Psychiatrists in Arkansas
Stacey Djoumessi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Mitchel
Verified Verified
Bentonville, AR 72712 (Online Only)
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and I decided to become a nurse to have a positive impact on the lives of my clients. My favorite quote is “Your illness does not define you. Your strength and courage do.” – Unknown. I have experience working with patients struggling with bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, schizoaffective disorder, gender dysphoria, panic attacks, ADHD (children and adults) and PANDAS. I enjoy working with all conditions. I also work with patients dealing with substance use disorders.
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and I decided to become a nurse to have a positive impact on the lives of my clients. My favorite quote is “Your illness does not define you. Your strength and courage do.” – Unknown. I have experience working with patients struggling with bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, schizoaffective disorder, gender dysphoria, panic attacks, ADHD (children and adults) and PANDAS. I enjoy working with all conditions. I also work with patients dealing with substance use disorders.
![Photo of Kaitlin Hiddle, DNP, APRN, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/be4d0da0-6ac0-4996-ae89-a019399f1d47/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kaitlin Hiddle
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
Bentonville, AR 72712
Kaitlin helps all people young or old, small or great find gentle care and wise counsel for a better future.
Kaitlin helps all people young or old, small or great find gentle care and wise counsel for a better future.
![Photo of Jessica Gutting, APRN, MSNC, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/72eee7c3-30fd-44a8-a861-dc6a281cbaea/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jessica Gutting
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, MSNC, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Harrison, AR 72601
My ideal client is a person that I would not consider a client at all, but a coworker who will work with myself and other providers to develop a treatment plan that can be utilized to improve the client’s overall wellbeing. Issues would include anxiety, mood, personality, or psychotic disorders as well as addiction and trauma. The needs of the client may include medication management, therapy, or a combination of treatments. Goals would include being actively involved in a client-centered treatment plan, such as taking medications as prescribed and attending therapy sessions because the client wants to improve overall wellbeing.
My ideal client is a person that I would not consider a client at all, but a coworker who will work with myself and other providers to develop a treatment plan that can be utilized to improve the client’s overall wellbeing. Issues would include anxiety, mood, personality, or psychotic disorders as well as addiction and trauma. The needs of the client may include medication management, therapy, or a combination of treatments. Goals would include being actively involved in a client-centered treatment plan, such as taking medications as prescribed and attending therapy sessions because the client wants to improve overall wellbeing.
![Photo of Brittany Seifert, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5e54f646-690a-473c-9581-55edc32af212/2/320x400.jpeg)
Brittany Seifert is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with training and experience treating patients with psychiatric disorders across the lifespan in various settings including outpatient, inpatient, residential, and emergency crisis settings. Brittany recognizes the importance of treating the whole person: mind and body. She has an integrative approach that focuses on the individual as a whole, not just a diagnosis.
Brittany Seifert is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with training and experience treating patients with psychiatric disorders across the lifespan in various settings including outpatient, inpatient, residential, and emergency crisis settings. Brittany recognizes the importance of treating the whole person: mind and body. She has an integrative approach that focuses on the individual as a whole, not just a diagnosis.
![Photo of Danielle Griffin, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/53417195-2835-4ef9-8003-ac521ea99756/1/320x400.jpeg)
Danielle Griffin
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Fayetteville, AR 72704
Danielle Griffin is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with training and experience treating patients across the lifespan. She has experience working in the inpatient psychiatric setting, intensive outpatient programming, and outpatient medication management. Currently accepting patients 10 and up.
Danielle Griffin is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with training and experience treating patients across the lifespan. She has experience working in the inpatient psychiatric setting, intensive outpatient programming, and outpatient medication management. Currently accepting patients 10 and up.
![Photo of Dr. Dianna Esmaeilpour, MD, MS, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5a56b99b-fd55-479e-8ea9-5326de0a3c6c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Now accepting new patients at Capstone Psychiatry. Dr. Esmaeilpour is a Child and Adult Psychiatrist. She treats mood, anxiety, and thought disorders as well as PTSD and neurodevelopmental disorders. She believes that a good patient physician relationship is the foundation for good care.
Now accepting new patients at Capstone Psychiatry. Dr. Esmaeilpour is a Child and Adult Psychiatrist. She treats mood, anxiety, and thought disorders as well as PTSD and neurodevelopmental disorders. She believes that a good patient physician relationship is the foundation for good care.
![Photo of Ashton Nealy, MNSc, APRN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1f089a25-bfd9-4fd3-9686-cc0dec7760e6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ashton Nealy
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MNSc, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Little Rock, AR 72205
I am dedicated to providing supportive services, diagnostic evaluations, and medication management for individuals with multiple diagnoses, which include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychosis, and trauma-related disorders.
I am dedicated to providing supportive services, diagnostic evaluations, and medication management for individuals with multiple diagnoses, which include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychosis, and trauma-related disorders.
![Photo of Emily Healy, DNP, PMHNP, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/84073530-3e54-4048-a6c8-78ef3f90385b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Emily Healy
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, APRN
Verified Verified
Hot Springs, AR 71901 (Online Only)
Hello and welcome! I’m a compassionate and dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). My mission is to help people heal from the inside out. I've dedicated my career to treating a wide range of mental health conditions. From anxiety and depression to more complex disorders like addiction, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, I'm here to support you.
Hello and welcome! I’m a compassionate and dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). My mission is to help people heal from the inside out. I've dedicated my career to treating a wide range of mental health conditions. From anxiety and depression to more complex disorders like addiction, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, I'm here to support you.
![Photo of Adarsh Reddy, MD, PhD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/85d65054-380b-4775-a5ad-70a74e609ae1/2/320x400.jpeg)
My clients/ patients include but are not limited to people with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, mood disorder, psychosis, substance use disorders, and ADHD. People reach out to me for various reasons, including needing a different approach to managing their issues, providing adequate time to address all their problems, and wanting someone who is easily reachable, questionable, respectful, and nonjudgmental. My goal is to provide highly personalized service for a small number of clients. I strive to be an active listener with a nonjudgmental attitude.
My clients/ patients include but are not limited to people with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, mood disorder, psychosis, substance use disorders, and ADHD. People reach out to me for various reasons, including needing a different approach to managing their issues, providing adequate time to address all their problems, and wanting someone who is easily reachable, questionable, respectful, and nonjudgmental. My goal is to provide highly personalized service for a small number of clients. I strive to be an active listener with a nonjudgmental attitude.
![Photo of Christa Jones, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2d85e10b-63dd-43c2-a69d-384536da8579/1/320x400.jpeg)
Christa Jones
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Conway, AR 72032
Christa is a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Nurse Educator holding Masters degrees in both specialties. She has a strong passion for mental health and educating her client as she feels knowledge is power. Christa utilizes evidence-based treatments and research as well as compassion and empathy to provide a holistic approach for individuals. She believes in taking time with her clients to not only get to know them but to also work together as a team to navigate treatment options that best benefit the client and support their overall health.
Christa is a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Nurse Educator holding Masters degrees in both specialties. She has a strong passion for mental health and educating her client as she feels knowledge is power. Christa utilizes evidence-based treatments and research as well as compassion and empathy to provide a holistic approach for individuals. She believes in taking time with her clients to not only get to know them but to also work together as a team to navigate treatment options that best benefit the client and support their overall health.
![Photo of Kellie Cox, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e0af6287-093e-4aa8-b844-9d8b54060bab/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kellie Cox
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Jonesboro, AR 72401
My ideal clients are individuals or families seeking holistic healing and mental wellness support. They include parents dealing with children's mental health issues, adolescents facing anxiety, trauma survivors, and mothers grappling with fertility issues or loss. They seek a compassionate, understanding provider committed to a comprehensive healing approach. They want empowerment, knowledge, and coping skills, and a safe, non-judgmental space. If this resonates with you, I'm here to support your journey to optimal health and well-being.
My ideal clients are individuals or families seeking holistic healing and mental wellness support. They include parents dealing with children's mental health issues, adolescents facing anxiety, trauma survivors, and mothers grappling with fertility issues or loss. They seek a compassionate, understanding provider committed to a comprehensive healing approach. They want empowerment, knowledge, and coping skills, and a safe, non-judgmental space. If this resonates with you, I'm here to support your journey to optimal health and well-being.
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![Photo of Cathy Pettis, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BCC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0fe573c6-1b8c-422f-b25e-5c3d286e014a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Cathy Pettis
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BCC
Verified Verified
Conway, AR 72032 (Online Only)
Cathy is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who has over 10 years of nursing experience. Cathy is playful, creative, and compassionate about delivering quality care to those she serves. She believes that everyone has a beautiful destination and at times needs support in arriving. We all aware that life could be extremely stressful and sometimes it feels difficult to navigate alone. Cathy is here to help you to navigate through your life struggles and optimize your quality of life. Her goal is to help our patient to achieve optimal serenity and to bring life back to homeostasis once again.
Cathy is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who has over 10 years of nursing experience. Cathy is playful, creative, and compassionate about delivering quality care to those she serves. She believes that everyone has a beautiful destination and at times needs support in arriving. We all aware that life could be extremely stressful and sometimes it feels difficult to navigate alone. Cathy is here to help you to navigate through your life struggles and optimize your quality of life. Her goal is to help our patient to achieve optimal serenity and to bring life back to homeostasis once again.
![Photo of Sarah Weatherford, MNSc, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ff64ec5f-c49b-49e4-903c-1697501dc992/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sarah Weatherford
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MNSc, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Jonesboro, AR 72401
Sarah Weatherford is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She earned her Bachelor of Nursing from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and then later returned to the college to earn her Master of Nursing Science with a specialty in Psychiatric Mental Health. Sarah spent her first years working as a nurse in an inpatient setting for children with psychiatric disorders. She learned the importance of implementing trauma-informed care for improving patient outcomes. She understands the importance of being an empathic listener in being an effective care provider to her patients.
Sarah Weatherford is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She earned her Bachelor of Nursing from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and then later returned to the college to earn her Master of Nursing Science with a specialty in Psychiatric Mental Health. Sarah spent her first years working as a nurse in an inpatient setting for children with psychiatric disorders. She learned the importance of implementing trauma-informed care for improving patient outcomes. She understands the importance of being an empathic listener in being an effective care provider to her patients.
![Photo of Chastity Qg Stephens - Med Minds Psychiatry, MSNc, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/07571b99-4e02-48be-8bb3-c78799506604/3/320x400.jpeg)
Med Minds Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSNc, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Little Rock, AR 72205 (Online Only)
I believe in holistic health: which means caring for the whole person and addressing the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs of individuals and families across the lifespan. Mental and emotional health are often the foundation of a healthy and fulfilling life. My specialty is medication management for a variety of mental health needs, across the lifespan. Initial appointments are usually (60) minutes in length and follow up appointments are usually (20) minutes in length. I want each person I partner with to feel comfortable and well informed of their options so that they are able to make an informed decision.
I believe in holistic health: which means caring for the whole person and addressing the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs of individuals and families across the lifespan. Mental and emotional health are often the foundation of a healthy and fulfilling life. My specialty is medication management for a variety of mental health needs, across the lifespan. Initial appointments are usually (60) minutes in length and follow up appointments are usually (20) minutes in length. I want each person I partner with to feel comfortable and well informed of their options so that they are able to make an informed decision.
![Photo of Dawn Lindsey, DNP, APRN, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f7478070-9deb-4eeb-9810-5bdf612260b6/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dawn Lindsey
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bryant, AR 72022
You are not alone; we all struggle. I believe that everyone is a little broken by life and I am here to support anyone who has experienced this burden. My aim is to work collaboratively with you, to meet mutually set goals. In my office you will not be judged, nor will you feel displaced in my care. I believe patients should have a voice and a choice when it comes to the care provided to them. My treatment approach is multifaceted, as I follow a Biopsychosocial (BPS) Model, simply put, mental health and wellness is directly affected by a person’s genes, lifestyle, and social constructs.
You are not alone; we all struggle. I believe that everyone is a little broken by life and I am here to support anyone who has experienced this burden. My aim is to work collaboratively with you, to meet mutually set goals. In my office you will not be judged, nor will you feel displaced in my care. I believe patients should have a voice and a choice when it comes to the care provided to them. My treatment approach is multifaceted, as I follow a Biopsychosocial (BPS) Model, simply put, mental health and wellness is directly affected by a person’s genes, lifestyle, and social constructs.
![Photo of Nikol Hamilton, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, LNC, FCN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ced359c3-97a8-480e-bdba-16dae990db23/1/320x400.jpeg)
Nikol Hamilton
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, LNC, FCN
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
Crossett, AR 71635
Christian Leadership • Nursing • Integrative Psychotherapy• Forensic Mental Healthcare! Are you a woman who has experienced trauma/grief/violence? I will help you navigate victory with a faith filled lens of supportive connection. My philosophy is integrative with lifestyle interventions, conservative medication management, genetic testing, brain health coaching and memberships for alternative therapies. The gut brain axis is pivotal to optimizing healing. So, if catastrophic illness support, medical trauma, violence or healthcare harm is part of your story, call me! Supporting your mental resiliency is the justice you deserve.
Christian Leadership • Nursing • Integrative Psychotherapy• Forensic Mental Healthcare! Are you a woman who has experienced trauma/grief/violence? I will help you navigate victory with a faith filled lens of supportive connection. My philosophy is integrative with lifestyle interventions, conservative medication management, genetic testing, brain health coaching and memberships for alternative therapies. The gut brain axis is pivotal to optimizing healing. So, if catastrophic illness support, medical trauma, violence or healthcare harm is part of your story, call me! Supporting your mental resiliency is the justice you deserve.
![Photo of Erin Holleman, APRN, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4aaef9b6-2c57-4088-b42a-d930a012aa73/2/320x400.jpeg)
Erin Holleman
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
Hot Springs, AR 71901
I am a Spravato Treatment Center specializing in Spravato for treatment resistant depression. I am amazed daily with seeing clients depression improve after years of struggling with lingering symptoms despite trying and failing other medications or only finding minimal relief with their current medications. My goal is to help every individual reach their fullest potential.
I am a Spravato Treatment Center specializing in Spravato for treatment resistant depression. I am amazed daily with seeing clients depression improve after years of struggling with lingering symptoms despite trying and failing other medications or only finding minimal relief with their current medications. My goal is to help every individual reach their fullest potential.
![Photo of Melissa Bell, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6a1f621f-c559-43fa-9d84-2e42e0632a09/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hi, I'm Melissa. I'm a Nurse Practitioner, board certified in both Psychiatry & Family Practice. I practice in Conway AR at Christian Perspective Counseling and online throughout Arkansas). I have a relational practice style that encourages open and professional communication, with goals of providing individualized and compassionate care. I believe that shame dies when shared in safe spaces. My clients will feel heard, believed, and valued for who they were, who they are, and who they want to be.
Hi, I'm Melissa. I'm a Nurse Practitioner, board certified in both Psychiatry & Family Practice. I practice in Conway AR at Christian Perspective Counseling and online throughout Arkansas). I have a relational practice style that encourages open and professional communication, with goals of providing individualized and compassionate care. I believe that shame dies when shared in safe spaces. My clients will feel heard, believed, and valued for who they were, who they are, and who they want to be.
![Photo of Nihit Kumar, MD, DFAACAP, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/36526d77-4907-4467-8caf-c2da7de2ae32/1/320x400.png)
I am a licensed and board-certified medical doctor specializing in psychiatric medication management and addiction services for adults and children. Through my contributions to clinical work, teaching, and research, I've been recognized as a Distinguished Fellow by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. I primarily treat ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Addiction, Trauma in children and adolescents, and substance use problems in youth and adults.
I am a licensed and board-certified medical doctor specializing in psychiatric medication management and addiction services for adults and children. Through my contributions to clinical work, teaching, and research, I've been recognized as a Distinguished Fellow by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. I primarily treat ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Addiction, Trauma in children and adolescents, and substance use problems in youth and adults.
![Photo of Jessica Wainwright, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c8117f9a-ede2-432e-95d5-83fcf9ff966d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jessica Wainwright
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Little Rock, AR 72210
Not accepting new clients
I'm a Board-Certified Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I specialize in psychotherapy and medication management for those who want to improve their mental health and well-being. I have ten years experience working in the healthcare field, working in diverse backgrounds in various settings including teaching hospitals, inpatient care, outpatient care and detox rehab. I consider the entire person and how they function within their social and cultural environment rather than simply a constellation of symptoms. I believes that the best treatment results from the bio-psycho-social approach to mental health.
I'm a Board-Certified Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I specialize in psychotherapy and medication management for those who want to improve their mental health and well-being. I have ten years experience working in the healthcare field, working in diverse backgrounds in various settings including teaching hospitals, inpatient care, outpatient care and detox rehab. I consider the entire person and how they function within their social and cultural environment rather than simply a constellation of symptoms. I believes that the best treatment results from the bio-psycho-social approach to mental health.
See more therapy options for Arkansas
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Average cost per session
$250
Psychiatrists in Arkansas who prioritize treating:
91% | Anxiety |
90% | Depression |
78% | Trauma and PTSD |
77% | Medication Management |
75% | Bipolar Disorder |
69% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
63% | Sleep or Insomnia |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
80% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
80% | Cigna and Evernorth |
74% | Ambetter |
How Psychiatrists in Arkansas see their clients
71% | In Person and Online | |
29% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
90% | Female | |
10% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Arkansas?
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.