Psychiatrists in Norwich, CT

Photo of Aurele Paula Kamm - Aurele Kamm APRN, LLC, MS, APRN,  BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Aurele Kamm APRN, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MS, APRN, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Norwich, CT 06360
Not accepting new clients
I have 40 years experience in the mental health field as a psychiatric nurse, and 24 years as a prescriber. I work with clients using a collaborative, holistic, compassionate approach that makes best use of my skills as a nurse. I work with children age 10 to adults, including elderly. I have a wide range of experience that varies from ADHD, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma, dementia... life transitions... basically almost everything. I'm a strong believer in psychoeducation about medications and creating a partnership in the treatment process that is inclusive and empowering.
I have 40 years experience in the mental health field as a psychiatric nurse, and 24 years as a prescriber. I work with clients using a collaborative, holistic, compassionate approach that makes best use of my skills as a nurse. I work with children age 10 to adults, including elderly. I have a wide range of experience that varies from ADHD, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma, dementia... life transitions... basically almost everything. I'm a strong believer in psychoeducation about medications and creating a partnership in the treatment process that is inclusive and empowering.
(959) 210-0073 View (959) 210-0073
Photo of Jill Fischer, PsyA, APRN, BC, IAAP, Psychiatric Nurse
Jill Fischer
Psychiatric Nurse, PsyA, APRN, BC, IAAP
Verified Verified
Norwich, CT 06360
I am Jill Fischer, PsyA, APRN, B.C., a Jungian Psychoanalyst, and a board certified, advanced nurse practitioner. With over fifty years of clinical experience, I have a private practice in Norwich, CT. and teach and hold workshops in Brief and In-Depth Analysis and embodied dreamwork worldwide. I am also Co- chair of the Ethics committee for the IAAP. During COVID19 I will be available for sessions online or on the phone. I will also be available to help you work those troubling dreams.
I am Jill Fischer, PsyA, APRN, B.C., a Jungian Psychoanalyst, and a board certified, advanced nurse practitioner. With over fifty years of clinical experience, I have a private practice in Norwich, CT. and teach and hold workshops in Brief and In-Depth Analysis and embodied dreamwork worldwide. I am also Co- chair of the Ethics committee for the IAAP. During COVID19 I will be available for sessions online or on the phone. I will also be available to help you work those troubling dreams.
(860) 578-2787 View (860) 578-2787
Photo of Alma R Barreto, APRN-C, MSN, BSN, CARN-AP, Psychiatric Nurse
Alma R Barreto
Psychiatric Nurse, APRN-C, MSN, BSN, CARN-AP
Verified Verified
Norwich, CT 06360  (Online Only)
My great reward as a prescriber is when my clients do well. I can help you reach your goals but we have to work together and find best treatment options. I started this practice to help patients needing psychiatric med management . I do not prescribe Benzo's or stimulants (no control substances). My practice hours are M-W-TH 5-7:30 pm some Saturdays. If you are interested please email me at barretoaprn@ gmail.com with your name and date of birth and i will call you back and send you forms to complete. Please do not call me before 5 pm.
My great reward as a prescriber is when my clients do well. I can help you reach your goals but we have to work together and find best treatment options. I started this practice to help patients needing psychiatric med management . I do not prescribe Benzo's or stimulants (no control substances). My practice hours are M-W-TH 5-7:30 pm some Saturdays. If you are interested please email me at barretoaprn@ gmail.com with your name and date of birth and i will call you back and send you forms to complete. Please do not call me before 5 pm.
(959) 210-0046 View (959) 210-0046
Photo of Lawrencia Addo, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Lawrencia Addo
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Norwich, CT 06360  (Online Only)
I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner licensed in both Connecticut and Maryland. I have worked in the mental health field for over twelve years. I specialize in treating psychiatric conditions such as depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, insomnia, and substance use disorders. My passion is to enhance the quality of life of my patients and provide compassionate individualized care with medication management.
I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner licensed in both Connecticut and Maryland. I have worked in the mental health field for over twelve years. I specialize in treating psychiatric conditions such as depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, insomnia, and substance use disorders. My passion is to enhance the quality of life of my patients and provide compassionate individualized care with medication management.
(475) 405-2322 View (475) 405-2322
Photo of Bella Tenenbaum, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Bella Tenenbaum
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Norwich, CT 06360  (Online Only)
Living with mental illness can be challenging, disheartening, and even exhausting at times. However finding a trusting provider should not be! I believe in the importance of building a reliable patient-provider relationship focused on holistic care and making sure that each individual's mental, emotional, and physical well-being is taken in to consideration during each session. My practice is dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive care to individuals with a variety of mental health challenges.
Living with mental illness can be challenging, disheartening, and even exhausting at times. However finding a trusting provider should not be! I believe in the importance of building a reliable patient-provider relationship focused on holistic care and making sure that each individual's mental, emotional, and physical well-being is taken in to consideration during each session. My practice is dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive care to individuals with a variety of mental health challenges.
(860) 854-7149 View (860) 854-7149
Photo of Ashley LaBonte, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Ashley LaBonte
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Norwich, CT 06360  (Online Only)
Ashley LaBonte is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with over 10 years of experience in the mental health field, receiving her Master’s Degree in Nursing from the University of Saint Joseph in 2018. Since that time, she has worked in a variety of settings, including inpatient psychiatric units, intensive outpatient treatment programs and more recently in outpatient community mental health.
Ashley LaBonte is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with over 10 years of experience in the mental health field, receiving her Master’s Degree in Nursing from the University of Saint Joseph in 2018. Since that time, she has worked in a variety of settings, including inpatient psychiatric units, intensive outpatient treatment programs and more recently in outpatient community mental health.
(888) 344-3893 View (888) 344-3893

More Psychiatrists Nearby

Photo of Theresa Antwi - Wholistic Perspective, PMHNP, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Wholistic Perspective
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, NP
Verified Verified
Baltic, CT 06330
Unresolved emotional conflicts lie at the core of human suffering and at times life can be unusually painful, scary and confusing. We may feel anxious, sad, discouraged and alone and not know what to do. Talking things out with someone can help us become clearer about who we are, our strengths and also our self-defeating ways so we can move forward with an improved sense of self and direction. As a Mental Health Practitioners, we are trained to provide mental health treatment via psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. Here at Wholisitic Perspective, we have providers that have experience with children, adolescent and adult populations. At Wholistic Perspective we believe the patient is the expert and emphasize collaboration and communication to find the best treatment for you! We take a holistic approach to treatment and collaborate with other providers to ensure safety and accomplishment of treatment goals. We provide psychiatric evaluations to better understand diagnoses and medication management. We are also certified to provide evaluations for medical marijuana for posttraumatic stress disorder in adults.
Unresolved emotional conflicts lie at the core of human suffering and at times life can be unusually painful, scary and confusing. We may feel anxious, sad, discouraged and alone and not know what to do. Talking things out with someone can help us become clearer about who we are, our strengths and also our self-defeating ways so we can move forward with an improved sense of self and direction. As a Mental Health Practitioners, we are trained to provide mental health treatment via psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. Here at Wholisitic Perspective, we have providers that have experience with children, adolescent and adult populations. At Wholistic Perspective we believe the patient is the expert and emphasize collaboration and communication to find the best treatment for you! We take a holistic approach to treatment and collaborate with other providers to ensure safety and accomplishment of treatment goals. We provide psychiatric evaluations to better understand diagnoses and medication management. We are also certified to provide evaluations for medical marijuana for posttraumatic stress disorder in adults.
(203) 433-6890 View (203) 433-6890
Irene Topping
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN
Verified Verified
Niantic, CT 06357  (Online Only)
NOW Accepting New Patients! Have you been a victim of a traumatic event that has left you with symptoms of PTSD? Do you suffer from anxiety, depression, parenting problems, postpartum, school issues, chronic illness, or stress that impacts your sleep that results in insomnia? Whether you tried ignoring it, talking with friends & family, or even reading self-help books, nothing seems to be working. Maybe it’s time to get some professional help today. The first step towards making a change is to acknowledge that you need help. The next step is to continue reading so you can learn more about how you can get that help now.
NOW Accepting New Patients! Have you been a victim of a traumatic event that has left you with symptoms of PTSD? Do you suffer from anxiety, depression, parenting problems, postpartum, school issues, chronic illness, or stress that impacts your sleep that results in insomnia? Whether you tried ignoring it, talking with friends & family, or even reading self-help books, nothing seems to be working. Maybe it’s time to get some professional help today. The first step towards making a change is to acknowledge that you need help. The next step is to continue reading so you can learn more about how you can get that help now.
(475) 262-9657 View (475) 262-9657

Online Psychiatrists

Photo of Kary Krochko, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse
Kary Krochko
Psychiatric Nurse, APRN
Verified Verified
Danbury, CT 06811
We are currently accepting new clients. We offer Medical Marijuana Treatments for adults in the State of Connecticut.
We are currently accepting new clients. We offer Medical Marijuana Treatments for adults in the State of Connecticut.
(203) 408-7805 View (203) 408-7805
Photo of Thamara Jonathas, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Thamara Jonathas
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Danbury, CT 06810  (Online Only)
Hello, I am a board-certified nurse practitioner specializing in psychiatry. I have 13 years of experience working in healthcare, providing care to patients of all ages. I am dedicated to delivering high-quality, evidence-based care and building strong relationships with my patients to ensure their overall health and well-being. I am passionate about patient education and empowerment. I am committed to staying current on the latest advancements in healthcare and to provide the best possible care for my patients.
Hello, I am a board-certified nurse practitioner specializing in psychiatry. I have 13 years of experience working in healthcare, providing care to patients of all ages. I am dedicated to delivering high-quality, evidence-based care and building strong relationships with my patients to ensure their overall health and well-being. I am passionate about patient education and empowerment. I am committed to staying current on the latest advancements in healthcare and to provide the best possible care for my patients.
(203) 599-0864 View (203) 599-0864
Photo of Furne Carrier-Valentine, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Furne Carrier-Valentine
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Bloomfield, CT 06002
I’m a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), who enjoys utilizing an integrative approach to managing mental health issues. My nursing philosophy includes treating through a non-judgmental, existential lens, utilizing the evidence-based practice model approach as I combine psychotherapy and medication management. I hope that you'll allow me to assist and guide you on your journey to a better understanding of your own strengths and abilities, leading to a more fulfilling life.
I’m a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), who enjoys utilizing an integrative approach to managing mental health issues. My nursing philosophy includes treating through a non-judgmental, existential lens, utilizing the evidence-based practice model approach as I combine psychotherapy and medication management. I hope that you'll allow me to assist and guide you on your journey to a better understanding of your own strengths and abilities, leading to a more fulfilling life.
(860) 775-4457 View (860) 775-4457
Photo of Cristal Sampson - Spirit Clinic, RN, APRN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Spirit Clinic
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, RN, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Norwalk, CT 06850  (Online Only)
My name is Cristal and I work as a Yale-trained Psychiatric-Mental Health nurse practitioner. In my treatment approach, we will consider your physiology, personal and family history, health status, your behavioral drivers, the socio-cultural context in which you live, and the parts of your story most relevant to you to meet *your* desired outcome. I will ensure we work collaboratively to discover your path to mental wellness. ***Please note all appointments are virtual.***
My name is Cristal and I work as a Yale-trained Psychiatric-Mental Health nurse practitioner. In my treatment approach, we will consider your physiology, personal and family history, health status, your behavioral drivers, the socio-cultural context in which you live, and the parts of your story most relevant to you to meet *your* desired outcome. I will ensure we work collaboratively to discover your path to mental wellness. ***Please note all appointments are virtual.***
(203) 945-0773 View (203) 945-0773
Photo of Lauren J. Janush, MSN, APRN-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Lauren J. Janush
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN-BC
Verified Verified
Madison, CT 06443
Accepting new clients via telehealth and in-person. I am an APRN who specializes in & treats only children & adolescents ages 4-17 with behavioral & mental health issues. Unlike other practitioners who treat individuals of all ages, treating this age group is my sole area of expertise. I specialize in ADHD, Anxiety, OCD & other disorders first diagnosed in childhood/adolescence. I believe physical health, sleep, diet, lifestyle & family participation are integral to one's mental health. I will work with your child and family to ensure all aspects of your child's care are addressed as well as discuss & explore medication options.
Accepting new clients via telehealth and in-person. I am an APRN who specializes in & treats only children & adolescents ages 4-17 with behavioral & mental health issues. Unlike other practitioners who treat individuals of all ages, treating this age group is my sole area of expertise. I specialize in ADHD, Anxiety, OCD & other disorders first diagnosed in childhood/adolescence. I believe physical health, sleep, diet, lifestyle & family participation are integral to one's mental health. I will work with your child and family to ensure all aspects of your child's care are addressed as well as discuss & explore medication options.
(475) 234-4113 View (475) 234-4113
Photo of Maria Tapia - WCT Health & Wellness, PMHNP, LCSW, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
WCT Health & Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, LCSW
Verified Verified
Middlebury, CT 06762
My passion for empowering and aiding individuals in their wellness journey began 20 years ago. While working with under-served communities in New Haven and Hartford Counties, I was fortunate enough to interact and develop meaningful relationships with individuals of various cultural backgrounds. I continue to apply this philosophical thinking and practice while serving my patients in order to provide an individualized, holistic treatment. I utilize various forms of psychotherapy, complimentary approaches and/or medications to help ease mental health struggles.
My passion for empowering and aiding individuals in their wellness journey began 20 years ago. While working with under-served communities in New Haven and Hartford Counties, I was fortunate enough to interact and develop meaningful relationships with individuals of various cultural backgrounds. I continue to apply this philosophical thinking and practice while serving my patients in order to provide an individualized, holistic treatment. I utilize various forms of psychotherapy, complimentary approaches and/or medications to help ease mental health struggles.
(203) 433-6315 View (203) 433-6315
Photo of Rangsun Sitthichai, MD, Psychiatrist
Rangsun Sitthichai
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Hartford, CT 06117  (Online Only)
I approach the clients by understanding each client as a whole person, deep respect for individuals as unique human beings by using a creative process and open-ended communication. I am mindful in prescribing medications. My ultimate treatment goals not only target the treatment of mental health problems, but I will take effort to facilitate clients’ personal growth and improve their vitality.
I approach the clients by understanding each client as a whole person, deep respect for individuals as unique human beings by using a creative process and open-ended communication. I am mindful in prescribing medications. My ultimate treatment goals not only target the treatment of mental health problems, but I will take effort to facilitate clients’ personal growth and improve their vitality.
(860) 934-0523 View (860) 934-0523
Photo of Mohamed Elsamra - Intensive Outpatient Program and Outpatient Detox, MD, Psychiatrist
Intensive Outpatient Program and Outpatient Detox
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Westport, CT 06880
I've been working as a Board Certified Psychiatrist for over 15 years, and throughout that time I've been most interested in working with individuals who struggle with addiction or co-occurring illnesses. I am able to provide my clients with outpatient detoxification from alcohol and opioids as long as safety criteria are met. Evidence shows people are most likely to achieve recovery through a combination of medications and counseling. When you come to Elevate, you can have all of your needs met under one roof: Medication Management, Outpatient Detox, Individual Therapy, Group Therapy and IOP.
I've been working as a Board Certified Psychiatrist for over 15 years, and throughout that time I've been most interested in working with individuals who struggle with addiction or co-occurring illnesses. I am able to provide my clients with outpatient detoxification from alcohol and opioids as long as safety criteria are met. Evidence shows people are most likely to achieve recovery through a combination of medications and counseling. When you come to Elevate, you can have all of your needs met under one roof: Medication Management, Outpatient Detox, Individual Therapy, Group Therapy and IOP.
(203) 347-2484 View (203) 347-2484
Photo of Kristen Sadana, MD, Psychiatrist
Kristen Sadana
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Bethel, CT 06801  (Online Only)
Our mission is to provide high quality, collaborative, therapy-focused psychiatric care that centers the whole person and empowers the patient in their own treatment. We seek to provide a therapeutic environment where people of all neurotypes, gender identities, religious beliefs, and ethnicities feel welcome and safe. We hope to provide a judgment free space that will work to destigmatize mental health disorders, as these disorders arise out of the most basic experiences that make us human.
Our mission is to provide high quality, collaborative, therapy-focused psychiatric care that centers the whole person and empowers the patient in their own treatment. We seek to provide a therapeutic environment where people of all neurotypes, gender identities, religious beliefs, and ethnicities feel welcome and safe. We hope to provide a judgment free space that will work to destigmatize mental health disorders, as these disorders arise out of the most basic experiences that make us human.
(475) 244-9002 View (475) 244-9002
Photo of Stephanie Settevendemie - New Insights Behavioral Health, APRN, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
New Insights Behavioral Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Norwalk, CT 06854  (Online Only)
Immediate Availability! Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or hopeless? Maybe you recently got a medical diagnosis and feel lost. Maybe your relationship lacks the connection you desire. Maybe you are wanting to learn more about ADHD and gain clarity around your patterns. Whatever it is, you want to better manage these stressors but don’t know where to start. Instead of feeling out of control and overwhelmed, you want to feel confident and calm. You want to experience more connection and joy in these hard times. We believe you can get there and our team is committed to being your compass, guiding you towards that future.
Immediate Availability! Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or hopeless? Maybe you recently got a medical diagnosis and feel lost. Maybe your relationship lacks the connection you desire. Maybe you are wanting to learn more about ADHD and gain clarity around your patterns. Whatever it is, you want to better manage these stressors but don’t know where to start. Instead of feeling out of control and overwhelmed, you want to feel confident and calm. You want to experience more connection and joy in these hard times. We believe you can get there and our team is committed to being your compass, guiding you towards that future.
(475) 255-2512 View (475) 255-2512
Photo of Theresa Webster, CRNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Theresa Webster
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Hartford, CT 06109  (Online Only)
Do you feel like you are constantly fighting with your own brain? You try to concentrate on a task but your mind constantly wanders off. Your friends joke that you have no concept of time but you wonder when they will tire of your inconsistency. You struggle in social settings with worry that you are talking too much or lose track of what someone is talking with you about when in conversation. Your finances are a mess or you just can’t seem to hold on to savings. Social media has you thinking you might have ADHD and you are ready to find answers.
Do you feel like you are constantly fighting with your own brain? You try to concentrate on a task but your mind constantly wanders off. Your friends joke that you have no concept of time but you wonder when they will tire of your inconsistency. You struggle in social settings with worry that you are talking too much or lose track of what someone is talking with you about when in conversation. Your finances are a mess or you just can’t seem to hold on to savings. Social media has you thinking you might have ADHD and you are ready to find answers.
(702) 830-7193 View (702) 830-7193
Photo of Michele Feinberg, MD, Psychiatrist
Michele Feinberg
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Westport, CT 06880
Dr. Feinberg  will collaborate with your child's school, pediatrician, therapist, and other professionals that are involved in their treatment when needed so that there can be a team approach for your child's treatment. Dr. Feinberg conducts diagnostic evaluations  to provide a diagnosis  and recommendations,  and medication management when needed, gene testing when requested to determine what medication may be effective for your child. Dr. Feinberg conducts school psychiatric consultations for school districts, as well as presentations on specific topics to pediatricians, schools & other groups interested in the mental health
Dr. Feinberg  will collaborate with your child's school, pediatrician, therapist, and other professionals that are involved in their treatment when needed so that there can be a team approach for your child's treatment. Dr. Feinberg conducts diagnostic evaluations  to provide a diagnosis  and recommendations,  and medication management when needed, gene testing when requested to determine what medication may be effective for your child. Dr. Feinberg conducts school psychiatric consultations for school districts, as well as presentations on specific topics to pediatricians, schools & other groups interested in the mental health
(475) 262-9536 View (475) 262-9536

How does your Psychiatrist compare?

Number of Psychiatrists in Norwich, CT

< 10

Psychiatrists in Norwich, CT who prioritize treating:

100% Depression
100% Anxiety
83% Trauma and PTSD
83% Bipolar Disorder
83% Medication Management
67% Grief
67% Dual Diagnosis

Average years in practice

19 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

83% Anthem | Elevance
67% BlueCross and BlueShield
67% Cigna and Evernorth

How Psychiatrists in Norwich, CT see their clients

66% Online Only
34% In Person and Online

Gender breakdown

100% Female
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses

How can I find a psychiatrist in Norwich?

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.