Psychiatrists in Vestavia Hills, AL
![Photo of Meagan Carson - Nfinite Healthcare Services, DNP, PMHNP, CRNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7bf808c9-9ccb-4255-9228-fd9ee001b282/1/320x400.jpeg)
Nfinite Healthcare Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, CRNP
Verified Verified
Vestavia Hills, AL 35216
Hello, I am Dr. Meagan Carson and I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I treat adult (age 18+) patients who are dealing with depression and anxiety as well as other mental health illnesses. I take a holistic approach with treatment because I understand that all aspects of our lives play a part in our wellbeing. I focus on the individual needs of each patient and cater a treatment plan based on those specific needs.
Hello, I am Dr. Meagan Carson and I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I treat adult (age 18+) patients who are dealing with depression and anxiety as well as other mental health illnesses. I take a holistic approach with treatment because I understand that all aspects of our lives play a part in our wellbeing. I focus on the individual needs of each patient and cater a treatment plan based on those specific needs.
![Photo of Ioana N Shirley, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3eb18a58-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hello, I am Ioana Shirley, medical doctor board certified in Child and Adult Psychiatry. I have 30 years of daily experience in the outpatient treatment of all psychiatric disorders, using a variety of modalities that include therapy, medications, family interventions, TMS, Esketamine etc. I believe that the success of all psychiatric and psychological interventions depends on the provider's training and skills, but also on the relationship between you and this provider. I offer a one stop safe, private and respectful place for psychoeducation, counseling and complex treatments. Healing is the goal in our partnership.
Hello, I am Ioana Shirley, medical doctor board certified in Child and Adult Psychiatry. I have 30 years of daily experience in the outpatient treatment of all psychiatric disorders, using a variety of modalities that include therapy, medications, family interventions, TMS, Esketamine etc. I believe that the success of all psychiatric and psychological interventions depends on the provider's training and skills, but also on the relationship between you and this provider. I offer a one stop safe, private and respectful place for psychoeducation, counseling and complex treatments. Healing is the goal in our partnership.
![Photo of Dr. Tyler Byrd, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1df12a7b-3715-4d0f-b03a-fb319bb15c17/1/320x400.jpeg)
I’m a board certified psychiatrist providing diagnosis, psychotherapy, and medication management for psychiatric conditions utilizing a comprehensive and integrated approach. I provide a concierge level of care, ensuring maximum privacy and thorough attention to detail. We may choose to opt out of psychiatric medications altogether if you wish - based on the patients beliefs and preferences. Personalized approach can include (but not limited to) addressing diet, exercise, sleep cycles and quality, vitamin/herbal supplementation, and bolstering spiritual and/or social support as needed for a treatment tailored to you.
I’m a board certified psychiatrist providing diagnosis, psychotherapy, and medication management for psychiatric conditions utilizing a comprehensive and integrated approach. I provide a concierge level of care, ensuring maximum privacy and thorough attention to detail. We may choose to opt out of psychiatric medications altogether if you wish - based on the patients beliefs and preferences. Personalized approach can include (but not limited to) addressing diet, exercise, sleep cycles and quality, vitamin/herbal supplementation, and bolstering spiritual and/or social support as needed for a treatment tailored to you.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
![Photo of Kathryn Werner, MPAS, PA-C, CAQ, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bd31e59b-e90b-4070-bd1d-5f46700a284d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kathryn Werner
Physician Assistant, MPAS, PA-C, CAQ
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Birmingham, AL 35203 (Online Only)
Anxiety, depression or OCD overwhelm are impacting your life, and you’re ready to get some help. You feel like meds might be an important piece of the puzzle, but traditional psychiatry doesn’t quite feel right. You’re not sure exactly what you need, but it’s definitely not inconvenient appointments, phone tags, or a provider who focuses on meds more than on you. You’re looking for a partner in your mental wellness and a process that feels good.
Anxiety, depression or OCD overwhelm are impacting your life, and you’re ready to get some help. You feel like meds might be an important piece of the puzzle, but traditional psychiatry doesn’t quite feel right. You’re not sure exactly what you need, but it’s definitely not inconvenient appointments, phone tags, or a provider who focuses on meds more than on you. You’re looking for a partner in your mental wellness and a process that feels good.
![Photo of Tiffany Dupree, CRNP, PMHNP, FNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6ccccb0d-71b8-421a-a66d-279c26baed06/1/320x400.jpeg)
Tiffany Dupree
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMHNP, FNP-C
Verified Verified
Birmingham, AL 35223 (Online Only)
At Wholeness Psychiatry, I provide innovative mental healthcare to individuals aged 13 and older. This telemedicine practice offers a convenient and secure way to access psychiatric evaluations, psychotherapy, and medication management from the comfort of your own home. Let me help you begin your journey to mental wellness.
At Wholeness Psychiatry, I provide innovative mental healthcare to individuals aged 13 and older. This telemedicine practice offers a convenient and secure way to access psychiatric evaluations, psychotherapy, and medication management from the comfort of your own home. Let me help you begin your journey to mental wellness.
![Photo of Judy N Clark, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/781637fa-acc1-4ccc-880a-0c03cf68be51/1/320x400.jpeg)
Whether you're a teen grappling with the pressures of school and social expectations, a college student facing the challenges of independence and academic stress, or a young or middle-aged adult juggling the responsibilities of work, relationships, and personal growth, we recognize the unique difficulties you're facing. Your concerns are legitimate, and your challenges are real. We tailor your care. You don't have to take time off from work. We provide lunchtime, evening, and alternate Saturday appointments to accommodate your schedule.
Whether you're a teen grappling with the pressures of school and social expectations, a college student facing the challenges of independence and academic stress, or a young or middle-aged adult juggling the responsibilities of work, relationships, and personal growth, we recognize the unique difficulties you're facing. Your concerns are legitimate, and your challenges are real. We tailor your care. You don't have to take time off from work. We provide lunchtime, evening, and alternate Saturday appointments to accommodate your schedule.
![Photo of Valisia Davis, DNP, CRNP-BC, PMHS, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/71ee6df7-d9a9-4240-bc6b-4482244a66a4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Valisia Davis
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, CRNP-BC, PMHS
Verified Verified
Birmingham, AL 35209
My expertise is working with patients who are dealing with Anxiety, Depression, ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Patients need a trusting place to be honest about their mental health concerns and the confidence they will receive quality care. I have clinical concentration of more than 15 years in pediatric psychiatry. I believe my years of experience working with child psychiatrists and psychologists allows me provide this level care..
My expertise is working with patients who are dealing with Anxiety, Depression, ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Patients need a trusting place to be honest about their mental health concerns and the confidence they will receive quality care. I have clinical concentration of more than 15 years in pediatric psychiatry. I believe my years of experience working with child psychiatrists and psychologists allows me provide this level care..
![Photo of John C Hayes, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d562dbe3-d678-46e7-b420-86e4bf87a745/2/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome to my virtual practice, serving patients in AL, FL, and NC via telepsychiatry. As I am in the active process of transition to telemedicine, I can usually offer a prompt intake appointment.
Welcome to my virtual practice, serving patients in AL, FL, and NC via telepsychiatry. As I am in the active process of transition to telemedicine, I can usually offer a prompt intake appointment.
![Photo of Bridget Rudolph Roscoe - The Approach Forward, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d8f6b39b-ceb4-432e-a955-9e3db885bd97/2/320x400.jpeg)
The Approach Forward
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Birmingham, AL 35244 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Hello, I'm Bridget, a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who provides medication evaluations and follow-up/medication management assessments. My top priority is the well being of my patients and their families and I pride myself in providing the absolute highest quality of psychiatric care. After an initial session, where together we will discuss your history and concerns, we will formulate a plan for increased well-being, which may include the initiation of psychiatric medications, as well as a plan for other modalities, including diet, exercise and proper rest.
Hello, I'm Bridget, a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who provides medication evaluations and follow-up/medication management assessments. My top priority is the well being of my patients and their families and I pride myself in providing the absolute highest quality of psychiatric care. After an initial session, where together we will discuss your history and concerns, we will formulate a plan for increased well-being, which may include the initiation of psychiatric medications, as well as a plan for other modalities, including diet, exercise and proper rest.
![Photo of Billie Renee Russell Crnp - Reliance Associates LLC, MSN, RN, PMHNP-, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b379ce13-b620-442e-a5d8-1e933e8749a5/3/320x400.jpeg)
Reliance Associates LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, RN, PMHNP-, BC
Verified Verified
Birmingham, AL 35209
Seeking care for mental health issues can be difficult. People often feel alone or misunderstood, and suffer in silence, but mental health issues affect more than just the person who is suffering. Mental health issues are more prevalent today than ever. Being able to talk with someone who understands can help relieve this burden.
Seeking care for mental health issues can be difficult. People often feel alone or misunderstood, and suffer in silence, but mental health issues affect more than just the person who is suffering. Mental health issues are more prevalent today than ever. Being able to talk with someone who understands can help relieve this burden.
![Photo of Dr. Chenhang Zou, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0760a8b0-1d39-4658-8f67-ec3e948425f9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Embark on your healing journey with Dr. Zou, a Board-certified psychiatrist who blends the precision of medicine with the art of psychotherapy. Trained at Emory and UAlabama, Dr. Zou is expert at integrating medication management and psychotherapy, including CBT. But her approach is not just about effective treatment; it's about empowering you with self-knowledge and tools for sustainable mental well-being. With Dr. Zou, you can explore a personalized, empathetic approach that resonates uniquely with you.
Embark on your healing journey with Dr. Zou, a Board-certified psychiatrist who blends the precision of medicine with the art of psychotherapy. Trained at Emory and UAlabama, Dr. Zou is expert at integrating medication management and psychotherapy, including CBT. But her approach is not just about effective treatment; it's about empowering you with self-knowledge and tools for sustainable mental well-being. With Dr. Zou, you can explore a personalized, empathetic approach that resonates uniquely with you.
![Photo of Zachary Gilliam, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/824f7be0-cbd6-470b-ba95-fd69a59d761d/1/320x400.png)
Zachary Gilliam
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Birmingham, AL 35242 (Online Only)
Hello! My name is Zac Gilliam, and I am a dual board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNPC-AG). In working with patients, I strive for a holistic approach to care that encompasses eating healthy, staying active, sleeping well, spending time with people you love, and doing the work and activities you enjoy, all of which are so important to mental health. Working on all of the things that contribute to well-being creates a synergistic effect to help patients achieve lasting and meaningful improvements.
Hello! My name is Zac Gilliam, and I am a dual board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNPC-AG). In working with patients, I strive for a holistic approach to care that encompasses eating healthy, staying active, sleeping well, spending time with people you love, and doing the work and activities you enjoy, all of which are so important to mental health. Working on all of the things that contribute to well-being creates a synergistic effect to help patients achieve lasting and meaningful improvements.
![Photo of Miranda Hobbs - The Jackson Center, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9f298d89-f2c6-4069-bcd7-7fd269513720/1/320x400.png)
Miranda Hobbs is a board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner. She graduated from University of Alabama at Birmingham with her bachelor’s degree in nursing in 2018 and worked as an RN at UAB Hospital. She obtained her masters of nursing practice degree at UAB in 2020, going on to practice psychiatric medicine in the outpatient setting.
Miranda Hobbs is a board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner. She graduated from University of Alabama at Birmingham with her bachelor’s degree in nursing in 2018 and worked as an RN at UAB Hospital. She obtained her masters of nursing practice degree at UAB in 2020, going on to practice psychiatric medicine in the outpatient setting.
![Photo of Amin Gilani - Alabama Psychiatry Pelham, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/25aecb10-bd73-4669-a69b-d740c73420b4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Alabama Psychiatry Pelham we believe you are important. We are a dynamic office of highly qualified mental health professionals. If you are a senior, a child or an adult we have the ability to understand what you are going through, and we have the professionals with the ability to treat what ails you. You are important.
Alabama Psychiatry Pelham we believe you are important. We are a dynamic office of highly qualified mental health professionals. If you are a senior, a child or an adult we have the ability to understand what you are going through, and we have the professionals with the ability to treat what ails you. You are important.
![Photo of Leticia Ball, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/caee86d0-835a-4fcc-bbb8-277d6525bbf0/1/320x400.png)
Leticia Ball
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Birmingham, AL 35203
Mental health care is important for individuals of all backgrounds and from all walks of life. Whether it is focusing on your depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, bipolar disorder, or borderline personality disorder - medication management and therapy are tools useful in enhancing your quality of life.
Mental health care is important for individuals of all backgrounds and from all walks of life. Whether it is focusing on your depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, bipolar disorder, or borderline personality disorder - medication management and therapy are tools useful in enhancing your quality of life.
![Photo of James Curtis Dilday - Premier Psychiatry, P.C., MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e84d2ca-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting new patients - but please read this entire statement, including paragraph 3 regarding fees. The focus of my clinical practice is Outpatient Psychiatry, with an emphasis on establishing an accurate, and specific psychiatric diagnosis, and then developing a treatment plan - which usually includes prescription medications. In addition, I provide outpatient diagnosis and treatment for Treatment-Resistant (difficult-to-treat) Depression. As such, I prescribe medications - including Lithium Carbonate, TCAs, and MAOIs. I do not treat Alcohol-Use Disorder, or Opioid-Use Disorder.
Accepting new patients - but please read this entire statement, including paragraph 3 regarding fees. The focus of my clinical practice is Outpatient Psychiatry, with an emphasis on establishing an accurate, and specific psychiatric diagnosis, and then developing a treatment plan - which usually includes prescription medications. In addition, I provide outpatient diagnosis and treatment for Treatment-Resistant (difficult-to-treat) Depression. As such, I prescribe medications - including Lithium Carbonate, TCAs, and MAOIs. I do not treat Alcohol-Use Disorder, or Opioid-Use Disorder.
![Photo of Dr. Elizabeth Ault, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/72167b59-9ef3-4eb3-a1c8-9453cda28a91/1/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in guiding young and middle-aged adults through difficult life transitions. Facing new academic or work demands, becoming a parent, or navigating relationship dynamics can present many challenges. If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma related symptoms, insomnia, or a variety of other mental health symptoms, I want to guide you through these difficult times by building a supportive, non-judgmental relationship through which to collaborate to discover your ideal self. Psychiatry should not be one-size fits all. It is a dynamic art that takes time, attention to detail, and passion.
I specialize in guiding young and middle-aged adults through difficult life transitions. Facing new academic or work demands, becoming a parent, or navigating relationship dynamics can present many challenges. If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma related symptoms, insomnia, or a variety of other mental health symptoms, I want to guide you through these difficult times by building a supportive, non-judgmental relationship through which to collaborate to discover your ideal self. Psychiatry should not be one-size fits all. It is a dynamic art that takes time, attention to detail, and passion.
![Photo of Dr. Ronil Shah, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ce82f01a-a7b1-4e03-b555-3a6996beb44d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Why choose Dr. Ronil Shah? Because his top-notch expertise combines with compassionate, personalized care. Treatment with Dr. Shah is a two-way collaboration. Working together, you will design a mental wellness strategy that’s tailored just for you. His philosophy? Your path to wellness should be as unique as you are, shaped by empathy and expertise, and empowered by evidence-based insights and tools.
Why choose Dr. Ronil Shah? Because his top-notch expertise combines with compassionate, personalized care. Treatment with Dr. Shah is a two-way collaboration. Working together, you will design a mental wellness strategy that’s tailored just for you. His philosophy? Your path to wellness should be as unique as you are, shaped by empathy and expertise, and empowered by evidence-based insights and tools.
![Photo of Saydie Marshall, MSN, CRNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c0f4ee35-8345-490b-9b01-593f57c28184/1/320x400.jpeg)
Saydie Marshall
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, CRNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Birmingham, AL 35201
Hi, my is Saydie Marshall and I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I obtained my BSN from Jacksonville State University in 2020 and in 2023 obtained my MSN from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. I have always been very intrigued and interested in psychiatry. My passion for mental health grew as I experienced how underserved the patients were while working as an RN with children, adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients on various acute inpatient psychiatric units in Alabama.
Hi, my is Saydie Marshall and I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I obtained my BSN from Jacksonville State University in 2020 and in 2023 obtained my MSN from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. I have always been very intrigued and interested in psychiatry. My passion for mental health grew as I experienced how underserved the patients were while working as an RN with children, adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients on various acute inpatient psychiatric units in Alabama.
![Photo of Dr. Laura Montgomery-Barefield - Ascend Psychiatry Wellness & Consulting Group, MD, FAPA, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8f3fc2ff-6ab9-4772-9291-cc980317d4c8/4/320x400.jpeg)
Ascend Psychiatry Wellness & Consulting Group
Psychiatrist, MD, FAPA
Verified Verified
Birmingham, AL 35209
Dr. Montgomery-Barefield completed her Medical Degree Residency and Fellowship at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Tx. As a former Professor of Psychiatry and Training Director at UAB, she dedicated nearly 20 years of her career to training the next generation of psychiatrists. Dr. Montgomery-Barefield is an American Psychiatry Association Fellow and is board Certified in Adult and Child Psychiatry. She has been in practice for over 30 years and brings a wealth of expertise.
Dr. Montgomery-Barefield completed her Medical Degree Residency and Fellowship at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Tx. As a former Professor of Psychiatry and Training Director at UAB, she dedicated nearly 20 years of her career to training the next generation of psychiatrists. Dr. Montgomery-Barefield is an American Psychiatry Association Fellow and is board Certified in Adult and Child Psychiatry. She has been in practice for over 30 years and brings a wealth of expertise.
See more therapy options for Vestavia Hills
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Vestavia Hills, AL
< 10
Psychiatrists in Vestavia Hills, AL who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | Eating Disorders |
100% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
100% | Trauma and PTSD |
100% | Bipolar Disorder |
67% | Relationship Issues |
Average years in practice
8 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | New Directions | Lucet |
100% | Blue Cross |
100% | Blue Shield |
How Psychiatrists in Vestavia Hills, AL see their clients
100% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
67% | Female | |
33% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Vestavia Hills?
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.