Psychiatrists in 90277
Dr. Josh Lichtman has been practicing psychiatry for the last decade. Dr. Lichtman is passionate about mindfulness practice and psychiatry and is constantly trying to blend the two. He is a board-certified adult psychiatrist and although he primarily focuses on psychopharmacology, he is trained in various therapy modalities including CBT, DBT, Psychodynamic therapy, and is currently in the middle of his EMDR certification. Dr. Lichtman is Board Certified in Addiction Medicine and serves as a clinical instructor at UCLA, where he has been supervising doctors in training for the last 8 years.
Dr. Josh Lichtman has been practicing psychiatry for the last decade. Dr. Lichtman is passionate about mindfulness practice and psychiatry and is constantly trying to blend the two. He is a board-certified adult psychiatrist and although he primarily focuses on psychopharmacology, he is trained in various therapy modalities including CBT, DBT, Psychodynamic therapy, and is currently in the middle of his EMDR certification. Dr. Lichtman is Board Certified in Addiction Medicine and serves as a clinical instructor at UCLA, where he has been supervising doctors in training for the last 8 years.
![Photo of Dr. Michael Rogachevsky, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/53e634aa-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Michael Rogachevsky has been practicing psychiatry for two decades with an emphasis in General Psychiatry. He is board-certified in Psychiatry and Neurology and specializes in treating patients with Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder, and Major Depressive Disorder. He focuses primarily on the biopsychosocial approach, psychopharmacology as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Dr. Rogachevsky completed his residency at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY and Charles Drew University in Los Angeles, CA.
Dr. Michael Rogachevsky has been practicing psychiatry for two decades with an emphasis in General Psychiatry. He is board-certified in Psychiatry and Neurology and specializes in treating patients with Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder, and Major Depressive Disorder. He focuses primarily on the biopsychosocial approach, psychopharmacology as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Dr. Rogachevsky completed his residency at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY and Charles Drew University in Los Angeles, CA.
![Photo of Dr. Narendra Reddy, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4800c3ef-e2fe-4ca1-a18c-91e192c5675d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Narendra B. Reddy has been working as an Adult Psychiatrist for the past 28 years. He has vast experience treating conditions including Affective Disorders, Depressive Disorders, Schizophrenia, and other Psychotic conditions. He received his M.D. from Kakatiya Medical College, India, and completed his residency at Harlem Hospital in New York where he served as Chief Resident. At Catholic Health Initiative, he was on the Physician Excellence Committee for many years and worked hard towards improving patient care.
Dr. Narendra B. Reddy has been working as an Adult Psychiatrist for the past 28 years. He has vast experience treating conditions including Affective Disorders, Depressive Disorders, Schizophrenia, and other Psychotic conditions. He received his M.D. from Kakatiya Medical College, India, and completed his residency at Harlem Hospital in New York where he served as Chief Resident. At Catholic Health Initiative, he was on the Physician Excellence Committee for many years and worked hard towards improving patient care.
![Photo of Dr. Kathleen McDermott - Kathleen McDermott, Evolve Psychiatric Services, DNP, RN, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dc514e42-9e42-4c2f-9a0b-4ee9287f0287/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kathleen McDermott, Evolve Psychiatric Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, RN, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Kathleen is a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a Doctorate in Nursing from CSU Fullerton, CSULB, & CSULA, a Master's in Psychiatric Nursing from Columbia University, and Bachelors degrees from Villanova (Psychology) and SUNY-Stonybrook (Nursing). She offers person-centered, trauma-informed care, specializing in comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and psychopharmacological medication management. She uses integrative treatment strategies that are individualized, healing-centered, and evidenced-based to help people manage symptoms with medication management, supportive therapy, and holistic alternative approaches.
Kathleen is a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a Doctorate in Nursing from CSU Fullerton, CSULB, & CSULA, a Master's in Psychiatric Nursing from Columbia University, and Bachelors degrees from Villanova (Psychology) and SUNY-Stonybrook (Nursing). She offers person-centered, trauma-informed care, specializing in comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and psychopharmacological medication management. She uses integrative treatment strategies that are individualized, healing-centered, and evidenced-based to help people manage symptoms with medication management, supportive therapy, and holistic alternative approaches.
![Photo of Janet Sharma, PMHNP , BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/38e065fd-5a3e-445d-b364-5cdd13ddff9e/2/320x400.png)
Janet is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner focused on treating anxiety, depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and women’s mental health. She believes therapy is critical to one's mental health journey, as it helps solidify new views and coping skills.
Janet is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner focused on treating anxiety, depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and women’s mental health. She believes therapy is critical to one's mental health journey, as it helps solidify new views and coping skills.
![Photo of Dr. Mark Chofla - Dr Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e804e30c-de2b-42dc-8c05-65d754f43b6e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Redondo Beach, CA 90277 (Online Only)
Dr. Mark Chofla is a board-certified psychiatrist and physician who completed his specialty residency training at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California at Davis, Dr. Chofla earned his medical degree from Midwestern University: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Dr. Mark Chofla is a board-certified psychiatrist and physician who completed his specialty residency training at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California at Davis, Dr. Chofla earned his medical degree from Midwestern University: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine.
![Photo of Dustin Stephens - Altitude Wellness, MD, PhD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/26d29edd-c653-45e3-b20e-be33c7bac809/1/320x400.jpeg)
Altitude Wellness's Dr. Stephens is a board-certified psychiatrist who received specialty training at UCLA and completed a fellowship in forensic psychiatry. He is a compassionate and experienced physician with years of clinical experience. Dr. Stephens understands the unique challenges that come with mental illness, and he provides a safe and non-judgmental space for his patients to explore their feelings and work towards healing. His approach is tailored to each individual, using evidence-based techniques to provide effective and personalized care.
Altitude Wellness's Dr. Stephens is a board-certified psychiatrist who received specialty training at UCLA and completed a fellowship in forensic psychiatry. He is a compassionate and experienced physician with years of clinical experience. Dr. Stephens understands the unique challenges that come with mental illness, and he provides a safe and non-judgmental space for his patients to explore their feelings and work towards healing. His approach is tailored to each individual, using evidence-based techniques to provide effective and personalized care.
![Photo of Agnes Kwon Simone, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1d9b2e94-172d-447f-8da1-8661e54b482f/4/320x400.jpeg)
I am a UCLA-trained, board certified psychiatrist specializing in the treatment of anxiety disorders, OCD, depression, ADHD, and insomnia. I work with adolescents, young adults and adults. I am passionate about my integrative approach to mental health care. While I provide medication management, I also highlight the importance of non-pharmacologic interventions including healthy lifestyle changes, mindfulness, and psychotherapy.
I am a UCLA-trained, board certified psychiatrist specializing in the treatment of anxiety disorders, OCD, depression, ADHD, and insomnia. I work with adolescents, young adults and adults. I am passionate about my integrative approach to mental health care. While I provide medication management, I also highlight the importance of non-pharmacologic interventions including healthy lifestyle changes, mindfulness, and psychotherapy.
![Photo of Randall Bailey, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/42812130-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Are you struggling to balance your physical and mental health? Are things becoming unmanageable? Is your time limited? Then welcome to WellPsyche! WellPsyche Medical Group provides experts in the field of Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. Our practice offers the latest in psychiatry including Telemedicine! Now you can visit with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of your home or work. Our providers take a Conservative and Effective approach to medication management and can help you balance your life.
Are you struggling to balance your physical and mental health? Are things becoming unmanageable? Is your time limited? Then welcome to WellPsyche! WellPsyche Medical Group provides experts in the field of Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. Our practice offers the latest in psychiatry including Telemedicine! Now you can visit with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of your home or work. Our providers take a Conservative and Effective approach to medication management and can help you balance your life.
![Photo of Adel Mostafavi - WellPsyche Medical Group, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c0eea7a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
WellPsyche Medical Group
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Redondo Beach, CA 90277 (Online Only)
Are you struggling to balance your physical and mental health? Are things becoming unmanageable? Is your time limited? Then welcome to WellPsyche! WellPsyche Medical Group provides experts in the field of Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. Our practice offers the latest in psychiatry including Telemedicine! Now you can visit with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of your home or work. Our providers take a Conservative and Effective approach to medication management and help our clients function at their best...Consistently!
Are you struggling to balance your physical and mental health? Are things becoming unmanageable? Is your time limited? Then welcome to WellPsyche! WellPsyche Medical Group provides experts in the field of Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. Our practice offers the latest in psychiatry including Telemedicine! Now you can visit with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of your home or work. Our providers take a Conservative and Effective approach to medication management and help our clients function at their best...Consistently!
![Photo of Martha B Koo - Neuro Wellness Spa, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48e54b79-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
We are proud to be the first private TMS center in all of Southern California. Our vast experience and data provide us with unparalleled knowledge in treating our patients. We have been successfully treating patients since 2009 and have experience in working with each FDA approved device. Our team of professionals at Neuro Wellness Spa, located in Manhattan Beach, Torrance, and Palm Desert CA, offer hope to those suffering from a variety of mental health issues including depression, anxiety, and more. We use the latest technologies and protocols to provide lasting relief over the course of the healing process.
We are proud to be the first private TMS center in all of Southern California. Our vast experience and data provide us with unparalleled knowledge in treating our patients. We have been successfully treating patients since 2009 and have experience in working with each FDA approved device. Our team of professionals at Neuro Wellness Spa, located in Manhattan Beach, Torrance, and Palm Desert CA, offer hope to those suffering from a variety of mental health issues including depression, anxiety, and more. We use the latest technologies and protocols to provide lasting relief over the course of the healing process.
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![Photo of Martina Nankivell, PA-C, MPAS, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/529f2c0e-9ed0-470b-a8aa-5d4ead21f5f4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Martina Nankivell
Physician Assistant, PA-C, MPAS
Verified Verified
Redondo Beach, CA 90277 (Online Only)
Accepting New Patients - Martina is a highly qualified physician assistant with an impressive academic and clinical background. She earned her Master of Medical Science degree from Nova Southeastern University and holds board certifications in both general medicine and psychiatry. Additionally, Martina possesses a Certificate of Added Qualifications in psychiatry, reflecting her commitment to excellence in patient care.
Accepting New Patients - Martina is a highly qualified physician assistant with an impressive academic and clinical background. She earned her Master of Medical Science degree from Nova Southeastern University and holds board certifications in both general medicine and psychiatry. Additionally, Martina possesses a Certificate of Added Qualifications in psychiatry, reflecting her commitment to excellence in patient care.
![Photo of Samir Hamed, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5013d22a-fca5-4beb-a517-c2024a8e70ec/2/320x400.jpeg)
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Allied Healers, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Allied Healers, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
![Photo of Mariam Fazil, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c8bdb8bf-ec1e-449b-9ea7-cf8bf1e88297/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hello, I'm Mariam Fazil, DNP, PMHNP,a board-certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Are you or your loved ones struggling to balance mental and physical health? Are you suffering from anxiety? If this somewhat sounds familiar, I would like to help you in your healing journey. I provide in-person as well as telemedicine services so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best.
Hello, I'm Mariam Fazil, DNP, PMHNP,a board-certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Are you or your loved ones struggling to balance mental and physical health? Are you suffering from anxiety? If this somewhat sounds familiar, I would like to help you in your healing journey. I provide in-person as well as telemedicine services so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best.
![Photo of Penny Greaves, FNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/42b9e66c-bea4-40f9-ba18-1e3bb8171b70/1/320x400.jpeg)
Penny Greaves
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Redondo Beach, CA 90277 (Online Only)
Penny Greaves has over twenty years of Nursing experience and received her bachelor's in nursing in 2007 and a Master's of Nursing with a primary care nurse practitioner certificate in 2010 from Ryerson University, in Toronto, Canada. She obtained her Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) degree in 2021 from the National University and is dual certified with the ANCC in psychiatry and the AANP in family practice. She is currently pursuing a psychology doctorate degree (PsyD) to improve health outcomes. She is experienced with adults, adults with addictions, complex mental health problems, geriatrics, and dementia.
Penny Greaves has over twenty years of Nursing experience and received her bachelor's in nursing in 2007 and a Master's of Nursing with a primary care nurse practitioner certificate in 2010 from Ryerson University, in Toronto, Canada. She obtained her Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) degree in 2021 from the National University and is dual certified with the ANCC in psychiatry and the AANP in family practice. She is currently pursuing a psychology doctorate degree (PsyD) to improve health outcomes. She is experienced with adults, adults with addictions, complex mental health problems, geriatrics, and dementia.
![Photo of Steve Park, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c4ba7985-12ba-429c-a4a9-891963a4ada3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting New Patients - Steve Park, PA-C is a physician assistant at Pacific Mind Health. Steve grew up in Irvine and received his Bachelor of Science degree in gerontology at University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA. Inspired to treat patients, Steve gained experience as an EMT and soon received his Master’s of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Chapman University. Today, he finds great pleasure in helping others improve their mental health and lifestyle.
Accepting New Patients - Steve Park, PA-C is a physician assistant at Pacific Mind Health. Steve grew up in Irvine and received his Bachelor of Science degree in gerontology at University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA. Inspired to treat patients, Steve gained experience as an EMT and soon received his Master’s of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Chapman University. Today, he finds great pleasure in helping others improve their mental health and lifestyle.
![Photo of Mae Caragay, PA-C, MPAS, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5cbe1170-1b68-49bc-85dd-049259b526c8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting New Patients - I am a board-certified Psychiatric Physician Associate (PA) with extensive training in Family Practice, Psychiatry, and Addiction Medicine. My journey has taken me from rural to urban communities, equipping me with a diverse skill set to better serve my patients. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and empathy, I strive to provide the highest quality of care.
Accepting New Patients - I am a board-certified Psychiatric Physician Associate (PA) with extensive training in Family Practice, Psychiatry, and Addiction Medicine. My journey has taken me from rural to urban communities, equipping me with a diverse skill set to better serve my patients. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and empathy, I strive to provide the highest quality of care.
![Photo of Simon Ordonez, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/695097e2-918b-4de6-a5fa-45d6da61332e/3/320x400.jpeg)
Pacific Mind Health treats mental health disorders using a variety of treatments including medications, Psychotherapy, Telemedicine, Spravato, and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). We strive to help create a treatment plan which will help guide you on a path to wellness. Our goal is to provide thorough diagnostic evaluations which will inform treatment choices and increase the likelihood the treatment will be successful. Please use this link for a free informational TMS session https://www.pacificmindhealth.com/tmsinfo.html
Pacific Mind Health treats mental health disorders using a variety of treatments including medications, Psychotherapy, Telemedicine, Spravato, and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). We strive to help create a treatment plan which will help guide you on a path to wellness. Our goal is to provide thorough diagnostic evaluations which will inform treatment choices and increase the likelihood the treatment will be successful. Please use this link for a free informational TMS session https://www.pacificmindhealth.com/tmsinfo.html
![Photo of Martina Nankivell, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/490e9088-b3fe-43c6-af01-8cd44b925325/1/320x400.jpeg)
Martina is a highly qualified physician assistant with an impressive academic and clinical background. She earned her Master of Medical Science degree from Nova Southeastern University and holds board certifications in both general medicine and psychiatry. Additionally, Martina possesses a Certificate of Added Qualifications in psychiatry, reflecting her commitment to excellence in patient care.
Martina is a highly qualified physician assistant with an impressive academic and clinical background. She earned her Master of Medical Science degree from Nova Southeastern University and holds board certifications in both general medicine and psychiatry. Additionally, Martina possesses a Certificate of Added Qualifications in psychiatry, reflecting her commitment to excellence in patient care.
![Photo of Alexandra Presler, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b8a15176-c878-4cef-bbc4-2577a6b1c150/1/320x400.jpeg)
Pacific Mind Health treats mental health disorders using a variety of treatments including medications, Psychotherapy, Telemedicine, Spravato and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). We strive to help create a treatment plan which will help guide you on a path to wellness. Our goal is to provide thorough diagnostic evaluations which will inform treatment choices and increase the likelihood the treatment will be successful. Please use this link for a free informational TMS session www.pacificmindhealth.com/tmsinfo. To request an appointment, please fill out this form: www.pacificmindhealth.com/newclient.
Pacific Mind Health treats mental health disorders using a variety of treatments including medications, Psychotherapy, Telemedicine, Spravato and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). We strive to help create a treatment plan which will help guide you on a path to wellness. Our goal is to provide thorough diagnostic evaluations which will inform treatment choices and increase the likelihood the treatment will be successful. Please use this link for a free informational TMS session www.pacificmindhealth.com/tmsinfo. To request an appointment, please fill out this form: www.pacificmindhealth.com/newclient.
See more therapy options for 90277
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 90277
40+
Average cost per session
$275
Psychiatrists in 90277 who prioritize treating:
93% | Depression |
93% | Anxiety |
85% | ADHD |
85% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
83% | Medication Management |
80% | Trauma and PTSD |
80% | Bipolar Disorder |
Average years in practice
13 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
97% | Cigna and Evernorth |
97% | Anthem | Elevance |
97% | Blue Cross |
How Psychiatrists in 90277 see their clients
55% | In Person and Online | |
45% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
54% | Female | |
46% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 90277?
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.