Psychiatrists in Marina Del Rey, CA
![Photo of Ian Matthews, NP, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/552a795b-4fbd-48c2-922a-d5a23aa182fa/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ian Matthews is a ANCC board certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner treating adults. He graduated from Vanderbilt University's MSN Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program. Ian aims to establish a collaborative relationship with his patients through understanding their unique story, which considers their biological, psychological, and social factors. This understanding allows for the application of an individualized treatment approach through evidenced-based medication management when appropriate, as well as brief, supportive psychotherapy.
Ian Matthews is a ANCC board certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner treating adults. He graduated from Vanderbilt University's MSN Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program. Ian aims to establish a collaborative relationship with his patients through understanding their unique story, which considers their biological, psychological, and social factors. This understanding allows for the application of an individualized treatment approach through evidenced-based medication management when appropriate, as well as brief, supportive psychotherapy.
![Photo of Kendall Haydel - Balancedmind Mental Health., PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c24d64a5-7c62-4ecf-95e1-81fb3e3b1c98/2/320x400.png)
Kendall Haydel - Balancedmind Mental Health.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292 (Online Only)
Accepting New Patients - I am a board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner with over 15 years of mental health experience. I utilize a holistic approach specializing in treating ADD/ADHD, anxiety, depression, and eating disorders, with a focus on serving the LGBTQIA+ community.
Accepting New Patients - I am a board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner with over 15 years of mental health experience. I utilize a holistic approach specializing in treating ADD/ADHD, anxiety, depression, and eating disorders, with a focus on serving the LGBTQIA+ community.
![Photo of Merima Jurici, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/18073105-eb9b-4eb4-b47c-6b846d9446df/2/320x400.jpeg)
I approach treatment from a holistic point of view. I am a strong believer of the influence of our lifestyle on our emotions and vice versa. With my patients I use a combination of medication and psychotherapy. The psychodynamic approach is a great part of my assessment and treatment which allows me to fully and better understand my patients. My expertise includes a wide range of disorders including mood disorders, anxiety, childhood disorders, behavior problems in children, ADHD, personality disorders, LGBT issues, adjustments to various life stressors that might affect your level of functioning
I approach treatment from a holistic point of view. I am a strong believer of the influence of our lifestyle on our emotions and vice versa. With my patients I use a combination of medication and psychotherapy. The psychodynamic approach is a great part of my assessment and treatment which allows me to fully and better understand my patients. My expertise includes a wide range of disorders including mood disorders, anxiety, childhood disorders, behavior problems in children, ADHD, personality disorders, LGBT issues, adjustments to various life stressors that might affect your level of functioning
![Photo of Wesley Ryan, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49c08f66-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome to my psychiatry private practice, specializing in general psychiatry, addiction psychiatry, psychedelics consultations, and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (for depression, substance use disorders, and other indications). I have extensive experience with addiction, dual diagnosis, as well as general psychiatric care, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. I offer consultation, diagnosis, treatment, medication management, and psychotherapy. Please note for insurance coverage, I am considered an out-of-network provider. Please visit my website for more information on how to establish care.
Welcome to my psychiatry private practice, specializing in general psychiatry, addiction psychiatry, psychedelics consultations, and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (for depression, substance use disorders, and other indications). I have extensive experience with addiction, dual diagnosis, as well as general psychiatric care, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. I offer consultation, diagnosis, treatment, medication management, and psychotherapy. Please note for insurance coverage, I am considered an out-of-network provider. Please visit my website for more information on how to establish care.
![Photo of Marguerite Maguire, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/513e4016-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a general adult psychiatrist, treating a wide variety of psychiatric illnesses with particular interests in depression, anxiety, maternal mental health, and ADHD. I earned my medical degree from the University of Rochester and completed my psychiatry residency at the University of Southern California/LAC+USC.
I am a general adult psychiatrist, treating a wide variety of psychiatric illnesses with particular interests in depression, anxiety, maternal mental health, and ADHD. I earned my medical degree from the University of Rochester and completed my psychiatry residency at the University of Southern California/LAC+USC.
![Photo of Alan Hanft, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4a1e57cc-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
After college, I attended medical school at McGill University. I then completed a residency in Psychiatry at USC and a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Boston Children’s Hospital of Harvard Medical School. After completing these 10 years of training in 1992, I worked mostly for academic centers. I was faculty in the medical schools of Harvard and Tufts universities, and then returned to California where I was faculty at the University of California and USC for many years. For several years I’ve been Board Certified in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, General Adult Psychiatry, and Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry.
After college, I attended medical school at McGill University. I then completed a residency in Psychiatry at USC and a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Boston Children’s Hospital of Harvard Medical School. After completing these 10 years of training in 1992, I worked mostly for academic centers. I was faculty in the medical schools of Harvard and Tufts universities, and then returned to California where I was faculty at the University of California and USC for many years. For several years I’ve been Board Certified in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, General Adult Psychiatry, and Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry.
![Photo of Joshua Flatow, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e2bb627f-8278-4332-9757-470d753808dd/1/320x400.jpeg)
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
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 Agnes Kwon Simone, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1d9b2e94-172d-447f-8da1-8661e54b482f/4/320x400.jpeg)
I am a UCLA-trained, board certified psychiatrist specializing in the treatment of anxiety disorders, OCD, depression, ADHD, and insomnia. I work with adolescents, young adults and adults. I am passionate about my integrative approach to mental health care. While I provide medication management, I also highlight the importance of non-pharmacologic interventions including healthy lifestyle changes, mindfulness, and psychotherapy.
I am a UCLA-trained, board certified psychiatrist specializing in the treatment of anxiety disorders, OCD, depression, ADHD, and insomnia. I work with adolescents, young adults and adults. I am passionate about my integrative approach to mental health care. While I provide medication management, I also highlight the importance of non-pharmacologic interventions including healthy lifestyle changes, mindfulness, and psychotherapy.
![Photo of Izunna Ewudo - Neuro Wellness Spa Psychiatry, PMHNP, DNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9c574a94-e306-4865-b5fe-0fc032378102/1/320x400.jpeg)
Izunna Ewudo - Neuro Wellness Spa Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, DNP
Verified Verified
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
Dr. Izunna Ewudo is a doctoral-prepared, dually Board-Certified Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who embodies a unique blend of expertise and genuine care in his patient interactions. Born and raised in Los Angeles and with a rich heritage as a Nigerian-American, Dr. Ewudo brings a unique perspective to his practice, embracing cultural diversity and valuing the experiences it offers.
Dr. Izunna Ewudo is a doctoral-prepared, dually Board-Certified Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who embodies a unique blend of expertise and genuine care in his patient interactions. Born and raised in Los Angeles and with a rich heritage as a Nigerian-American, Dr. Ewudo brings a unique perspective to his practice, embracing cultural diversity and valuing the experiences it offers.
![Photo of Ana Jimenez, PA-C , Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2efd3e23-6889-461c-b915-1cac9fffd73d/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 Mottsin Thomas - Bonmente , MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/502c19a0-5f11-4d1f-ba36-575a0d5b659f/1/320x400.png)
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS-Bonmente knows asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS-Bonmente knows asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
15 Second Videos
Marguerite Maguire
Ana Jimenez
Bonmente
Josephine McNary
Nancy Wu
Vista Mental Health
![Photo of Eugene Kimn, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/709c7836-0c2f-499f-9bd9-33324f6d3621/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am dedicated to compassionate, thoughtful, and collaborative patient care for all ages, genders, orientations, and cultures. I believe the best care can be provided when viewing the client from a combination of biological, psychological, social, and cultural perspectives. It is my goal to have the client / family come out of session feeling they have been heard and their opinions valued. While I am experienced working with individuals with different needs and backgrounds, I have special interest in minority mental health, childhood mood and anxiety disorders, transitional age / college youth, trauma, and substance use disorders.
I am dedicated to compassionate, thoughtful, and collaborative patient care for all ages, genders, orientations, and cultures. I believe the best care can be provided when viewing the client from a combination of biological, psychological, social, and cultural perspectives. It is my goal to have the client / family come out of session feeling they have been heard and their opinions valued. While I am experienced working with individuals with different needs and backgrounds, I have special interest in minority mental health, childhood mood and anxiety disorders, transitional age / college youth, trauma, and substance use disorders.
![Photo of Gol Ara, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f039f6b7-b098-4515-ad57-d98ab04cc74b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting New Patients - Dr. Ara completed her fellowship training in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry (CLP) at UCLA. CLP is a subspecialty of psychiatry that focuses on treating mental health issues in patients with complex medical conditions. Before her fellowship training, she completed her psychiatry residency at the University of New Mexico and earned her M.D. degree from Tehran University.
Accepting New Patients - Dr. Ara completed her fellowship training in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry (CLP) at UCLA. CLP is a subspecialty of psychiatry that focuses on treating mental health issues in patients with complex medical conditions. Before her fellowship training, she completed her psychiatry residency at the University of New Mexico and earned her M.D. degree from Tehran University.
![Photo of Josephine McNary, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5121bd14-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a board-certified general psychiatrist with offices in Hermosa Beach, Marina del Rey, Santa Monica, Downtown Los Angeles, Echo Park, Pasadena and Santa Barbara. I also provide tele-psychiatry services. I see a variety of patients in my outpatient practice. I provide medication management. Learn more at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eq2tAiFIv5o and https://www.calpsychiatry.com. I am interested in the use of complementary medicine for mood and anxiety disorders. I am currently attending staff at the UCLA Department of Psychiatry, where I provide both inpatient psychiatry and consultation services.
I am a board-certified general psychiatrist with offices in Hermosa Beach, Marina del Rey, Santa Monica, Downtown Los Angeles, Echo Park, Pasadena and Santa Barbara. I also provide tele-psychiatry services. I see a variety of patients in my outpatient practice. I provide medication management. Learn more at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eq2tAiFIv5o and https://www.calpsychiatry.com. I am interested in the use of complementary medicine for mood and anxiety disorders. I am currently attending staff at the UCLA Department of Psychiatry, where I provide both inpatient psychiatry and consultation services.
![Photo of Beata Pearce, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/64f98ffa-011a-4370-8a75-997cebf2ccbc/2/320x400.jpeg)
Beata Pearce
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292 (Online Only)
Beata Pearce, FNP/PMHNP has been in the healthcare field since 2009, with different roles in clinical practice both in the hospital and outpatient settings. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Charles R. Drew, University of Medicine and Science. She also obtained a certification in Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner specialty from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Prior to joining Mindpath Health, she has worked as a Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner for over 6 years now.
Beata Pearce, FNP/PMHNP has been in the healthcare field since 2009, with different roles in clinical practice both in the hospital and outpatient settings. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Charles R. Drew, University of Medicine and Science. She also obtained a certification in Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner specialty from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Prior to joining Mindpath Health, she has worked as a Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner for over 6 years now.
![Photo of Nancy Wu, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a1981d27-f222-4deb-95e4-8e77d049fbdb/2/320x400.jpeg)
It takes a lot of courage to ask for help. My goal is to witness and support you as you embark on this heroic journey of self-discovery and growth. I understand that life can be hard and filled with unpredictable ups and downs. I use a holistic approach to help patients ease their suffering and live life with more joy, spontaneity, and well-being.
It takes a lot of courage to ask for help. My goal is to witness and support you as you embark on this heroic journey of self-discovery and growth. I understand that life can be hard and filled with unpredictable ups and downs. I use a holistic approach to help patients ease their suffering and live life with more joy, spontaneity, and well-being.
![Photo of Deborah Fein - Vista Mental Health, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3dfcb811-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Deborah Fein is a psychiatrist in private practice providing mental health services in Los Angeles. Her treatment is focused on providing a personalized experience, throughout the entire course of treatment. Patients are able to contact her directly, which helps to ensure the best possible treatment outcomes. Treatment recommendations are based on the best current research and clinical evidence available. Dr. Fein will take a medical history and may recommend labs, studies, or referrals to other providers, as appropriate, so that any complicating factors in the treatment can be properly addressed and treated.
Dr. Deborah Fein is a psychiatrist in private practice providing mental health services in Los Angeles. Her treatment is focused on providing a personalized experience, throughout the entire course of treatment. Patients are able to contact her directly, which helps to ensure the best possible treatment outcomes. Treatment recommendations are based on the best current research and clinical evidence available. Dr. Fein will take a medical history and may recommend labs, studies, or referrals to other providers, as appropriate, so that any complicating factors in the treatment can be properly addressed and treated.
![Photo of Sandra Hah, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3eee3ffa-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. Dr. Hah is triple board certified in child and adolescent, adult, and forensic psychiatry.
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. Dr. Hah is triple board certified in child and adolescent, adult, and forensic psychiatry.
![Photo of Adel Mostafavi - WellPsyche Medical Group, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ed5b938-46cd-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 Dr. Nima Fahimian - Bespoke Treatment, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50acc608-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Bespoke Treatment is a comprehensive facility that offers alternative treatments to depression that work. We specialize in TMS therapy, ketamine therapy, and online intensive outpatient program (IOP) for patients who are looking for effective and lasting solutions to their mental health challenges. Our treatments are safe, evidence-based, and personalized to each patient’s needs and goals. We also provide comprehensive support and follow-up to ensure lasting results.
Bespoke Treatment is a comprehensive facility that offers alternative treatments to depression that work. We specialize in TMS therapy, ketamine therapy, and online intensive outpatient program (IOP) for patients who are looking for effective and lasting solutions to their mental health challenges. Our treatments are safe, evidence-based, and personalized to each patient’s needs and goals. We also provide comprehensive support and follow-up to ensure lasting results.
See more therapy options for Marina Del Rey
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Marina Del Rey, CA
20+
Average cost per session
$360
Psychiatrists in Marina Del Rey, CA who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
95% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
95% | Medication Management |
91% | Bipolar Disorder |
86% | Trauma and PTSD |
86% | Sleep or Insomnia |
Average years in practice
14 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
100% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in Marina Del Rey, CA see their clients
60% | In Person and Online | |
40% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
50% | Female | |
50% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Marina Del Rey?
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.