Psychiatrists in 97209
![Photo of Lynaudry Louise Vickers, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a87c018e-4262-4118-b576-395c02c6cdfe/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lynaudry Louise Vickers
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97209 (Online Only)
I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and have earned Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, and Doctorate of Nursing Practice degrees from Oregon Health & Science University. I specialize in the assessment, diagnosis, and pharmacological management of psychiatric conditions throughout the lifespan. I am passionate about providing a holistic and evidence-based approach to psychiatric care.
I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and have earned Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, and Doctorate of Nursing Practice degrees from Oregon Health & Science University. I specialize in the assessment, diagnosis, and pharmacological management of psychiatric conditions throughout the lifespan. I am passionate about providing a holistic and evidence-based approach to psychiatric care.
![Photo of Nichole Slykhous, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/53a8a0b3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Nichole practices Integrative Psychiatry to help you identify and treat the underlying cause(s) and contributors to symptoms of depression, ADD/ADHD, anxiety, insomnia, mood disorders, brain fog, fatigue, and other contemporary mental health conditions. Integrative Psychiatry is a personalized approach to mental health that uses functional medicine and traditional psychiatry to identify and treat core imbalances which affect your brain, body, and life.
Nichole practices Integrative Psychiatry to help you identify and treat the underlying cause(s) and contributors to symptoms of depression, ADD/ADHD, anxiety, insomnia, mood disorders, brain fog, fatigue, and other contemporary mental health conditions. Integrative Psychiatry is a personalized approach to mental health that uses functional medicine and traditional psychiatry to identify and treat core imbalances which affect your brain, body, and life.
![Photo of Brent Frazee, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43dfb792-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic psychotherapy. I work with adults suffering from depression, anxiety, relationship problems, effects of trauma, difficulties in work or school, feelings of emptiness, and other forms of psychological pain. Psychoanalytic therapy is an intensive, exploratory process. I aim to provide a context in which to explore deeply personal aspects of your private mental life, and to work together to better understand who you are and the difficulties with which you struggle. Through this process, I hope to help you to live more fully and fulfillingly.
I am a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic psychotherapy. I work with adults suffering from depression, anxiety, relationship problems, effects of trauma, difficulties in work or school, feelings of emptiness, and other forms of psychological pain. Psychoanalytic therapy is an intensive, exploratory process. I aim to provide a context in which to explore deeply personal aspects of your private mental life, and to work together to better understand who you are and the difficulties with which you struggle. Through this process, I hope to help you to live more fully and fulfillingly.
![Photo of Michelle J Roberts, MSN, FNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ec39273-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Michelle J Roberts
Psychiatric Nurse, MSN, FNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97209 (Online Only)
My mission is to provide treatment plans tailored to your needs, focused on options and solutions that give you the best chance to succeed. I'm thorough and take the time to understand major life stressors, environments and interpersonal relationships that contribute to your distress. The acuity I encountered working at a psychiatric hospital prepared me for private practice and led to my conservative prescribing approach. I value patient feedback and include it in treatment decisions. My practice focus is medication management but I also offer therapy. My blended therapeutic approach includes elements from many modalities.
My mission is to provide treatment plans tailored to your needs, focused on options and solutions that give you the best chance to succeed. I'm thorough and take the time to understand major life stressors, environments and interpersonal relationships that contribute to your distress. The acuity I encountered working at a psychiatric hospital prepared me for private practice and led to my conservative prescribing approach. I value patient feedback and include it in treatment decisions. My practice focus is medication management but I also offer therapy. My blended therapeutic approach includes elements from many modalities.
![Photo of Tallon Reeder Lamoreaux, NP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e4eb4644-3f3a-41b5-aae5-d6f481c2ac89/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tallon Reeder Lamoreaux
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97209
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner living and working in Portland, Oregon. I have a professional background working in various mental health settings including both acute and residential inpatient treatment, addiction and recovery, youth behavioral health and general outpatient psychiatry. My primary area of specialty is the treatment of mood, anxiety, trauma, ADHD and sleep disorders in adults ages 18-65. I enjoy getting to know and understand my patients and their individual needs. I am willing to meet you where you are at and collaborate on a plan to help you with your mental health goals.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner living and working in Portland, Oregon. I have a professional background working in various mental health settings including both acute and residential inpatient treatment, addiction and recovery, youth behavioral health and general outpatient psychiatry. My primary area of specialty is the treatment of mood, anxiety, trauma, ADHD and sleep disorders in adults ages 18-65. I enjoy getting to know and understand my patients and their individual needs. I am willing to meet you where you are at and collaborate on a plan to help you with your mental health goals.
![Photo of Hannah Frazee, PA, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/068a0e7e-ef44-47cc-b333-5bdb9f14bda8/1/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in psychiatric medication management. I believe that medication can do great things for people in the right context. I also think there are times that medication should be used in addition to other modalities, like therapy, if needed.
I specialize in psychiatric medication management. I believe that medication can do great things for people in the right context. I also think there are times that medication should be used in addition to other modalities, like therapy, if needed.
![Photo of John Robert Kratzer, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51cc7163-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Are you in the middle of a life transition? Are you looking for ways to open up your heart and soul so you can have more purpose and meaning in your life? Would you like help in building skills to be more present and peaceful in your day to day life? Would you like to experience healing as part of a larger community? Do you want to put your psychological concerns and symptoms in a broader context? I would like to help you discover your souls place in the world so you can live a life that accords to your values, is purposeful and meaningful and helps to integrate all of this with your childhood experiences.
Are you in the middle of a life transition? Are you looking for ways to open up your heart and soul so you can have more purpose and meaning in your life? Would you like help in building skills to be more present and peaceful in your day to day life? Would you like to experience healing as part of a larger community? Do you want to put your psychological concerns and symptoms in a broader context? I would like to help you discover your souls place in the world so you can live a life that accords to your values, is purposeful and meaningful and helps to integrate all of this with your childhood experiences.
![Photo of Nancy Masters, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48d8d21b-ccb7-42aa-8c44-76d0ae39f4f7/2/320x400.jpeg)
Nancy graduated from Washington State University with a Master of Science in Nursing, and is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She has more than 10 years of experience and specializes in treating patients with depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar and sleep disorders, as well as patients in the LGBTQIA+ community with care needs related to gender dysphoria/transgender-related mental health care. She treats patients ages 14-64.
Nancy graduated from Washington State University with a Master of Science in Nursing, and is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She has more than 10 years of experience and specializes in treating patients with depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar and sleep disorders, as well as patients in the LGBTQIA+ community with care needs related to gender dysphoria/transgender-related mental health care. She treats patients ages 14-64.
![Photo of Jenna Brown Albright, DNP, PMHNP, -BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/631c0c4d-3e9d-40c6-b5e1-f8439865993c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jenna Brown Albright
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97209
My intention is to understand what is important to you in supporting your wellness. Medication can be a tool to use along with therapy and skills. Through mutual collaboration and trust, we will work to determine which medication will be helpful. I will provide education and support while we work together, being sensitive to your questions and concerns.
My intention is to understand what is important to you in supporting your wellness. Medication can be a tool to use along with therapy and skills. Through mutual collaboration and trust, we will work to determine which medication will be helpful. I will provide education and support while we work together, being sensitive to your questions and concerns.
![Photo of Schuyler B Ellis, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/df3a56f9-a5f6-41cd-9fce-53beadc0465d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Schuyler B Ellis
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97209
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). I began my career at the Menninger Clinic in Houston, TX where I gained invaluable experience working with young adults with complex trauma, substance abuse, and mood & personality disorders. From this experience, I learned that it is a provider’s responsibility to therapeutically guide care that targets the core issues leading to a patient’s mental health challenges, not just treat a diagnosis. Since leaving Menninger, I have had the chance to care for a variety of patients in community, emergency, and forensic settings.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). I began my career at the Menninger Clinic in Houston, TX where I gained invaluable experience working with young adults with complex trauma, substance abuse, and mood & personality disorders. From this experience, I learned that it is a provider’s responsibility to therapeutically guide care that targets the core issues leading to a patient’s mental health challenges, not just treat a diagnosis. Since leaving Menninger, I have had the chance to care for a variety of patients in community, emergency, and forensic settings.
![Photo of Nichole Slykhous, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/53a9f48a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Nichole practices Integrative Psychiatry to help you identify and treat the underlying cause(s) and symptoms of depression, ADD/ADHD, anxiety, insomnia, mood disorders, brain fog, fatigue, and other contemporary mental health conditions. Integrative Psychiatry is a personalized approach to mental health that uses functional medicine and traditional psychiatry to identify and treat core imbalances which affect your brain, body, and life
Nichole practices Integrative Psychiatry to help you identify and treat the underlying cause(s) and symptoms of depression, ADD/ADHD, anxiety, insomnia, mood disorders, brain fog, fatigue, and other contemporary mental health conditions. Integrative Psychiatry is a personalized approach to mental health that uses functional medicine and traditional psychiatry to identify and treat core imbalances which affect your brain, body, and life
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![Photo of Jenn Grant, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a11b3d1f-1ff5-453e-be32-df4b85155cfa/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jenn Grant
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97209
Now Accepting New Patients at NeuStart Psychiatry & TMS! Hello and thanks for taking the time to invest in your mental health! I’m Dr. Grant and I’m a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) trained in both medication management and psychotherapy. I treat a variety of conditions including (but not limited to) anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, ADHD, OCD, and psychosis. I also have a particular passion for functional and reproductive psychiatry, including working with clients in the pre-conception, pregnancy, and post-partum stages of life.
Now Accepting New Patients at NeuStart Psychiatry & TMS! Hello and thanks for taking the time to invest in your mental health! I’m Dr. Grant and I’m a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) trained in both medication management and psychotherapy. I treat a variety of conditions including (but not limited to) anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, ADHD, OCD, and psychosis. I also have a particular passion for functional and reproductive psychiatry, including working with clients in the pre-conception, pregnancy, and post-partum stages of life.
![Photo of Dr. Elijah Kim, DNP, PsychNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/57c9d41f-2c7a-4498-b05b-5732940fb253/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Elijah Kim
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PsychNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97209
We are born to be successful, happy, and enjoy every moment while living on earth, but that is a dream or fantasy in most cases. However, we are here to overcome obstacles preventing us from achieving our dreams and to make fantasies a reality. Life is full of surprises and challenges. Many are experiencing Depression, anxiety, bereavement, trauma, relationship difficulties, and a variety of other psychosocial stressors. It will be a privilege if I can assist those who need to alleviate their emotional pain and improve their daily functions.
We are born to be successful, happy, and enjoy every moment while living on earth, but that is a dream or fantasy in most cases. However, we are here to overcome obstacles preventing us from achieving our dreams and to make fantasies a reality. Life is full of surprises and challenges. Many are experiencing Depression, anxiety, bereavement, trauma, relationship difficulties, and a variety of other psychosocial stressors. It will be a privilege if I can assist those who need to alleviate their emotional pain and improve their daily functions.
![Photo of Kimberly Rickel, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dfd9b83a-3f37-4e89-bde9-8df9cd657477/1/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting New Patients! My name is Kimberly Rickel, and I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with NeuStart Psychiatry & TMS. Prior to obtaining my Master’s degree from Gonzaga University in 2022, I worked over a decade as a board-certified mental health registered nurse in a variety of mental health settings with the adolescent, adult, and geriatric populations. My experience includes working with conditions such as depression, anxiety, insomnia, bipolar, PTSD, psychosis, and cognitive disorders.
Accepting New Patients! My name is Kimberly Rickel, and I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with NeuStart Psychiatry & TMS. Prior to obtaining my Master’s degree from Gonzaga University in 2022, I worked over a decade as a board-certified mental health registered nurse in a variety of mental health settings with the adolescent, adult, and geriatric populations. My experience includes working with conditions such as depression, anxiety, insomnia, bipolar, PTSD, psychosis, and cognitive disorders.
![Photo of Brett Stephan, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0b5557a6-1532-467b-a85d-19549748faac/2/320x400.jpeg)
Brett Stephan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97209
I provide medication management and therapy for many conditions, including anxiety, depression, bipolar, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, and other conditions. When we meet for our first video session, we'll discuss your symptoms and treatment goals and we'll carefully select medications that fit your unique needs. I am based in Chicago, and I see clients in IL, WA, OR, AZ, NM, MT, AK, ND, and DE, all via telehealth. I am accepting new patients. I'm excited for the opportunity to work with you.
I provide medication management and therapy for many conditions, including anxiety, depression, bipolar, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, and other conditions. When we meet for our first video session, we'll discuss your symptoms and treatment goals and we'll carefully select medications that fit your unique needs. I am based in Chicago, and I see clients in IL, WA, OR, AZ, NM, MT, AK, ND, and DE, all via telehealth. I am accepting new patients. I'm excited for the opportunity to work with you.
![Photo of Maya Nair, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fd0b51ad-8367-4e46-8f2a-129f66d8489b/2/320x400.jpeg)
As a board-certified psychiatrist, I provide a safe and accepting space for you to share your unique story to find stability and joy. By supporting you and deepening our understanding of you, your mind and body, and the world around you, we can find short and long term strategies to manage and overcome your symptoms and make progress on your goals. As you process and make meaning out of your life, you become better equipped to address problems in your personal life and career, change how you feel about yourself, and resolve concerns in your relationships.
As a board-certified psychiatrist, I provide a safe and accepting space for you to share your unique story to find stability and joy. By supporting you and deepening our understanding of you, your mind and body, and the world around you, we can find short and long term strategies to manage and overcome your symptoms and make progress on your goals. As you process and make meaning out of your life, you become better equipped to address problems in your personal life and career, change how you feel about yourself, and resolve concerns in your relationships.
![Photo of Cassandra Stell, PMHNP, DNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e0a661c2-aeb0-4a65-9d94-0b80206b616b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Cassandra Stell
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, DNP, FNP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97209 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Accepting new clients in OR and WA. No matter where you are on your psychiatric health, my goal is provide a therapeutic environment to help you achieve your best unique outcome. One of many benefits of becoming mentally strong is that it is one of the best ways to improve how you feel emotionally and physically. My mission is to provide psychiatric diagnosis and medication management in a comprehensive and teaching manner, paying careful attention to your psychological and individual make-up. My approach is collaborative and relational.
Accepting new clients in OR and WA. No matter where you are on your psychiatric health, my goal is provide a therapeutic environment to help you achieve your best unique outcome. One of many benefits of becoming mentally strong is that it is one of the best ways to improve how you feel emotionally and physically. My mission is to provide psychiatric diagnosis and medication management in a comprehensive and teaching manner, paying careful attention to your psychological and individual make-up. My approach is collaborative and relational.
![Photo of Lauren Kaplan, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f631b932-7be3-47df-97b3-4d41f546840b/2/320x400.jpeg)
I believe that healing occurs in the context of supportive relationships with self, with other people, and with aspects of the natural world beyond people. My passion is collaborative exploration of these core relationships to help empower youth in creating their own path toward increasing wellness. It takes great strength to ask for help and it can be challenging to find someone who feels safe enough to be vulnerable with. Providing you or your child with a safe, supportive, affirming space to go beyond symptom management and explore the root causes of your challenging experiences is an honor.
I believe that healing occurs in the context of supportive relationships with self, with other people, and with aspects of the natural world beyond people. My passion is collaborative exploration of these core relationships to help empower youth in creating their own path toward increasing wellness. It takes great strength to ask for help and it can be challenging to find someone who feels safe enough to be vulnerable with. Providing you or your child with a safe, supportive, affirming space to go beyond symptom management and explore the root causes of your challenging experiences is an honor.
![Photo of Kassandra Ransom, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fa5fcc93-291c-44f2-bb82-ebf0f90af6b2/2/320x400.jpeg)
I often hear from people, “I wish I could get my brain to work the way I want.” or “I have 58 browser tabs open in my brain all the time!” or “I get so frustrated with myself because I can’t get the things done I want to do!” If any of these statements sound like you, you are certainly not alone. Many clients make appointments with me wondering about ADHD. That is often one possibility, and with further discussion and exploration of symptoms, we can come to a diagnosis together. I am licensed in OR & WA and I am now accepting new patients ages 16-60yo for medication management visits in-office in Vancouver, WA., or via telehealth.
I often hear from people, “I wish I could get my brain to work the way I want.” or “I have 58 browser tabs open in my brain all the time!” or “I get so frustrated with myself because I can’t get the things done I want to do!” If any of these statements sound like you, you are certainly not alone. Many clients make appointments with me wondering about ADHD. That is often one possibility, and with further discussion and exploration of symptoms, we can come to a diagnosis together. I am licensed in OR & WA and I am now accepting new patients ages 16-60yo for medication management visits in-office in Vancouver, WA., or via telehealth.
![Photo of Heike Sommer, PMHNP , BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c640d54e-96da-4569-b6a5-d7f67e3ae24e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Are you are looking for a prescriber who is well trained, experienced and compassionate while you are engaging in therapy and getting back to a healthy self care routine? Have you tried psychotropic medications that have not worked? Would you rather take natural remedies but have not had that much success? I do believe that psychotropic medications can be helpful short and long term. Nurse practitioners are known for their holistic approach and see you in the context of your culture, environment and situation. I am fond of collaboration with other providers to build a team for you and your mental health.
Are you are looking for a prescriber who is well trained, experienced and compassionate while you are engaging in therapy and getting back to a healthy self care routine? Have you tried psychotropic medications that have not worked? Would you rather take natural remedies but have not had that much success? I do believe that psychotropic medications can be helpful short and long term. Nurse practitioners are known for their holistic approach and see you in the context of your culture, environment and situation. I am fond of collaboration with other providers to build a team for you and your mental health.
See more therapy options for 97209
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 97209
30+
Average cost per session
$230
Psychiatrists in 97209 who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
85% | Medication Management |
82% | ADHD |
74% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
71% | Trauma and PTSD |
71% | Bipolar Disorder |
Average years in practice
11 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
85% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
79% | Regence |
74% | Aetna |
How Psychiatrists in 97209 see their clients
74% | In Person and Online | |
26% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
63% | Female | |
37% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 97209?
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.