Psychiatrists in Lake Forest, CA
![Photo of Karen Rightler, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/03c4bbe6-97fe-450d-8f3d-14dae683207f/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner(PMHNP-BC) with an additional master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT). I treat patients in person and via telehealth with medication and therapy. Working with me, my clients experience less difficulty navigating life stressors, and more confidence in their abilities to meet their goals.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner(PMHNP-BC) with an additional master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT). I treat patients in person and via telehealth with medication and therapy. Working with me, my clients experience less difficulty navigating life stressors, and more confidence in their abilities to meet their goals.
![Photo of Karen Rightler, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e157a84d-2e15-4225-a17c-039afedc6986/1/320x400.jpeg)
Karen Rightler
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lake Forest, CA 92630
If you need a provider who takes the time to listen and understand you, contact me. I provide a safe space to explore your mental health concerns, with No shame, blame or judgments. I help clients through accurate diagnosing and targeted symptom management so they can begin to live the lives they want and deserve.
If you need a provider who takes the time to listen and understand you, contact me. I provide a safe space to explore your mental health concerns, with No shame, blame or judgments. I help clients through accurate diagnosing and targeted symptom management so they can begin to live the lives they want and deserve.
![Photo of Khadija Hamisi, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/599b6771-009c-43fe-a6df-e740b2be29e8/1/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of R. Dennis Porch, MD, PsyD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cd679fb-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am experienced in treating both adults and children with the use of Psychoanalytic methods. I use the object relations approaches of Klein, Winnicott and Bion. In child therapy, I engage children on a deep level through play, dreams, art and conversation. With adults, I use free association, night and day dreams. My object is to expose patients to their primitive, deep anxieties allowing them to work through their troubled minds, facilitating internal growth and development, and positive social interactions. I also work with mothers and babies having bonding difficulties. My practice is busy so use email for best results.
I am experienced in treating both adults and children with the use of Psychoanalytic methods. I use the object relations approaches of Klein, Winnicott and Bion. In child therapy, I engage children on a deep level through play, dreams, art and conversation. With adults, I use free association, night and day dreams. My object is to expose patients to their primitive, deep anxieties allowing them to work through their troubled minds, facilitating internal growth and development, and positive social interactions. I also work with mothers and babies having bonding difficulties. My practice is busy so use email for best results.
![Photo of Randall Bailey, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/428117d7-46cd-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 Stephany Lavigne - Stephany Lavigne - Anew Era TMS & Psychiatry, DNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9f1be8e7-20e0-4f90-8325-7589bd4502db/2/320x400.jpeg)
Stephany Lavigne - Anew Era TMS & Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP
Verified Verified
Lake Forest, CA 92630
Dr. Stephany Lavigne, a distinguished Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice with honors from the University of South Alabama. With over a decade of experience, she has excelled in forensic psychiatry at Metropolitan State Hospital, caring for patients under penal codes and conservatorship. Dr. Lavigne has also demonstrated her commitment in diverse outpatient settings, providing quality mental health care.
Dr. Stephany Lavigne, a distinguished Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice with honors from the University of South Alabama. With over a decade of experience, she has excelled in forensic psychiatry at Metropolitan State Hospital, caring for patients under penal codes and conservatorship. Dr. Lavigne has also demonstrated her commitment in diverse outpatient settings, providing quality mental health care.
![Photo of Mike Kelly - Alliance Psychiatric Group , DNP, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4d43b1d6-ca9a-443b-9bf0-c2e0a26b3184/2/320x400.jpeg)
Alliance Psychiatric Group
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Lake Forest, CA 92609
Alliance Psychiatric Group (APG) is an organization of clinicians providing quality care. It is APG’s clear vision to meet the psychiatric needs of the individual, family, and community.
Alliance Psychiatric Group (APG) is an organization of clinicians providing quality care. It is APG’s clear vision to meet the psychiatric needs of the individual, family, and community.
![Photo of Sabrina S Sandoval - Mind Care Services Incorporated, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51b2b14e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Mind Care Services Incorporated
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lake Forest, CA 92630 (Online Only)
Mind Care Services provides individualized psychiatric services in a caring, confidential and respectful environment. Our greatest joy comes from helping our clients realize their personal goals and achieve successful outcomes in their lives. We offer comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services from a diverse team of competent and compassionate providers. We are experienced in treating a wide array of cognitive, behavioral and emotional disorders thru therapy, medication management and other treatment modalities including Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and SpravatoTM (esketamine) for medication resistant depression.
Mind Care Services provides individualized psychiatric services in a caring, confidential and respectful environment. Our greatest joy comes from helping our clients realize their personal goals and achieve successful outcomes in their lives. We offer comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services from a diverse team of competent and compassionate providers. We are experienced in treating a wide array of cognitive, behavioral and emotional disorders thru therapy, medication management and other treatment modalities including Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and SpravatoTM (esketamine) for medication resistant depression.
![Photo of Priti Bhardwaj - Dr Priti Bhardwaj - Anew Era TMS & Psychiatry, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/606a1d49-e612-4394-a6ee-12ff7dc3e46c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr Priti Bhardwaj - Anew Era TMS & Psychiatry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Lake Forest, CA 92630
Dr. Priti Bhardwaj knows how difficult it can be to seek help, but by doing so you’re taking a step closer to where you want to be. Struggles with anxiety, depression, attention, and insecurity interfere with our emotional and physical well-being as well as our ability to connect with others. Her goal with patients and families is to provide a warm, safe, and accepting environment for them to communicate the difficulties and challenges they face and work on finding solutions that nourish them toward becoming the healthiest and best version of themselves.
Dr. Priti Bhardwaj knows how difficult it can be to seek help, but by doing so you’re taking a step closer to where you want to be. Struggles with anxiety, depression, attention, and insecurity interfere with our emotional and physical well-being as well as our ability to connect with others. Her goal with patients and families is to provide a warm, safe, and accepting environment for them to communicate the difficulties and challenges they face and work on finding solutions that nourish them toward becoming the healthiest and best version of themselves.
![Photo of Samir Hamed, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0340a647-c692-419a-851d-72a1f1bb9a70/1/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Dr. Mark Chofla - Dr Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8005e36c-312d-4180-b5f1-2fe21e9a3bec/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Lake Forest, CA 92610 (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 Christine Columbres, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c35091da-6505-450f-8358-31380bc62cc5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Christine Columbres
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lake Forest, CA 92630 (Online Only)
Hello! As a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I provide validation and support in your journey towards better mental well-being. My approach is warm, holistic, patient-centered, and evidence-based. My experience has not only honed my knowledge and understanding of mental health conditions, but also reinforces my drive and deep commitment to provide quality mental health care.
Hello! As a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I provide validation and support in your journey towards better mental well-being. My approach is warm, holistic, patient-centered, and evidence-based. My experience has not only honed my knowledge and understanding of mental health conditions, but also reinforces my drive and deep commitment to provide quality mental health care.
![Photo of Maryam Gulraiz, FNP-C, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/11024ccd-8831-4df9-a7bf-f37154fd904a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Maryam Gulraiz
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP-C, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
Lake Forest, CA 92610 (Online Only)
I am a provider with several years of experience in treating mental health. I've worked in variety of settings including internal medicine, urgent care, nephrology, and various mental health settings. I'm here to support your needs for mental health, its a journey towards self growth and healing. I enjoy working with diverse people from different cultures.
I am a provider with several years of experience in treating mental health. I've worked in variety of settings including internal medicine, urgent care, nephrology, and various mental health settings. I'm here to support your needs for mental health, its a journey towards self growth and healing. I enjoy working with diverse people from different cultures.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
![Photo of Jerry F Benzl, MD, MA, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/91a1dafb-2829-4bd8-bf42-7af79ef00b38/3/320x400.jpeg)
I currently work out of two clinics in south Orange County. For child and adolescent care, I see patients at the Behavioral Assessment Center of South County (BACSOC). I also offer ketamine/Spravato treatments at this center. I see telehealth patients at Advance TMS.
I currently work out of two clinics in south Orange County. For child and adolescent care, I see patients at the Behavioral Assessment Center of South County (BACSOC). I also offer ketamine/Spravato treatments at this center. I see telehealth patients at Advance TMS.
![Photo of Heather Mak - Dr. Heather Mak - Anew Era TMS & Psychiatry, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50dcfa14-145f-4251-b7d3-83a0f172f0c2/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Heather Mak - Anew Era TMS & Psychiatry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Dr. Heather Mak is a psychiatrist with experience in helping patients with issues like hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Dr. Heather Mak is a psychiatrist with experience in helping patients with issues like hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
![Photo of Sandhya R Gudapati - Sunny Hills Medical Center, MD, MBA, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c590344-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome to Sunny Hills Behavioral HeaIth. If you or loved ones are struggling with depression, anxiety, focus, attention problems, ability to advance in your career, or other issues affecting relationships, you are at the right place to make positive changes. Dr. Gudapati uses an interactive, solution-focused approach that is tailored to each client. Dr. Gudapati provides therapy for behavioral and emotional issues such as depression, anxiety, anger management, bipolar disorders, and mood disorders. Dr. Gudapati is also a certified TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) physician for treatment of depression.
Welcome to Sunny Hills Behavioral HeaIth. If you or loved ones are struggling with depression, anxiety, focus, attention problems, ability to advance in your career, or other issues affecting relationships, you are at the right place to make positive changes. Dr. Gudapati uses an interactive, solution-focused approach that is tailored to each client. Dr. Gudapati provides therapy for behavioral and emotional issues such as depression, anxiety, anger management, bipolar disorders, and mood disorders. Dr. Gudapati is also a certified TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) physician for treatment of depression.
![Photo of Kevin M Kinback - Advanced TMS Center, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4cbb601a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
At Advanced TMS Center we typically have adult & child psychiatrists, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, clinical psychologists, & Family Therapists, some wtth over 20 years experience. We see patients ages 5 and up. Our large, first class office in Ladera Ranch offers the best possible patient care. We are in-network with nearly every insurance company. We have many office staff to answer your phone cals in person to address all of your concerns. We do "traditional" medication management, ADD testing, and Spravato (ketamine). We also offer Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for depression, anxiety & OCD.
At Advanced TMS Center we typically have adult & child psychiatrists, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, clinical psychologists, & Family Therapists, some wtth over 20 years experience. We see patients ages 5 and up. Our large, first class office in Ladera Ranch offers the best possible patient care. We are in-network with nearly every insurance company. We have many office staff to answer your phone cals in person to address all of your concerns. We do "traditional" medication management, ADD testing, and Spravato (ketamine). We also offer Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for depression, anxiety & OCD.
![Photo of George Tun, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a2a0e04f-a25e-4307-81e5-015e1f498a03/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Tun is an interventional psychiatrist specializing in mood disorders, Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD), and TMS. His goal is to raise awareness in the community about the benefits of interventional treatments like TMS and its role in treating multiple psychiatric illnesses including major depression, generalized anxiety, OCD, and PTSD. Prior to founding Even Better Mood Clinic, Dr. Tun has worked as a psychiatrist in the San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Orange County areas. His most recent position was Regional Medical Director of Orange County at Mindful Health Solutions.
Dr. Tun is an interventional psychiatrist specializing in mood disorders, Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD), and TMS. His goal is to raise awareness in the community about the benefits of interventional treatments like TMS and its role in treating multiple psychiatric illnesses including major depression, generalized anxiety, OCD, and PTSD. Prior to founding Even Better Mood Clinic, Dr. Tun has worked as a psychiatrist in the San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Orange County areas. His most recent position was Regional Medical Director of Orange County at Mindful Health Solutions.
![Photo of Seamus Lucien Connolly - Seamus Connolly DO Inc, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d5dea16a-447a-4ebc-9e75-ef8026400b55/1/320x400.jpeg)
Note: due to resent change in pharmacy practices, no new ADHD patients unless in person in Indio CA and using nearby pharmacy. Dr Connolly grew up in Connecticut and completed undergrad at the University of Connecticut where he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology and Cognitive Science. Dr Connolly then moved to California for medical school at Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr Connolly received his medical education and doctorate from there before heading to Southern California for residency training.
Note: due to resent change in pharmacy practices, no new ADHD patients unless in person in Indio CA and using nearby pharmacy. Dr Connolly grew up in Connecticut and completed undergrad at the University of Connecticut where he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology and Cognitive Science. Dr Connolly then moved to California for medical school at Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr Connolly received his medical education and doctorate from there before heading to Southern California for residency training.
![Photo of Tara N Valenzuela, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/71ba6eee-3c3c-4191-b189-d037ac27bab0/1/320x400.png)
Tara N Valenzuela
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Mission Viejo, CA 92690 (Online Only)
Dr. Tara Valenzuela DNP, PMHNP-BC. is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She treats mental health across the lifespan. Her treatments are healing-centered, education-forward, person-focused. This involves customized strategies that may begin with therapy and medication, and can involve holistic planning including nutrition and activity to treat the whole person. She aligns with the idea that Nursing is the facilitation of healing, and works to provide intervention, education, and advocacy. Dr. Tara Valenzuela believes psychiatric treatment allows a life worth living to be lived.
Dr. Tara Valenzuela DNP, PMHNP-BC. is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She treats mental health across the lifespan. Her treatments are healing-centered, education-forward, person-focused. This involves customized strategies that may begin with therapy and medication, and can involve holistic planning including nutrition and activity to treat the whole person. She aligns with the idea that Nursing is the facilitation of healing, and works to provide intervention, education, and advocacy. Dr. Tara Valenzuela believes psychiatric treatment allows a life worth living to be lived.
See more therapy options for Lake Forest
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Lake Forest, CA
10+
Average cost per session
$250
Psychiatrists in Lake Forest, CA who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
92% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
92% | Trauma and PTSD |
92% | Bipolar Disorder |
85% | ADHD |
77% | Medication Management |
Average years in practice
13 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
92% | Aetna |
92% | Anthem | Elevance |
92% | Optum |
How Psychiatrists in Lake Forest, CA see their clients
62% | In Person and Online | |
38% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
63% | Female | |
37% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Lake Forest?
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.