Psychiatrists in Hermosa Beach, CA
![Photo of Dyana Ko, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/541913bd-3cde-45af-aea3-3066cf4930ea/1/320x400.png)
Dyana Ko
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Every step forward, no matter how small, is a triumph worth celebrating. At Heart and Mind Wellness, I transcend the role of a mere practitioner. I become a partner on your odyssey, an advocate for your mental health, and a companion through thick and thin. I strive to infuse every interaction with warmth, empathy, and expertise. Remember, you are not alone in this endeavor. Like you, I've embarked on a profound voyage through unexpected terrain, facing both triumphs and tribulations. It was the guiding presence of compassionate souls that uplifted me. Reach out, take that step, and let's start your path to optimal mental health.
Every step forward, no matter how small, is a triumph worth celebrating. At Heart and Mind Wellness, I transcend the role of a mere practitioner. I become a partner on your odyssey, an advocate for your mental health, and a companion through thick and thin. I strive to infuse every interaction with warmth, empathy, and expertise. Remember, you are not alone in this endeavor. Like you, I've embarked on a profound voyage through unexpected terrain, facing both triumphs and tribulations. It was the guiding presence of compassionate souls that uplifted me. Reach out, take that step, and let's start your path to optimal mental health.
![Photo of Nancy Wu, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a1981d27-f222-4deb-95e4-8e77d049fbdb/2/320x400.jpeg)
It takes a lot of courage to ask for help. My goal is to witness and support you as you embark on this heroic journey of self-discovery and growth. I understand that life can be hard and filled with unpredictable ups and downs. I use a holistic approach to help patients ease their suffering and live life with more joy, spontaneity, and well-being.
It takes a lot of courage to ask for help. My goal is to witness and support you as you embark on this heroic journey of self-discovery and growth. I understand that life can be hard and filled with unpredictable ups and downs. I use a holistic approach to help patients ease their suffering and live life with more joy, spontaneity, and well-being.
![Photo of Randall Bailey, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/42812130-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Are you struggling to balance your physical and mental health? Are things becoming unmanageable? Is your time limited? Then welcome to WellPsyche! WellPsyche Medical Group provides experts in the field of Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. Our practice offers the latest in psychiatry including Telemedicine! Now you can visit with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of your home or work. Our providers take a Conservative and Effective approach to medication management and can help you balance your life.
Are you struggling to balance your physical and mental health? Are things becoming unmanageable? Is your time limited? Then welcome to WellPsyche! WellPsyche Medical Group provides experts in the field of Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. Our practice offers the latest in psychiatry including Telemedicine! Now you can visit with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of your home or work. Our providers take a Conservative and Effective approach to medication management and can help you balance your life.
![Photo of Alex Sahba - Psychiatric Evaluations - Dr. Alex Sahba, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dd1e099b-198e-4ec2-9fac-4ccb036d42cd/1/320x400.jpeg)
I'm Dr. Alex Sahba, board certified in general psychiatry/forensic psychiatry and trained at UCLA. As a recognized leader in the fields of psychiatry and qualified medical evaluations (QMEs), I am called upon to provide excellent service in various settings, including medical, legal, and academics. I conduct various types of evaluations, including: Legal/Forensics, Risk Assessment (Violence/Sexual), Drug/Alcohol Evals, Cognitive Evals, Competency Evals, Diagnostic Clarification, Fitness For Duty Evals., Pre-employment Evals., Immigration-related Evals., and Workers’ Comp. (QME/AME).
I'm Dr. Alex Sahba, board certified in general psychiatry/forensic psychiatry and trained at UCLA. As a recognized leader in the fields of psychiatry and qualified medical evaluations (QMEs), I am called upon to provide excellent service in various settings, including medical, legal, and academics. I conduct various types of evaluations, including: Legal/Forensics, Risk Assessment (Violence/Sexual), Drug/Alcohol Evals, Cognitive Evals, Competency Evals, Diagnostic Clarification, Fitness For Duty Evals., Pre-employment Evals., Immigration-related Evals., and Workers’ Comp. (QME/AME).
![Photo of Josephine McNary, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5121bd14-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a board-certified general psychiatrist with offices in Hermosa Beach, Marina del Rey, Santa Monica, Downtown Los Angeles, Echo Park, Pasadena and Santa Barbara. I also provide tele-psychiatry services. I see a variety of patients in my outpatient practice. I provide medication management. Learn more at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eq2tAiFIv5o and https://www.calpsychiatry.com. I am interested in the use of complementary medicine for mood and anxiety disorders. I am currently attending staff at the UCLA Department of Psychiatry, where I provide both inpatient psychiatry and consultation services.
I am a board-certified general psychiatrist with offices in Hermosa Beach, Marina del Rey, Santa Monica, Downtown Los Angeles, Echo Park, Pasadena and Santa Barbara. I also provide tele-psychiatry services. I see a variety of patients in my outpatient practice. I provide medication management. Learn more at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eq2tAiFIv5o and https://www.calpsychiatry.com. I am interested in the use of complementary medicine for mood and anxiety disorders. I am currently attending staff at the UCLA Department of Psychiatry, where I provide both inpatient psychiatry and consultation services.
![Photo of Dominique Sanders, PhD, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4e2c36f2-a2f9-4a87-9659-93a6b2efef35/1/320x400.png)
Dominique Sanders
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 (Online Only)
Do you find yourself feeling on edge with anxiety, stress, and worried sick no matter what you do? Anxiety leaves us feeling panicked, exhausted and disconnected. You’re someone who deeply wants to feel peace, relaxed, and safe but still find yourself feeling out of control and heart racing. You want to feel calm and have no idea how to get there. You are ready to feel like yourself again, grounded with no fear or panic. You are ready to feel at ease in public and embrace connection at work and in your relationships. Most of all, you are ready to be free from the burden of anxiety, causing depression- I want to help you get there.
Do you find yourself feeling on edge with anxiety, stress, and worried sick no matter what you do? Anxiety leaves us feeling panicked, exhausted and disconnected. You’re someone who deeply wants to feel peace, relaxed, and safe but still find yourself feeling out of control and heart racing. You want to feel calm and have no idea how to get there. You are ready to feel like yourself again, grounded with no fear or panic. You are ready to feel at ease in public and embrace connection at work and in your relationships. Most of all, you are ready to be free from the burden of anxiety, causing depression- I want to help you get there.
![Photo of Mottsin Thomas - Bonmente, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/269de6dd-d3ca-40b5-a33f-3f7f99ac6ba9/3/320x400.jpeg)
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS: Bonmente knows asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS: Bonmente knows asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
![Photo of Carmela Zaragoza, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5de2393a-066b-48e2-ae63-1c1d9415a0ec/1/320x400.jpeg)
Carmela Zaragoza
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 (Online Only)
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
![Photo of Sonia Parikh, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ad6668bd-8560-4ea6-b096-8c4f76210441/2/320x400.jpeg)
WEBSITE: www.parikhpsychiatry.com. I AM ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS!! I enjoy working with people who want to truly understand and heal the underlying wounds that are holding them back in their life. I work well with those who are curious about their minds and have a goal to function in their lives from a place of grounded trust in themselves. Given my extensive medical and psychological training, I provide comprehensive and compassionate care for the people I treat and am adept at helping people move successfully through a range of difficulties.
WEBSITE: www.parikhpsychiatry.com. I AM ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS!! I enjoy working with people who want to truly understand and heal the underlying wounds that are holding them back in their life. I work well with those who are curious about their minds and have a goal to function in their lives from a place of grounded trust in themselves. Given my extensive medical and psychological training, I provide comprehensive and compassionate care for the people I treat and am adept at helping people move successfully through a range of difficulties.
![Photo of Daniel Waldman, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4b5b8b4f-31c6-4cd9-98f8-0231fc056fd3/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a board-certified Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist focusing on developmental issues, ADHD, depression, and anxiety disorders. I have a special interest in helping children and families navigate challenges in schools. I use a holistic approach when working with patients. By collaborating with patients and families, I incorporate developmentally informed therapeutic strategies to complement medication management.
I am a board-certified Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist focusing on developmental issues, ADHD, depression, and anxiety disorders. I have a special interest in helping children and families navigate challenges in schools. I use a holistic approach when working with patients. By collaborating with patients and families, I incorporate developmentally informed therapeutic strategies to complement medication management.
![Photo of Mottsin Thomas - Bonmente, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/453d935d-f6fc-441a-b166-0651675cfeb0/1/320x400.png)
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS-Bonmente knows asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS-Bonmente knows asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
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![Photo of Dr. Rohit Aiyer, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d148156b-1fe7-4de7-b4ba-ab81ce9bc97d/2/320x400.jpeg)
My goal is to optimize your mental health using cutting edge, up-to-date treatments that are evidence based and proven through research studies and clinical trials. I aim to review every patient’s case comprehensively and in great depth, as I believe mental health conditions can be extremely complex and treatments should be individualized.
My goal is to optimize your mental health using cutting edge, up-to-date treatments that are evidence based and proven through research studies and clinical trials. I aim to review every patient’s case comprehensively and in great depth, as I believe mental health conditions can be extremely complex and treatments should be individualized.
![Photo of Adel Mostafavi - WellPsyche Medical Group, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c0eea7a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
WellPsyche Medical Group
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 (Online Only)
Are you struggling to balance your physical and mental health? Are things becoming unmanageable? Is your time limited? Then welcome to WellPsyche! WellPsyche Medical Group provides experts in the field of Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. Our practice offers the latest in psychiatry including Telemedicine! Now you can visit with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of your home or work. Our providers take a Conservative and Effective approach to medication management and help our clients function at their best...Consistently!
Are you struggling to balance your physical and mental health? Are things becoming unmanageable? Is your time limited? Then welcome to WellPsyche! WellPsyche Medical Group provides experts in the field of Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. Our practice offers the latest in psychiatry including Telemedicine! Now you can visit with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of your home or work. Our providers take a Conservative and Effective approach to medication management and help our clients function at their best...Consistently!
![Photo of Jordan Blaine, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/864f044f-4005-409d-a97f-db055affd196/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jordan Blaine
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 (Online Only)
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS - We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS - We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
![Photo of Dustin Stephens - Altitude Wellness, MD, PhD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/61768fc2-8453-47c8-a1b7-70ce72cacc58/1/320x400.jpeg)
Altitude Wellness's Dr. Stephens is a board-certified psychiatrist who received specialty training at UCLA and completed a fellowship in forensic psychiatry. He is a compassionate and experienced physician with years of clinical experience. Dr. Stephens understands the unique challenges that come with mental illness, and he provides a safe and non-judgmental space for his patients to explore their feelings and work towards healing. His approach is tailored to each individual, using evidence-based techniques to provide effective and personalized care.
Altitude Wellness's Dr. Stephens is a board-certified psychiatrist who received specialty training at UCLA and completed a fellowship in forensic psychiatry. He is a compassionate and experienced physician with years of clinical experience. Dr. Stephens understands the unique challenges that come with mental illness, and he provides a safe and non-judgmental space for his patients to explore their feelings and work towards healing. His approach is tailored to each individual, using evidence-based techniques to provide effective and personalized care.
![Photo of Amir E Ettekal, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c7353c7-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
*Offices in Hermosa Beach & Santa Monica.* I am a psychiatrist specialized in understanding both the biological and psychological factors of human emotions. I take the time to understand what my patients need and through a collaborative approach, we create a personalized treatment plan based on your unique needs. Through my work in clinical trials, I stay on the forefront of medication innovation and safety, giving me first-hand experience in the most effective, and safe treatments. Through my training in psychotherapy I continue to address the emotional and psychological aspects of that person.
*Offices in Hermosa Beach & Santa Monica.* I am a psychiatrist specialized in understanding both the biological and psychological factors of human emotions. I take the time to understand what my patients need and through a collaborative approach, we create a personalized treatment plan based on your unique needs. Through my work in clinical trials, I stay on the forefront of medication innovation and safety, giving me first-hand experience in the most effective, and safe treatments. Through my training in psychotherapy I continue to address the emotional and psychological aspects of that person.
![Photo of Mottsin Thomas, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/facdbbb7-c64f-4420-8edc-bf6b5575616e/2/320x400.jpeg)
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS-Bonmente knows asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS-Bonmente knows asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
![Photo of Mottsin Thomas - Bonmente , MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3a9d0b45-cb47-4b56-9bf1-a86ddbc82715/1/320x400.png)
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS - We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS - We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
![Photo of Dr. Mark Chofla - Dr Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e804e30c-de2b-42dc-8c05-65d754f43b6e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 (Online Only)
Dr. Mark Chofla is a board-certified psychiatrist and physician who completed his specialty residency training at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California at Davis, Dr. Chofla earned his medical degree from Midwestern University: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Dr. Mark Chofla is a board-certified psychiatrist and physician who completed his specialty residency training at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California at Davis, Dr. Chofla earned his medical degree from Midwestern University: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine.
![Photo of Alejandro Perez - Dr Perez @ Evolve Psychiatry, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1ec67d80-09e5-42c7-a8b1-dd98dd5c4126/1/320x400.png)
Dr Perez @ Evolve Psychiatry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 (Online Only)
Struggling with poor concentration, restless sleep, or irrational fears? Feeling hypersensitive or overwhelmed by a need for control? Tired of the relentless cycle of self-doubt, fatigue, and panic attacks? Which emotions stem from genetics and which are rooted in circumstances? How can you even begin to accurately express yourself? How much change is even possible? What if medications change you for the worse? These uncertainties can leave us in a never ending struggle that keeps us from achieving our true potential. If you’re finally ready to find out answers, then you need Evolve Psychiatry to navigate you out of this maze.
Struggling with poor concentration, restless sleep, or irrational fears? Feeling hypersensitive or overwhelmed by a need for control? Tired of the relentless cycle of self-doubt, fatigue, and panic attacks? Which emotions stem from genetics and which are rooted in circumstances? How can you even begin to accurately express yourself? How much change is even possible? What if medications change you for the worse? These uncertainties can leave us in a never ending struggle that keeps us from achieving our true potential. If you’re finally ready to find out answers, then you need Evolve Psychiatry to navigate you out of this maze.
See more therapy options for Hermosa Beach
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Hermosa Beach, CA
40+
Average cost per session
$450
Psychiatrists in Hermosa Beach, CA who prioritize treating:
98% | Depression |
95% | Anxiety |
90% | ADHD |
90% | Trauma and PTSD |
85% | Bipolar Disorder |
85% | Medication Management |
83% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
16 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
92% | Aetna |
85% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in Hermosa Beach, CA see their clients
55% | Online Only | |
45% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
65% | Male | |
35% | Female |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Hermosa Beach?
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.