Psychiatrists in Turlock, CA

Photo of Patricia Conteh, APRN, MSN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Patricia Conteh
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, MSN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Turlock, CA 95382
I help teenagers and people under 65 years of age living in California and struggling with feelings of sadness, anxiety, mood issues, ADHD, or sleep issues to be calm, enjoy their lives, and stay focused. If you have tried different medications without success or taken medication for years and want to come off it. I can help. I respect the experiences that individuals bring to their appointment. I take an individual approach in evaluating the person to get to know their perceptions, story, and cultural nuances.
I help teenagers and people under 65 years of age living in California and struggling with feelings of sadness, anxiety, mood issues, ADHD, or sleep issues to be calm, enjoy their lives, and stay focused. If you have tried different medications without success or taken medication for years and want to come off it. I can help. I respect the experiences that individuals bring to their appointment. I take an individual approach in evaluating the person to get to know their perceptions, story, and cultural nuances.
(209) 439-5427 View (209) 439-5427
Photo of Navneet Kaur, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Navneet Kaur
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Turlock, CA 95380
While working in an acute inpatient psychiatric hospital during my early career journey, I learned "there’s no health without mental health". With a little professional help, you will achieve your goal of getting a peaceful mind. I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with experience working with adolescents and adults. I have worked in various psychiatric settings, which includes intake crisis stabilization unit, outpatient and inpatient settings, and I also worked in county mental health.
While working in an acute inpatient psychiatric hospital during my early career journey, I learned "there’s no health without mental health". With a little professional help, you will achieve your goal of getting a peaceful mind. I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with experience working with adolescents and adults. I have worked in various psychiatric settings, which includes intake crisis stabilization unit, outpatient and inpatient settings, and I also worked in county mental health.
(209) 265-1023 View (209) 265-1023
Photo of Dr. Mark Chofla - Dr Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy, DO, Psychiatrist
Dr Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Turlock, CA 95382  (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.
(209) 251-2502 View (209) 251-2502
Photo of Michael They, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Michael They
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Turlock, CA 95382
Michael They is a board-certified Psychiatric nurse practitioner. He is treating children, adolescent, and adults who has ADHD, Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Insomnia (eg. Panic Disorder, GAD, PTSD, OCD), Mood Disorders, bipolar, schizophrenia, erectile dysfunction, alcohol use disorder and drug use disorder.
Michael They is a board-certified Psychiatric nurse practitioner. He is treating children, adolescent, and adults who has ADHD, Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Insomnia (eg. Panic Disorder, GAD, PTSD, OCD), Mood Disorders, bipolar, schizophrenia, erectile dysfunction, alcohol use disorder and drug use disorder.
(866) 240-8517 View (866) 240-8517
Photo of Pavel Ksendz, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Pavel Ksendz
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Turlock, CA 95380  (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.
(925) 281-4770 View (925) 281-4770
Photo of Penny Greaves, FNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Penny Greaves
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Turlock, CA 95381  (Online Only)
Penny Greaves has over twenty years of Nursing experience and received her bachelor's in nursing in 2007 and a Master's of Nursing with a primary care nurse practitioner certificate in 2010 from Ryerson University, in Toronto, Canada. She obtained her Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) degree in 2021 from the National University and is dual certified with the ANCC in psychiatry and the AANP in family practice. She is currently pursuing a psychology doctorate degree (PsyD) to improve health outcomes. She is experienced with adults, adults with addictions, complex mental health problems, geriatrics, and dementia.
Penny Greaves has over twenty years of Nursing experience and received her bachelor's in nursing in 2007 and a Master's of Nursing with a primary care nurse practitioner certificate in 2010 from Ryerson University, in Toronto, Canada. She obtained her Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) degree in 2021 from the National University and is dual certified with the ANCC in psychiatry and the AANP in family practice. She is currently pursuing a psychology doctorate degree (PsyD) to improve health outcomes. She is experienced with adults, adults with addictions, complex mental health problems, geriatrics, and dementia.
(925) 204-2300 View (925) 204-2300
Photo of Brandy Gleason, PMHNP, MHA, BC-NC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Brandy Gleason
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MHA, BC-NC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Turlock, CA 95380
Your mental health journey is more than a clinical experience – it's a unique and meaningful story. I use holistic methods to aid in your recovery and resilience. Please visit my website for more information or to schedule a complementary consultation. www.allegorymentalhealth.com
Your mental health journey is more than a clinical experience – it's a unique and meaningful story. I use holistic methods to aid in your recovery and resilience. Please visit my website for more information or to schedule a complementary consultation. www.allegorymentalhealth.com
(209) 255-6776 View (209) 255-6776

More Psychiatrists Nearby

Photo of Adekemi Adedipe, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Adekemi Adedipe
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Modesto, CA 95356
Adekemi Adedipe is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with a graduate degree from Walden University. Her background includes adult and geriatric psychiatry. Her clinical career took on a journey through the healthcare system, from inpatient level of care, outpatient to correctional settings. Her expertise is in medication management and treatment of adults and young adults with depression, anxiety disorders, mood disorders and psychotic disorders.
Adekemi Adedipe is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with a graduate degree from Walden University. Her background includes adult and geriatric psychiatry. Her clinical career took on a journey through the healthcare system, from inpatient level of care, outpatient to correctional settings. Her expertise is in medication management and treatment of adults and young adults with depression, anxiety disorders, mood disorders and psychotic disorders.
(209) 392-5799 View (209) 392-5799
Photo of Trenice Johnson, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Trenice Johnson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Ceres, CA 95307
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with dual certification as a family practice nurse practitioner and I also obtained my Doctor of Nursing practice degree. I have practiced for several years in family practice and mental health services and strongly believe in the importance of mental healthcare. I am thrilled to be treating each person holistically and individually. I am comfortable diagnosing and treating patients struggling with depression, anxiety/panic, insomnia, PTSD, PMDD, Eating disorders, ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, and schizophrenia.
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with dual certification as a family practice nurse practitioner and I also obtained my Doctor of Nursing practice degree. I have practiced for several years in family practice and mental health services and strongly believe in the importance of mental healthcare. I am thrilled to be treating each person holistically and individually. I am comfortable diagnosing and treating patients struggling with depression, anxiety/panic, insomnia, PTSD, PMDD, Eating disorders, ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, and schizophrenia.
(858) 786-0159 View (858) 786-0159

Online Psychiatrists

Photo of Marcel Rauda, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Marcel Rauda
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94303  (Online Only)
I am a dedicated board-certified Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with the ANCC. I graduated from Maryville University in St. Louis, and bring a wealth of knowledge to into each session. Treating adolescents and adults with psychiatric disorders is my specialty. I have experience providing comprehensive care in both outpatient and inpatient settings.
I am a dedicated board-certified Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with the ANCC. I graduated from Maryville University in St. Louis, and bring a wealth of knowledge to into each session. Treating adolescents and adults with psychiatric disorders is my specialty. I have experience providing comprehensive care in both outpatient and inpatient settings.
(650) 379-0234 View (650) 379-0234
Photo of Said A Ibrahimi - Vortex Psychiatry - TMS Clinic & Ketamine Infusion, MD, Psychiatrist
Vortex Psychiatry - TMS Clinic & Ketamine Infusion
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Danville, CA 94506
Dr. Ibrahimi channels his energy into providing individualized care for each of his patients, as each patient exhibits a variety of symptoms and disorders. He is dedicated to reaching the root cause of the symptoms that patients exhibit so that treatment is maximized to its optimal effects. Dr. Ibrahimi enjoys using the most advanced modalities of treatment which includes TMS (Trans Magnetic Cranial Treatment), which shown to be a more effective, safe, direct alternative treatment to various psychopathologies including depression, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, Insomnia, and PTSD.
Dr. Ibrahimi channels his energy into providing individualized care for each of his patients, as each patient exhibits a variety of symptoms and disorders. He is dedicated to reaching the root cause of the symptoms that patients exhibit so that treatment is maximized to its optimal effects. Dr. Ibrahimi enjoys using the most advanced modalities of treatment which includes TMS (Trans Magnetic Cranial Treatment), which shown to be a more effective, safe, direct alternative treatment to various psychopathologies including depression, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, Insomnia, and PTSD.
(925) 222-2554 View (925) 222-2554
Photo of Angela Yuen, MD, Psychiatrist
Angela Yuen
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95825
I am a psychiatrist who specializes in depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. I appreciate the idea of patients having not only access to medication management and psychotherapy but also the latest interventional psychiatric treatments such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Esketamine nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression. I see TMS and Esketamine as great options for patients to consider when medication management and therapy alone do not provide adequate relief for depression. I am excited to see how these treatments evolve and develop over time as accessibility to these modalities improves.
I am a psychiatrist who specializes in depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. I appreciate the idea of patients having not only access to medication management and psychotherapy but also the latest interventional psychiatric treatments such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Esketamine nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression. I see TMS and Esketamine as great options for patients to consider when medication management and therapy alone do not provide adequate relief for depression. I am excited to see how these treatments evolve and develop over time as accessibility to these modalities improves.
(916) 527-9292 View (916) 527-9292
Photo of Matthew Paley, DO, Psychiatrist
Matthew Paley
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Mill Valley, CA 94941
I am a compassionate and experienced psychiatrist who treats a wide range of conditions in adults of all ages. In particular, I have an especial interest in reproductive psychiatry and I am very comfortable with peripartum psychiatric conditions as well as medication planning before, during, and after pregnancy. I believe in a model that relies on both medication management as well as psychotherapy to make the most impactful difference in the lives of my patients.
I am a compassionate and experienced psychiatrist who treats a wide range of conditions in adults of all ages. In particular, I have an especial interest in reproductive psychiatry and I am very comfortable with peripartum psychiatric conditions as well as medication planning before, during, and after pregnancy. I believe in a model that relies on both medication management as well as psychotherapy to make the most impactful difference in the lives of my patients.
(415) 212-5537 View (415) 212-5537
Photo of Ifeatu B Enemmuo, PMHNP-, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Ifeatu B Enemmuo
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-, BC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakley, CA 94561  (Online Only)
No man is an Island, we are not meant to live in pain alone. Mental struggles hurt more than physical pain. Unfortunately it receives less attention, less empathy and compassion and more judgement than physical pain. I was raised to live in a community and build up the weak and hurting in the community because we are as strong as the strength of our weakest brethren. My goal as a psychiatric provider is to unconditionally support, build, strengthen and alleviate the judgement, and pain of mental struggles; this I achieve through empathy, listening, honest communication, building trust and strong partnership with my clients.
No man is an Island, we are not meant to live in pain alone. Mental struggles hurt more than physical pain. Unfortunately it receives less attention, less empathy and compassion and more judgement than physical pain. I was raised to live in a community and build up the weak and hurting in the community because we are as strong as the strength of our weakest brethren. My goal as a psychiatric provider is to unconditionally support, build, strengthen and alleviate the judgement, and pain of mental struggles; this I achieve through empathy, listening, honest communication, building trust and strong partnership with my clients.
(925) 722-5195 View (925) 722-5195
Photo of Dr. Ani Tokat, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Ani Tokat
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Fresno, CA 93704
Welcome to Psychiatry 4 Women, where YOU matter! Hello, I am Dr. Ani Tokat, a mother, doctor, educator, and an entrepreneur. I focus on women's mental health needs in all stages of their lives, with emphasis on moms. If you like hole-in-the-wall, little gem type places, then search no further. I created this solo practice with you in mind, without any corporate influence. I brought old school Psychiatry into modern times, where you have direct access to your doctor, where you are not a number in a busy clinic, where you are seen as a human being rather than as a symptom, where your voice is heard without judgement.
Welcome to Psychiatry 4 Women, where YOU matter! Hello, I am Dr. Ani Tokat, a mother, doctor, educator, and an entrepreneur. I focus on women's mental health needs in all stages of their lives, with emphasis on moms. If you like hole-in-the-wall, little gem type places, then search no further. I created this solo practice with you in mind, without any corporate influence. I brought old school Psychiatry into modern times, where you have direct access to your doctor, where you are not a number in a busy clinic, where you are seen as a human being rather than as a symptom, where your voice is heard without judgement.
(559) 337-5921 View (559) 337-5921
Photo of Tiffany Figuero, DNP, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Tiffany Figuero
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
Antioch, CA 94531
Hello, My name is Tiffany. I specialize in medication management for mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, weight loss, bipolar disorder, and ADHD. I am compassionate and I am here to help.
Hello, My name is Tiffany. I specialize in medication management for mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, weight loss, bipolar disorder, and ADHD. I am compassionate and I am here to help.
(925) 794-4973 View (925) 794-4973
Photo of Randall Scott Bailey, MD, Psychiatrist
Randall Scott Bailey
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Santa Clara, CA 95054  (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.
(310) 906-4294 View (310) 906-4294
Photo of Stacy Lyons, PMHNP, LPC, NP, RN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Stacy Lyons
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, LPC, NP, RN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94112  (Online Only)
Stacy promises you will be heard! She is dually certified in medication management and therapy and specializes in treating ADHD, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, PTSD, medication management, and more. Stacy is highly sought for her psychiatry, medication management, and therapy expertise. She has been recognized with awards such as The Zocdoc Most Loyal Patients Award and the WebMD 2023 Highest Patient Satisfaction Rating. Stacy has helped many patients achieve success in their mental health journey. Start your journey to living the life you deserve.
Stacy promises you will be heard! She is dually certified in medication management and therapy and specializes in treating ADHD, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, PTSD, medication management, and more. Stacy is highly sought for her psychiatry, medication management, and therapy expertise. She has been recognized with awards such as The Zocdoc Most Loyal Patients Award and the WebMD 2023 Highest Patient Satisfaction Rating. Stacy has helped many patients achieve success in their mental health journey. Start your journey to living the life you deserve.
(747) 252-5716 View (747) 252-5716
Photo of Brittany Lute, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Brittany Lute
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94901  (Online Only)
Brittany Lute is a warm and dedicated psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who is passionate about providing care with a gentle touch of kindness and compassion. With experience in various settings such as outpatient clinics, community healthcare centers, and other facilities, Brittany has gained diverse knowledge and expertise in her field. She takes great joy in connecting with people from all walks of life and is especially enthusiastic about working with individuals from various cultural backgrounds.
Brittany Lute is a warm and dedicated psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who is passionate about providing care with a gentle touch of kindness and compassion. With experience in various settings such as outpatient clinics, community healthcare centers, and other facilities, Brittany has gained diverse knowledge and expertise in her field. She takes great joy in connecting with people from all walks of life and is especially enthusiastic about working with individuals from various cultural backgrounds.
(424) 317-9053 View (424) 317-9053
Photo of Dr. Casey Lester, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Casey Lester
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Menlo Park, CA 94025
Hello! I'm a Stanford and University of California trained child & adolescent & adult psychiatrist in a small, concierge-style practice. I work with a therapy dog who helps my patients to feel safe and comfortable. I have special interests in trauma-related disorders, OCD, anxiety, and ADHD. My style is compassionate, nonjudgmental, warm, patient-centered, and therapy-oriented. When prescribing medication I practice based on the latest scientific evidence, so that my patients have the highest chance of meeting their mental health goals without unnecessary side effects. I connect especially well with teens and young adults.
Hello! I'm a Stanford and University of California trained child & adolescent & adult psychiatrist in a small, concierge-style practice. I work with a therapy dog who helps my patients to feel safe and comfortable. I have special interests in trauma-related disorders, OCD, anxiety, and ADHD. My style is compassionate, nonjudgmental, warm, patient-centered, and therapy-oriented. When prescribing medication I practice based on the latest scientific evidence, so that my patients have the highest chance of meeting their mental health goals without unnecessary side effects. I connect especially well with teens and young adults.
(650) 899-7156 View (650) 899-7156

See more therapy options for Turlock

How does your Psychiatrist compare?

Number of Psychiatrists in Turlock, CA

< 10

Psychiatrists in Turlock, CA who prioritize treating:

100% Depression
100% Anxiety
100% ADHD
86% Trauma and PTSD
86% Medication Management
71% Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
71% Bipolar Disorder

Average years in practice

24 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

100% Aetna
100% Cigna and Evernorth
100% Medicare

How Psychiatrists in Turlock, CA see their clients

58% In Person and Online
42% Online Only

Gender breakdown

60% Female
40% Male
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses

How can I find a psychiatrist in Turlock?

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.