Psychiatrists in Utah
![Photo of Dr. Morgan Alexander, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0e5de9b2-a9b7-4764-b871-a5fd24fa7cc6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Meet Dr. Alexander: a psychiatrist with a distinctive blend of empathy and expertise. Trained at Wright State University with a focus on integrating psychotherapy and psychopharmacology, Dr. Alexander excels in delivering personalized treatment plans with proven effectiveness. She actively engages with the narratives that shape patients' lives, forging therapeutic alliances as unique as the individuals she serves. This patient-first approach, combined with a rich background in community engagement, positions Dr. Alexander as a psychiatrist who understands the complexities of the complete human experience - mind, body and spirit.
Meet Dr. Alexander: a psychiatrist with a distinctive blend of empathy and expertise. Trained at Wright State University with a focus on integrating psychotherapy and psychopharmacology, Dr. Alexander excels in delivering personalized treatment plans with proven effectiveness. She actively engages with the narratives that shape patients' lives, forging therapeutic alliances as unique as the individuals she serves. This patient-first approach, combined with a rich background in community engagement, positions Dr. Alexander as a psychiatrist who understands the complexities of the complete human experience - mind, body and spirit.
![Photo of Ruby Nelson, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/09d2080b-b870-4f53-9705-50d32766873e/1/320x400.jpeg)
As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I am trained to provide advanced specialty medical care through psychopharmacology. My experience includes treating depression, anxiety, trauma, attention deficit disorder, among other conditions. For those that prefer to address their issues from home, telehealth is available. I strive to approach clients with a culturally humble, inquisitive, and compassionate demeanor. I also work closely with other licensed helping professionals to provide my clients with the best integrative care. Please note that my only intention is to help you be aware of medication options.
As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I am trained to provide advanced specialty medical care through psychopharmacology. My experience includes treating depression, anxiety, trauma, attention deficit disorder, among other conditions. For those that prefer to address their issues from home, telehealth is available. I strive to approach clients with a culturally humble, inquisitive, and compassionate demeanor. I also work closely with other licensed helping professionals to provide my clients with the best integrative care. Please note that my only intention is to help you be aware of medication options.
![Photo of Kamryn Dean, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/baa98efd-4b35-44a4-b511-04b7998d4c28/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kamryn is passionate about uplifting her patients to find the joy and value in their daily lives.She embraces a holistic approach in her practice,emphasizing proper nutrition, regular physical exercise,counseling, and meaningful social and spiritual connections in conjunction with medication where appropriate/desired.She also supports the many options for treatment resistant conditions offered at Cedar Psychiatry.In creating individualized treatment plans, Kamryn believes strongly in empowering her patients to be captains of their own health,providing thorough and understandable patient education to facilitate shared decision making
Kamryn is passionate about uplifting her patients to find the joy and value in their daily lives.She embraces a holistic approach in her practice,emphasizing proper nutrition, regular physical exercise,counseling, and meaningful social and spiritual connections in conjunction with medication where appropriate/desired.She also supports the many options for treatment resistant conditions offered at Cedar Psychiatry.In creating individualized treatment plans, Kamryn believes strongly in empowering her patients to be captains of their own health,providing thorough and understandable patient education to facilitate shared decision making
![Photo of Vanessa Lopez, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fc6fe9fa-4b27-48d4-9eb8-7f318167aa6e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Our patients are individuals of all ages and backgrounds seeking care for a variety of mental health illnesses including mood disorders, anxiety, and substance use disorder. Our goal is to find the best treatment that will help patients to live happy, healthy, and productive lives. Allow us to help you find the best treatment that is evidence-based, integrative, and holistic. Together an individualized plan will be created to meet your specific mental health needs.
Our patients are individuals of all ages and backgrounds seeking care for a variety of mental health illnesses including mood disorders, anxiety, and substance use disorder. Our goal is to find the best treatment that will help patients to live happy, healthy, and productive lives. Allow us to help you find the best treatment that is evidence-based, integrative, and holistic. Together an individualized plan will be created to meet your specific mental health needs.
![Photo of Reid Robison, MD, MBA, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/af969311-8c98-404d-9db0-c67de19c3485/1/320x400.png)
I work with individuals & families of all ages, across all mental health conditions. Here are a few of the services I offer: Ketamine therapy & Spravato (esketamine) nasal spray, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for Depression & OCD, ADHD testing, Autism evals, Pharmacogenetics, and Clinical Trials (MDD, BPD, PTSD).
I work with individuals & families of all ages, across all mental health conditions. Here are a few of the services I offer: Ketamine therapy & Spravato (esketamine) nasal spray, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for Depression & OCD, ADHD testing, Autism evals, Pharmacogenetics, and Clinical Trials (MDD, BPD, PTSD).
![Photo of Chad Vigil, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/28a4467e-9f04-47ce-a4df-6a266e747352/2/320x400.jpeg)
Chad is a board certified and licensed Physician Assistant. He completed Physician Assistant education and training at Rutgers University in Piscataway, New Jersey in 2017. His undergraduate education was completed at the University of Utah in Exercise Physiology. Chad has previous experience in interventional pain management, clinical research, medical cannabis treatment, medical detox and palliative care. Chad is a certified QMP for Utah's Medical Cannabis Program and has treated over 1,000 patients with medical cannabis. He enjoys helping patients overcome physical and mental challenges so they can get back to doing things they e
Chad is a board certified and licensed Physician Assistant. He completed Physician Assistant education and training at Rutgers University in Piscataway, New Jersey in 2017. His undergraduate education was completed at the University of Utah in Exercise Physiology. Chad has previous experience in interventional pain management, clinical research, medical cannabis treatment, medical detox and palliative care. Chad is a certified QMP for Utah's Medical Cannabis Program and has treated over 1,000 patients with medical cannabis. He enjoys helping patients overcome physical and mental challenges so they can get back to doing things they e
![Photo of Chelsea Bauer, MSN, FNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c9811c19-dd0e-4baa-8bf1-6ec2668f23a8/1/320x400.jpeg)
My philosophy is that it’s okay to ask for help. The bar needs to be lowered on the stigma for mental health. Life can be hard, and everyone needs some help at times. I want to encourage people to not be afraid or ashamed to reach out for help, and to be open and honest with their treatment team. I am here to help anyone who is ready. I believe in getting to know people, finding out their individual story, their needs, and creating a treatment and medication plan together.
My philosophy is that it’s okay to ask for help. The bar needs to be lowered on the stigma for mental health. Life can be hard, and everyone needs some help at times. I want to encourage people to not be afraid or ashamed to reach out for help, and to be open and honest with their treatment team. I am here to help anyone who is ready. I believe in getting to know people, finding out their individual story, their needs, and creating a treatment and medication plan together.
![Photo of Krista Gusack, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7fe54da9-48cc-44bc-afe8-242d8a4c859b/1/320x400.png)
Krista Gusack
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Salt Lake City, UT 84105 (Online Only)
As a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, I am experienced in treating people with diagnoses including anxiety, depression, bipolar, trauma related disorders including PTSD, ADHD, insomnia, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, substance use, and personality disorders. I am passionate about providing an accepting environment where we work together to explore your values, preferences and goals. Options will be shared with you with risks/benefits, you are encouraged to ask questions and have a supportive person present if you choose this.
As a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, I am experienced in treating people with diagnoses including anxiety, depression, bipolar, trauma related disorders including PTSD, ADHD, insomnia, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, substance use, and personality disorders. I am passionate about providing an accepting environment where we work together to explore your values, preferences and goals. Options will be shared with you with risks/benefits, you are encouraged to ask questions and have a supportive person present if you choose this.
![Photo of Sherrie Smith, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43a8f7f7-0340-4bde-9853-034cb3808ba1/2/320x400.png)
Sherrie Smith
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Layton, UT 84040
Sherrie is a board-certified PMHNP and licensed as an APRN. She received her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) specializing in Psychiatric Mental Health from the University of Utah and completed her undergraduate studies in Microbiology and Nursing at Weber State University. She is a member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society, the American Nurses Association (ANA), American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA), and Utah Nurse Practitioners (UNP).
Sherrie is a board-certified PMHNP and licensed as an APRN. She received her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) specializing in Psychiatric Mental Health from the University of Utah and completed her undergraduate studies in Microbiology and Nursing at Weber State University. She is a member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society, the American Nurses Association (ANA), American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA), and Utah Nurse Practitioners (UNP).
![Photo of Shawn Warren, DNP, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ff8c2bef-d77a-43e7-8e24-81f7aa30b83a/1/320x400.jpeg)
I seek to provide a safe and comfortable environment where my patients can share their concerns and feel heard. Each individual has gone through their own personal life experience and I strive to listen in an effort to understand what treatment options are best for them. Everyone has their own goals and I want to be a resource to help them accomplish those goals.
I seek to provide a safe and comfortable environment where my patients can share their concerns and feel heard. Each individual has gone through their own personal life experience and I strive to listen in an effort to understand what treatment options are best for them. Everyone has their own goals and I want to be a resource to help them accomplish those goals.
![Photo of Landon Moyers, DNP, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d47d7c39-710a-41e6-b5c8-bde7cd61b313/2/320x400.jpeg)
Landon Moyers
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Murray, UT 84107
Dr. Moyers is a graduate of the University of Utah's top-ranked Doctor of Nursing Practice program in Psychiatry and Mental Health where he was an R. Harold Burton Fellow. He has worked in all levels of psychiatric care over the last 12 years. His experience began as a psychiatric technician working with pediatric and adolescent patients, as a nurse with young adults in addiction recovery, and then as a charge nurse at the Utah State Hospital pediatric unit. Doctorate-level internships were completed at Polizzi Clinic, the Utah State Hospital, the VA Hospital, and West Ridge Academy.
Dr. Moyers is a graduate of the University of Utah's top-ranked Doctor of Nursing Practice program in Psychiatry and Mental Health where he was an R. Harold Burton Fellow. He has worked in all levels of psychiatric care over the last 12 years. His experience began as a psychiatric technician working with pediatric and adolescent patients, as a nurse with young adults in addiction recovery, and then as a charge nurse at the Utah State Hospital pediatric unit. Doctorate-level internships were completed at Polizzi Clinic, the Utah State Hospital, the VA Hospital, and West Ridge Academy.
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![Photo of Gayle Scanlan, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/586a74a8-f194-4e50-b760-81467e5aa649/1/320x400.jpeg)
Gayle Scanlan is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Utah who has been practicing since 2022. Gayle believes approaching patients from all walks of life with empathy and kindness in an open-minded way will allow them to achieve their mental health goals. She values therapeutic communication and has cared for numerous patients and families undergoing crises. Gayle approaches patients in an unbiased and nonjudgmental manner, caring for them with empathy. Outside of work, Gayle enjoys hiking, yoga, learning new things, and spending time with her family.
Gayle Scanlan is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Utah who has been practicing since 2022. Gayle believes approaching patients from all walks of life with empathy and kindness in an open-minded way will allow them to achieve their mental health goals. She values therapeutic communication and has cared for numerous patients and families undergoing crises. Gayle approaches patients in an unbiased and nonjudgmental manner, caring for them with empathy. Outside of work, Gayle enjoys hiking, yoga, learning new things, and spending time with her family.
![Photo of Melissa Hoyt, PA, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d99b40ff-359d-441c-a43a-c0240f83f45e/1/320x400.jpeg)
I was born and raised in Utah. Before becoming a Physician Associate (PA), I was a medical assistant for over 10 years in various settings. During this time, I found mental health integral in every type of practice and desired to provide this care to everyone seeking it. I then went on to obtain my Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMUoHP) in Provo and am currently working towards my Doctorate of Medical Sciences (DMSc) at RMUoHP where I am increasing my skills in Mental Health diagnosis and management as well as various therapeutic skills.
I was born and raised in Utah. Before becoming a Physician Associate (PA), I was a medical assistant for over 10 years in various settings. During this time, I found mental health integral in every type of practice and desired to provide this care to everyone seeking it. I then went on to obtain my Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMUoHP) in Provo and am currently working towards my Doctorate of Medical Sciences (DMSc) at RMUoHP where I am increasing my skills in Mental Health diagnosis and management as well as various therapeutic skills.
![Photo of Lindsey Gavin, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/393f9479-9078-4f43-bd52-116437e63138/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lindsey Gavin (she/her) earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice with an emphasis in Psychiatric-Mental Health from the University of Utah in May 2022. For the past 9 years, she has worked in inpatient and outpatient mental health, emergency medicine, substance use treatment, and veteran research. Since the start of her nursing career, Lindsey has always been drawn to helping patients with mental health needs. She recognizes her patients’ strength in adversity and is committed to helping them build resilience.
Lindsey Gavin (she/her) earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice with an emphasis in Psychiatric-Mental Health from the University of Utah in May 2022. For the past 9 years, she has worked in inpatient and outpatient mental health, emergency medicine, substance use treatment, and veteran research. Since the start of her nursing career, Lindsey has always been drawn to helping patients with mental health needs. She recognizes her patients’ strength in adversity and is committed to helping them build resilience.
![Photo of Courtney Marden, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1654f772-3a90-4d47-9c54-c598278faa04/2/320x400.png)
Courtney Marden
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
American Fork, UT 84003
As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, Courtney Marden is trained to treat the whole patient. Mental health is influenced by many factors, including stress, home environment, past history, medical conditions, and lifestyle considerations. Courtney Marden takes all of these factors into consideration and ensures that you are an equal partner in your mental health treatment.
As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, Courtney Marden is trained to treat the whole patient. Mental health is influenced by many factors, including stress, home environment, past history, medical conditions, and lifestyle considerations. Courtney Marden takes all of these factors into consideration and ensures that you are an equal partner in your mental health treatment.
![Photo of Austin B Imus - Austin B Imus DO Mental Health, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44190831-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Austin B Imus DO Mental Health
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Farmington, UT 84025 (Online Only)
I have been in practice for over 20 years. I am skilled in treating refractory depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, bipolar and ADHD. I have had extra training on the medical side of illnesses and make sure your illness is not being caused by or contributed to by a medical condition. Please call my office phone mail number 801-923-8044 to leave a message. I am currently accepting patients on a limited basis. I am currently doing Telepsychiatry only. I will need a referral from your primary care provider if you're seeking treatment for ADHD.
I have been in practice for over 20 years. I am skilled in treating refractory depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, bipolar and ADHD. I have had extra training on the medical side of illnesses and make sure your illness is not being caused by or contributed to by a medical condition. Please call my office phone mail number 801-923-8044 to leave a message. I am currently accepting patients on a limited basis. I am currently doing Telepsychiatry only. I will need a referral from your primary care provider if you're seeking treatment for ADHD.
![Photo of Brittany Talbot, DNP, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f775cae4-e4a9-43f2-8f90-cf1a8363bcd1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Book with me now by clicking on my website. Hello! I am a dedicated psychiatric nurse practitioner offering personalized care in private practice. With a focus on empowering individuals to overcome mental health challenges, I specialize in providing compassionate treatment for a range of concerns. Whether you're seeking support for depression, anxiety, trauma, or substance use, I invite you to connect with me to begin your journey towards improved well-being.
Book with me now by clicking on my website. Hello! I am a dedicated psychiatric nurse practitioner offering personalized care in private practice. With a focus on empowering individuals to overcome mental health challenges, I specialize in providing compassionate treatment for a range of concerns. Whether you're seeking support for depression, anxiety, trauma, or substance use, I invite you to connect with me to begin your journey towards improved well-being.
![Photo of Jennifer Pemble Weakland, PMHNP, FNP, ANP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4a3efa25-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Jennifer Pemble Weakland
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP, ANP
Verified Verified
Salt Lake City, UT 84124
Hi, I am accepting new patients. My sessions with you will focus on identifying your individual concerns, symptoms, and behaviors that you would like addressed. As a team, I will partner with you to target and address, the true underlying causes and factors, that prevent or inhibit you from living your ideal life. I provide therapy and medication management. In addition to treating depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, and other psychiatric disorders, I have a strong background and interest in working with clients dealing with chronic diseases and end of life issues.
Hi, I am accepting new patients. My sessions with you will focus on identifying your individual concerns, symptoms, and behaviors that you would like addressed. As a team, I will partner with you to target and address, the true underlying causes and factors, that prevent or inhibit you from living your ideal life. I provide therapy and medication management. In addition to treating depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, and other psychiatric disorders, I have a strong background and interest in working with clients dealing with chronic diseases and end of life issues.
![Photo of Karel Winner, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2502e8d6-0d3a-4134-893f-77604bf50cf8/1/320x400.png)
Karel Winner
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
Ogden, UT 84405 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My style is not about quick appointments and hurried prescriptions; instead, it’s about integrative, personalized care combining medication management with multiple therapies in a conversational manner. This approach allows you to comfortably dig deep, often without realizing how much progress you make with each session. It provides the added benefit of accessing my extensive medical knowledge developed over decades of patient care, reinforced by my unwavering commitment to understanding and nurturing every facet of your being. This transformative journey is not just enriching and empowering—it's a revelation of your potential.
My style is not about quick appointments and hurried prescriptions; instead, it’s about integrative, personalized care combining medication management with multiple therapies in a conversational manner. This approach allows you to comfortably dig deep, often without realizing how much progress you make with each session. It provides the added benefit of accessing my extensive medical knowledge developed over decades of patient care, reinforced by my unwavering commitment to understanding and nurturing every facet of your being. This transformative journey is not just enriching and empowering—it's a revelation of your potential.
![Photo of Rachel Jenkins-Lloyd, APRN (C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/71476463-74f8-4fc8-ab3a-0a321419ba3c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Rachel Jenkins-Lloyd
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN (C
Verified Verified
Salt Lake City, UT 84103
Rachel JenkinsLloyd is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Utah who has been practicing since 2003. She has a Masters in Psychiatric Nursing from the University of Utah. Rachel offers medication management from a Feminist Empowerment Perspective. She has an extensive background in trauma informed care including EMDR and previous work in ketamine assisted therapy. Rachel believes strongly in educating clients in their medication choices then supporting them in their care. Outside of work, Rachel loves reading, especially biographies.
Rachel JenkinsLloyd is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Utah who has been practicing since 2003. She has a Masters in Psychiatric Nursing from the University of Utah. Rachel offers medication management from a Feminist Empowerment Perspective. She has an extensive background in trauma informed care including EMDR and previous work in ketamine assisted therapy. Rachel believes strongly in educating clients in their medication choices then supporting them in their care. Outside of work, Rachel loves reading, especially biographies.
See more therapy options for Utah
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Average cost per session
$175
Psychiatrists in Utah who prioritize treating:
88% | Anxiety |
87% | Depression |
79% | Medication Management |
74% | Trauma and PTSD |
73% | Bipolar Disorder |
72% | ADHD |
70% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
7 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
81% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
79% | Aetna |
79% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in Utah see their clients
78% | In Person and Online | |
22% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
66% | Female | |
34% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Utah?
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.