnose and treat a broad range of psychiatric illnesses, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, and eating disorders.
Life is far from perfect. Everyone experiences loss, unforeseen change, and anxiety provoking stress. When these stresses become so powerful that they interfere with our work, self-care, or relationships, it is important to remember that we are not alone and help is available. With bravery, you can seek help and begin to heal. My goal is to help those who are facing these difficulties. I received my psychiatric training at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Adult Psychiatry. With this experience, I am able to diagnose and treat a broad range of psychiatric illnesses, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, and eating disorders.
![Photo of Lisa Hadley - Lisa Hadley, M.D. - DC and NY, MD, JD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46d386df-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
New patients welcome! Video or in person. Openings within 1-2 weeks. In person in New York City or Washington, DC. Video available for patients in MD, DC, VA, NY, NJ, NM or IA. My practice focuses on psychiatric consultation and medication management. I look forward to discussing your medication needs with you. I will work closely with your therapist to ensure the best possible results for you. My practice is limited to adults. I have 20+ years experience working with people with psychiatric needs.
New patients welcome! Video or in person. Openings within 1-2 weeks. In person in New York City or Washington, DC. Video available for patients in MD, DC, VA, NY, NJ, NM or IA. My practice focuses on psychiatric consultation and medication management. I look forward to discussing your medication needs with you. I will work closely with your therapist to ensure the best possible results for you. My practice is limited to adults. I have 20+ years experience working with people with psychiatric needs.
![Photo of Ryan R. Gorman, MSN, RN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/00e94032-bb50-42d3-866c-a3b1ce5626a8/3/320x400.jpeg)
Ryan R. Gorman
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, RN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20009 (Online Only)
I am an experienced mental health clinician with expertise treating depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). I prescribe discerningly for adult clients who would benefit from a medication's role in their healing process. Additionally, I offer insight-oriented, strength-based psychotherapies which support the brain's natural ability to recover from trauma and attachment wounds. Whether you are accessing mental health treatment for the first time or wish to pursue your healing on a deeper level, I look forward to working together.
I am an experienced mental health clinician with expertise treating depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). I prescribe discerningly for adult clients who would benefit from a medication's role in their healing process. Additionally, I offer insight-oriented, strength-based psychotherapies which support the brain's natural ability to recover from trauma and attachment wounds. Whether you are accessing mental health treatment for the first time or wish to pursue your healing on a deeper level, I look forward to working together.
![Photo of Jyotika Devi Vazirani, MSN, CRNP, CNS, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/108f1e4e-5054-4012-8074-afa3392fff52/3/320x400.jpeg)
Jyotika Devi Vazirani
Psychiatric Nurse, MSN, CRNP, CNS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20009
We often come into our personal behaviors, thoughts, & feelings because they have helped us survive our own anxieties. As adults, often habitual patterns of behavior inhibit us from growing into the effective human beings we expect ourselves to become. Freedom, in its broadest sense, can be limited, depending on our own thought patterns, emotions, and our personal responses/reactions to our emotions. Together, we can look at patterns of behavior, private thoughts and feelings with empathy and without judgment. We can explore how freedom of thought and emotional reactivity can help you achieve your personal goals of actualization.
We often come into our personal behaviors, thoughts, & feelings because they have helped us survive our own anxieties. As adults, often habitual patterns of behavior inhibit us from growing into the effective human beings we expect ourselves to become. Freedom, in its broadest sense, can be limited, depending on our own thought patterns, emotions, and our personal responses/reactions to our emotions. Together, we can look at patterns of behavior, private thoughts and feelings with empathy and without judgment. We can explore how freedom of thought and emotional reactivity can help you achieve your personal goals of actualization.
![Photo of Sinan Duzyurek, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3dca3b63-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
My training and clinical experience of 3 decades include general medicine, neuropsychiatry; comprehensive adult psychiatry, sexual medicine, various psychotherapies (such as here-and-now focused therapy); rTMS; esketamine (Spravato) and ketamine treatments; psychiatric genetic testing; and advanced psychopharmacology with integrated supportive psychotherapy / counseling during patient sessions. I employ a multidimensional and integrated approach toward an accurate and comprehensive diagnosis and effective treatment strategies. I am in the clinical faculty at the GWU, Depart. of Psychiatry. (Note: not offering rTMS at this time)
My training and clinical experience of 3 decades include general medicine, neuropsychiatry; comprehensive adult psychiatry, sexual medicine, various psychotherapies (such as here-and-now focused therapy); rTMS; esketamine (Spravato) and ketamine treatments; psychiatric genetic testing; and advanced psychopharmacology with integrated supportive psychotherapy / counseling during patient sessions. I employ a multidimensional and integrated approach toward an accurate and comprehensive diagnosis and effective treatment strategies. I am in the clinical faculty at the GWU, Depart. of Psychiatry. (Note: not offering rTMS at this time)
![Photo of Caroline Bonu - BCB Liberty Healthcare, MSN, PMHMP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a2fdb791-8b07-43b6-897a-b89d93d9d32c/1/320x400.jpeg)
BCB Liberty Healthcare
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHMP
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20009 (Online Only)
I am experienced Mental Health provider with over 10 years of experience working with variety of patients. My goal is to empower everyone I come across so they can get the best of what matter to them. I will take the time to listen and formulate a plan that will work for you. I believe everyone deserve the best care and my job is to provide just that. I am accepting new patient and have immediate opening.
I am experienced Mental Health provider with over 10 years of experience working with variety of patients. My goal is to empower everyone I come across so they can get the best of what matter to them. I will take the time to listen and formulate a plan that will work for you. I believe everyone deserve the best care and my job is to provide just that. I am accepting new patient and have immediate opening.
![Photo of Georgina Rose Chidaushe, PMHNP, -BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7a1d04fe-69ae-4f14-8d89-a24661e5dc85/3/320x400.jpeg)
Georgina Rose Chidaushe
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20009
Hello, I'm Rose! I’m currently accepting new patients! I am board-certified and licensed in Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC. Having worked in a psychiatric hospital, partial hospitalization program (PHP) and out patient office; I have extensive experience working with adults, children and adolescents to manage depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD, autism spectrum and OCD. Prior to graduating as a nurse practitioner, I had 12 years nursing experience working in neurology, psychiatry, hospice and pain management.
Hello, I'm Rose! I’m currently accepting new patients! I am board-certified and licensed in Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC. Having worked in a psychiatric hospital, partial hospitalization program (PHP) and out patient office; I have extensive experience working with adults, children and adolescents to manage depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD, autism spectrum and OCD. Prior to graduating as a nurse practitioner, I had 12 years nursing experience working in neurology, psychiatry, hospice and pain management.
![Photo of Vivian Tantoh Mondo - Arise & Shine Health Center, LLC, DNP, APRN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/782bf40a-5900-4647-b0af-d631a1517132/2/320x400.jpeg)
Arise & Shine Health Center, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20009
At Arise & Shine our patients satisfaction is our number 1 priority. Our goal is to be able to create an environment, where people will be comfortable in sharing their feelings, experiences and mental health problems. We work with children and adolescents struggling with significant mood and behavioral dysregulation related to Autism Spectrum Disorder, anxiety and ADHD. Our experience extends to college age. We will work with you to take control of your life so that you can be in charge once again. We are compassionate, warm, and welcoming mental health providers who focus on changing the lives of our patients .
At Arise & Shine our patients satisfaction is our number 1 priority. Our goal is to be able to create an environment, where people will be comfortable in sharing their feelings, experiences and mental health problems. We work with children and adolescents struggling with significant mood and behavioral dysregulation related to Autism Spectrum Disorder, anxiety and ADHD. Our experience extends to college age. We will work with you to take control of your life so that you can be in charge once again. We are compassionate, warm, and welcoming mental health providers who focus on changing the lives of our patients .
![Photo of Dr. Tai Ajani, DNP, APRN, PMH-BC, AGNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6e9df081-5b98-429c-9ed2-b886466733ab/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Tai Ajani
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMH-BC, AGNP-BC
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20009
Dr. Tai Ajani, DNP, PMHNP-BC, AGPCNP-BC is doctoral-prepared, dual board-certified in psychiatric mental health and adult gerontology nurse practitioner. She has more than 20 years of experience as a healthcare provider and has delivered high-quality health care to multicultural patients in outpatient and inpatient settings. At MindBodyPinnacle Health in Maryland, she offers holistic psychiatric care to individuals over the age 10 years.
Dr. Tai Ajani, DNP, PMHNP-BC, AGPCNP-BC is doctoral-prepared, dual board-certified in psychiatric mental health and adult gerontology nurse practitioner. She has more than 20 years of experience as a healthcare provider and has delivered high-quality health care to multicultural patients in outpatient and inpatient settings. At MindBodyPinnacle Health in Maryland, she offers holistic psychiatric care to individuals over the age 10 years.
![Photo of Kerniba Ghoneim, DNP, PMHNP, CMHIMP, MBL, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6086c353-adfe-47cb-ad16-9412b03a2f7e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kerniba Ghoneim
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, CMHIMP, MBL
Verified Verified
13 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20009 (Online Only)
Licensed in MD, DC, VA. Dr. Ghoneim is a board-certified Doctorate Psychiatric Mental Nurse Practitioner (DNP, PMHNP-BC) and a Certified Mental Health Integrative Medicine Provider (CMHIMP). She incorporates complementary therapies, such as nutrition, vitamins, and supplementation, into conventional psychiatry methods. Holistic and individualized care are used to identify and address the root cause of your personal and professional challenges. She prescribes medications conservatively, safely, and effectively. She treats all ages (8yrs and up) and accepts most major insurance payers. Request an assessment at www.vigorintegrative.com
Licensed in MD, DC, VA. Dr. Ghoneim is a board-certified Doctorate Psychiatric Mental Nurse Practitioner (DNP, PMHNP-BC) and a Certified Mental Health Integrative Medicine Provider (CMHIMP). She incorporates complementary therapies, such as nutrition, vitamins, and supplementation, into conventional psychiatry methods. Holistic and individualized care are used to identify and address the root cause of your personal and professional challenges. She prescribes medications conservatively, safely, and effectively. She treats all ages (8yrs and up) and accepts most major insurance payers. Request an assessment at www.vigorintegrative.com
![Photo of Falk W Lohoff, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e214bbe-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am double Board certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine and specialize in the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders, ADHD and addictions. I completed my training at the University of Pennsylvania and have special interest in neuropsychopharmacology and psychotherapy. My overall goal is to alleviate your symptoms and increase your quality of life.
I am double Board certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine and specialize in the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders, ADHD and addictions. I completed my training at the University of Pennsylvania and have special interest in neuropsychopharmacology and psychotherapy. My overall goal is to alleviate your symptoms and increase your quality of life.
![Photo of Lynne Gaby, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/409ec899-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I have a particular focus on trauma-related symptoms, which can include PTSD, dissociation, depression, and anxiety. I do not believe that medications are a magic bullet, but for many they are an important part of the road back to health. I am open to hearing your viewpoint and beliefs about what will make you healthy, and if you feel you need something that I cannot provide I will try to help you find it. In addition to working with the emotional/psychiatric consequences of trauma, I have experience working with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and with individuals with chronic medical illnesses.
I have a particular focus on trauma-related symptoms, which can include PTSD, dissociation, depression, and anxiety. I do not believe that medications are a magic bullet, but for many they are an important part of the road back to health. I am open to hearing your viewpoint and beliefs about what will make you healthy, and if you feel you need something that I cannot provide I will try to help you find it. In addition to working with the emotional/psychiatric consequences of trauma, I have experience working with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and with individuals with chronic medical illnesses.
![Photo of Jason M Rosen, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c0f63f2-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
The unique nature of my practice and approach to therapy stem from my medical training and advanced training in insight-oriented psychotherapy. Although I have a strong background in psychiatric diagnosis and medical management, I believe strongly in a holistic approach to therapy.
The unique nature of my practice and approach to therapy stem from my medical training and advanced training in insight-oriented psychotherapy. Although I have a strong background in psychiatric diagnosis and medical management, I believe strongly in a holistic approach to therapy.
![Photo of Maheen Patel, MD, FAPA, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bfe8878-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Maheen Patel
Psychiatrist, MD, FAPA
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20009
Not accepting new clients
Psychiatric care should be enlivening, enlightening and deeply healing: A secure, comfortable, collaborative place to negotiate your deepest concerns, navigate your darkest fears and overcome your staunchest impediments. My style is warm and compassionate, yet dynamic and evocative, readily engaging others in a manner that enhances their insight, as well as my own. Passionate in my purpose, I infuse the breadth of my knowledge, skill and experience with formidable intuition and deep empathy to help my patients achieve greater clarity, purpose, richness and joy in their lives.
Psychiatric care should be enlivening, enlightening and deeply healing: A secure, comfortable, collaborative place to negotiate your deepest concerns, navigate your darkest fears and overcome your staunchest impediments. My style is warm and compassionate, yet dynamic and evocative, readily engaging others in a manner that enhances their insight, as well as my own. Passionate in my purpose, I infuse the breadth of my knowledge, skill and experience with formidable intuition and deep empathy to help my patients achieve greater clarity, purpose, richness and joy in their lives.
![Photo of Bruce S Hill, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ee352ea-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Do you feel disconnected from close relationships, despite being surrounded by technology and social media 24/7? Are anxiety, trauma and low mood robbing you of the joy and spontaneity of life? Together, my clients and I walk through the biological, mental and emotional aspects of these conditions and gain an understanding of their origins as well as hidden strengths each of us has at our core. There is much to be discovered in all of us. With sensitive and timely use of medication and psychotherapy, these struggles and strengths begin to reveal themselves in fulfilling ways that restore meaning and function to our lives.
Do you feel disconnected from close relationships, despite being surrounded by technology and social media 24/7? Are anxiety, trauma and low mood robbing you of the joy and spontaneity of life? Together, my clients and I walk through the biological, mental and emotional aspects of these conditions and gain an understanding of their origins as well as hidden strengths each of us has at our core. There is much to be discovered in all of us. With sensitive and timely use of medication and psychotherapy, these struggles and strengths begin to reveal themselves in fulfilling ways that restore meaning and function to our lives.
![Photo of Matthew J Lyman, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/481234d2-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I've worked in outpatient mental health clinics, on a mobile team performing community-based interventions, and as a specialty psychiatric provider within a primary care group practice. I have a wide range of experiences in providing pharmacological interventions to promote improved mental health, quality of life and general well-being. I take an approach that is collaborative in decision making for medication interventions, providing education, weighing risks and benefits, and considering each person's unique goals for wellness with respect and empathy. I'm inclined to be cognizant of social and cultural factors in approaching treatment and strive toward cultural competence in many forms.
I've worked in outpatient mental health clinics, on a mobile team performing community-based interventions, and as a specialty psychiatric provider within a primary care group practice. I have a wide range of experiences in providing pharmacological interventions to promote improved mental health, quality of life and general well-being. I take an approach that is collaborative in decision making for medication interventions, providing education, weighing risks and benefits, and considering each person's unique goals for wellness with respect and empathy. I'm inclined to be cognizant of social and cultural factors in approaching treatment and strive toward cultural competence in many forms.
![Photo of Dr. Renee Diane Parisi, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1b55fdb2-2d18-4944-a958-69e9f7685b6b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Renee Diane Parisi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
18 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20009 (Online Only)
The ideal client for me is someone who is seeking comprehensive and holistic mental health care to help them recover from past trauma, including disenfranchised grief (pet loss, perinatal loss, and others). This individual is open to exploring various treatment modalities beyond traditional Western medications and understands the importance of addressing all aspects of their well-being, including physical health, nutrition, sleep, and herbal supplements.
The ideal client for me is someone who is seeking comprehensive and holistic mental health care to help them recover from past trauma, including disenfranchised grief (pet loss, perinatal loss, and others). This individual is open to exploring various treatment modalities beyond traditional Western medications and understands the importance of addressing all aspects of their well-being, including physical health, nutrition, sleep, and herbal supplements.
![Photo of Rita Chioma, DNP, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46afbe0d-546e-422e-b0dc-d23e5e9c54d0/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hi, my name is Dr. Rita Chioma! I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse and Acute Care Nurse (PHMNP-BC, ACNP-BC) in Maryland and the District of Columbia, with over 20 years of clinical experience. I am patient-oriented and committed to providing optimum care to psychiatric mental health patients via telehealth to meet their needs. As a mental health specialist, I believe it is of the utmost importance to be open-minded, listen attentively to my patients, and take pleasure in maintaining the well-being of my patients!
Hi, my name is Dr. Rita Chioma! I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse and Acute Care Nurse (PHMNP-BC, ACNP-BC) in Maryland and the District of Columbia, with over 20 years of clinical experience. I am patient-oriented and committed to providing optimum care to psychiatric mental health patients via telehealth to meet their needs. As a mental health specialist, I believe it is of the utmost importance to be open-minded, listen attentively to my patients, and take pleasure in maintaining the well-being of my patients!
See more therapy options for 20009
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 20009
20+
Average cost per session
$207
Psychiatrists in 20009 who prioritize treating:
95% | Trauma and PTSD |
86% | Depression |
86% | Anxiety |
82% | Bipolar Disorder |
82% | Medication Management |
73% | ADHD |
73% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
15 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
70% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
70% | Cigna and Evernorth |
70% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in 20009 see their clients
82% | In Person and Online | |
18% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
65% | Female | |
35% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 20009?
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.