Psychiatrists in 22191
![Photo of Catherine N Ben-Agu - Covenant Behavioral Health LLC, PMHNP, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6160010a-eb31-474e-92fe-3ea1fe5d4ac1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Covenant Behavioral Health LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MSN
Verified Verified
Woodbridge, VA 22191 (Online Only)
Catherine Ben-Agu is a board certified licensed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse practitioner in the state of Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC. She has 8years of experience in psychiatry. Catherine attended Walden University where she completed her bachelors and masters degree in nursing. Through her many years of experience, she has been able to partner with children, adolescents, adults, and geriatric clients seeking help with diverse psychiatric problems. Catherine facilitate significant improvement in client’s presenting symptoms through proper assessment, accurate diagnoses, prescriptions, treatment, and evaluation
Catherine Ben-Agu is a board certified licensed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse practitioner in the state of Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC. She has 8years of experience in psychiatry. Catherine attended Walden University where she completed her bachelors and masters degree in nursing. Through her many years of experience, she has been able to partner with children, adolescents, adults, and geriatric clients seeking help with diverse psychiatric problems. Catherine facilitate significant improvement in client’s presenting symptoms through proper assessment, accurate diagnoses, prescriptions, treatment, and evaluation
![Photo of Adekunbi Akins, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7a3ff247-cead-42df-a8e8-772b481143de/1/320x400.jpeg)
Adekunbi Akins
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Woodbridge, VA 22191 (Online Only)
Description Hi, I am an experienced psychiatric and mental health provider and a professional talk therapist serving clients from Virginia and DC. I graduated with my Masters degree from George Washington University with Cum laude. I have strong expertise in conducting a thorough assessment and diagnosis of clients across lifespan.
Description Hi, I am an experienced psychiatric and mental health provider and a professional talk therapist serving clients from Virginia and DC. I graduated with my Masters degree from George Washington University with Cum laude. I have strong expertise in conducting a thorough assessment and diagnosis of clients across lifespan.
![Photo of Albert Quainoo, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/847c6041-5811-4fe3-9849-e581f383cb40/2/320x400.jpeg)
Need URGENT psychiatric care? Call 888-877-7022 now to start your healing journey. We understand how stress, anxiety, ADHD, depression, burnout, & overwhelming emotions can prevent you from living your best life. At AB Holistic, we believe in a compassionate, integrative approach. We offer personalized treatment plans that include traditional medications, therapy, counseling & holistic therapies to address the root causes of your distress. We're dedicated to supporting you every step of the way. Find the relief you deserve. We're conveniently located, offer flexible hours, and have telehealth options available. Call today.
Need URGENT psychiatric care? Call 888-877-7022 now to start your healing journey. We understand how stress, anxiety, ADHD, depression, burnout, & overwhelming emotions can prevent you from living your best life. At AB Holistic, we believe in a compassionate, integrative approach. We offer personalized treatment plans that include traditional medications, therapy, counseling & holistic therapies to address the root causes of your distress. We're dedicated to supporting you every step of the way. Find the relief you deserve. We're conveniently located, offer flexible hours, and have telehealth options available. Call today.
![Photo of Helen Lancy, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d5b870e-271a-4e79-b046-d5e7eaf88591/2/320x400.jpeg)
Helen Lancy
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Woodbridge, VA 22191 (Online Only)
Helen Lancy is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner with a Master’s in Nursing from Spring Arbor University, pursuing a Doctor of Nursing in Psychiatric Mental Health from the University of Missouri. With four years of adult-gerontology psychiatry experience, she specializes in anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, and trauma in adults 18+. Passionate about providing evidence-based, compassionate care, Helen is dedicated to serving patients from diverse backgrounds, particularly those in underserved communities. Helen champions patient empowerment, guiding her patients to take control of their health and emotional wellbeing.
Helen Lancy is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner with a Master’s in Nursing from Spring Arbor University, pursuing a Doctor of Nursing in Psychiatric Mental Health from the University of Missouri. With four years of adult-gerontology psychiatry experience, she specializes in anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, and trauma in adults 18+. Passionate about providing evidence-based, compassionate care, Helen is dedicated to serving patients from diverse backgrounds, particularly those in underserved communities. Helen champions patient empowerment, guiding her patients to take control of their health and emotional wellbeing.
![Photo of Mildred Sarpong, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6491a269-64d6-4a05-8e30-d9a859274b95/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner with training and experience treating patients with psychiatric disorders across the lifespan. I completed my Master of Science in Nursing Degree at Walden University. I have worked in many different capacities as a mental health provider including working with adults, children, and families across the lifespan.
I am a board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner with training and experience treating patients with psychiatric disorders across the lifespan. I completed my Master of Science in Nursing Degree at Walden University. I have worked in many different capacities as a mental health provider including working with adults, children, and families across the lifespan.
![Photo of Rose Ehichioya, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ba16700b-f155-43c6-90eb-87b6e5dc06f3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Rose Ehichioya
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Woodbridge, VA 22191 (Online Only)
I'm Rose. Do you feel overwhelmed with life and feel like you don't know what to do? Are you struggling to keep up with your relationships, work and health? Is it hard to be kind to yourself and others? I help high performers manage anxiety and avoid burnout. Together, we can identify what's not working and get you back to balance. We'll use a whole self approach, addressing the needs of your mind, body and spirit. I also integrate non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatments to help you develop a stronger relationship with yourself and others.
I'm Rose. Do you feel overwhelmed with life and feel like you don't know what to do? Are you struggling to keep up with your relationships, work and health? Is it hard to be kind to yourself and others? I help high performers manage anxiety and avoid burnout. Together, we can identify what's not working and get you back to balance. We'll use a whole self approach, addressing the needs of your mind, body and spirit. I also integrate non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatments to help you develop a stronger relationship with yourself and others.
![Photo of Husam K Alathari, MD, FAPA, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/146d8770-d7f6-4fb7-9750-640676bd9178/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Alathari is Board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and the American Board of Addiction Medicine. He is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the George Washington University Medical Center. He is also Medical Director of the INOVA Comprehensive Addiction Treatment Services and Medical Director of Fairfax Methadone Treatment Center
Dr. Alathari is Board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and the American Board of Addiction Medicine. He is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the George Washington University Medical Center. He is also Medical Director of the INOVA Comprehensive Addiction Treatment Services and Medical Director of Fairfax Methadone Treatment Center
![Photo of Mizpah Amados, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6709e798-552c-40cd-8210-4ac9a0cbae8d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hi there, My name is Mizpah. I am a Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Do you feel like you are no longer the old you?
Hi there, My name is Mizpah. I am a Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Do you feel like you are no longer the old you?
![Photo of Adekunbi Akins - AkinsMHS, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ec6341d7-234a-45b8-a88e-a06a89c859c4/1/320x400.jpeg)
lots of young people and adults suffer from ADHD, this has affected their daily function and productivity. My ADHD clients have many options of stimulants and non stimulants medications that have proven effective. Depression hurts, and lots of traumatic events can trigger it. Depression can also be accompanied by symptoms like anxiety, irritability, sleep disturbances, appetite change and chronic pain. Whatever symptoms my clients struggle with, there are proven screening techniques, assessment, evaluation, medications and psychotherapeutic approaches I use to help clients of all ages. You can start living a happy life again!
lots of young people and adults suffer from ADHD, this has affected their daily function and productivity. My ADHD clients have many options of stimulants and non stimulants medications that have proven effective. Depression hurts, and lots of traumatic events can trigger it. Depression can also be accompanied by symptoms like anxiety, irritability, sleep disturbances, appetite change and chronic pain. Whatever symptoms my clients struggle with, there are proven screening techniques, assessment, evaluation, medications and psychotherapeutic approaches I use to help clients of all ages. You can start living a happy life again!
![Photo of Nola Moira Ayoola-Yussuf - Potomac Shores Mental Health & Wellness LLC, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/24d47ff8-a45e-4986-9066-7ad455c8a095/2/320x400.jpeg)
Potomac Shores Mental Health & Wellness LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Woodbridge, VA 22191
We listen, act, and transform. Nola Ayoola is a board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who graduated from Walden University. After graduating, she worked in inpatient and outpatient psychiatric settings where she saw a diverse range of patients. She is passionate about providing quality, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health services to adolescents, adults and geriatric. Nola possesses strong clinical skills enhanced by a natural ability to build rapport with patients and families. She follows evidenced-based guidelines blended with clinical experience, personal observation and intuition.
We listen, act, and transform. Nola Ayoola is a board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who graduated from Walden University. After graduating, she worked in inpatient and outpatient psychiatric settings where she saw a diverse range of patients. She is passionate about providing quality, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health services to adolescents, adults and geriatric. Nola possesses strong clinical skills enhanced by a natural ability to build rapport with patients and families. She follows evidenced-based guidelines blended with clinical experience, personal observation and intuition.
![Photo of Mariah Eze, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/21d83728-5f29-4ea7-9878-2a1bfbf9e13d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Mariah Eze
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Woodbridge, VA 22191 (Online Only)
Looking for a compassionate and emotionally intelligent psychiatric provider? Look no further. Mariah is a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner that is highly skilled in utilizing holistic psychopharmacological evidence based treatment approaches for patients with depression, anxiety, ADHD, substance abuse, stress related disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and various other psychiatric disorders. Mariah demonstrates empathy and active listening skills that allows patients to feel seen and heard. In addition, Mariah provides individualized treatment plans tailored specifically to the needs of each patient.
Looking for a compassionate and emotionally intelligent psychiatric provider? Look no further. Mariah is a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner that is highly skilled in utilizing holistic psychopharmacological evidence based treatment approaches for patients with depression, anxiety, ADHD, substance abuse, stress related disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and various other psychiatric disorders. Mariah demonstrates empathy and active listening skills that allows patients to feel seen and heard. In addition, Mariah provides individualized treatment plans tailored specifically to the needs of each patient.
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![Photo of Dr. Peace Peters, DNP, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e98a5098-968d-4689-8a08-64ed86d8eb25/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Peace Peters
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Woodbridge, VA 22191 (Online Only)
Dr. Peace Peters is a doctoral-trained board-certified family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse practitioner. Dr. Peace specializes across lifespans, treating all ages from children, adolescents, adults and geriatric mental health and wellness. Dr. Peters serves Maryland and Virginia. She has over 20 years of healthcare experience working in different healthcare settings in inpatient and outpatient in the DMV area. Her experience includes working in; general medicine and surgery, bariatric surgery, telemetry, orthopedics, pediatric medicine, Critical Care Unit and long-term care.
Dr. Peace Peters is a doctoral-trained board-certified family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse practitioner. Dr. Peace specializes across lifespans, treating all ages from children, adolescents, adults and geriatric mental health and wellness. Dr. Peters serves Maryland and Virginia. She has over 20 years of healthcare experience working in different healthcare settings in inpatient and outpatient in the DMV area. Her experience includes working in; general medicine and surgery, bariatric surgery, telemetry, orthopedics, pediatric medicine, Critical Care Unit and long-term care.
![Photo of Kelsey Skiljan, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c3905311-8c94-40c6-92a7-c62b96a18633/1/320x400.jpeg)
We all have solutions within us - it is a matter of learning how to tap into these solutions. The most effective way to heal is to focus on your strengths and harness into your available resources while getting the symptoms under control. At Inspire Behavioral Health, we consider all treatment options available and strive to take a balanced and integrative approach. While it’s necessary to target the symptoms that lead someone to get help, it is also important to understand that people are much more than symptoms they are experiencing.
We all have solutions within us - it is a matter of learning how to tap into these solutions. The most effective way to heal is to focus on your strengths and harness into your available resources while getting the symptoms under control. At Inspire Behavioral Health, we consider all treatment options available and strive to take a balanced and integrative approach. While it’s necessary to target the symptoms that lead someone to get help, it is also important to understand that people are much more than symptoms they are experiencing.
![Photo of Brent Coyle, PhD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a15f1206-3afb-402b-9282-a8af86c5f21f/2/320x400.png)
Brent R. Coyle, M.D. is a Board Certified Psychiatrist with the additional distinction of "Distinguished Fellow," with over 36 years of experience in psychiatry in various settings, including inpatient, academic, and outpatient. Dr. Coyle received his M.D. from The University of Minnesota, Mpls. campus, and he completed his Psychiatric Residency at Wilford Hall, USAF Medical Center in San Antonio, TX. His clinical passion is Patient-Centered Care and working in collaboration with Clients to assist them with their mental health and well-being.
Brent R. Coyle, M.D. is a Board Certified Psychiatrist with the additional distinction of "Distinguished Fellow," with over 36 years of experience in psychiatry in various settings, including inpatient, academic, and outpatient. Dr. Coyle received his M.D. from The University of Minnesota, Mpls. campus, and he completed his Psychiatric Residency at Wilford Hall, USAF Medical Center in San Antonio, TX. His clinical passion is Patient-Centered Care and working in collaboration with Clients to assist them with their mental health and well-being.
![Photo of Dr. Chenhang Zou, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6b397680-2d40-4a0f-b479-c7500a3c9f68/1/320x400.jpeg)
Embark on your healing journey with Dr. Zou, a Board-certified psychiatrist who blends the precision of medicine with the art of psychotherapy. Trained at Emory and UAlabama, Dr. Zou is expert at integrating medication management and psychotherapy, including CBT. But her approach is not just about effective treatment; it's about empowering you with self-knowledge and tools for sustainable mental well-being. With Dr. Zou, you can explore a personalized, empathetic approach that resonates uniquely with you.
Embark on your healing journey with Dr. Zou, a Board-certified psychiatrist who blends the precision of medicine with the art of psychotherapy. Trained at Emory and UAlabama, Dr. Zou is expert at integrating medication management and psychotherapy, including CBT. But her approach is not just about effective treatment; it's about empowering you with self-knowledge and tools for sustainable mental well-being. With Dr. Zou, you can explore a personalized, empathetic approach that resonates uniquely with you.
![Photo of Brent Coyle, PhD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e14fea49-dc4d-41c0-a753-b38019c7a449/2/320x400.png)
Brent R. Coyle, M.D. is a Board Certified Psychiatrist with the additional distinction of "Distinguished Fellow," with over 36 years of experience in psychiatry in various settings, including inpatient, academic, and outpatient. Dr. Coyle received his M.D. from The University of Minnesota, Mpls. campus, and he completed his Psychiatric Residency at Wilford Hall, USAF Medical Center in San Antonio, TX. His clinical passion is Patient-Centered Care and working in collaboration with Clients to assist them with their mental health and well-being.
Brent R. Coyle, M.D. is a Board Certified Psychiatrist with the additional distinction of "Distinguished Fellow," with over 36 years of experience in psychiatry in various settings, including inpatient, academic, and outpatient. Dr. Coyle received his M.D. from The University of Minnesota, Mpls. campus, and he completed his Psychiatric Residency at Wilford Hall, USAF Medical Center in San Antonio, TX. His clinical passion is Patient-Centered Care and working in collaboration with Clients to assist them with their mental health and well-being.
![Photo of Ijaz Rasul - Piedmont Behavioral Services, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4d4fc2fa-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
We provide Child, Adult Psychiatry, Therapy and Substance abuse services including Suboxone Treatment in our Virginia location in Lansdowne/Ashburn in addition to video appointment across Virginia. Our Board Certified Psychiatrists are available to help everyday and we can offer same day appointments. Telepsychiatry uses video link (via computer or smartphone) to offer appointments from home or outside clinic. It offers the option to see a psychiatrist any time as long as you have access to your smart phone or computer. Please use our website or below link to make an appointment. https://piedmontbs.com/telepsychiatry/
We provide Child, Adult Psychiatry, Therapy and Substance abuse services including Suboxone Treatment in our Virginia location in Lansdowne/Ashburn in addition to video appointment across Virginia. Our Board Certified Psychiatrists are available to help everyday and we can offer same day appointments. Telepsychiatry uses video link (via computer or smartphone) to offer appointments from home or outside clinic. It offers the option to see a psychiatrist any time as long as you have access to your smart phone or computer. Please use our website or below link to make an appointment. https://piedmontbs.com/telepsychiatry/
![Photo of Dr. Morgan Alexander, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/60aa1fe7-3ee0-4640-b8e1-45cb2a71d38f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Meet Dr. Alexander: a psychiatrist with a distinctive blend of empathy and expertise. Trained at Wright State University with a focus on integrating psychotherapy and psychopharmacology, Dr. Alexander excels in delivering personalized treatment plans with proven effectiveness. She actively engages with the narratives that shape patients' lives, forging therapeutic alliances as unique as the individuals she serves. This patient-first approach, combined with a rich background in community engagement, positions Dr. Alexander as a psychiatrist who understands the complexities of the complete human experience - mind, body and spirit.
Meet Dr. Alexander: a psychiatrist with a distinctive blend of empathy and expertise. Trained at Wright State University with a focus on integrating psychotherapy and psychopharmacology, Dr. Alexander excels in delivering personalized treatment plans with proven effectiveness. She actively engages with the narratives that shape patients' lives, forging therapeutic alliances as unique as the individuals she serves. This patient-first approach, combined with a rich background in community engagement, positions Dr. Alexander as a psychiatrist who understands the complexities of the complete human experience - mind, body and spirit.
![Photo of Mary Hart-Johnson, MSN, FNP-C, PMHNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bba5c2a8-0108-4542-a871-c8ee5164fc39/2/320x400.jpeg)
Mary Hart-Johnson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, FNP-C, PMHNP-C
Verified Verified
Woodbridge, VA 22191
My patients come to me with a variety of issues, including depression, anxiety, panic disorder, problems with attention and focus, work performance and academic difficulties, and relationship problems. They seek help to relieve their suffering and improve their ability to function in their daily lives. Given my education, training and experience working in Primary/Urgent Care practices as a Family Nurse Practitioner and working for 15 years in private practice as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I am able to offer an approach to treatment that focuses on the whole person to achieve an optimum level of physical and mental health.
My patients come to me with a variety of issues, including depression, anxiety, panic disorder, problems with attention and focus, work performance and academic difficulties, and relationship problems. They seek help to relieve their suffering and improve their ability to function in their daily lives. Given my education, training and experience working in Primary/Urgent Care practices as a Family Nurse Practitioner and working for 15 years in private practice as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I am able to offer an approach to treatment that focuses on the whole person to achieve an optimum level of physical and mental health.
![Photo of Dr. Morgan Alexander, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/06096950-c11a-4695-a1fb-7873cf11bb02/1/320x400.jpeg)
Meet Dr. Alexander: a psychiatrist with a distinctive blend of empathy and expertise. Trained at Wright State University with a focus on integrating psychotherapy and psychopharmacology, Dr. Alexander excels in delivering personalized treatment plans with proven effectiveness. She actively engages with the narratives that shape patients' lives, forging therapeutic alliances as unique as the individuals she serves. This patient-first approach, combined with a rich background in community engagement, positions Dr. Alexander as a psychiatrist who understands the complexities of the complete human experience - mind, body and spirit.
Meet Dr. Alexander: a psychiatrist with a distinctive blend of empathy and expertise. Trained at Wright State University with a focus on integrating psychotherapy and psychopharmacology, Dr. Alexander excels in delivering personalized treatment plans with proven effectiveness. She actively engages with the narratives that shape patients' lives, forging therapeutic alliances as unique as the individuals she serves. This patient-first approach, combined with a rich background in community engagement, positions Dr. Alexander as a psychiatrist who understands the complexities of the complete human experience - mind, body and spirit.
See more therapy options for 22191
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 22191
20+
Average cost per session
$200
Psychiatrists in 22191 who prioritize treating:
96% | Depression |
96% | Anxiety |
96% | Bipolar Disorder |
85% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
74% | Medication Management |
70% | Trauma and PTSD |
63% | ADHD |
Average years in practice
9 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
100% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
91% | Aetna |
How Psychiatrists in 22191 see their clients
52% | In Person and Online | |
48% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
85% | Female | |
15% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 22191?
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.