Psychiatrists in Santa Cruz, CA
![Photo of Samir Hamed, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/19f4e550-8ba5-4250-97fa-2ca8fc00c626/1/320x400.jpeg)
Samir Hamed
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Allied Healers, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Allied Healers, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
![Photo of James Walter Darden IV - Force 10 Psychiatry, PMHNP, ACNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0a2210d8-9546-4710-9380-26bc189450ae/1/320x400.png)
Force 10 Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, ACNP-BC
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
At Force 10 Psychiatry, our mission is to provide compassionate, personalized psychiatric care to children, adolescents, and adults. We specialize in ADHD, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Our goal is empowering you to achieve your fullest potential and lead a fulfilling life.
At Force 10 Psychiatry, our mission is to provide compassionate, personalized psychiatric care to children, adolescents, and adults. We specialize in ADHD, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Our goal is empowering you to achieve your fullest potential and lead a fulfilling life.
![Photo of Dr. Mark Chofla - Dr Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/261eb909-ca64-4a40-95a7-562275d9ea7c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
Dr. Mark Chofla is a board-certified psychiatrist and physician who completed his specialty residency training at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California at Davis, Dr. Chofla earned his medical degree from Midwestern University: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Dr. Mark Chofla is a board-certified psychiatrist and physician who completed his specialty residency training at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California at Davis, Dr. Chofla earned his medical degree from Midwestern University: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine.
![Photo of Rudy Roque, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a4f99cef-6ecb-4afa-9e3c-668235d921d7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Rudy Roque
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
Life can be incredibly challenging, so finding a mental health provider when you're already struggling should not be. I know how overwhelming it can be to navigate insurance and find someone who is a good fit. As a provider, I hope to help as many people as possible overcome that process by offering a mindful, knowledgeable, and transparent approach to medication management. If you are struggling, I hope you reach out and know that I am here to help.
Life can be incredibly challenging, so finding a mental health provider when you're already struggling should not be. I know how overwhelming it can be to navigate insurance and find someone who is a good fit. As a provider, I hope to help as many people as possible overcome that process by offering a mindful, knowledgeable, and transparent approach to medication management. If you are struggling, I hope you reach out and know that I am here to help.
![Photo of Julianne Vilardi - Zelinka, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f0e452da-b61c-41c7-a935-eee37223ad64/3/320x400.png)
Julianne Vilardi - Zelinka
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
I am motivated to help my patients reach optimal wellness. My practice focuses on integrative mental health for emotional and physical well-being, using non-ordinary states of consciousness. I use an integrative and holistic approach to treat patients who have experienced trauma. I am motivated to help my patients reach optimal wellness. After living my entire life in the San Fransisco Bay Area, I relocated to Santa Cruz. I have always dreamed of living close to the ocean and am happy to walk to the ocean everyday. I love to be outdoors, travel, and spend time with my dog. I enjoy practicing yoga and meditating.
I am motivated to help my patients reach optimal wellness. My practice focuses on integrative mental health for emotional and physical well-being, using non-ordinary states of consciousness. I use an integrative and holistic approach to treat patients who have experienced trauma. I am motivated to help my patients reach optimal wellness. After living my entire life in the San Fransisco Bay Area, I relocated to Santa Cruz. I have always dreamed of living close to the ocean and am happy to walk to the ocean everyday. I love to be outdoors, travel, and spend time with my dog. I enjoy practicing yoga and meditating.
![Photo of Alex Sahba - Psychiatric Evaluations - Dr. Alex Sahba, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/82b91a0c-3a71-44d9-8267-f67142adec14/2/320x400.jpeg)
I'm Dr. Alex Sahba, board certified in general psychiatry/forensic psychiatry and trained at UCLA. As a recognized leader in the fields of psychiatry and qualified medical evaluations (QMEs), I am called upon to provide excellent service in various settings, including medical, legal, and academics. I conduct various types of evaluations, including: Legal/Forensics, Risk Assessment (Violence/Sexual), Drug/Alcohol Evals, Cognitive Evals, Competency Evals, Diagnostic Clarification, Fitness For Duty Evals., Pre-employment Evals., Immigration-related Evals., and Workers’ Comp. (QME/AME).
I'm Dr. Alex Sahba, board certified in general psychiatry/forensic psychiatry and trained at UCLA. As a recognized leader in the fields of psychiatry and qualified medical evaluations (QMEs), I am called upon to provide excellent service in various settings, including medical, legal, and academics. I conduct various types of evaluations, including: Legal/Forensics, Risk Assessment (Violence/Sexual), Drug/Alcohol Evals, Cognitive Evals, Competency Evals, Diagnostic Clarification, Fitness For Duty Evals., Pre-employment Evals., Immigration-related Evals., and Workers’ Comp. (QME/AME).
![Photo of Inti Flores, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bb595e8f-2dde-4e80-bea1-26f498da52a3/2/320x400.jpeg)
I treat a wide range of concerns including problems related to mood and anxiety, difficulties with intimacy and relationships, self-defeating behaviors, substance use problems, PTSD and complex forms of developmental trauma, challenging stage-of-life transitions, loss and bereavement, concerns regarding gender and sexuality, difficulties stemming from socially and culturally located trauma, living with pain and/or medical illness, as well as other problems adapting to stressful circumstances.
I treat a wide range of concerns including problems related to mood and anxiety, difficulties with intimacy and relationships, self-defeating behaviors, substance use problems, PTSD and complex forms of developmental trauma, challenging stage-of-life transitions, loss and bereavement, concerns regarding gender and sexuality, difficulties stemming from socially and culturally located trauma, living with pain and/or medical illness, as well as other problems adapting to stressful circumstances.
![Photo of Amelia Jester, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a62466c2-6697-4f5a-9241-47a272414a89/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ami Jester is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with more than seven years of experience, including exploring the country as a travel nurse. Dr. Jester is focused on improving LGBTQIA+ patients’ experiences in healthcare settings and is passionate about raising the bar in LGBTQIA+ health. She wants her patients to be successful in school, work, and relationships, as a person who will always be learning and growing. Dr. Jester respects each patient’s unique experiences in the world and understands how the intersectionality of multiple identities affects it.
Ami Jester is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with more than seven years of experience, including exploring the country as a travel nurse. Dr. Jester is focused on improving LGBTQIA+ patients’ experiences in healthcare settings and is passionate about raising the bar in LGBTQIA+ health. She wants her patients to be successful in school, work, and relationships, as a person who will always be learning and growing. Dr. Jester respects each patient’s unique experiences in the world and understands how the intersectionality of multiple identities affects it.
![Photo of Jaime Jimenez, MSN, RN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6e37d50c-0ffd-4f17-be14-abb512a0df24/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jaime Jimenez
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, RN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Are you frustrated with clinicians not calling you back or whose costs are prohibitive? Have you been wondering if medications may be an appropriate treatment for your persistent mental health symptoms? I will listen carefully and patiently to you and reflect not only your concerns, but also the strengths and motivations you bring to improving your mental health. I will work “with” you to develop a holistic assessment of your needs, suggest evidence-based treatments, and explain how these address the goals we establish collaboratively.
Are you frustrated with clinicians not calling you back or whose costs are prohibitive? Have you been wondering if medications may be an appropriate treatment for your persistent mental health symptoms? I will listen carefully and patiently to you and reflect not only your concerns, but also the strengths and motivations you bring to improving your mental health. I will work “with” you to develop a holistic assessment of your needs, suggest evidence-based treatments, and explain how these address the goals we establish collaboratively.
![Photo of Andrea Ludwick, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e1d4652d-3113-45d3-8a07-f7b1a928c411/2/320x400.jpeg)
Andrea Ludwick
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
August 2024: Currently taking new clients! Insurance accepted: Aetna, FHN, Cigna/Evernorth, UHC/Optum, Humana, TRICARE, Magellan, Medicare with more insurance carriers being covered soon. Cash pay/Out of Network is ok and we can provide a super bill upon request. My ideal client is someone who wants to understand their mental health and the different options for managing their symptoms and treating the underlying causes. You want to use the most up-to-date treatment strategies for your mental health. You are interested in building a lasting relationship with your provider.
August 2024: Currently taking new clients! Insurance accepted: Aetna, FHN, Cigna/Evernorth, UHC/Optum, Humana, TRICARE, Magellan, Medicare with more insurance carriers being covered soon. Cash pay/Out of Network is ok and we can provide a super bill upon request. My ideal client is someone who wants to understand their mental health and the different options for managing their symptoms and treating the underlying causes. You want to use the most up-to-date treatment strategies for your mental health. You are interested in building a lasting relationship with your provider.
![Photo of Mariam Fazil, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/aa35e5a2-7db3-44c9-b214-6a96ca5f51b8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Mariam Fazil
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
Hello, I'm Mariam Fazil, DNP, PMHNP,a board-certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Are you or your loved ones struggling to balance mental and physical health? Are you suffering from anxiety? If this somewhat sounds familiar, I would like to help you in your healing journey. I provide in-person as well as telemedicine services so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best.
Hello, I'm Mariam Fazil, DNP, PMHNP,a board-certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Are you or your loved ones struggling to balance mental and physical health? Are you suffering from anxiety? If this somewhat sounds familiar, I would like to help you in your healing journey. I provide in-person as well as telemedicine services so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best.
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![Photo of Khadija Hamisi, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/24245896-488d-434d-9b1d-1d611bfa4a68/1/320x400.jpeg)
Khadija Hamisi, DNP, PMHNP-BC, takes a unique and progressive approach to mental health illnesses. Treatment is personalized, based on evidence research, and encompasses on a myriad of treatment modalities. The influence of three factors: one's past and upbringing, current life situations, and one's genetic makeup, affecting mental illness Being trained and current with the best evidence-bas medication treatment strategy, he places a strong emphasis on psychosocial, and psychodynamic factors as the foundation of his treatment. Many psychiatric conditions have an underlying biological and genetic component of treatment.
Khadija Hamisi, DNP, PMHNP-BC, takes a unique and progressive approach to mental health illnesses. Treatment is personalized, based on evidence research, and encompasses on a myriad of treatment modalities. The influence of three factors: one's past and upbringing, current life situations, and one's genetic makeup, affecting mental illness Being trained and current with the best evidence-bas medication treatment strategy, he places a strong emphasis on psychosocial, and psychodynamic factors as the foundation of his treatment. Many psychiatric conditions have an underlying biological and genetic component of treatment.
![Photo of Pavel Ksendz, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47a96326-e4f0-4f13-942c-897ec1935efa/1/320x400.jpeg)
Pavel Ksendz
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (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 Jaime Jimenez, MSN, RN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6e26ba2f-ada6-4945-9689-91f70e744fdd/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jaime Jimenez
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, RN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Are you frustrated with clinicians not calling you back or whose costs are prohibitive? Have you been wondering if medications may be an appropriate treatment for your persistent mental health symptoms? I will listen carefully and patiently to you and reflect not only your concerns, but also the strengths and motivations you bring to improving your mental health. I will work “with” you to develop a holistic assessment of your needs, suggest evidence-based treatments, and explain how these address the goals we establish collaboratively.
Are you frustrated with clinicians not calling you back or whose costs are prohibitive? Have you been wondering if medications may be an appropriate treatment for your persistent mental health symptoms? I will listen carefully and patiently to you and reflect not only your concerns, but also the strengths and motivations you bring to improving your mental health. I will work “with” you to develop a holistic assessment of your needs, suggest evidence-based treatments, and explain how these address the goals we establish collaboratively.
![Photo of Deborah S Johnson, PMHNP, DNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/90c84dd2-116b-4e61-a08d-c1d2c5f85bf3/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), trained across the lifespan but specialized with children, adolescents and families. In addition to practicing from a strengths-based perspective, I have taught child/adolescent/family psychotherapy at UCSF, where I am a Professor Emeritus in the PMHNP and DNP programs. Furthermore, I am a Fellow with American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (FAANP).
I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), trained across the lifespan but specialized with children, adolescents and families. In addition to practicing from a strengths-based perspective, I have taught child/adolescent/family psychotherapy at UCSF, where I am a Professor Emeritus in the PMHNP and DNP programs. Furthermore, I am a Fellow with American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (FAANP).
![Photo of Lawrence Cronin, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0c284c54-7a22-4d3b-871b-3f4c826b4ab3/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have practiced as a psychiatrist for over 25 years. I graduated from University of Michigan Medical School and completed a psychiatry residency at UC San Francisco. I specialize in working with adult men. My particular areas of interest are Bipolar & Depressive Disorders along with Anxiety & Addiction issues. My evaluations are very thorough & detailed. I take a holistic approach working with each patient's background and their treatment preferences. Medication management is often a part of treatment. There can be significant paperwork to fill out as part of the evaluation. This facilitates the best use of our time together.
I have practiced as a psychiatrist for over 25 years. I graduated from University of Michigan Medical School and completed a psychiatry residency at UC San Francisco. I specialize in working with adult men. My particular areas of interest are Bipolar & Depressive Disorders along with Anxiety & Addiction issues. My evaluations are very thorough & detailed. I take a holistic approach working with each patient's background and their treatment preferences. Medication management is often a part of treatment. There can be significant paperwork to fill out as part of the evaluation. This facilitates the best use of our time together.
![Photo of Dr. Anne Phan-Huy, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/134b5b9f-48ae-4870-a615-42d5a336bcba/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 Ferhad Ahmad, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1fee9ef9-1fc7-467b-9670-2c7f745a5cfa/1/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in treating patients with anxiety or Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). I believe mental health is a vital aspect of any individual's well-being, and I work to have every patient with depression be as symptom-free as possible and enjoy life to the fullest. I find Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to be an important treatment modality, as it allows me to work with my patients and tailor individual treatment modalities specific to their symptoms, and relieve their suffering from depression or another psychological disorder. I believe that TMS can be an alternative instrument or an addition to medications.
I specialize in treating patients with anxiety or Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). I believe mental health is a vital aspect of any individual's well-being, and I work to have every patient with depression be as symptom-free as possible and enjoy life to the fullest. I find Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to be an important treatment modality, as it allows me to work with my patients and tailor individual treatment modalities specific to their symptoms, and relieve their suffering from depression or another psychological disorder. I believe that TMS can be an alternative instrument or an addition to medications.
![Photo of Dr. Axeline Johnson, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d9011716-da96-44d1-8177-69ad772f4431/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Johnson is bilingual (Spanish and English) and a Board-certified psychiatrist. She is welcoming new patients seeking professional help for anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, ADHD and other mental health concerns. With medical education at UCLA and specialty training at the University of Pennsylvania, she combines knowledge of psychopharmacology with a nuanced understanding of patients' concerns and experiences with medications. She is particularly cognisant of therapeutic inertia, and works with her patients to ensure that medications are effective and not over-used.
Dr. Johnson is bilingual (Spanish and English) and a Board-certified psychiatrist. She is welcoming new patients seeking professional help for anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, ADHD and other mental health concerns. With medical education at UCLA and specialty training at the University of Pennsylvania, she combines knowledge of psychopharmacology with a nuanced understanding of patients' concerns and experiences with medications. She is particularly cognisant of therapeutic inertia, and works with her patients to ensure that medications are effective and not over-used.
![Photo of Dr. Anne Phan-Huy, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3331ca89-eca2-4bc1-be41-479a95b22e02/1/320x400.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.
See more therapy options for Santa Cruz
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Santa Cruz, CA
20+
Average cost per session
$250
Psychiatrists in Santa Cruz, CA who prioritize treating:
93% | Depression |
93% | Anxiety |
85% | Medication Management |
67% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
63% | ADHD |
63% | Trauma and PTSD |
59% | Bipolar Disorder |
Average years in practice
14 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
83% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in Santa Cruz, CA see their clients
63% | In Person and Online | |
37% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
55% | Male | |
45% | Female |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Santa Cruz?
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.