Psychiatrists in Waterford, CT
![Photo of Michelle Harris, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0fbce7d6-e852-4032-afa3-db9869190de8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Michelle Harris
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Waterford, CT 06385
I have worked with a variety of populations including those with persistent mental illness, neurodivergence, dementia, and chronic medical illnesses. I have significant experience in providing care to individuals in the LGBTQ+ community. My experience includes medication management for mood disorders, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders. I work with clients of all ages including children and geriatric clients.
I have worked with a variety of populations including those with persistent mental illness, neurodivergence, dementia, and chronic medical illnesses. I have significant experience in providing care to individuals in the LGBTQ+ community. My experience includes medication management for mood disorders, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders. I work with clients of all ages including children and geriatric clients.
![Photo of Brittany Molkenthin, CPNP-PC, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/596f7b85-9b18-4e7c-a449-c8345e6b8b11/2/320x400.jpeg)
Brittany Molkenthin
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CPNP-PC, MSN
Verified Verified
Waterford, CT 06385 (Online Only)
My name is Brittany Molkenthin, CPNP-PC and I am an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) with a specialty in Pediatrics. I see children from their first days in this world until they graduate from college. As an APRN in the primary care setting, I am well versed in many mental health conditions including, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and autistic disorder. An integral part of my practice is emphasizing the importance of therapy and counseling as a means to treat and assist those with mental health concerns.
My name is Brittany Molkenthin, CPNP-PC and I am an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) with a specialty in Pediatrics. I see children from their first days in this world until they graduate from college. As an APRN in the primary care setting, I am well versed in many mental health conditions including, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and autistic disorder. An integral part of my practice is emphasizing the importance of therapy and counseling as a means to treat and assist those with mental health concerns.
![Photo of Jill Fischer, PsyA, APRN, BC, IAAP, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5bd86997-8915-48ea-82ca-59c1d4478983/3/320x400.jpeg)
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.
Dr. Henry Crabbe is a Yale-trained and Board Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He has been in private practice in the community for more than 30 years. He also has been involved in research in the development of new medications in his specialty.
Dr. Henry Crabbe is a Yale-trained and Board Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He has been in private practice in the community for more than 30 years. He also has been involved in research in the development of new medications in his specialty.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
![Photo of Joyce A Tinsley, MD, MS, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6831e50d-3c8f-49aa-87d7-aa3ef34c8c62/1/320x400.jpeg)
I bring experience and expertise through therapy & medication management. If your psychiatric medication does not relieve symptoms of depression, anxiety or mood instability, you may need a second opinion. Mindful moderation can help you cut down on drinking, stop smoking, or cope with binge eating. You don't have to do this alone. Another area I deal with is acceptance of aging. With older age comes more unwanted challenges than at any other phase of life. We don’t know what will alter our lives, nor when these changes may occur: illness, loss, memory or loneliness, I can help adapt and enjoy the pleasures that older age can bring.
I bring experience and expertise through therapy & medication management. If your psychiatric medication does not relieve symptoms of depression, anxiety or mood instability, you may need a second opinion. Mindful moderation can help you cut down on drinking, stop smoking, or cope with binge eating. You don't have to do this alone. Another area I deal with is acceptance of aging. With older age comes more unwanted challenges than at any other phase of life. We don’t know what will alter our lives, nor when these changes may occur: illness, loss, memory or loneliness, I can help adapt and enjoy the pleasures that older age can bring.
![Photo of Davar B - Emerald Health & Wellness, MSN, APRN-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b2c49248-b88b-4f59-b67c-90da0c17721b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Emerald Health & Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN-C
Verified Verified
New London, CT 06320
At Emerald Health and Wellness, we are now welcoming new patients, including those on Medicaid. Our ideal clients face mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, and trauma and seek compassionate, comprehensive care. They desire personalized, holistic treatment that promotes growth and transformation. Their goals include emotional stability, self-discovery, and empowerment. We help clients, aged 13 and up, rediscover themselves, achieve holistic wellness, and live fulfilling lives through integrative telehealth services. Our experienced team ensures each individual feels heard, understood, and empowered.
At Emerald Health and Wellness, we are now welcoming new patients, including those on Medicaid. Our ideal clients face mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, and trauma and seek compassionate, comprehensive care. They desire personalized, holistic treatment that promotes growth and transformation. Their goals include emotional stability, self-discovery, and empowerment. We help clients, aged 13 and up, rediscover themselves, achieve holistic wellness, and live fulfilling lives through integrative telehealth services. Our experienced team ensures each individual feels heard, understood, and empowered.
![Photo of Julianne Steahr, APRN, PMHNP, ANP, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7210d55e-7f59-42fe-8645-3d344b17fc12/1/320x400.jpeg)
Julianne Steahr
Psychiatric Nurse, APRN, PMHNP, ANP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New London, CT 06320 (Online Only)
Hello, I practice as a certified APRN in Psychiatry and Primary Care. My current focus is on the treatment of psychiatric illnesses in adults that are motivated to maintain or regain mental and emotional wellness. I prescribe medications for the treatment of Acute and Chronic Depression, Anxiety, OCD, ADD, ASD, PTSD, Mood D/O, Obesity, Binge Eating, Substance Abuse, Pre and Post Partum, Sleep disorders, Thyroid and CFS. If seeking an initial assessment or continued care for a diagnosed condition or a reevaluation, my goal is to provide you comprehensive, wholistic care to regain or maintain wellness.
Hello, I practice as a certified APRN in Psychiatry and Primary Care. My current focus is on the treatment of psychiatric illnesses in adults that are motivated to maintain or regain mental and emotional wellness. I prescribe medications for the treatment of Acute and Chronic Depression, Anxiety, OCD, ADD, ASD, PTSD, Mood D/O, Obesity, Binge Eating, Substance Abuse, Pre and Post Partum, Sleep disorders, Thyroid and CFS. If seeking an initial assessment or continued care for a diagnosed condition or a reevaluation, my goal is to provide you comprehensive, wholistic care to regain or maintain wellness.
![Photo of Alma R Barreto, APRN-C, MSN, BSN, CARN-AP, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ec9d5a32-4537-4937-a7aa-78b8a8263cf4/3/320x400.jpeg)
Alma R Barreto
Psychiatric Nurse, APRN-C, MSN, BSN, CARN-AP
Verified Verified
New London, CT 06320 (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.
![Photo of Oyewole G Ogunnaike, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/eb0b1554-f749-4398-abf0-fb61560a0d33/2/320x400.jpeg)
Oyewole G Ogunnaike
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Groton, CT 06340 (Online Only)
We listen, care, you have a voice in your care, and you are never alone. Needing help with anxiety/panic attacks, depression, mood/bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, PTSD, ADHD/Impulse control disorder, anger management, personality disorders, alcohol use disorder, adjustment disorder, and psychosis.
We listen, care, you have a voice in your care, and you are never alone. Needing help with anxiety/panic attacks, depression, mood/bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, PTSD, ADHD/Impulse control disorder, anger management, personality disorders, alcohol use disorder, adjustment disorder, and psychosis.
![Photo of Janet L Howe, PMHNP , MS, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1688641a-e6bc-4db9-b6ac-351a178ec94e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Janet L Howe
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP , MS, BC
Verified Verified
Groton, CT 06340 (Online Only)
As a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I provide care for individuals with a range of mental health concerns. Mental health disorders that I pursue include, depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, OCD, ADHD, and substance use disorders.It is sometimes difficult to find someone that you can connect with and be comfortable with. My goal is to provide quality and evidence based individualized care while creating trust, mutual respect and compassion, within a safe environment. achieved through minimal supportive psychotherapy, medication management and lifestyle adjustments.
As a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I provide care for individuals with a range of mental health concerns. Mental health disorders that I pursue include, depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, OCD, ADHD, and substance use disorders.It is sometimes difficult to find someone that you can connect with and be comfortable with. My goal is to provide quality and evidence based individualized care while creating trust, mutual respect and compassion, within a safe environment. achieved through minimal supportive psychotherapy, medication management and lifestyle adjustments.
![Photo of Kelli Bernier - North Star Wellness, NP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0905b08e-35a6-4dba-9540-6e6354f561d5/1/320x400.jpeg)
North Star Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Groton, CT 06340
At North Star Wellness, we are dedicated to guiding you on your journey to mental wellness. We understand the challenges that individuals and families face when dealing with mental health concerns, and we are here to provide you with the highest level of care and support throughout your healing process.
At North Star Wellness, we are dedicated to guiding you on your journey to mental wellness. We understand the challenges that individuals and families face when dealing with mental health concerns, and we are here to provide you with the highest level of care and support throughout your healing process.
![Photo of Stephanie Settevendemie, MSN, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4ad32378-1f7b-485f-b445-ceca9be86461/1/320x400.jpeg)
Stephanie Settevendemie
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Mystic, CT 06355 (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.
![Photo of Patricia McClure, MSN, APRN, BC, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c238433-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
With degrees in Medicine and Mental health and Board Certified as a Mental Health Nurse Practitioner I offer unique holistic care. Years of experience providing therapy and prescribing and managing psychiatric medications means you won't have the added frustration of seeing different practitioners for your care. Join me in a safe, comfortable, confidential atmosphere, where together, we work through the problems causing difficulties in your life. True healing occurs in the "therapeutic relationship" we develop together. Call for more information.
With degrees in Medicine and Mental health and Board Certified as a Mental Health Nurse Practitioner I offer unique holistic care. Years of experience providing therapy and prescribing and managing psychiatric medications means you won't have the added frustration of seeing different practitioners for your care. Join me in a safe, comfortable, confidential atmosphere, where together, we work through the problems causing difficulties in your life. True healing occurs in the "therapeutic relationship" we develop together. Call for more information.
![Photo of Jay Seigel, MSN, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4895fe4e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jay Seigel has worked in clinical, academic and leadership capacities to improve the quality of life of his clients with addiction and mental health disorders. Jay has treated thousands of Clients in his private practice and countless impaired healthcare professionals with great success. Jay's goal of continually identifying and employing the most effective and innovative clinical treatment for his clients. Jay has a rarely found expertise utilizing evidence-based practice for work in insight oriented psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. Jay is committed to collaborating with his Clients and their multidisciplinary providers to empower them to establish sustained recovery.
Jay Seigel has worked in clinical, academic and leadership capacities to improve the quality of life of his clients with addiction and mental health disorders. Jay has treated thousands of Clients in his private practice and countless impaired healthcare professionals with great success. Jay's goal of continually identifying and employing the most effective and innovative clinical treatment for his clients. Jay has a rarely found expertise utilizing evidence-based practice for work in insight oriented psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. Jay is committed to collaborating with his Clients and their multidisciplinary providers to empower them to establish sustained recovery.
![Photo of Ashley LaBonte, PMHNP, APRN-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2e129bdb-027e-47cf-bd79-c336db104a4e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ashley LaBonte
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, APRN-BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New London, CT 06320 (Online Only)
At Bloom Mental Health, LLC you can grow at your own pace. Ashley is a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with 15 years of experience working in the mental health field. Her philosophy when it comes to medication management is often “less is more”, minimizing medication regimens for better outcomes and encouraging individuals to participate in psychotherapy as well as self-care in order to lead a healthy, fulfilling lives. While she is experienced in treating clients ages 10 and older, she enjoys working with young women, those with a history of trauma as well as women who are in their perinatal phase of life.
At Bloom Mental Health, LLC you can grow at your own pace. Ashley is a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with 15 years of experience working in the mental health field. Her philosophy when it comes to medication management is often “less is more”, minimizing medication regimens for better outcomes and encouraging individuals to participate in psychotherapy as well as self-care in order to lead a healthy, fulfilling lives. While she is experienced in treating clients ages 10 and older, she enjoys working with young women, those with a history of trauma as well as women who are in their perinatal phase of life.
![Photo of Samantha Shawn-Marsh, DNP, MSN, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/edfc43ad-09fa-4587-b240-726d6eb503d2/1/320x400.jpeg)
Samantha Shawn-Marsh
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, MSN, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
Mystic, CT 06355
Dr. Samantha Shawn-Marsh is a Doctoral and Board Certified Child and Adult Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who works with children and adults providing psychiatric evaluations and medication management to those experiencing bipolar disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders. She is the founder and owner of Remedy Wellness Center, Inc. and welcomes new patients at this time.
Dr. Samantha Shawn-Marsh is a Doctoral and Board Certified Child and Adult Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who works with children and adults providing psychiatric evaluations and medication management to those experiencing bipolar disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders. She is the founder and owner of Remedy Wellness Center, Inc. and welcomes new patients at this time.
![Photo of Elisabeth Maryke Kressley, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/87d27a44-2dc4-4e57-a393-107eeb7029e4/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am Board Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, and Yale trained Adult psychiatrist. I enjoy treating all ages of people from as young as 3 thru adulthood. I treat ADHD, Depression Anxiety disorders along with behavioral disorders in childhood. I also treat adults, families and couples in addition to individuals with medication and or therapy.
I am Board Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, and Yale trained Adult psychiatrist. I enjoy treating all ages of people from as young as 3 thru adulthood. I treat ADHD, Depression Anxiety disorders along with behavioral disorders in childhood. I also treat adults, families and couples in addition to individuals with medication and or therapy.
![Photo of Theresa Antwi - Wholistic Perspective, PMHNP, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e9831f45-1043-4fa7-800d-947c39f1be1c/3/320x400.jpeg)
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.
Online Psychiatrists
![Photo of Genna Thompson, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/73432d54-e263-4211-8d06-57edd5b21d49/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner licensed to prescribe psychiatric medication across the lifespan with mental health needs. I have 15+ years working solely in psychiatry.
I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner licensed to prescribe psychiatric medication across the lifespan with mental health needs. I have 15+ years working solely in psychiatry.
![Photo of Sarah Delaney, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bc659ee3-24b1-4fac-ba67-f5043a1c33a0/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Yale-trained psychiatric nurse practitioner, with over two decades experience in the mental health field. I'm licensed to treat individuals across the life span, with extensive training in working with older children, adolescents and adults. I provide complete psychiatric assessment and care, including psychiatric evaluations, individual therapy and medication management if indicated. We may work together in starting medication, adjusting and optimizing current medication treatment, or discontinuing medication safely.
I am a Yale-trained psychiatric nurse practitioner, with over two decades experience in the mental health field. I'm licensed to treat individuals across the life span, with extensive training in working with older children, adolescents and adults. I provide complete psychiatric assessment and care, including psychiatric evaluations, individual therapy and medication management if indicated. We may work together in starting medication, adjusting and optimizing current medication treatment, or discontinuing medication safely.
See more therapy options for Waterford
Nearby Searches for Waterford
- Cromwell
- Essex
- Glastonbury
- Groton
- Guilford
- Madison
- Middletown
- Mystic
- New London
- Norwich
- Old Saybrook
- Willimantic
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Waterford, CT
< 10
Psychiatrists in Waterford, CT who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
75% | ADHD |
50% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
50% | Autism |
50% | Medication Management |
50% | Women's Issues |
Average years in practice
4 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Elevance |
50% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
50% | Medicaid |
How Psychiatrists in Waterford, CT see their clients
75% | In Person and Online | |
25% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
75% | Female | |
25% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Waterford?
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.