Psychiatrists in Duval County, FL
![Photo of Kelly Anderson, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/29c13d93-b9ef-4e83-8ff3-f771c139da88/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kelly Anderson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Jacksonville, FL 32216
I am most passionate about working with all-inclusive clientele within a wide-range of mental health needs. My experience includes depression, anxiety, insomnia, ADHD, C-PTSD/trauma, bipolar disorder (d/o), autism, BPD, other personality d/o, OCD, schizophrenia/schizoaffective d/o, psychosis, AVH (hallucinations), conversion or somatization d/o, eating d/o, adjustment d/o, self-harm, SI/HI, alcohol/opiate/benzo use d/o, women's issues, intellectual disabilities, LGBTQIA2S+, military/vets, 1st responders & more. I am very easy to talk to & look forward to us concluding all encounters, with you much more at ease every time we meet.
I am most passionate about working with all-inclusive clientele within a wide-range of mental health needs. My experience includes depression, anxiety, insomnia, ADHD, C-PTSD/trauma, bipolar disorder (d/o), autism, BPD, other personality d/o, OCD, schizophrenia/schizoaffective d/o, psychosis, AVH (hallucinations), conversion or somatization d/o, eating d/o, adjustment d/o, self-harm, SI/HI, alcohol/opiate/benzo use d/o, women's issues, intellectual disabilities, LGBTQIA2S+, military/vets, 1st responders & more. I am very easy to talk to & look forward to us concluding all encounters, with you much more at ease every time we meet.
![Photo of Mohammed Ansari, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4ed99443-f146-45f3-b197-dfac01c3ca70/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Mohammed Ansari is an adult psychiatrist, board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He has extensive experience in various practice settings and specializes in treating Adjustment disorder, Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, OCD, insomnia and working through psychosocial stressors that his patients are experiencing.
Dr. Mohammed Ansari is an adult psychiatrist, board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He has extensive experience in various practice settings and specializes in treating Adjustment disorder, Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, OCD, insomnia and working through psychosocial stressors that his patients are experiencing.
![Photo of Lauren Anderson, APRN-BC, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4f2930f4-40d3-47f3-a15b-76f71ac5fa3c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Lauren Anderson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN-BC, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Jacksonville, FL 32258
My therapeutic approach aims to not only relieve psychiatric symptoms, but to help you reach a place where you are thriving and living life to the fullest. We will work together to create an individualized plan which builds on personal strengths and sets attainable goals. Providing you with support and motivation throughout this process is paramount. In addition to medication management, we will emphasize positive lifestyle changes to ensure long term results.
My therapeutic approach aims to not only relieve psychiatric symptoms, but to help you reach a place where you are thriving and living life to the fullest. We will work together to create an individualized plan which builds on personal strengths and sets attainable goals. Providing you with support and motivation throughout this process is paramount. In addition to medication management, we will emphasize positive lifestyle changes to ensure long term results.
![Photo of Stormy Hayes, APRN, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d78bfb3d-53e7-4c33-8da5-214359384e40/1/320x400.jpeg)
Stormy Hayes
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Jacksonville, FL 32256
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) in Jacksonville, Florida. I graduated with my BSN from the University of West Florida and initially found a passion in caring for extremely critical infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). As a nurse, I have loved and cared for babies for over 6 years. Throughout my career, I have seen how daily stress negatively impacts patient’s parents and their mental health. This reignited my passion for psychology and mental health. I graduated with my Master of Science in nursing (MSN) degree from Jacksonville University.
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) in Jacksonville, Florida. I graduated with my BSN from the University of West Florida and initially found a passion in caring for extremely critical infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). As a nurse, I have loved and cared for babies for over 6 years. Throughout my career, I have seen how daily stress negatively impacts patient’s parents and their mental health. This reignited my passion for psychology and mental health. I graduated with my Master of Science in nursing (MSN) degree from Jacksonville University.
![Photo of Virginia Yates, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4bfa3f6a-fd11-45e3-ac15-d073b154cbce/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Yates is a board-certified Adult Psychiatrist. Her practice focuses on medication management. Typically, she offers this in conjunction with supportive therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. However, occasionally Dr. Yates may believe that additional therapy is also needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome. Dr. Yates received her medical degree from The University of Texas Medical Branch in San Antonio and has over 20 years of experience as a physician. She completed residencies in both Psychiatry and Family Medicine.
Dr. Yates is a board-certified Adult Psychiatrist. Her practice focuses on medication management. Typically, she offers this in conjunction with supportive therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. However, occasionally Dr. Yates may believe that additional therapy is also needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome. Dr. Yates received her medical degree from The University of Texas Medical Branch in San Antonio and has over 20 years of experience as a physician. She completed residencies in both Psychiatry and Family Medicine.
![Photo of Chadd Eaglin, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4064ca4d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Eaglin is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in Psychiatry. He completed medical school at the University of Missouri in Kansas City, and residency training through the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Dr. Eaglin evaluates and treats children and adults, using evidence based methods. He provides medication management and psychotherapy services, focusing on improving psychiatric health and well-being. Dr Eaglin believes in using medications responsibly and only as necessary. Far too often patients are improperly diagnosed and prescribed excessive amounts of medication.
Dr. Eaglin is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in Psychiatry. He completed medical school at the University of Missouri in Kansas City, and residency training through the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Dr. Eaglin evaluates and treats children and adults, using evidence based methods. He provides medication management and psychotherapy services, focusing on improving psychiatric health and well-being. Dr Eaglin believes in using medications responsibly and only as necessary. Far too often patients are improperly diagnosed and prescribed excessive amounts of medication.
![Photo of Rashan Jones, PhD, MSN, ARNP, PMHNP, CCM, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f89ae097-16bc-4bf1-872c-2e22e40baad8/3/320x400.jpeg)
Rashan Jones
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, MSN, ARNP, PMHNP, CCM
Verified Verified
Jacksonville, FL 32217
Complete Dimensions Behavioral Health promote the well-being of the individuals and families in Florida communities by providing accessible, quality mental health and substance abuse/addiction care for children, adolescent ,adults, veterans, and their families, utilizing a service system that emphasizes trust, respect, confidentiality, and compassion. We are commited to quality mental health care that is provided in a collaborative effort with consumers overall health strategies array of medical services. We further committed to philosophy that we exist for the customer.
Complete Dimensions Behavioral Health promote the well-being of the individuals and families in Florida communities by providing accessible, quality mental health and substance abuse/addiction care for children, adolescent ,adults, veterans, and their families, utilizing a service system that emphasizes trust, respect, confidentiality, and compassion. We are commited to quality mental health care that is provided in a collaborative effort with consumers overall health strategies array of medical services. We further committed to philosophy that we exist for the customer.
![Photo of Dr. Charmi Balsara, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a4015398-b692-458c-a7ff-fa7154830a76/2/320x400.jpeg)
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), Medication Management, Sleep Problems, Stress Management, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Burnout, Psychosis, Suicidal Thoughts, Divorce, Grief, Infidelity, Marital and Premarital Challenges, Postpartum Care, Self-Esteem Concerns, Women's Issues, Life Transitions, Emotional Disturbance, Peer Relationships, Relationship Issues, Coping Skills Development, Dual Diagnosis.
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), Medication Management, Sleep Problems, Stress Management, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Burnout, Psychosis, Suicidal Thoughts, Divorce, Grief, Infidelity, Marital and Premarital Challenges, Postpartum Care, Self-Esteem Concerns, Women's Issues, Life Transitions, Emotional Disturbance, Peer Relationships, Relationship Issues, Coping Skills Development, Dual Diagnosis.
![Photo of Helen Lancy, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/72a8ae8f-dbf8-427c-b8f4-95bcd6b16ccc/1/320x400.jpeg)
Helen Lancy
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Jacksonville, FL 32209 (Online Only)
Helen Lancy is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner with a Master’s in Nursing from Spring Arbor University, pursuing a Doctor of Nursing in Psychiatric Mental Health from the University of Missouri. With four years of adult-gerontology psychiatry experience, she specializes in anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, and trauma in adults 18+. Passionate about providing evidence-based, compassionate care, Helen is dedicated to serving patients from diverse backgrounds, particularly those in underserved communities. Helen champions patient empowerment, guiding her patients to take control of their health and emotional wellbeing.
Helen Lancy is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner with a Master’s in Nursing from Spring Arbor University, pursuing a Doctor of Nursing in Psychiatric Mental Health from the University of Missouri. With four years of adult-gerontology psychiatry experience, she specializes in anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, and trauma in adults 18+. Passionate about providing evidence-based, compassionate care, Helen is dedicated to serving patients from diverse backgrounds, particularly those in underserved communities. Helen champions patient empowerment, guiding her patients to take control of their health and emotional wellbeing.
![Photo of Millian Okafor, DNP, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cbfaa727-8973-46e4-8445-18186cad6c41/2/320x400.jpeg)
Millian Okafor
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Jacksonville, FL 32210 (Online Only)
Welcome! I'm a dedicated healthcare professional with a rich background in nursing education and patient care across various settings. I have extensive, diverse experience working with various age groups. I have held various positions in hospitals in critical care units and worked in private practices in the community as a Nurse Practitioner. Throughout my profession, I have always had a special interest in my patients' mental health, which has enabled me to render holistic and compassionate care to this population.
Welcome! I'm a dedicated healthcare professional with a rich background in nursing education and patient care across various settings. I have extensive, diverse experience working with various age groups. I have held various positions in hospitals in critical care units and worked in private practices in the community as a Nurse Practitioner. Throughout my profession, I have always had a special interest in my patients' mental health, which has enabled me to render holistic and compassionate care to this population.
![Photo of Denay Kelly, FNP-C, ARNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4a7b4066-54db-4ef1-b992-c908e94f862f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Denay Kelly
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP-C, ARNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Jacksonville, FL 32244 (Online Only)
Hello and a warm welcome! I'm Denay Kelly, your compassionate Nurse Practitioner specializing in family practice, emergency medicine, Psychiatric and hospital medicine. With a rich educational background, including a Master's in Nursing, I've cultivated a wealth of expertise to ensure you receive top-notch care tailored to your needs. Throughout my career, I've embraced various pivotal roles that have allowed me to provide exceptional care in emergency situations and routine health management.
Hello and a warm welcome! I'm Denay Kelly, your compassionate Nurse Practitioner specializing in family practice, emergency medicine, Psychiatric and hospital medicine. With a rich educational background, including a Master's in Nursing, I've cultivated a wealth of expertise to ensure you receive top-notch care tailored to your needs. Throughout my career, I've embraced various pivotal roles that have allowed me to provide exceptional care in emergency situations and routine health management.
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![Photo of Phillip Azouz, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2e0c383b-ab4f-4420-b648-101f10a340c4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Phillip Azouz is a general adult psychiatrist. His approach encompasses a relaxed, conversational, and non-judgmental space for clients to reflect on and integrate all aspects of their lives. He believes that vulnerability is the key to healing and growth and works with anyone looking to lift mood, reduce anxiety, improve sleep, boost attention, or heal from trauma. Dr. Azouz strives to help each client unlock their true potential. Dr. Azouz’s psychiatric practice blends the latest research in medical treatment with insights from psychotherapy and coaching.
Dr. Phillip Azouz is a general adult psychiatrist. His approach encompasses a relaxed, conversational, and non-judgmental space for clients to reflect on and integrate all aspects of their lives. He believes that vulnerability is the key to healing and growth and works with anyone looking to lift mood, reduce anxiety, improve sleep, boost attention, or heal from trauma. Dr. Azouz strives to help each client unlock their true potential. Dr. Azouz’s psychiatric practice blends the latest research in medical treatment with insights from psychotherapy and coaching.
![Photo of Sagar Vijapura - Vijapura Behavioral Health , MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cef6b47d-60b9-4ba4-bcad-3ee0db18cf1a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Vijapura Behavioral Health
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Jacksonville, FL 32256 (Online Only)
Dr. Sagar Vijapura is a Harvard trained, board-certified psychiatrist who has expertise in treating the most common mental health issues that can trouble even the highest functioning and most well-meaning people. These disorders include Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, ADHD, and Addictions. He believes in custom tailoring a recovery-focused treatment plan for each individual patient, with the goal of optimizing mood and mental clarity to allow his patients to achieve their personal goals. Dr. Vijapura has additional expertise in the management of behavioral and neuropsychiatric issues in professional athletes.
Dr. Sagar Vijapura is a Harvard trained, board-certified psychiatrist who has expertise in treating the most common mental health issues that can trouble even the highest functioning and most well-meaning people. These disorders include Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, ADHD, and Addictions. He believes in custom tailoring a recovery-focused treatment plan for each individual patient, with the goal of optimizing mood and mental clarity to allow his patients to achieve their personal goals. Dr. Vijapura has additional expertise in the management of behavioral and neuropsychiatric issues in professional athletes.
![Photo of Colleen Conrad, CRNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/270f1234-617e-4787-8629-cbc4ce0d256d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Are you struggling with your mental well-being? Do you feel like something isn't quite right and you're unsure where to turn? Are you finding it difficult to manage your emotions, thoughts, or behaviors? I specialize in providing comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and diagnoses, along with medication management if necessary. Together, we can uncover the root causes of your challenges and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you regain control of your mental health.
Are you struggling with your mental well-being? Do you feel like something isn't quite right and you're unsure where to turn? Are you finding it difficult to manage your emotions, thoughts, or behaviors? I specialize in providing comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and diagnoses, along with medication management if necessary. Together, we can uncover the root causes of your challenges and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you regain control of your mental health.
![Photo of John Banks III, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7e8ff93a-dcbb-4811-9fe4-71e0042fdcc8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Banks implements an integrative approach to his practice that primarily utilizes medication management and various psychotherapy disciplines such as cognitive-behavioral, supportive, and psychodynamic techniques. While Dr. Banks is trained in a variety of therapeutic fields, he works collaboratively with therapists and may recommend their inclusion as part of your treatment team to provide you with the level of care you deserve. The duration of follow-up appointments with Dr. Banks is typically 20-30 minutes.
Dr. Banks implements an integrative approach to his practice that primarily utilizes medication management and various psychotherapy disciplines such as cognitive-behavioral, supportive, and psychodynamic techniques. While Dr. Banks is trained in a variety of therapeutic fields, he works collaboratively with therapists and may recommend their inclusion as part of your treatment team to provide you with the level of care you deserve. The duration of follow-up appointments with Dr. Banks is typically 20-30 minutes.
![Photo of Ijeoma Njoku, PMHNP, LPN, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c4e27dc2-a166-47ca-af1b-fabbb46b149c/2/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in Anxiety, Depression, and Mood Disorders. As a psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner, I can help patients with mental illness through medication management and patient education about the disorder. In addition, I will teach patients some coping skills, referral to other helpful resources, and collaborate with other interdisciplinary teams.
I specialize in Anxiety, Depression, and Mood Disorders. As a psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner, I can help patients with mental illness through medication management and patient education about the disorder. In addition, I will teach patients some coping skills, referral to other helpful resources, and collaborate with other interdisciplinary teams.
![Photo of Jennifer Richie, DNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2c68ed70-839a-46ad-a908-c5fca9eb9177/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jennifer Richie
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP
Verified Verified
Jacksonville, FL 32257 (Online Only)
I'm Dr. Jennifer Richie, DNP, a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C). My journey includes earning a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) from Chamberlain University, a graduate degree from Georgetown University, and an undergraduate degree from Drexel University. With a background in child and adolescent psychiatry, adult psychiatry, and addiction medicine, I'm committed to delivering high-quality, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health services to both adolescents and adults.
I'm Dr. Jennifer Richie, DNP, a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C). My journey includes earning a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) from Chamberlain University, a graduate degree from Georgetown University, and an undergraduate degree from Drexel University. With a background in child and adolescent psychiatry, adult psychiatry, and addiction medicine, I'm committed to delivering high-quality, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health services to both adolescents and adults.
![Photo of Dinar Sajan, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dc4766db-65e9-4d96-b490-edb568875203/1/320x400.jpeg)
Our mission is to restore hope, promote well-being, and cultivate harmony in the lives of our patients. In the dynamic landscape of today's society, characterized by daily stress and constant challenges, we recognize the crucial demand for a tranquil and stable environment.
Our mission is to restore hope, promote well-being, and cultivate harmony in the lives of our patients. In the dynamic landscape of today's society, characterized by daily stress and constant challenges, we recognize the crucial demand for a tranquil and stable environment.
![Photo of Sujal Kotadia, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e4563da3-52f3-4b47-8757-5a71c773f2f7/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Kotadia is a board-certified psychiatrist who completed his psychiatry residency training program at Nassau University Medical Center in Long Island, NY. After completing training, he has been practicing outpatient psychiatry and specializes in the evaluation and management of major psychiatric disorders including depression, and anxiety. Typically, he offers this in conjunction with supportive or emotionally focused therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. However, occasionally Dr. Kotadia may believe that additional therapy is also needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome.
Dr. Kotadia is a board-certified psychiatrist who completed his psychiatry residency training program at Nassau University Medical Center in Long Island, NY. After completing training, he has been practicing outpatient psychiatry and specializes in the evaluation and management of major psychiatric disorders including depression, and anxiety. Typically, he offers this in conjunction with supportive or emotionally focused therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. However, occasionally Dr. Kotadia may believe that additional therapy is also needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome.
![Photo of Kali Thurman - Thriving Minds ADHD Center, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/09a2e96d-bd57-4f6a-a3e0-37ed3e41ad12/1/320x400.jpeg)
Thriving Minds ADHD Center
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Neptune Beach, FL 32266
We specialize in Adult ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment. Book Online Today. www.thrivingmindsadhd.com Virtual or In-Person visits available. No wait list.
We specialize in Adult ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment. Book Online Today. www.thrivingmindsadhd.com Virtual or In-Person visits available. No wait list.
See more therapy options for Duval County
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Duval County, FL
200+
Average cost per session
$150
Psychiatrists in Duval County, FL who prioritize treating:
97% | Anxiety |
96% | Depression |
84% | Bipolar Disorder |
80% | Trauma and PTSD |
78% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
75% | Medication Management |
71% | ADHD |
Average years in practice
8 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
94% | Cigna and Evernorth |
93% | Aetna |
89% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in Duval County, FL see their clients
50% | Online Only | |
50% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
71% | Female | |
28% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Duval County?
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.