Psychiatrists in Long Beach, CA
![Photo of Ryan Thebo, DNP, PMHNP, FNP, CICP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1a8872a9-7a61-4941-9588-32c25d542369/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ryan Thebo
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP, CICP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Long Beach, CA 90806
Unsure if medication is right for you or need help optimizing your current treatment? While medication can be beneficial, the most effective approach to mental health challenges often combines the right medications with holistic treatments. Sadly, the profit-driven mental healthcare system may not always prioritize your well-being. My goal is to help you thrive through holistic psychiatry, enabling you to achieve optimal wellness. Easily schedule an online appointment for personalized medication management at www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA and take the first step towards a healthier you.
Unsure if medication is right for you or need help optimizing your current treatment? While medication can be beneficial, the most effective approach to mental health challenges often combines the right medications with holistic treatments. Sadly, the profit-driven mental healthcare system may not always prioritize your well-being. My goal is to help you thrive through holistic psychiatry, enabling you to achieve optimal wellness. Easily schedule an online appointment for personalized medication management at www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA and take the first step towards a healthier you.
![Photo of Joshua Flatow, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/452f0c6c-6306-4ef8-a1fb-b0235c72a607/2/320x400.jpeg)
Pacific Mind Health treats mental health disorders using a variety of treatments including medications, psychotherapy, telemedicine, ketamine infusions, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). We strive to help create a treatment plan which will help guide you on a path to wellness. Our goal is to provide thorough diagnostic evaluations which will inform treatment choices and increase the likelihood the treatment will be successful. At Pacific Mind Health, treating mental illness in a modern society requires innovation, compassion, flexibility, and focus and we are committed to attaining these values and serving our patients.
Pacific Mind Health treats mental health disorders using a variety of treatments including medications, psychotherapy, telemedicine, ketamine infusions, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). We strive to help create a treatment plan which will help guide you on a path to wellness. Our goal is to provide thorough diagnostic evaluations which will inform treatment choices and increase the likelihood the treatment will be successful. At Pacific Mind Health, treating mental illness in a modern society requires innovation, compassion, flexibility, and focus and we are committed to attaining these values and serving our patients.
![Photo of Jenna Watson, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ff6c0717-3c94-4ad1-86bf-cf9eba63da88/2/320x400.jpeg)
My clinical experience includes working with individuals presenting with polysubstance abuse, dual diagnoses, and underserved/indigent populations. truly believe in the mind-body connection and support both physical and mental wellness.
My clinical experience includes working with individuals presenting with polysubstance abuse, dual diagnoses, and underserved/indigent populations. truly believe in the mind-body connection and support both physical and mental wellness.
![Photo of Carmela Zaragoza, PMHP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/da58c73c-f9c7-4a60-97ba-e1cdbb04c7f2/1/320x400.jpeg)
Carmela Zaragoza
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHP
Verified Verified
Long Beach, CA 90802 (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, 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, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
![Photo of Joy Dane Jones, MD, MPH, MBA, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c95ee107-d596-4cb6-92db-b05f7470abf5/1/320x400.jpeg)
We are located in Long Beach, CA and specialize in community psychiatry. I am both a family medicine physician and psychiatrist with board certifications in functional medicine and lifestyle medicine. My goal as a provider is to help my patients become "healthy, happy and whole". We use conventional medicine when necessary, but also employ TMS and some alternative modalities to treat our patients. We look forward to working together with you to help you become your best.
We are located in Long Beach, CA and specialize in community psychiatry. I am both a family medicine physician and psychiatrist with board certifications in functional medicine and lifestyle medicine. My goal as a provider is to help my patients become "healthy, happy and whole". We use conventional medicine when necessary, but also employ TMS and some alternative modalities to treat our patients. We look forward to working together with you to help you become your best.
![Photo of Ana Jimenez, PA-C , Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c7dea2e4-e99c-4f3e-a386-5c74db31fd4e/1/320x400.png)
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 Angela Ofoegbu, -BC, DNP, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/96b0ded5-ff38-43dd-856f-a942837d22e5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Angela Ofoegbu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, -BC, DNP, APRN
Verified Verified
Long Beach, CA 90804
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.
![Photo of Anthony Pham, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/35cef97d-840e-4e7a-86d9-f0118d4c6466/2/320x400.png)
Anthony Pham
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Long Beach, CA 90806
Are you or your loved ones struggling with depression, anxiety, ADHD or a mental health concern that is negatively impacting your work, health, or personal life? If so, you have made the first step towards making a positive change. Anthony is a Master's Prepared Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who specializes in treating ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar, Schizophrenia, OCD, & other mental health disorders. Anthony emphasizes treating each client & their family with respect, comfort, and professionalism. Anthony focuses on needs of his patients and tailors his treatment plan to keep everyone informed.
Are you or your loved ones struggling with depression, anxiety, ADHD or a mental health concern that is negatively impacting your work, health, or personal life? If so, you have made the first step towards making a positive change. Anthony is a Master's Prepared Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who specializes in treating ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar, Schizophrenia, OCD, & other mental health disorders. Anthony emphasizes treating each client & their family with respect, comfort, and professionalism. Anthony focuses on needs of his patients and tailors his treatment plan to keep everyone informed.
![Photo of Catalina Villa, MD , Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c3b94ed1-c28d-4419-8f01-c676845eeaff/1/320x400.png)
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 Mae Caragay, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/85abde17-633f-4ce7-965e-44e27163a8b8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Mae Caragay
Physician Assistant, PA-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Long Beach, CA 90802 (Online Only)
Accepting New Patients - I am a board-certified Psychiatric Physician Associate (PA) with extensive training in Family Practice, Psychiatry, and Addiction Medicine. My journey has taken me from rural to urban communities, equipping me with a diverse skill set to better serve my patients. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and empathy, I strive to provide the highest quality of care.
Accepting New Patients - I am a board-certified Psychiatric Physician Associate (PA) with extensive training in Family Practice, Psychiatry, and Addiction Medicine. My journey has taken me from rural to urban communities, equipping me with a diverse skill set to better serve my patients. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and empathy, I strive to provide the highest quality of care.
Kaney Fedovskiy
Psychiatrist, MD, MPH
Verified Verified
Long Beach, CA 90814 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I am a board-certified psychiatrist who also has training and experience providing psychodynamic and supportive psychotherapy. I have trained and/ or worked in the Midwest, the American South, the West coast and abroad in New Zealand. I have experience in community psychiatry and college student health. I am not currently accepting clients.
I am a board-certified psychiatrist who also has training and experience providing psychodynamic and supportive psychotherapy. I have trained and/ or worked in the Midwest, the American South, the West coast and abroad in New Zealand. I have experience in community psychiatry and college student health. I am not currently accepting clients.
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![Photo of Joshua Flatow - Pacific Mind Health, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46d851a5-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS - Pacific Mind Health approaches mental health using a variety of evidence-based treatments including medication, Psychotherapy, Telemedicine, Spravato, and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). We are excited to offer Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) - a revolutionary 3-minute procedure with equal or better efficacy to standard 40+ minute TMS protocols. We provide a thorough diagnostic evaluation to create a personalized treatment plan that will help guide you towards wellness. Please use this link for a free informational TMS session https://www.pacificmindhealth.com/tmsinfo.html
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS - Pacific Mind Health approaches mental health using a variety of evidence-based treatments including medication, Psychotherapy, Telemedicine, Spravato, and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). We are excited to offer Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) - a revolutionary 3-minute procedure with equal or better efficacy to standard 40+ minute TMS protocols. We provide a thorough diagnostic evaluation to create a personalized treatment plan that will help guide you towards wellness. Please use this link for a free informational TMS session https://www.pacificmindhealth.com/tmsinfo.html
![Photo of Dr. Simon Faynboym - Neuro Wellness Spa, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d9001e01-bd06-4b41-acd5-8299df8a0ec2/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Simon Faynboym was born in Ukraine and immigrated to California at a very young age. Growing up in California, he had a drive to serve the underprivileged and decided to become a physician. Dr. Faynboym currently practices Psychiatry and TMS at Neuro Wellness Spa. Dr. Faynboym earned two Bachelor of Science Degrees, his first in Genetics and the second in Food Biochemistry. He graduated in the top of his class and continued thereafter to get his masters training in Biomedical Sciences at Midwestern University for a year, before heading off to Medical School.
Dr. Simon Faynboym was born in Ukraine and immigrated to California at a very young age. Growing up in California, he had a drive to serve the underprivileged and decided to become a physician. Dr. Faynboym currently practices Psychiatry and TMS at Neuro Wellness Spa. Dr. Faynboym earned two Bachelor of Science Degrees, his first in Genetics and the second in Food Biochemistry. He graduated in the top of his class and continued thereafter to get his masters training in Biomedical Sciences at Midwestern University for a year, before heading off to Medical School.
![Photo of Christianne Zah-Weber - Neuro Wellness Spa, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a083134d-e112-4db8-965d-1a2a01ba7403/2/320x400.png)
Christianne Zah-Weber - Neuro Wellness Spa
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Long Beach, CA 90803
She enjoys working with a diverse patient population and providing care from an inclusive framework that honors cultures and traditions that are valued by patients. She has provided medication management for individuals with PTSD and other trauma-related disorders, depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar and related disorders, OCD, ADHD, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and substance use disorders. She provides supportive psychotherapy and includes elements of mindfulness and various modalities including psychodynamic, somatic, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
She enjoys working with a diverse patient population and providing care from an inclusive framework that honors cultures and traditions that are valued by patients. She has provided medication management for individuals with PTSD and other trauma-related disorders, depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar and related disorders, OCD, ADHD, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and substance use disorders. She provides supportive psychotherapy and includes elements of mindfulness and various modalities including psychodynamic, somatic, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
![Photo of Alexandra Presler, MD, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/795abefe-1d4d-4a03-8301-72965aea284d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Pacific Mind Health treats mental health disorders using a variety of treatments including medications, Psychotherapy, Telemedicine, Spravato, and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). We strive to help create a treatment plan which will help guide you on a path to wellness. Our goal is to provide thorough diagnostic evaluations which will inform treatment choices and increase the likelihood the treatment will be successful. Please use this link for a free informational TMS session www.pacificmindhealth.com/tmsinfo. To request an appointment, please fill out this form: www.pacificmindhealth.com/newclient.
Pacific Mind Health treats mental health disorders using a variety of treatments including medications, Psychotherapy, Telemedicine, Spravato, and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). We strive to help create a treatment plan which will help guide you on a path to wellness. Our goal is to provide thorough diagnostic evaluations which will inform treatment choices and increase the likelihood the treatment will be successful. Please use this link for a free informational TMS session www.pacificmindhealth.com/tmsinfo. To request an appointment, please fill out this form: www.pacificmindhealth.com/newclient.
![Photo of Naiga Dohnji, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0b55cf68-ce1c-4099-98dc-254ba90c8eef/1/320x400.png)
Naiga Dohnji
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Long Beach, CA 90805 (Online Only)
Dr. Naiga Dohnji (DNP) is a dedicated provider, who embodies the mission and values of being a positive influence in patients' lives, with a rich tapestry of professional experience. She brings a unique perspective to her practice, develops a complete wellness plan to help patients reach their goals. At the end of the day, everyone just wants to be understood. I believe that mental health can affect anyone regardless of status and that every patient is unique in the challenges they face. Taking care of patients is both an honor and a privilege for me. My focus has always been caring for patients.
Dr. Naiga Dohnji (DNP) is a dedicated provider, who embodies the mission and values of being a positive influence in patients' lives, with a rich tapestry of professional experience. She brings a unique perspective to her practice, develops a complete wellness plan to help patients reach their goals. At the end of the day, everyone just wants to be understood. I believe that mental health can affect anyone regardless of status and that every patient is unique in the challenges they face. Taking care of patients is both an honor and a privilege for me. My focus has always been caring for patients.
![Photo of Ashley Miller, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/31252fb1-361e-4819-9630-dbf405e3f5e8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Are you struggling to balance your mental and physical health and in need of a more comprehensive approach? No problem! I provide Telemedicine (Online Psychiatry) Services, so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel! I provide the same psychiatry services as an in-person office visit and I can also address other aspects that encompass your complete wellness. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best! You can easily self-schedule a Telepsychiatry video appointment now at: www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA
Are you struggling to balance your mental and physical health and in need of a more comprehensive approach? No problem! I provide Telemedicine (Online Psychiatry) Services, so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel! I provide the same psychiatry services as an in-person office visit and I can also address other aspects that encompass your complete wellness. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best! You can easily self-schedule a Telepsychiatry video appointment now at: www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA
![Photo of Tyisha Fletcher, AANC, AANP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9d996f5e-2c00-47c1-8ce5-774469f812dd/1/320x400.jpeg)
Tyisha Fletcher
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, AANC, AANP
Verified Verified
Long Beach, CA 90802 (Online Only)
I’m a nationally board certified Family Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and an Adult Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist. I believe in treating my patients with respect and compassion. I have practiced for over six years in a variety of settings, including internal medicine, family medicine, and mental health. I enjoy working with diverse people from a variety of cultures, and I specialize in working with people of color to provide a safe space to focus on complete mental health.
I’m a nationally board certified Family Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and an Adult Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist. I believe in treating my patients with respect and compassion. I have practiced for over six years in a variety of settings, including internal medicine, family medicine, and mental health. I enjoy working with diverse people from a variety of cultures, and I specialize in working with people of color to provide a safe space to focus on complete mental health.
![Photo of Lalaine Otadoy, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/775b4292-0592-4dad-9ebd-a8616df7ae08/1/320x400.jpeg)
Lalaine Otadoy
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Long Beach, CA 90802 (Online Only)
We know asking for help is a challenging 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 a challenging 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 Eric Osterlind I Ketamine, PMHNP, -BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d50c2fd6-0600-4684-bd3f-af3effb31ba0/1/320x400.png)
Eric Osterlind I Ketamine
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
Long Beach, CA 90803 (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.
See more therapy options for Long Beach
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Long Beach, CA
100+
Average cost per session
$200
Psychiatrists in Long Beach, CA who prioritize treating:
97% | Anxiety |
89% | Depression |
81% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
81% | Bipolar Disorder |
80% | ADHD |
80% | Medication Management |
79% | Trauma and PTSD |
Average years in practice
11 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
97% | Cigna and Evernorth |
96% | Aetna |
93% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in Long Beach, CA see their clients
52% | Online Only | |
48% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
58% | Female | |
42% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Long 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.