Psychiatrists in 22201
![Photo of Jane Sullivan, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d84c7f1e-7786-4c11-acf2-13623569ae6b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jane Sullivan is a Nurse Practitioner in Washington, DC who has been practicing since 1997. She has an undergraduate degree from the University of Vermont and a Master's Degree from Rivier University. Jane thoroughly assesses clients for individualized treatment to include medication management to be monitored and continually assessed together with client input to attain stabilization and ability to live their fullest potential. Jane is originally from Boston but has lived throughout the US. She enjoys spending time with family, friends, and neighbors, as well as her son's dog FEN (short for Fenway Park).
Jane Sullivan is a Nurse Practitioner in Washington, DC who has been practicing since 1997. She has an undergraduate degree from the University of Vermont and a Master's Degree from Rivier University. Jane thoroughly assesses clients for individualized treatment to include medication management to be monitored and continually assessed together with client input to attain stabilization and ability to live their fullest potential. Jane is originally from Boston but has lived throughout the US. She enjoys spending time with family, friends, and neighbors, as well as her son's dog FEN (short for Fenway Park).
![Photo of Tracy Higgins, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e92e3bdc-483b-40af-8265-da6d2f15034c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Tracy Higgins
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Arlington, VA 22201 (Online Only)
Tracy (she/her) is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse with her Master of Science in Nursing from Virginia Commonwealth University. Tracy began her career as a registered nurse on an Inpatient Adult Acute Psychiatry Unit. As a Nurse Practitioner, she has experience working in a Crisis Stabilization Unit, with the aging population, with adults with mild to severe mental illness and those with complex medical issues.
Tracy (she/her) is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse with her Master of Science in Nursing from Virginia Commonwealth University. Tracy began her career as a registered nurse on an Inpatient Adult Acute Psychiatry Unit. As a Nurse Practitioner, she has experience working in a Crisis Stabilization Unit, with the aging population, with adults with mild to severe mental illness and those with complex medical issues.
![Photo of Cristina Secarea, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2c87a640-e5bf-44b0-b819-c8b0aa097ce7/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Board Certified Adult and Forensic Psychiatrist and a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. I have experience in the treatment of all mental health conditions including psychotic disorders (schizophrenia and delusional disorder), mood disorders (depression and bipolar disorder), anxiety disorders, addiction disorders, ADHD, OCD, PTSD and personality disorders and a particular expertise in performing forensic evaluations (e. g. , conservatorship, guardianship, testamentary capacity, fitness for duty, worker's compensation, sexual harassment, medical malpractice).
I am a Board Certified Adult and Forensic Psychiatrist and a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. I have experience in the treatment of all mental health conditions including psychotic disorders (schizophrenia and delusional disorder), mood disorders (depression and bipolar disorder), anxiety disorders, addiction disorders, ADHD, OCD, PTSD and personality disorders and a particular expertise in performing forensic evaluations (e. g. , conservatorship, guardianship, testamentary capacity, fitness for duty, worker's compensation, sexual harassment, medical malpractice).
![Photo of Alexander Kanaan, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f0189d89-9d4f-4c01-88d9-b256a0337b74/1/320x400.jpeg)
Alexander Kanaan is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Virginia who has been practicing since 2017. His graduate studies were done at the University of Tampa where he trained to become a family nurse practitioner, and at Johns Hopkins University where he trained to become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Alexander has experience in family medicine, internal medicine, urgent care, addiction medicine, and psychiatry. He is also experienced in inpatient psychiatry, psychiatric emergency fast track, consult liaison services, and pediatric intensive outpatient services.
Alexander Kanaan is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Virginia who has been practicing since 2017. His graduate studies were done at the University of Tampa where he trained to become a family nurse practitioner, and at Johns Hopkins University where he trained to become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Alexander has experience in family medicine, internal medicine, urgent care, addiction medicine, and psychiatry. He is also experienced in inpatient psychiatry, psychiatric emergency fast track, consult liaison services, and pediatric intensive outpatient services.
![Photo of Yasmin Banaei, MD, RYT, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5eeefd62-2c2f-4a50-a882-9c4ac2f0cea0/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am a board-certified, Georgetown-trained psychiatrist with subspecialization in reproductive mental health. While I treat a range of conditions, the men and women I see are bright, high-functioning people who have something getting in the way of living a more satisfying life. In addition to practicing general adult psychiatry, I focus in the treatment of women who experience emotional or physical difficulties during their reproductive life-cycle.
I am a board-certified, Georgetown-trained psychiatrist with subspecialization in reproductive mental health. While I treat a range of conditions, the men and women I see are bright, high-functioning people who have something getting in the way of living a more satisfying life. In addition to practicing general adult psychiatry, I focus in the treatment of women who experience emotional or physical difficulties during their reproductive life-cycle.
![Photo of Ryan R. Gorman, MSN, RN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9b0065c4-af73-4c78-ab92-f8a1c698977c/1/320x400.png)
Ryan R. Gorman
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, RN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Arlington, VA 22201 (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 Binta Bojang, CRNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/904a1832-bae2-4629-86e1-4e254a016715/1/320x400.jpeg)
Binta Bojang
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Arlington, VA 22201 (Online Only)
The best way to contact me is via email or text 240-607-5319. I am currently accepting new patients. However, I do not accept Virginia Medicaid. I am Dr. Binta Bojang, CRNP, PMHNP, with over 20 years of experience in healthcare, encompassing medical and mental health care. My specialization lies in treating both children and adults, offering comprehensive medication management for all mental health disorders. The initial appointment typically lasts between 30 to 45 minutes, ensuring a thorough assessment. Medication is prescribed based on client preference and need, with close monthly monitoring until stability is achieved.
The best way to contact me is via email or text 240-607-5319. I am currently accepting new patients. However, I do not accept Virginia Medicaid. I am Dr. Binta Bojang, CRNP, PMHNP, with over 20 years of experience in healthcare, encompassing medical and mental health care. My specialization lies in treating both children and adults, offering comprehensive medication management for all mental health disorders. The initial appointment typically lasts between 30 to 45 minutes, ensuring a thorough assessment. Medication is prescribed based on client preference and need, with close monthly monitoring until stability is achieved.
![Photo of Svetlana Yakov, MD, PhD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/804cbfdf-c65f-4942-962d-de4b9cb7e143/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am Dr. Svetlana Yakov, board certified psychiatrist with combined background in medicine and neurology in academics, clinics and research, author of USA/international publications and presentations in neuroscience/neuropsychiatry. I treat a variety of mental disorders including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, schizophrenia, substance use disorder and I specialize in treatment resistant mental illness that are not responsive to prior medications.
I am Dr. Svetlana Yakov, board certified psychiatrist with combined background in medicine and neurology in academics, clinics and research, author of USA/international publications and presentations in neuroscience/neuropsychiatry. I treat a variety of mental disorders including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, schizophrenia, substance use disorder and I specialize in treatment resistant mental illness that are not responsive to prior medications.
![Photo of Arnold Kaplin, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c92e7d3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I offer evaluation & treatment of emotional difficulties (depression, anxiety, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive issues,attention-deficit disorder, bipolar disorder)-----problems establishing & maintaining long-term relationships-----difficulties achieving a healthy balance among work, love. & play. In an atmosphere of trust & confidentiality, I help patients enhance self esteem, coping skills, self confidence & assist in removing the obstacles that interfere with reaching one's full potential.
I offer evaluation & treatment of emotional difficulties (depression, anxiety, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive issues,attention-deficit disorder, bipolar disorder)-----problems establishing & maintaining long-term relationships-----difficulties achieving a healthy balance among work, love. & play. In an atmosphere of trust & confidentiality, I help patients enhance self esteem, coping skills, self confidence & assist in removing the obstacles that interfere with reaching one's full potential.
![Photo of Lucie S. Greenblum, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c84db25-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
. I am a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst. I work in a safe, accepting, confidential setting to help you address the difficult challenges that life can throw your way: relationships that have not worked, a sense that you are not achieving your potential at work or in your personal life, chronic feelings of low self esteem and anxiety that hold you back.
. I am a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst. I work in a safe, accepting, confidential setting to help you address the difficult challenges that life can throw your way: relationships that have not worked, a sense that you are not achieving your potential at work or in your personal life, chronic feelings of low self esteem and anxiety that hold you back.
![Photo of Tuna Burgut, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/459171f0-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have trained at Cornell and Columbia and am Board Certified in both Psychiatry and Neurology. Having trained in both specialties, I believe that brain and mind are inseparable, therefore I frequently evaluate my patients with multiple modalities.I am interested in assessing each patient comprehensively using multiple perspectives, including cognition, behavior, life story and personality. My practice focuses on patients living with mood, cognitive and behavioral problems which are sometimes in the context of other neurological symptoms. I am dedicated to helping my patients with mood disorders, behavioral disorders, cognitive concerns, anxiety, ADHD and other disorders.
I have trained at Cornell and Columbia and am Board Certified in both Psychiatry and Neurology. Having trained in both specialties, I believe that brain and mind are inseparable, therefore I frequently evaluate my patients with multiple modalities.I am interested in assessing each patient comprehensively using multiple perspectives, including cognition, behavior, life story and personality. My practice focuses on patients living with mood, cognitive and behavioral problems which are sometimes in the context of other neurological symptoms. I am dedicated to helping my patients with mood disorders, behavioral disorders, cognitive concerns, anxiety, ADHD and other disorders.
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![Photo of Tom Dennis Gates - GMH Psychiatry, LLC, FPMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/417387ab-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
GMH Psychiatry, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FPMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Arlington, VA 22201 (Online Only)
I am a family psychiatric nurse practitioner treating a variety of patients across the lifespan. I perform diagnostic evaluations and or medication management. I see children to elderly treating diagnosis such as; depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and ADHD. I am experienced in seeing children as well as adults. Culturally competent to see people from all walks of life no matter religion, race, or sexuality. Goal is to get client to optimum mental health. Now a Cannabis Certification Provider!
I am a family psychiatric nurse practitioner treating a variety of patients across the lifespan. I perform diagnostic evaluations and or medication management. I see children to elderly treating diagnosis such as; depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and ADHD. I am experienced in seeing children as well as adults. Culturally competent to see people from all walks of life no matter religion, race, or sexuality. Goal is to get client to optimum mental health. Now a Cannabis Certification Provider!
![Photo of Jimmy Ibikunle - Jimmy Ibikunle, MD LLC, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3fa99777-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I hope to meet your emotional and behavioral health needs by providing excellent office based psychiatric services. I provide psychiatric evaluations and medication monitoring services across age groups. Evaluations are scheduled for 60 minutes and medication follow up visits for 20 minutes. I do not routinely offer psychotherapy services.
I hope to meet your emotional and behavioral health needs by providing excellent office based psychiatric services. I provide psychiatric evaluations and medication monitoring services across age groups. Evaluations are scheduled for 60 minutes and medication follow up visits for 20 minutes. I do not routinely offer psychotherapy services.
![Photo of Stephanie Stavish, DNP, FNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/87b49f94-6b25-45e1-9514-011eec5ce997/1/320x400.jpeg)
Stephanie Stavish
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, FNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Arlington, VA 22201
Sunshine Psychiatry focuses on caring for patients aged 5 to 30 through telemedicine for patients’ convenience and to leverage children’s and young adults’ ease with online interactions. We collaborate closely with you and tailor our care based on comprehensive, continual evaluation of your needs – from your stressors, symptoms and medication regimen, to your family and social history, support systems and life goals. We emphasize active discussion and involvement of our patients in care planning and want you to be empowered to make informed treatment decisions, personalized to your unique concerns and wants.
Sunshine Psychiatry focuses on caring for patients aged 5 to 30 through telemedicine for patients’ convenience and to leverage children’s and young adults’ ease with online interactions. We collaborate closely with you and tailor our care based on comprehensive, continual evaluation of your needs – from your stressors, symptoms and medication regimen, to your family and social history, support systems and life goals. We emphasize active discussion and involvement of our patients in care planning and want you to be empowered to make informed treatment decisions, personalized to your unique concerns and wants.
![Photo of Sonal Jagasia, MD, MPH, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4a8fa1bc-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Jagasia is a board-certified psychiatrist who is passionate about the care she provides to her patients. She has a special interest in treating adults who suffer from mood and anxiety disorders, such as depression, bipolar, generalized anxiety, panic, obsessive compulsive, and post-traumatic stress disorders. Her approach is unique as she utilizes both medications and mindfulness/cognitive behavioral approaches to treat her patients.
Dr. Jagasia is a board-certified psychiatrist who is passionate about the care she provides to her patients. She has a special interest in treating adults who suffer from mood and anxiety disorders, such as depression, bipolar, generalized anxiety, panic, obsessive compulsive, and post-traumatic stress disorders. Her approach is unique as she utilizes both medications and mindfulness/cognitive behavioral approaches to treat her patients.
![Photo of Dr. Maria Alavanja - Alavanja Tele-Psychiatry, MD, ABPN, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d27fb3e5-ee3e-4fee-8127-873059535758/2/320x400.jpeg)
I believe that everyone deserves to pursue good mental health. Mental health is about more than just "being happy." It is about being the best student, worker, parent, and person you can be. That is why I strive to make it as convenient as possible for patients to get care. Whether you have three small kids at home, can only take 20 minutes on your lunch break to see your doctor, or spend half the year away at college, I want to help you be the best you possible.
I believe that everyone deserves to pursue good mental health. Mental health is about more than just "being happy." It is about being the best student, worker, parent, and person you can be. That is why I strive to make it as convenient as possible for patients to get care. Whether you have three small kids at home, can only take 20 minutes on your lunch break to see your doctor, or spend half the year away at college, I want to help you be the best you possible.
![Photo of Lauren Skeffington LaPierre, MS, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/09abfddb-3b7c-45eb-9a7b-f364b56eb34a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Psychiatry - - Accepting NEW patients - - In person and virtual - - Board-certified, Psychiatric PA, with 10 years of experience in internal medicine and psychiatry. I am a comprehensive and compassionate medical provider and value evidence-based care of the whole person. I incorporate multiple treatment modalities in addition to medication management such as therapy, nutrition optimization and health coaching. Accepting patients for medication management and therapy. Locations: Alexandria (District Psychiatry and Wellness) and Fairfax (Mantra Mental Health)
Psychiatry - - Accepting NEW patients - - In person and virtual - - Board-certified, Psychiatric PA, with 10 years of experience in internal medicine and psychiatry. I am a comprehensive and compassionate medical provider and value evidence-based care of the whole person. I incorporate multiple treatment modalities in addition to medication management such as therapy, nutrition optimization and health coaching. Accepting patients for medication management and therapy. Locations: Alexandria (District Psychiatry and Wellness) and Fairfax (Mantra Mental Health)
![Photo of Harish Goyal, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dab98fa3-c0d5-4068-ab74-14e75d3fa7c3/2/320x400.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 by focusing on your strengths, 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, but 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 by focusing on your strengths, 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, but it is also important to understand that people are much more than symptoms they are experiencing.
![Photo of Lawrence Stansberry IV, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/af23531c-7a1e-4e17-a8b5-ef3c236eb102/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Stansberry holds the position of staff psychiatrist at Talkiatry. He is board eligible in Adult Psychiatry and has been practicing for four years. Dr. Stansberry’s practice focuses on medication management and also incorporates supportive therapy techniques, typically in 30-minute follow-up visits. In some cases, Dr. Stansberry may believe that additional therapy is also needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team.
Dr. Stansberry holds the position of staff psychiatrist at Talkiatry. He is board eligible in Adult Psychiatry and has been practicing for four years. Dr. Stansberry’s practice focuses on medication management and also incorporates supportive therapy techniques, typically in 30-minute follow-up visits. In some cases, Dr. Stansberry may believe that additional therapy is also needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team.
![Photo of Cory Alfers, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/010320e6-8e8e-4ca5-8082-aa0539a044ef/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Alfers is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in adult psychiatry. He has been practicing for over 11 years. Dr. Alfers takes a comprehensive approach to patient care. He integrates biological, psychological, and environmental factors into treatment planning. He focuses on developing a meaningful therapeutic relationship and providing medication interventions for specific treatment goals. Dr. Alfers provides interpersonal psychotherapy in conjunction with medication management services. A typical follow-up visit averages 20 minutes.
Dr. Alfers is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in adult psychiatry. He has been practicing for over 11 years. Dr. Alfers takes a comprehensive approach to patient care. He integrates biological, psychological, and environmental factors into treatment planning. He focuses on developing a meaningful therapeutic relationship and providing medication interventions for specific treatment goals. Dr. Alfers provides interpersonal psychotherapy in conjunction with medication management services. A typical follow-up visit averages 20 minutes.
See more therapy options for 22201
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 22201
30+
Average cost per session
$200
Psychiatrists in 22201 who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
95% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
92% | Medication Management |
82% | Trauma and PTSD |
82% | Bipolar Disorder |
74% | ADHD |
Average years in practice
12 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
89% | Cigna and Evernorth |
82% | Aetna |
79% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
How Psychiatrists in 22201 see their clients
52% | Online Only | |
48% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
54% | Female | |
46% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 22201?
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.