Psychiatrists in 28210
![Photo of Rashonda Wilson, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bf38e910-cf41-45b0-ae4b-9cf16e0bb9a1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Rashonda Wilson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28210 (Online Only)
Are you tired of feeling down, and depressed with low to no motivation? Are you struggling with feeling overwhelmed, racing thoughts and/or trouble sleeping? Are you or a loved one struggling with staying on task, focusing, or remembering things? What about experiencing some increased stress and needing help with coping skills? No worries! I am here to help! My name is Rashonda Wilson, and I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner licensed by the State of North Carolina and board-certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Are you tired of feeling down, and depressed with low to no motivation? Are you struggling with feeling overwhelmed, racing thoughts and/or trouble sleeping? Are you or a loved one struggling with staying on task, focusing, or remembering things? What about experiencing some increased stress and needing help with coping skills? No worries! I am here to help! My name is Rashonda Wilson, and I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner licensed by the State of North Carolina and board-certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
![Photo of David Balis Patton, MD, MS, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/91da6f54-4e01-47b5-8380-37b76576ff33/1/320x400.jpeg)
Please contact my office for appointments and prescription refills. I am co-founder of Pediatric & Family Behavioral Health, PLLC, (PFBH)- a psychiatry clinic in South Charlotte. PFBH specializes in the psychiatric treatment of children, adolescents, and adults. We are an evidence-based clinic that deals primarily in medication management & psychotherapy. We have experience in treating Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Personality Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Tic Disorder, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder & Psychosis.
Please contact my office for appointments and prescription refills. I am co-founder of Pediatric & Family Behavioral Health, PLLC, (PFBH)- a psychiatry clinic in South Charlotte. PFBH specializes in the psychiatric treatment of children, adolescents, and adults. We are an evidence-based clinic that deals primarily in medication management & psychotherapy. We have experience in treating Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Personality Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Tic Disorder, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder & Psychosis.
![Photo of David Patton - Carolina Complete Psychiatry, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dca604cd-1b0f-47ae-a114-6e0be71cc268/2/320x400.png)
At Carolina Complete Psychiatry, our physician assistants treat each person as an individual and strive to help every patient live to their fullest potential. Our providers are trained to assess psychiatric conditions, form a diagnosis and prescribe medications if needed. We offer longer appointment times so that we can determine a collaborative treatment plan that is thorough and comprehensive. We believe in meeting the needs of people so we offer new patient appointments quickly without weeks of delay. Our office offers flexible appointment scheduling including evening hours and telemedicine appointments.
At Carolina Complete Psychiatry, our physician assistants treat each person as an individual and strive to help every patient live to their fullest potential. Our providers are trained to assess psychiatric conditions, form a diagnosis and prescribe medications if needed. We offer longer appointment times so that we can determine a collaborative treatment plan that is thorough and comprehensive. We believe in meeting the needs of people so we offer new patient appointments quickly without weeks of delay. Our office offers flexible appointment scheduling including evening hours and telemedicine appointments.
![Photo of Shanna Mago, FNP-BC, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9e431883-42a8-4435-9c1c-0840db8eee37/2/320x400.jpeg)
Shanna Mago
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP-BC, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28210
Shanna Mago is dual board certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner. She has a total of ten years of experience including four years in an inpatient psychiatric hospital where she was the lead medical provider. This experience led her to pursue her post-master's psychiatric mental health education from Maryville University of St. Louis. She works with children and adults with depression, anxiety, ADHD, Bipolar disorder, and various other mental health concerns. She is committed to providing compassionate care that focuses on therapeutic rapport while following evidence-base guidelines.
Shanna Mago is dual board certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner. She has a total of ten years of experience including four years in an inpatient psychiatric hospital where she was the lead medical provider. This experience led her to pursue her post-master's psychiatric mental health education from Maryville University of St. Louis. She works with children and adults with depression, anxiety, ADHD, Bipolar disorder, and various other mental health concerns. She is committed to providing compassionate care that focuses on therapeutic rapport while following evidence-base guidelines.
![Photo of Crystal R Bullard, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/01aea68e-9a33-4ca4-b535-8ca4f072e067/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am the founder and psychiatrist at Hope Restored Psychiatry, LLC. I am specialized in child and adolescent psychiatry. As children grow, I will continue treating them into early adulthood as I am also a board certified adult psychiatrist. I provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and medication management. During medication management appointments, I also provide counseling and psychoeducation to patients and their families. I prefer meeting all patients in person for the first visit, but I also offer virtual medication management visits following the initial visit.
I am the founder and psychiatrist at Hope Restored Psychiatry, LLC. I am specialized in child and adolescent psychiatry. As children grow, I will continue treating them into early adulthood as I am also a board certified adult psychiatrist. I provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and medication management. During medication management appointments, I also provide counseling and psychoeducation to patients and their families. I prefer meeting all patients in person for the first visit, but I also offer virtual medication management visits following the initial visit.
![Photo of Tesheika Boomer, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6d6729f1-8e1f-4afe-87df-15d8d2eac47b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Tesheika Boomer
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28210 (Online Only)
Hi, I'm Tesheika. Are you feeling overwhelmed by the amount of work and life that you have to juggle? Do you find it hard to maintain your health and relationships? Are you having a difficult time being yourself?
Hi, I'm Tesheika. Are you feeling overwhelmed by the amount of work and life that you have to juggle? Do you find it hard to maintain your health and relationships? Are you having a difficult time being yourself?
![Photo of Vanessa Graham - J.E.M Behavioral Health, FNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/60ceff2d-11ab-42f0-81ef-a3f56f524be4/2/320x400.jpeg)
J.E.M Behavioral Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28210 (Online Only)
Here at J.E.M Behavioral Health, we are committed to improving the quality of life for our patients, their family members and the community by increasing access to mental health treatment and medication management. We recognize that everyone’s path to wellness and psychological wellbeing looks different. By working with you to identify mental health goals, we develop a comprehensive treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs. This includes personalized psychiatric evaluations, medication management and psychotherapy as needed.
Here at J.E.M Behavioral Health, we are committed to improving the quality of life for our patients, their family members and the community by increasing access to mental health treatment and medication management. We recognize that everyone’s path to wellness and psychological wellbeing looks different. By working with you to identify mental health goals, we develop a comprehensive treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs. This includes personalized psychiatric evaluations, medication management and psychotherapy as needed.
![Photo of Aris Azar, PMHNP, AGNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/42e77c71-c737-447a-a2b5-99a41d95c0cf/8/320x400.jpeg)
I'm a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner offering a blend of psychotherapy and medication management to help you achieve your goals. My aim is to deliver expert care that aligns with your values and addresses your concerns by offering flexible scheduling, 7 days a week that includes weekends and evenings for your convenience. I have expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of psychiatric conditions including ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, OCD, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, panic disorder and many others. I also provide a holistic approach that integrates therapy seamlessly into your sessions.
I'm a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner offering a blend of psychotherapy and medication management to help you achieve your goals. My aim is to deliver expert care that aligns with your values and addresses your concerns by offering flexible scheduling, 7 days a week that includes weekends and evenings for your convenience. I have expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of psychiatric conditions including ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, OCD, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, panic disorder and many others. I also provide a holistic approach that integrates therapy seamlessly into your sessions.
![Photo of Laura Paschall, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c9cbae5-3ed6-4374-a80f-7b75053aeca1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hello! I am a general psychiatrist serving adults of all ages on their journey to mental wellness. My whole-person approach to mental health integrates therapeutic interventions and medication management to provide the highest quality of care. I seek to connect with each patient on a human level, taking time to honor your lived experiences and working together to build a tailored plan to recovery.
Hello! I am a general psychiatrist serving adults of all ages on their journey to mental wellness. My whole-person approach to mental health integrates therapeutic interventions and medication management to provide the highest quality of care. I seek to connect with each patient on a human level, taking time to honor your lived experiences and working together to build a tailored plan to recovery.
![Photo of Anthony C. Patterson, MD, MA, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4d824ca9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Many people experiencing emotional distress seek a conversation about whether medication or psychotherapy might be a good idea to include in their treatment plan. The conversation begins with building a trusting relationship, followed by the most accurate diagnosis possible. My approach is one of restraint, and my default is to base the treatment primarily on skills and lifestyle changes that evolve in psychotherapy. I love to see pharmacology prove to be an only temporary part of the recovery process.
Many people experiencing emotional distress seek a conversation about whether medication or psychotherapy might be a good idea to include in their treatment plan. The conversation begins with building a trusting relationship, followed by the most accurate diagnosis possible. My approach is one of restraint, and my default is to base the treatment primarily on skills and lifestyle changes that evolve in psychotherapy. I love to see pharmacology prove to be an only temporary part of the recovery process.
![Photo of Javier Santos-Cubiñá, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7a7b0196-e347-4699-b455-af5f6108727c/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am committed to caring for children, adults and families with mental health issues. Areas of expertise include the care of mental health in children and adults with complex medical and neurological problems, women during pregnancy and postpartum, psycho-dynamic oriented psychotherapy and attachment oriented psychotherapy. Board certified in Psychiatry and Neurology, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and Psychosomatic Medicine.
I am committed to caring for children, adults and families with mental health issues. Areas of expertise include the care of mental health in children and adults with complex medical and neurological problems, women during pregnancy and postpartum, psycho-dynamic oriented psychotherapy and attachment oriented psychotherapy. Board certified in Psychiatry and Neurology, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and Psychosomatic Medicine.
15 Second Videos
Crystal R Bullard
Aris Azar
Laura Paschall
Different MHP, PC - Desiree Matthews, PMHNP
April Schindler
Matthew A Clemons
![Photo of Madhav Muppa, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e5d3d490-12d6-43f6-8906-0160f3789556/1/320x400.jpeg)
I moved to Charlotte after working for 4 years in PA in a inpatient psychiatric hospital and outpatient clinic. My outpatient experience was taking care of children, adolescents and adult patients with Autism Spectrum disorder, ADHD, Oppositional defiant disorder and mood disorders. My particular interests are Mood disorders, ADHD and Autism Spectrum disorder.
I moved to Charlotte after working for 4 years in PA in a inpatient psychiatric hospital and outpatient clinic. My outpatient experience was taking care of children, adolescents and adult patients with Autism Spectrum disorder, ADHD, Oppositional defiant disorder and mood disorders. My particular interests are Mood disorders, ADHD and Autism Spectrum disorder.
![Photo of Emily Terry, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7804e8a0-fe8b-4418-8d80-0e96b95b45ab/1/320x400.jpeg)
Emily Terry, PA-C Emily Terry is passionate about treating psychiatric illness across the lifespan. She is originally from Lexington, Kentucky. During her time in Kentucky, she obtained her Master of Science in Physician Assistant studies from Sullivan University. She has experience in both inpatient and outpatient behavioral health settings, and is committed to providing quality care to each patient.
Emily Terry, PA-C Emily Terry is passionate about treating psychiatric illness across the lifespan. She is originally from Lexington, Kentucky. During her time in Kentucky, she obtained her Master of Science in Physician Assistant studies from Sullivan University. She has experience in both inpatient and outpatient behavioral health settings, and is committed to providing quality care to each patient.
![Photo of Micah Bright, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50de0e6e-6cb5-411b-ad22-f37822bb5b80/1/320x400.png)
Micah Bright is an ANCC board certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Her 10 years of nursing includes a range of experiences from stabilizing patients in the emergency department, to implementing long-term treatments and recovery plans for patients in the inpatient psychiatric hospital setting.
Micah Bright is an ANCC board certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Her 10 years of nursing includes a range of experiences from stabilizing patients in the emergency department, to implementing long-term treatments and recovery plans for patients in the inpatient psychiatric hospital setting.
![Photo of Jill Karelitz, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/395897d8-fe2e-4e6c-b09b-b3513ff2fbc7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jill Karelitz
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28210
Immediate Availability for NEW patients. I offer in-person appointments and telehealth to alleviate time management stressors from your busy work-life balance. My mindset: you can and will improve! Success means empowering you. Take control of your wellness, improve your relationships, and optimize your life.
Immediate Availability for NEW patients. I offer in-person appointments and telehealth to alleviate time management stressors from your busy work-life balance. My mindset: you can and will improve! Success means empowering you. Take control of your wellness, improve your relationships, and optimize your life.
![Photo of Laura Harvey Nazzaro - Pediatric and Family Behavioral Health, PMHNP, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8d5ff1a7-9d2d-42a6-b086-143b8ad2de88/3/320x400.jpeg)
Pediatric and Family Behavioral Health
Psychiatric Nurse, PMHNP, MSN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28210
Laura Nazzaro, PMHNP has over 10 years experience in the field of Psychiatric Mental-Health Nursing and received certification as a Child/Adolescent Psychiatric/Mental Health and Family Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse practitioner by the American Nurses Credentialing Center in 2011. She received her Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Psychology from Boston University and her Master of Science in Nursing degree from University of Illinois at Chicago with an emphasis on evaluation, assessment, diagnosis and medication management of a wide range of psychiatric/mental health disorders.
Laura Nazzaro, PMHNP has over 10 years experience in the field of Psychiatric Mental-Health Nursing and received certification as a Child/Adolescent Psychiatric/Mental Health and Family Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse practitioner by the American Nurses Credentialing Center in 2011. She received her Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Psychology from Boston University and her Master of Science in Nursing degree from University of Illinois at Chicago with an emphasis on evaluation, assessment, diagnosis and medication management of a wide range of psychiatric/mental health disorders.
![Photo of Shannon Blankenbeckler, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/325e1947-84ec-498d-b1b6-08e6d819f23e/2/320x400.png)
Shannon Blankenbeckler
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28210 (Online Only)
Shannon Blankenbeckler is a board-certified mental health nurse practitioner. Shannon collaborates with her patients to improve their functioning and quality of life. With active listening, kindness, and compassion, she works with her patients to identify the issues holding them back. She helps them focus on their unique strengths, address their struggles, and set meaningful, achievable goals so they can thrive and find peace. Shannon knows that patients seek help when they’re brave enough to identify that something in their life needs to change.
Shannon Blankenbeckler is a board-certified mental health nurse practitioner. Shannon collaborates with her patients to improve their functioning and quality of life. With active listening, kindness, and compassion, she works with her patients to identify the issues holding them back. She helps them focus on their unique strengths, address their struggles, and set meaningful, achievable goals so they can thrive and find peace. Shannon knows that patients seek help when they’re brave enough to identify that something in their life needs to change.
![Photo of Pratima Dahal, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/993e3495-788f-4159-a8e7-9b87266ec352/1/320x400.jpeg)
Pratima is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She received her graduate degree in Psychiatric Mental Health from University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. She has been a registered nurse since 2005 with unique experiences in psychiatric nursing across different cultures. As a provider, Pratima focuses on individual plan of care emphasizing on uniqueness of each client and their life situations. She is an avid advocate of importance of mental health to achieve the overall health and well-being.
Pratima is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She received her graduate degree in Psychiatric Mental Health from University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. She has been a registered nurse since 2005 with unique experiences in psychiatric nursing across different cultures. As a provider, Pratima focuses on individual plan of care emphasizing on uniqueness of each client and their life situations. She is an avid advocate of importance of mental health to achieve the overall health and well-being.
![Photo of Celena Nicole Shivers, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/edcd3df5-010c-450a-9d0f-1b1ef072dc9a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Celena Nicole Shivers
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28210
Do you often feel weighed down from feelings of anxiety or depression that may be keeping you up at night? Can’t get past traumas and need someone who can understand? Look no further, allow Celena Shivers Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) to manage your care.
Do you often feel weighed down from feelings of anxiety or depression that may be keeping you up at night? Can’t get past traumas and need someone who can understand? Look no further, allow Celena Shivers Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) to manage your care.
![Photo of Claris Livingstone, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cc5b93f7-3cc7-47f9-8a16-39680f8376bd/1/320x400.jpeg)
Originally from the Caribbean, Claris started her nursing career over 30 years ago and is currently a Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. Claris graduated from Walden University with her family medicine studies and then from Liberty University with her psychiatric studies. Claris has a combined nursing experiencing spanning from neonatal to geriatric nursing responding to various levels of urgent and severe medical conditions and stabilization of such conditions. Claris' current focus is family psychiatry. She is of the firm belief that mental health is vital in every stage of life.
Originally from the Caribbean, Claris started her nursing career over 30 years ago and is currently a Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. Claris graduated from Walden University with her family medicine studies and then from Liberty University with her psychiatric studies. Claris has a combined nursing experiencing spanning from neonatal to geriatric nursing responding to various levels of urgent and severe medical conditions and stabilization of such conditions. Claris' current focus is family psychiatry. She is of the firm belief that mental health is vital in every stage of life.
See more therapy options for 28210
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 28210
30+
Average cost per session
$175
Psychiatrists in 28210 who prioritize treating:
87% | Depression |
87% | Anxiety |
79% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
76% | ADHD |
76% | Bipolar Disorder |
66% | Trauma and PTSD |
61% | Medication Management |
Average years in practice
6 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
96% | Aetna |
93% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
93% | Optum |
How Psychiatrists in 28210 see their clients
69% | In Person and Online | |
31% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
60% | Female | |
40% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 28210?
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.