Psychiatrists in Mammoth Lakes, CA
![Photo of Dustin Stephens, MD, PhD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5f896870-6192-4e2a-91a9-2242cf90f6b3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Stephens is a board-certified psychiatrist who received specialty training at UCLA and completed a fellowship in forensic psychiatry. He is a compassionate and experienced physician with years of clinical experience. Dr. Stephens understands the unique challenges that come with mental illness, and he provides a safe and non-judgmental space for his patients to explore their feelings and work towards healing. His approach is tailored to each individual, using evidence-based techniques to provide effective and personalized care.
Dr. Stephens is a board-certified psychiatrist who received specialty training at UCLA and completed a fellowship in forensic psychiatry. He is a compassionate and experienced physician with years of clinical experience. Dr. Stephens understands the unique challenges that come with mental illness, and he provides a safe and non-judgmental space for his patients to explore their feelings and work towards healing. His approach is tailored to each individual, using evidence-based techniques to provide effective and personalized care.
![Photo of Murat Akalin, MD, MPH, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4d071074-1b58-4f6d-a9f1-7381f255272f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Murat Akalin is Board Certified in Psychiatry and Family Medicine. He treats adults, children and adolescents. He is expertly trained in the diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric illness, including use of medications. He uses exercise, nutrition, behavioral, social and environmental interventions to help his patients, as well as medication when needed. You may visit our website at www.DrAkalin.com for more information about our services.
Dr. Murat Akalin is Board Certified in Psychiatry and Family Medicine. He treats adults, children and adolescents. He is expertly trained in the diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric illness, including use of medications. He uses exercise, nutrition, behavioral, social and environmental interventions to help his patients, as well as medication when needed. You may visit our website at www.DrAkalin.com for more information about our services.
![Photo of Mottsin Thomas, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48f982ff-02e7-49e6-97fe-4bb82d4c3ec6/2/320x400.jpeg)
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS-Bonmente knows asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS-Bonmente knows asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
Online Psychiatrists
![Photo of Dr. Mark Chofla - Dr. Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5084a473-dc18-4733-8809-02d38dc79d90/2/320x400.jpeg)
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 Dr. Anne Phan-Huy, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/13fd8dfd-fa01-455d-9d27-acbea590bdee/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Phan-Huy's philosophy of care is all about you. Your beliefs, your experiences, your goals. By partnering with Dr. Phan-Huy, you will be empowered with the tools necessary to achieve fulfilment. That’s because – with Board certification in psychiatry and specialty training from the University of Michigan – Dr. Phan-Huy is a beacon of clarity in the complex world of mental health.
Dr. Phan-Huy's philosophy of care is all about you. Your beliefs, your experiences, your goals. By partnering with Dr. Phan-Huy, you will be empowered with the tools necessary to achieve fulfilment. That’s because – with Board certification in psychiatry and specialty training from the University of Michigan – Dr. Phan-Huy is a beacon of clarity in the complex world of mental health.
![Photo of Dr. Mark Chofla - Dr. Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/29a95e17-3270-4e95-8889-1d6c0ebce58e/2/320x400.jpeg)
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 Penny Greaves, FNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e6b69da7-7e3a-4b0a-ac16-b7e0bcd4d39b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Penny Greaves
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Merced, CA 95340 (Online Only)
Penny Greaves has over twenty years of Nursing experience and received her bachelor's in nursing in 2007 and a Master's of Nursing with a primary care nurse practitioner certificate in 2010 from Ryerson University, in Toronto, Canada. She obtained her Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) degree in 2021 from the National University and is dual certified with the ANCC in psychiatry and the AANP in family practice. She is currently pursuing a psychology doctorate degree (PsyD) to improve health outcomes. She is experienced with adults, adults with addictions, complex mental health problems, geriatrics, and dementia.
Penny Greaves has over twenty years of Nursing experience and received her bachelor's in nursing in 2007 and a Master's of Nursing with a primary care nurse practitioner certificate in 2010 from Ryerson University, in Toronto, Canada. She obtained her Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) degree in 2021 from the National University and is dual certified with the ANCC in psychiatry and the AANP in family practice. She is currently pursuing a psychology doctorate degree (PsyD) to improve health outcomes. She is experienced with adults, adults with addictions, complex mental health problems, geriatrics, and dementia.
![Photo of Jacqueline Constantino, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ec17811b-ea0b-41d8-a081-fff6f383eff1/1/320x400.png)
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with dual certification as an adult/gerontology primary care NP and I also obtained my Doctor of Nursing practice degree. I have over 14 years of nursing experience and my goal is to provide compassionate, holistic care to help clients achieve optimal wellness. I am comfortable treating all conditions to include depression, anxiety, insomnia, mood disorders, ADHD, PTSD, social phobia, obsessive compulsive disorder, binge-eating disorder, and weight management.
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with dual certification as an adult/gerontology primary care NP and I also obtained my Doctor of Nursing practice degree. I have over 14 years of nursing experience and my goal is to provide compassionate, holistic care to help clients achieve optimal wellness. I am comfortable treating all conditions to include depression, anxiety, insomnia, mood disorders, ADHD, PTSD, social phobia, obsessive compulsive disorder, binge-eating disorder, and weight management.
![Photo of Sunni Erika Gessel, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/42d21ffe-2b73-45dd-b087-5d1526e11af2/3/320x400.jpeg)
I treat mild to moderate mental health conditions through therapeutic interventions and medication monitoring.
I treat mild to moderate mental health conditions through therapeutic interventions and medication monitoring.
![Photo of Dominique Sanders - Raelin Bright Wellness, PhD, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1bbd4ae3-1ff3-4043-a71c-b7768b77e69c/1/320x400.png)
Raelin Bright Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Fresno, CA 93726 (Online Only)
Tired of ER visits due to panic attacks? Do you feel anxious, sad, out of control, or overwhelmed? Do you have racing thoughts, have nightmares or trouble sleeping, or trouble relaxing? Are you feeling sad, like a dark cloud is over you or experiencing trauma responses? Do you feel treated as a number, not a person, when seeking help? I provide mental health treatment that is tailored to fit your needs. My approach is person-centered; I have mastered listening and recognizing people’s needs. I treat with evidence-based practices and believe in medication reduction as much as possible to avoid people being on too many medications.
Tired of ER visits due to panic attacks? Do you feel anxious, sad, out of control, or overwhelmed? Do you have racing thoughts, have nightmares or trouble sleeping, or trouble relaxing? Are you feeling sad, like a dark cloud is over you or experiencing trauma responses? Do you feel treated as a number, not a person, when seeking help? I provide mental health treatment that is tailored to fit your needs. My approach is person-centered; I have mastered listening and recognizing people’s needs. I treat with evidence-based practices and believe in medication reduction as much as possible to avoid people being on too many medications.
![Photo of Pavel Ksendz, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b4d53822-f8e8-4fef-b988-42304f17f4b9/1/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Alexandra Odom - Eastern Sierra Counseling, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b4328e8d-1441-4664-910f-706efdef0f35/1/320x400.jpeg)
Eastern Sierra Counseling is the only group mental health practice working and living in Bishop and Mammoth Lakes, CA. We offer comprehensive mental healthcare with both talk therapy and medication management. We have 16 therapists 3 psychiatric providers (medication management) who work both in-person in Mammoth Lakes, Bishop, and Ridgecrest, California and via telehealth. Pictured here is Dr. Alexandra Odom. Dr. Odom works closely with a variety of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, ADHD, and more.
Eastern Sierra Counseling is the only group mental health practice working and living in Bishop and Mammoth Lakes, CA. We offer comprehensive mental healthcare with both talk therapy and medication management. We have 16 therapists 3 psychiatric providers (medication management) who work both in-person in Mammoth Lakes, Bishop, and Ridgecrest, California and via telehealth. Pictured here is Dr. Alexandra Odom. Dr. Odom works closely with a variety of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, ADHD, and more.
![Photo of Amarachi Igwe - Calm corner Mental health, PMHNP, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d4e4f91e-12d9-412c-971f-d8cda60282f8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Calm corner Mental health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MSN
Verified Verified
13 Endorsed
Fresno, CA 93720
Are you struggling with episodes of mood swings, anxiety, depression? I know it took a lot of courage to get to this point. At calm corner mental health we understand that seeking mental health care that feels both supportive and culturally sensitive is essential. That's why we are proud to offer a team of experienced and compassionate black psychiatrists in Los Angeles who are committed to providing you with the highest level of mental care.
Are you struggling with episodes of mood swings, anxiety, depression? I know it took a lot of courage to get to this point. At calm corner mental health we understand that seeking mental health care that feels both supportive and culturally sensitive is essential. That's why we are proud to offer a team of experienced and compassionate black psychiatrists in Los Angeles who are committed to providing you with the highest level of mental care.
![Photo of Samir Hamed, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40de89b6-5f4d-4ac5-81a0-6e81469b1512/1/320x400.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 Pavel Ksendz, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a25bdf13-3c7a-4d14-a6e2-de8bd30bf4b9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Pavel Ksendz
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Hanford, CA 93230 (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.
![Photo of Navneet Kaur Mann, DNP, PMHNP, FNP-C , Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/537b2c08-200d-4979-9f83-782a36e41a6c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Navneet Kaur Mann
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP-C
Verified Verified
Fresno, CA 93701 (Online Only)
Navneet Mann is a dual board certified Psychiatric and Family Nurse Practitioner. She earned her family nurse practitioner from Fresno Pacific University in Fresno, CA, and her psychiatric nurse practitioner from National University in San Diego, CA. She earned her terminal degree in Nursing with a Doctor of Nursing Practice in 2022 from Grand Canyon University. Her ideal client is someone seeking comprehensive mental healthcare, including assessment, diagnosis, treatment and management, and therapy for psychiatric disorders.
Navneet Mann is a dual board certified Psychiatric and Family Nurse Practitioner. She earned her family nurse practitioner from Fresno Pacific University in Fresno, CA, and her psychiatric nurse practitioner from National University in San Diego, CA. She earned her terminal degree in Nursing with a Doctor of Nursing Practice in 2022 from Grand Canyon University. Her ideal client is someone seeking comprehensive mental healthcare, including assessment, diagnosis, treatment and management, and therapy for psychiatric disorders.
![Photo of Phacharawut Kanchananakhin, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a0760e89-1a9a-4c39-9ef7-12aeb5d05546/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Phacharawut Kanchananakhin is a highly experienced and board-certified psychiatrist with over 27 years of practice in the field. He specializes in treating patients with traumatic brain injury-related psychosis, psychotic disorders, and anxiety disorders. Additionally, he has expertise in geriatric psychiatry, neuropsychiatry, and addiction treatment. He has worked in various psychiatric settings, including outpatient and inpatient care, partial hospitalization programs, and skilled nursing facilities. For appointments contact Fresno: (559) 550-1764, Bakersfield: (424) 425-1232 and Oakland: (415) 480-7362.
Dr. Phacharawut Kanchananakhin is a highly experienced and board-certified psychiatrist with over 27 years of practice in the field. He specializes in treating patients with traumatic brain injury-related psychosis, psychotic disorders, and anxiety disorders. Additionally, he has expertise in geriatric psychiatry, neuropsychiatry, and addiction treatment. He has worked in various psychiatric settings, including outpatient and inpatient care, partial hospitalization programs, and skilled nursing facilities. For appointments contact Fresno: (559) 550-1764, Bakersfield: (424) 425-1232 and Oakland: (415) 480-7362.
![Photo of Dr. Ani Tokat, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/23543f63-4b85-47ca-80c6-9f01b7ba588c/1/320x400.png)
Welcome to Psychiatry 4 Women, where YOU matter! Hello, I am Dr. Ani Tokat, a mother, doctor, educator, and an entrepreneur. I focus on women's mental health needs in all stages of their lives, with emphasis on moms. If you like hole-in-the-wall, little gem type places, then search no further. I created this solo practice with you in mind, without any corporate influence. I brought old school Psychiatry into modern times, where you have direct access to your doctor, where you are not a number in a busy clinic, where you are seen as a human being rather than as a symptom, where your voice is heard without judgement.
Welcome to Psychiatry 4 Women, where YOU matter! Hello, I am Dr. Ani Tokat, a mother, doctor, educator, and an entrepreneur. I focus on women's mental health needs in all stages of their lives, with emphasis on moms. If you like hole-in-the-wall, little gem type places, then search no further. I created this solo practice with you in mind, without any corporate influence. I brought old school Psychiatry into modern times, where you have direct access to your doctor, where you are not a number in a busy clinic, where you are seen as a human being rather than as a symptom, where your voice is heard without judgement.
![Photo of Penny Greaves, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d88547ff-c89f-4055-944d-bf7f0fb444b1/2/320x400.jpeg)
Penny Greaves
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Fresno, CA 93721 (Online Only)
Penny Greaves has over twenty years of Nursing experience and received her bachelor's in nursing in 2007 and a Master of Nursing with a primary care nurse practitioner certificate in 2010 from Ryerson University, in Toronto, Canada. She obtained her Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) degree in 2021 from National University and is dual certified with the ANCC in psychiatry and the AANP in family practice. She is currently pursuing a psychology doctorate degree (PsyD) to improve health outcomes. She is experienced with adults, adults with addictions, complex mental health problems, geriatrics and dementia.
Penny Greaves has over twenty years of Nursing experience and received her bachelor's in nursing in 2007 and a Master of Nursing with a primary care nurse practitioner certificate in 2010 from Ryerson University, in Toronto, Canada. She obtained her Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) degree in 2021 from National University and is dual certified with the ANCC in psychiatry and the AANP in family practice. She is currently pursuing a psychology doctorate degree (PsyD) to improve health outcomes. She is experienced with adults, adults with addictions, complex mental health problems, geriatrics and dementia.
![Photo of Chika Agulanna - Light Care Psychiatry, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e08f94fa-eea4-4054-a692-015dc3f3cd59/1/320x400.png)
Light Care Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
12 Endorsed
Fresno, CA 93727
Chika is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner from Fresno Ca, who works with children and adults and provides care for patients who struggle with anxiety, depression, bipolar, sleep difficulties etc. Chika has experience with medication management and use of psychotherapy and has been a board certified PMHNP for over 2 years. Chika’s treatment approach is rooted in evidence based practice utilizing medication and psychotherapy. Chika studied at Walden University, where she obtained a Masters in Nursing science. She has also worked as an RN for more than 8 years which has been helpful in providing care
Chika is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner from Fresno Ca, who works with children and adults and provides care for patients who struggle with anxiety, depression, bipolar, sleep difficulties etc. Chika has experience with medication management and use of psychotherapy and has been a board certified PMHNP for over 2 years. Chika’s treatment approach is rooted in evidence based practice utilizing medication and psychotherapy. Chika studied at Walden University, where she obtained a Masters in Nursing science. She has also worked as an RN for more than 8 years which has been helpful in providing care
See more therapy options for Mammoth Lakes
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Mammoth Lakes, CA
< 10
Psychiatrists in Mammoth Lakes, CA who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | ADHD |
100% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
100% | Trauma and PTSD |
100% | Bipolar Disorder |
100% | Sleep or Insomnia |
Average years in practice
23 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
100% | Anthem | Elevance |
How Psychiatrists in Mammoth Lakes, CA see their clients
66% | Online Only | |
34% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
100% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Mammoth Lakes?
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.