Psychiatrists in La Mirada, CA

Photo of Brittany Lute, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Brittany Lute
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
La Mirada, CA 90638  (Online Only)
Brittany Lute is a warm and dedicated psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who is passionate about providing care with a gentle touch of kindness and compassion. With experience in various settings such as outpatient clinics, community healthcare centers, and other facilities, Brittany has gained diverse knowledge and expertise in her field. She takes great joy in connecting with people from all walks of life and is especially enthusiastic about working with individuals from various cultural backgrounds.
Brittany Lute is a warm and dedicated psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who is passionate about providing care with a gentle touch of kindness and compassion. With experience in various settings such as outpatient clinics, community healthcare centers, and other facilities, Brittany has gained diverse knowledge and expertise in her field. She takes great joy in connecting with people from all walks of life and is especially enthusiastic about working with individuals from various cultural backgrounds.
(714) 202-9498 View (714) 202-9498
Photo of Isaac Pro, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Isaac Pro
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
La Mirada, CA 90638
Isaac Pro is a compassionate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to your mental well-being. With extensive education and more than 8 years of hands-on experience in the mental health field, he is committed to providing patient-centered care that places your unique needs and concerns at the heart of your therapeutic journey. Isaac began his nursing career at Mount Saint Mary's University, earning his Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Isaac Pro is a compassionate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to your mental well-being. With extensive education and more than 8 years of hands-on experience in the mental health field, he is committed to providing patient-centered care that places your unique needs and concerns at the heart of your therapeutic journey. Isaac began his nursing career at Mount Saint Mary's University, earning his Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
(562) 573-8189 View (562) 573-8189
Photo of Bridget Cleary, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Bridget Cleary
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
La Mirada, CA 90638
Bridget's past experiences include those with serious mental illness with county mental health, persons with dual diagnoses (substance use and mental health diagnoses), those with mental health and chronic medical conditions, and eating disorders. Bridget completed a B.S. in Biology from University of California, Irvine, followed by her BSN and MSN at California State University, Long Beach. Bridget's treatment approach is to form a working partnership that is patient centered and focused on the patient's goals.
Bridget's past experiences include those with serious mental illness with county mental health, persons with dual diagnoses (substance use and mental health diagnoses), those with mental health and chronic medical conditions, and eating disorders. Bridget completed a B.S. in Biology from University of California, Irvine, followed by her BSN and MSN at California State University, Long Beach. Bridget's treatment approach is to form a working partnership that is patient centered and focused on the patient's goals.
(562) 600-4152 View (562) 600-4152
Photo of Samir Hamed, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Samir Hamed
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
La Mirada, CA 90637  (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 Allied Healers, 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.
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 Allied Healers, 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.
(341) 888-6292 View (341) 888-6292
Photo of Pavel Ksendz, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Pavel Ksendz
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
La Mirada, CA 90637  (Online Only)
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) specialized in treating mood, anxiety, cognitive, trauma-related, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. I am a strong proponent of the philosophy that health is multifactorial, made up of physical, psychological, emotional, social and spiritual facets. I value taking a collaborative approach with clients to create a thorough, individualized treatment plan that best meets their specific needs and goals. I have a long-held passion for mental healthcare and have worked with individuals of all ages in a variety of settings within psychiatry.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) specialized in treating mood, anxiety, cognitive, trauma-related, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. I am a strong proponent of the philosophy that health is multifactorial, made up of physical, psychological, emotional, social and spiritual facets. I value taking a collaborative approach with clients to create a thorough, individualized treatment plan that best meets their specific needs and goals. I have a long-held passion for mental healthcare and have worked with individuals of all ages in a variety of settings within psychiatry.
(657) 837-1237 View (657) 837-1237
Photo of Khadija Hamisi, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Khadija Hamisi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
La Mirada, CA 90637
Khadija Hamisi, DNP, PMHNP-BC, takes a unique and progressive approach to mental health illnesses. Treatment is personalized, based on evidence research, and encompasses on a myriad of treatment modalities. The influence of three factors: one's past and upbringing, current life situations, and one's genetic makeup, affecting mental illness Being trained and current with the best evidence-bas medication treatment strategy, he places a strong emphasis on psychosocial, and psychodynamic factors as the foundation of his treatment. Many psychiatric conditions have an underlying biological and genetic component of treatment.
Khadija Hamisi, DNP, PMHNP-BC, takes a unique and progressive approach to mental health illnesses. Treatment is personalized, based on evidence research, and encompasses on a myriad of treatment modalities. The influence of three factors: one's past and upbringing, current life situations, and one's genetic makeup, affecting mental illness Being trained and current with the best evidence-bas medication treatment strategy, he places a strong emphasis on psychosocial, and psychodynamic factors as the foundation of his treatment. Many psychiatric conditions have an underlying biological and genetic component of treatment.
(657) 837-0196 View (657) 837-0196

More Psychiatrists Nearby

Photo of Zaydee Mercado, DNP, FNP-C, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Zaydee Mercado
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, FNP-C, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Lakewood, CA 90712  (Online Only)
Struggling with mental health and the decision to start, stop, change or continue medications can be daunting. That’s why I’m here to help you make an informed decision. I have extensive clinical experience and graduated with highest honors from my Bachelors Degree to my Doctorate Degree. I am dual board certified as Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. My goal is to use my knowledge to alleviate the suffering and provide efficient care to the patients I serve.
Struggling with mental health and the decision to start, stop, change or continue medications can be daunting. That’s why I’m here to help you make an informed decision. I have extensive clinical experience and graduated with highest honors from my Bachelors Degree to my Doctorate Degree. I am dual board certified as Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. My goal is to use my knowledge to alleviate the suffering and provide efficient care to the patients I serve.
(661) 463-9621 View (661) 463-9621
Photo of Uchechi L Nwosu-Iroha, PMHNPBC, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Uchechi L Nwosu-Iroha
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNPBC, FNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bellflower, CA 90706  (Online Only)
I am Uchechi Nwosu-Iroha. I am dual board certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Nurse Practitioner. I support my clients with medication management, therapy, and coaching. I will utilize a person-centered approach by providing unconditional positive regard and implementing active listening and supportive reflection to establish trust and build therapeutic rapport. I often use CBT, DBT interventions, relaxation and mindfulness and internal family systems in my practice, but I may employ various treatment types to support you.
I am Uchechi Nwosu-Iroha. I am dual board certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Nurse Practitioner. I support my clients with medication management, therapy, and coaching. I will utilize a person-centered approach by providing unconditional positive regard and implementing active listening and supportive reflection to establish trust and build therapeutic rapport. I often use CBT, DBT interventions, relaxation and mindfulness and internal family systems in my practice, but I may employ various treatment types to support you.
(562) 362-5635 View (562) 362-5635
Photo of Eric Osterlind I Ketamine, PMHNP, -BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Eric Osterlind I Ketamine
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
Los Alamitos, CA 90720  (Online Only)
Fighting depression, anxiety, and trauma, can be challenging. If you're feeling stuck, at-home ketamine treatments might be a different way to help you deal with these problems. When regular treatments don't work, it's easy to feel like there's no hope. But there might be something you haven't tried yet. At-home ketamine has helped many people with depression, anxiety, and PTSD that seemed impossible to fix before. Imagine finding a solution to your struggles and not having to feel the weight of depression, anxiety, and trauma.
Fighting depression, anxiety, and trauma, can be challenging. If you're feeling stuck, at-home ketamine treatments might be a different way to help you deal with these problems. When regular treatments don't work, it's easy to feel like there's no hope. But there might be something you haven't tried yet. At-home ketamine has helped many people with depression, anxiety, and PTSD that seemed impossible to fix before. Imagine finding a solution to your struggles and not having to feel the weight of depression, anxiety, and trauma.
(562) 837-0496 View (562) 837-0496
Photo of Cindy Ordonez, MSN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Cindy Ordonez
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
Downey, CA 90241
I have an array of experiences before becoming a Mental Health Provider. I conducted research for almost 10 years in HIV: LA Gay and Lesbian Center and Oncology : Stanford Children’s Hospital. For many years taught classes for at-risk youth with mental health struggles in San Francisco. I have experience in Women's health such as postpartum depression, and helping moms enjoy their babies. I have a passion for making mental health awareness in the Latino community. I am fluent in Spanish. I believe we all have choices. It is important when starting a mental health journey. "One day at a time and sometimes an hour at a time."
I have an array of experiences before becoming a Mental Health Provider. I conducted research for almost 10 years in HIV: LA Gay and Lesbian Center and Oncology : Stanford Children’s Hospital. For many years taught classes for at-risk youth with mental health struggles in San Francisco. I have experience in Women's health such as postpartum depression, and helping moms enjoy their babies. I have a passion for making mental health awareness in the Latino community. I am fluent in Spanish. I believe we all have choices. It is important when starting a mental health journey. "One day at a time and sometimes an hour at a time."
(562) 609-3536 View (562) 609-3536
Photo of Divya Tilva, PMHNP, FNP, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Divya Tilva
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP, MSN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cerritos, CA 90703
I recognize that seeking help for mental health need can be a courageous step. I provide safe space and personalize treatment for individuals struggling with depression, ADHD, anxiety, stress, bipolar, sleep issues, adjustment challenges and other mental health challenges. I believed in high quality, compassionate and convenient care in supportive and confidential setting with personalize approach.
I recognize that seeking help for mental health need can be a courageous step. I provide safe space and personalize treatment for individuals struggling with depression, ADHD, anxiety, stress, bipolar, sleep issues, adjustment challenges and other mental health challenges. I believed in high quality, compassionate and convenient care in supportive and confidential setting with personalize approach.
(562) 561-2840 View (562) 561-2840
Photo of Mottsin Thomas, MD, Psychiatrist
Mottsin Thomas
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Brea, CA 92821  (Online Only)
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.
(310) 706-2073 View (310) 706-2073
Photo of Dominique Sanders, PhD, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Dominique Sanders
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Cerritos, CA 90703  (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.
(951) 228-5434 View (951) 228-5434
Photo of Jessica Jun, DNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Jessica Jun
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP
Verified Verified
Anaheim, CA 92804
My focus is to improve individual well-being and quality of life through symptom management. I plan to work together in personalizing treatment that meets goals and lifestyles.
My focus is to improve individual well-being and quality of life through symptom management. I plan to work together in personalizing treatment that meets goals and lifestyles.
(626) 238-0940 View (626) 238-0940
Photo of Angela Ofoegbu, -BC, DNP, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Angela Ofoegbu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, -BC, DNP, APRN
Verified Verified
Cerritos, CA 90703
Thank you for considering Verosyl Health! Your well-being is my top priority, and I am dedicated to fostering a collaborative and supportive environment. In our interactions, we prioritize shared decision-making, ensuring that you have a safe space to share your symptoms, experiences, and medical history. Your trust and involvement are invaluable as we strive for the best possible results in enhancing your mental health. Together, we'll work on personalized treatment plans, where your active participation plays a crucial role in shaping the outcomes of your mental health journey.
Thank you for considering Verosyl Health! Your well-being is my top priority, and I am dedicated to fostering a collaborative and supportive environment. In our interactions, we prioritize shared decision-making, ensuring that you have a safe space to share your symptoms, experiences, and medical history. Your trust and involvement are invaluable as we strive for the best possible results in enhancing your mental health. Together, we'll work on personalized treatment plans, where your active participation plays a crucial role in shaping the outcomes of your mental health journey.
(562) 784-9867 View (562) 784-9867
Photo of Angelica Luciano, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Angelica Luciano
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Long Beach, CA 90805  (Online Only)
Hello, my name is Angelica Luciano. I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I was licensed in 2017. I use a bio-psycho-social framework. Understanding that psychiatric illnesses may have biological causes, the effects of certain medications, or genetic predisposition. I incorporate multiple modalities, including medication management, education, and brief supportive therapeutic interventions to treat you as a unique individual and not a textbook. I treat adults, typically between the ages of 18-60, for a broad range of psychiatric conditions, with a particular interest in anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, and PTSD.
Hello, my name is Angelica Luciano. I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I was licensed in 2017. I use a bio-psycho-social framework. Understanding that psychiatric illnesses may have biological causes, the effects of certain medications, or genetic predisposition. I incorporate multiple modalities, including medication management, education, and brief supportive therapeutic interventions to treat you as a unique individual and not a textbook. I treat adults, typically between the ages of 18-60, for a broad range of psychiatric conditions, with a particular interest in anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, and PTSD.
(213) 463-5315 View (213) 463-5315
Photo of Dr. Linda C Jackson - Sapphire Psychiatric Medical Group, DNP, PMHNP, FNP, Prof, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Sapphire Psychiatric Medical Group
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP, Prof, MSN
Verified Verified
Cerritos, CA 90703
My goal is to restore hope to patients and families in their vulnerable moments by giving treatment with dignity, respect, and compassion at every interaction. Contributing to the stability of patients’ conditions by using tools at my disposal to conduct; assessment, diagnosis, and treatment, collaborating with multidisciplinary professionals.
My goal is to restore hope to patients and families in their vulnerable moments by giving treatment with dignity, respect, and compassion at every interaction. Contributing to the stability of patients’ conditions by using tools at my disposal to conduct; assessment, diagnosis, and treatment, collaborating with multidisciplinary professionals.
(909) 248-7973 View (909) 248-7973
Photo of Karen Rightler, PMHNP, MFT, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Karen Rightler
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Anaheim, CA 92801
Are you seeking a new mental health provider? If so, I am happy to help on your journey. I take pride in providing a safe space for others. I offer quality personalized treatment for anyone who is struggling to manage their anxiety, depression, bipolar, ADHD, PTSD, relationship issues, and more. As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with additional education and training in Marriage and Family Therapy, my approach is tailored to help meet your specific mental health needs. I am trained to provide individual psychotherapy and psychiatric medication management for all mental health disorders.
Are you seeking a new mental health provider? If so, I am happy to help on your journey. I take pride in providing a safe space for others. I offer quality personalized treatment for anyone who is struggling to manage their anxiety, depression, bipolar, ADHD, PTSD, relationship issues, and more. As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with additional education and training in Marriage and Family Therapy, my approach is tailored to help meet your specific mental health needs. I am trained to provide individual psychotherapy and psychiatric medication management for all mental health disorders.
(714) 451-7835 View (714) 451-7835
Photo of Jianpeng Wang - Center For Behavior Medicine, MD, Psychiatrist
Center For Behavior Medicine
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Whittier, CA 90605
Dr. Wang is a Board Certified Psychiatrist licensed to diagnose and treat common mental health illnesses, including, depression,anxiety,bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, and personality disorders. Dr. Wang's philosophy of providing medication is to individualize the treatment according to people's diagnosis, symptom profile, treatment history, and other bio-psycho-social factors. Dr. Wang received his medical education at Tianjin Medical University in 1991. He also obtained a doctorate in urology from Tianjin Medical University in 1999. Before he moved to Los Angeles, he completed his four year psychiatry residency training at the University of North Dakota.
Dr. Wang is a Board Certified Psychiatrist licensed to diagnose and treat common mental health illnesses, including, depression,anxiety,bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, and personality disorders. Dr. Wang's philosophy of providing medication is to individualize the treatment according to people's diagnosis, symptom profile, treatment history, and other bio-psycho-social factors. Dr. Wang received his medical education at Tianjin Medical University in 1991. He also obtained a doctorate in urology from Tianjin Medical University in 1999. Before he moved to Los Angeles, he completed his four year psychiatry residency training at the University of North Dakota.
(562) 945-5454 View (562) 945-5454
Photo of Brandi Parr, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Brandi Parr
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Anaheim, CA 92804  (Online Only)
My name is Brandi Parr and I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I work with individuals who are struggling with mental illness to support their recovery and improve their mental health. My approach to care includes creating a safe space to assess, diagnose, and treat mental illness to individuals across the life span. One of my main goals is to ensure patients receive optimal psychiatric care. My primary area of focus is to assist the patient in mobilizing their resources to promote, maintain, and restore health.
My name is Brandi Parr and I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I work with individuals who are struggling with mental illness to support their recovery and improve their mental health. My approach to care includes creating a safe space to assess, diagnose, and treat mental illness to individuals across the life span. One of my main goals is to ensure patients receive optimal psychiatric care. My primary area of focus is to assist the patient in mobilizing their resources to promote, maintain, and restore health.
(747) 266-1609 View (747) 266-1609

How does your Psychiatrist compare?

Number of Psychiatrists in La Mirada, CA

< 10

Psychiatrists in La Mirada, CA who prioritize treating:

100% Depression
100% Anxiety
100% Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
83% ADHD
83% Bipolar Disorder
83% Medication Management
50% Trauma and PTSD

Top 3 insurances accepted

100% Cigna and Evernorth
100% UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH
100% Optum

How Psychiatrists in La Mirada, CA see their clients

50% In Person and Online
50% Online Only

Gender breakdown

50% Female
50% Male
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses

How can I find a psychiatrist in La Mirada?

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.