Psychiatrists in Thousand Oaks, CA

Photo of Hadley Veselak - Moxie Psychiatric Group, PMHNP, FNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Moxie Psychiatric Group
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
Thousand Oaks, CA 91361
Welcome to Moxie Psychiatric Group! We are committed to delivering personalized and compassionate mental health services to individuals seeking support and guidance in the journey towards mental wellness. At Moxie Psychiatric Group, we understand mental health is a vital aspect of overall well-being and we believe in a holistic approach to mental healthcare. We welcome individuals of all ages and backgrounds, offering a safe and inclusive space where everyone can receive the specialized care they deserve.
Welcome to Moxie Psychiatric Group! We are committed to delivering personalized and compassionate mental health services to individuals seeking support and guidance in the journey towards mental wellness. At Moxie Psychiatric Group, we understand mental health is a vital aspect of overall well-being and we believe in a holistic approach to mental healthcare. We welcome individuals of all ages and backgrounds, offering a safe and inclusive space where everyone can receive the specialized care they deserve.
(805) 749-5854 View (805) 749-5854
Photo of Shannon Pereira, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Shannon Pereira
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362  (Online Only)
Great to meet you! My goal is to help you overcome the challenges you are facing in a safe and comfortable environment to help you improve your quality of life. My passion is helping those with substance use disorders, including alcohol and opioid use disorder, safely detox from the substances and work towards a meaningful and long-lasting recovery. With a decade of experience serving a wide range of patients, I am a dual-certified family nurse practitioner and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. To ensure we have a productive first visit, please be sure to fill out your intake form in advance!
Great to meet you! My goal is to help you overcome the challenges you are facing in a safe and comfortable environment to help you improve your quality of life. My passion is helping those with substance use disorders, including alcohol and opioid use disorder, safely detox from the substances and work towards a meaningful and long-lasting recovery. With a decade of experience serving a wide range of patients, I am a dual-certified family nurse practitioner and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. To ensure we have a productive first visit, please be sure to fill out your intake form in advance!
(805) 941-3431 View (805) 941-3431
Photo of Shannon Pereira, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Shannon Pereira
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
Great to meet you! My goal is to help you overcome the challenges you are facing in a safe and comfortable environment to help you improve your quality of life. My passion is helping those with substance use disorders, including alcohol and opioid use disorder, safely detox from the substances and work towards a meaningful and long-lasting recovery. With a decade of experience serving a wide range of patients, I am a dual-certified family nurse practitioner and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. To ensure we have a productive first visit, please be sure to fill out your intake form in advance!
Great to meet you! My goal is to help you overcome the challenges you are facing in a safe and comfortable environment to help you improve your quality of life. My passion is helping those with substance use disorders, including alcohol and opioid use disorder, safely detox from the substances and work towards a meaningful and long-lasting recovery. With a decade of experience serving a wide range of patients, I am a dual-certified family nurse practitioner and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. To ensure we have a productive first visit, please be sure to fill out your intake form in advance!
(805) 953-7252 View (805) 953-7252
Photo of Dave Auluck - The Focus Doc, MD, Psychiatrist
The Focus Doc
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Dr. Dave Auluck, M.D. is a 3rd generation physician, 2nd generation psychiatrist, and physician educator. He is passionate about improving the mental health treatment experience. His mission is to ensure personalized, industry-leading, preeminent care is accessible and affordable. He has worked with thousands of patients over the years and overseen program development for tens of thousands of others. He truly understands there is no "one size fits all" approach.
Dr. Dave Auluck, M.D. is a 3rd generation physician, 2nd generation psychiatrist, and physician educator. He is passionate about improving the mental health treatment experience. His mission is to ensure personalized, industry-leading, preeminent care is accessible and affordable. He has worked with thousands of patients over the years and overseen program development for tens of thousands of others. He truly understands there is no "one size fits all" approach.
(805) 232-7379 View (805) 232-7379
Photo of Jasmine Delijani, APRN, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Jasmine Delijani
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362  (Online Only)
Struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood disorders, trauma, or navigating complex emotions in life? Or are you a woman facing challenges during pregnancy and postpartum periods? Serving adolescents and adults of all genders and cultural backgrounds, my expertise lies in providing compassionate, judgment-free, comprehensive telepsychiatry across California. Seeking relief and a path to wellbeing? My approach combines traditional psychiatry—medications & therapy—with holistic methods like supplementation, genetic/lab testing, and sleep optimization. Let's uncover the root causes and tailor a journey towards your vibrant health.
Struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood disorders, trauma, or navigating complex emotions in life? Or are you a woman facing challenges during pregnancy and postpartum periods? Serving adolescents and adults of all genders and cultural backgrounds, my expertise lies in providing compassionate, judgment-free, comprehensive telepsychiatry across California. Seeking relief and a path to wellbeing? My approach combines traditional psychiatry—medications & therapy—with holistic methods like supplementation, genetic/lab testing, and sleep optimization. Let's uncover the root causes and tailor a journey towards your vibrant health.
(415) 968-6515 View (415) 968-6515
Photo of Michael R P Vivian, MD, Psychiatrist
Michael R P Vivian
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
I practice general psychiatry and addiction psychiatry, offering evaluations, medication management, and counseling.
I practice general psychiatry and addiction psychiatry, offering evaluations, medication management, and counseling.
(805) 590-9787 View (805) 590-9787
Photo of Bubba Mehdi Thomas, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Bubba Mehdi Thomas
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Thousand Oaks, CA 91361  (Online Only)
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
(805) 790-8293 View (805) 790-8293
Photo of Mina Heydari, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Mina Heydari
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
Throughout her career, Mina has assisted individuals who have faced various mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, grief, ADHD, bipolar disorders, and PTSD. Every person is unique and extraordinary, deserving of respect and personalized care. Mina’s approach is to develop a partnership as we embark on a journey toward achieving optimal mental wellness and healing. Your time together is a safe and therapeutic place for you to talk about how you feel and what you're thinking. Accepting that each person is unique, each person's experiences and struggles are too.
Throughout her career, Mina has assisted individuals who have faced various mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, grief, ADHD, bipolar disorders, and PTSD. Every person is unique and extraordinary, deserving of respect and personalized care. Mina’s approach is to develop a partnership as we embark on a journey toward achieving optimal mental wellness and healing. Your time together is a safe and therapeutic place for you to talk about how you feel and what you're thinking. Accepting that each person is unique, each person's experiences and struggles are too.
(747) 302-3987 View (747) 302-3987
Photo of Uchenna Okoye, MD , Psychiatrist
Uchenna Okoye
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Thousand Oaks, CA 91361  (Online Only)
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
(805) 334-8702 View (805) 334-8702
Photo of Dr. Mark Chofla - Dr Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy, DO, Psychiatrist
Dr Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Thousand Oaks, CA 91361  (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.
(310) 234-5629 View (310) 234-5629
Photo of Adel Mostafavi, MD, Psychiatrist
Adel Mostafavi
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Thousand Oaks, CA 91361  (Online Only)
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.
(424) 396-1190 View (424) 396-1190
Photo of Jari Pohankova, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Jari Pohankova
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
Jari Pohankova is a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of experience working with psychiatric patients at UCLA. Her focus is on viewing each individual holistically and addressing the root cause of disease by providing an individualized approach and healing all aspects of life that contribute to mental illness (mental, spiritual, physical, nutritional, relational, and stress management). Jari believes that mental health and resilience are a foundation for a healthy, happy, and fulfilling life.
Jari Pohankova is a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of experience working with psychiatric patients at UCLA. Her focus is on viewing each individual holistically and addressing the root cause of disease by providing an individualized approach and healing all aspects of life that contribute to mental illness (mental, spiritual, physical, nutritional, relational, and stress management). Jari believes that mental health and resilience are a foundation for a healthy, happy, and fulfilling life.
(747) 998-0237 View (747) 998-0237
Photo of Catalina Villa, MD , Psychiatrist
Catalina Villa
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Thousand Oaks, CA 91361  (Online Only)
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
(805) 429-2824 View (805) 429-2824
Photo of Randall Bailey, MD, Psychiatrist
Randall Bailey
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Thousand Oaks, CA 91361  (Online Only)
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.
(424) 363-7016 View (424) 363-7016
Photo of Roberto Figueroa, MD, PhD, Psychiatrist
Roberto Figueroa
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD
Verified Verified
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
El doctor Figueroa tiene una extensa formación, especialización y experiencia en psicofarmacología. Después de completar su residencia en el año 2003, obtuvo una beca para especializarse en psicofarmacología en Mount Sinai School of Medicine en Nueva York. Desde entonces ha participado en docenas de ensayos clínicos de investigación, dirigidos a evaluar la eficacia y seguridad de los medicamentos que están siendo estudiados para el tratamiento de la ansiedad, depresión, trastorno bipolar y trastornos psicóticos. También ha liderado proyectos de investigación para estudiar la seguridad a largo plazo de la exposición a antidepresivos
El doctor Figueroa tiene una extensa formación, especialización y experiencia en psicofarmacología. Después de completar su residencia en el año 2003, obtuvo una beca para especializarse en psicofarmacología en Mount Sinai School of Medicine en Nueva York. Desde entonces ha participado en docenas de ensayos clínicos de investigación, dirigidos a evaluar la eficacia y seguridad de los medicamentos que están siendo estudiados para el tratamiento de la ansiedad, depresión, trastorno bipolar y trastornos psicóticos. También ha liderado proyectos de investigación para estudiar la seguridad a largo plazo de la exposición a antidepresivos
(310) 935-4184 View (310) 935-4184
Photo of Kailee Marin, DO, Psychiatrist
Kailee Marin
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Thousand Oaks, CA 91361  (Online Only)
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
(805) 507-2973 View (805) 507-2973
Photo of Sham Singh, MD , Psychiatrist
Sham Singh
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Thousand Oaks, CA 91361  (Online Only)
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
(805) 669-2406 View (805) 669-2406
Photo of Sabira Saifuddin - Family Psychiatry, MD, Psychiatrist
Family Psychiatry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Thousand Oaks, CA 91361
Psychiatric Treatment & Counseling for the Whole family. We have a Multidisciplinary Team of Psychiatrist, Nurse Practitioners & Psychotherapists We perform Psychiatric Assessments & Treatment of ADHD in Adults and Children, Anxiety Disorders ( Panic attacks, Generalized Anxiety, OCD ) Depressive Disorders ( Major Depression), Bipolar Disorder, Substance Abuse Disorders Etc. We combine conventional medical treatment with non-medication treatments like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ( TMS ) for Severe depression for patients who don't respond well to Medications.
Psychiatric Treatment & Counseling for the Whole family. We have a Multidisciplinary Team of Psychiatrist, Nurse Practitioners & Psychotherapists We perform Psychiatric Assessments & Treatment of ADHD in Adults and Children, Anxiety Disorders ( Panic attacks, Generalized Anxiety, OCD ) Depressive Disorders ( Major Depression), Bipolar Disorder, Substance Abuse Disorders Etc. We combine conventional medical treatment with non-medication treatments like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ( TMS ) for Severe depression for patients who don't respond well to Medications.
(805) 693-4104 View (805) 693-4104
Photo of Dr. Todd Hill - Dr. Todd Hill - Neuro Wellness Spa Psychiatry, DO, Psychiatrist
Dr. Todd Hill - Neuro Wellness Spa Psychiatry
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Thousand Oaks, CA 91361
Dr. Hill has been practicing Psychiatry for nearly 20 years. He now practices both Psychiatry and TMS at Neuro Wellness Spa. Throughout his medical career, he owned his own private practice for 10 years, was on staff as a consultation psychiatrist for multiple Kansas City hospitals, and served as the Medical Director of Psychiatric Services at one of the largest hospitals in the Kansas City Metro area. Additionally, Dr. Hill served as Assistant Professor and Department Chair of Psychiatry at his alma mater, Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences.
Dr. Hill has been practicing Psychiatry for nearly 20 years. He now practices both Psychiatry and TMS at Neuro Wellness Spa. Throughout his medical career, he owned his own private practice for 10 years, was on staff as a consultation psychiatrist for multiple Kansas City hospitals, and served as the Medical Director of Psychiatric Services at one of the largest hospitals in the Kansas City Metro area. Additionally, Dr. Hill served as Assistant Professor and Department Chair of Psychiatry at his alma mater, Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences.
(424) 238-6522 View (424) 238-6522
Photo of Dr. Thomas Campi, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Thomas Campi
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Mental Health & Wellness specialized Telehealth! Medication management -> Therapy - a huge treatment approach! -> Activation! & Purpose! www.mentalhealthwellnessnow.com
Mental Health & Wellness specialized Telehealth! Medication management -> Therapy - a huge treatment approach! -> Activation! & Purpose! www.mentalhealthwellnessnow.com
(650) 605-3622 View (650) 605-3622
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See more therapy options for Thousand Oaks

How does your Psychiatrist compare?

Number of Psychiatrists in Thousand Oaks, CA

40+

Average cost per session

$300

Psychiatrists in Thousand Oaks, CA who prioritize treating:

98% Depression
98% Anxiety
84% Medication Management
81% Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
81% Bipolar Disorder
79% ADHD
70% Trauma and PTSD

Average years in practice

16 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

94% Aetna
94% Cigna and Evernorth
86% Optum

How Psychiatrists in Thousand Oaks, CA see their clients

60% Online Only
40% In Person and Online

Gender breakdown

57% Female
43% Male
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses

How can I find a psychiatrist in Thousand Oaks?

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.