Psychiatrists in Portland, OR
![Photo of undefined - Teryl Clendenin PMHNP, MN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/12ac8d73-6300-4601-97ff-d6b15b2cbc09/2/320x400.jpeg)
Teryl Clendenin PMHNP
Psychiatric Nurse, MN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97219 (Online Only)
Practice accepting new patients. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I am able to provide a wide array of treatment opportunities for adults. I prescribe psychiatric medications, as well as provide counseling and therapy in a holistic, accepting atmosphere. I firmly believe we can all benefit from expanding our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. My practice centers on working collaboratively with you; assisting, guiding and joining you on a pathway to greater overall health and wellness.
Practice accepting new patients. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I am able to provide a wide array of treatment opportunities for adults. I prescribe psychiatric medications, as well as provide counseling and therapy in a holistic, accepting atmosphere. I firmly believe we can all benefit from expanding our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. My practice centers on working collaboratively with you; assisting, guiding and joining you on a pathway to greater overall health and wellness.
![Photo of undefined - High Desert Psychiatry, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e275cab7-0c49-4570-aa3a-daf526124f14/1/320x400.jpeg)
High Desert Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97229 (Online Only)
My name is Harry Borcherding, a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I specialize in evaluating, diagnosing and treating mental health conditions for adults. I provide focused and consistent care in a comforting environment. Services include evaluating, diagnosing and treating mental health conditions with both medication prescribing and counseling interventions.
My name is Harry Borcherding, a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I specialize in evaluating, diagnosing and treating mental health conditions for adults. I provide focused and consistent care in a comforting environment. Services include evaluating, diagnosing and treating mental health conditions with both medication prescribing and counseling interventions.
![Photo of undefined - Healthcore Psychiatry, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/31a4503e-4fa5-4736-8527-ba6b477e7f52/2/320x400.jpeg)
Healthcore Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-, BC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97202 (Online Only)
Welcome to Healthcore Psychiatry Consultants! I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I diagnose and provide medication management to adult individuals (ages 18-60). I specialize in Alcohol and Drug Addiction, ADHD, and Mood Disorders.
Welcome to Healthcore Psychiatry Consultants! I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I diagnose and provide medication management to adult individuals (ages 18-60). I specialize in Alcohol and Drug Addiction, ADHD, and Mood Disorders.
![Photo of Jonathan Murphy, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9330db4b-4451-4b92-b689-a40c4f53b940/1/320x400.png)
Jonathan Murphy
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97214 (Online Only)
I am here to work with patients looking for real, genuine support. My goal is to understand and get to know every person that starts treatment. Patients that are open to having a dialogue about all aspects of life, in order to build the best understanding regarding the nature of depression, anxiety, and issues with a lack of focus.
I am here to work with patients looking for real, genuine support. My goal is to understand and get to know every person that starts treatment. Patients that are open to having a dialogue about all aspects of life, in order to build the best understanding regarding the nature of depression, anxiety, and issues with a lack of focus.
![Photo of Dr. Christopher Galbick, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1d896ca4-8e92-48ea-b4c7-53e6b63e0d78/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Galbick sees OHP patients with Health Share of Oregon, Jackson Care Connect, and Columbia Pacific CCO. He is currently welcoming new patients and can usually offer appointment availability within 2 weeks! He specializes in medication management, and he emphasizes active listening and empathy in his approach to patient care.
Dr. Galbick sees OHP patients with Health Share of Oregon, Jackson Care Connect, and Columbia Pacific CCO. He is currently welcoming new patients and can usually offer appointment availability within 2 weeks! He specializes in medication management, and he emphasizes active listening and empathy in his approach to patient care.
![Photo of Robert Hernandez, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/03ca6af9-2e14-467d-a0f1-96baa7c0e630/1/320x400.jpeg)
Robert Hernandez
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97202
When treating patients, I consider the whole person, not just symptoms. I take into account other underlying medical conditions, medications, and physiological changes that may impact the effectiveness of a planned treatment. I consider these factors to determine your best treatment path. I have a developmental orientation toward understanding human behavior. I recognize that everyone is unique; and therefore, I will tailor your treatment plan to meet your needs. I also appreciate a collaborative approach, working with other providers to help facilitate the best treatment outcomes.
When treating patients, I consider the whole person, not just symptoms. I take into account other underlying medical conditions, medications, and physiological changes that may impact the effectiveness of a planned treatment. I consider these factors to determine your best treatment path. I have a developmental orientation toward understanding human behavior. I recognize that everyone is unique; and therefore, I will tailor your treatment plan to meet your needs. I also appreciate a collaborative approach, working with other providers to help facilitate the best treatment outcomes.
![Photo of Brian Pollock, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c409f58-8293-4f47-a363-a459f2eeb144/2/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting New Patients! Do you struggle with depression, anxiety or other emotional distress? Do you feel frustrated that things you've tried in the past to get better haven't worked? Now more than ever, people are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, discouraged and exhausted. For many people, finding the right medications can help them on their path to feeling better so they can live a happier and more fulfilling life. I am compassionate, patient and committed to helping people of all backgrounds and identities. Let's figure out what medications will work best to improve your health. I will collaborate with you every step of the way!
Accepting New Patients! Do you struggle with depression, anxiety or other emotional distress? Do you feel frustrated that things you've tried in the past to get better haven't worked? Now more than ever, people are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, discouraged and exhausted. For many people, finding the right medications can help them on their path to feeling better so they can live a happier and more fulfilling life. I am compassionate, patient and committed to helping people of all backgrounds and identities. Let's figure out what medications will work best to improve your health. I will collaborate with you every step of the way!
![Photo of Rachel C Ward, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3aa533f7-ec15-4c77-a83e-d096ab490e23/1/320x400.jpeg)
Rachel C Ward
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97225
Struggling with relationships, feeling overwhelmed, and finding it hard to keep up with school or work because of difficulty in social situations, inability to organize yourself, disrupted sleep, or tumultuous moods? You're not alone. I understand the dread and paralyzing effects these symptoms can have on your life.
Struggling with relationships, feeling overwhelmed, and finding it hard to keep up with school or work because of difficulty in social situations, inability to organize yourself, disrupted sleep, or tumultuous moods? You're not alone. I understand the dread and paralyzing effects these symptoms can have on your life.
![Photo of Marguerite Maguire, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5236809c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a general adult psychiatrist, treating a wide variety of psychiatric illnesses with particular interests in depression, anxiety, maternal mental health, and ADHD. I earned my medical degree from the University of Rochester and completed my psychiatry residency at the University of Southern California/LAC+USC.
I am a general adult psychiatrist, treating a wide variety of psychiatric illnesses with particular interests in depression, anxiety, maternal mental health, and ADHD. I earned my medical degree from the University of Rochester and completed my psychiatry residency at the University of Southern California/LAC+USC.
![Photo of undefined - Mary E. Theodore, MD, MPH, MD, MPH, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e5616ef-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Thank you for visiting my profile. I am a Board Certified psychiatrist with over twenty years experience taking care of patients. Practicing for all these years in a field that I love, I have developed deep and lasting bonds with many of them. I am both a psycho-pharmacologist and a psycho-therapist. I treat numerous psychiatric & personality disorders but specialize in Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder, adult ADHD, Anxiety Disorders, Substance Abuse Disorders, Women's Mental Health, and HIV psychiatry. My goal is to help you create solutions and restore balance and well being in your life.
Thank you for visiting my profile. I am a Board Certified psychiatrist with over twenty years experience taking care of patients. Practicing for all these years in a field that I love, I have developed deep and lasting bonds with many of them. I am both a psycho-pharmacologist and a psycho-therapist. I treat numerous psychiatric & personality disorders but specialize in Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder, adult ADHD, Anxiety Disorders, Substance Abuse Disorders, Women's Mental Health, and HIV psychiatry. My goal is to help you create solutions and restore balance and well being in your life.
![Photo of Adam Ellis, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/12f4cfcb-0404-44ee-83fa-4f2941ddabfa/1/320x400.jpeg)
Adam Ellis is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He has earned degrees from the University of California, Irvine, The George Washington University, and most recently, a Master of Science in Nursing from The University of Pennsylvania. He has worked with both adult and adolescent psychiatric populations since 2015, and he enjoys engaging with diverse patients who have a broad range of mental health needs. While serving 20 years as a naval officer, Adam developed strong active listening skills and a high level of consideration and respect for others.
Adam Ellis is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He has earned degrees from the University of California, Irvine, The George Washington University, and most recently, a Master of Science in Nursing from The University of Pennsylvania. He has worked with both adult and adolescent psychiatric populations since 2015, and he enjoys engaging with diverse patients who have a broad range of mental health needs. While serving 20 years as a naval officer, Adam developed strong active listening skills and a high level of consideration and respect for others.
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![Photo of John Benson, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a8eeca3b-9807-4441-9429-f709f913fbc6/2/320x400.png)
John Benson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97221 (Online Only)
Are you struggling with irritability, anxiety, low mood, poor focus, substance use, or lack of motivation that is impairing your relationships, your career, or your overall quality of life? Have you perhaps tried therapy, but found that your problems persisted? Have you tried medications, but found that psychiatric appointments were too impersonal or that your concerns about possible side effects or worsening symptoms were met with indifference?
Are you struggling with irritability, anxiety, low mood, poor focus, substance use, or lack of motivation that is impairing your relationships, your career, or your overall quality of life? Have you perhaps tried therapy, but found that your problems persisted? Have you tried medications, but found that psychiatric appointments were too impersonal or that your concerns about possible side effects or worsening symptoms were met with indifference?
![Photo of Sheena Munson, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fbc02dc8-690e-4f7f-9eb8-c9e26bd748db/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sheena Munson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97213 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) providing holistic and patient-centered care is at the heart of what I do. My approach is warm, empathetic, trauma-informed, and evidenced based. We are not our symptoms and as such deserve to be treated as a whole person. We are shaped and effected by every aspect of our life and this cannot be overlooked when addressing our mental health.
As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) providing holistic and patient-centered care is at the heart of what I do. My approach is warm, empathetic, trauma-informed, and evidenced based. We are not our symptoms and as such deserve to be treated as a whole person. We are shaped and effected by every aspect of our life and this cannot be overlooked when addressing our mental health.
![Photo of Dr. Katharine Frissora, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c9e559a4-565a-43e4-9269-bedbe1cc313d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Katharine Frissora
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97202 (Online Only)
MARCH 2024 - Appointments available in 1 week! To begin services, please complete the new patient request form at www.upwellpsych.com/contact - we will get back to you in 1 business day! I am a doctorally prepared Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with 15 years of healthcare experience providing psychiatric care. I aim to promote holistic mental health by partnering with you to create healing and wellness.
MARCH 2024 - Appointments available in 1 week! To begin services, please complete the new patient request form at www.upwellpsych.com/contact - we will get back to you in 1 business day! I am a doctorally prepared Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with 15 years of healthcare experience providing psychiatric care. I aim to promote holistic mental health by partnering with you to create healing and wellness.
![Photo of Annie Hood, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44eec3ae-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I received advanced practice training at OHSU, graduating with MSN in addition to a Psychology MA from the University of British Columbia. I am Board Certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as lifespan Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). I provide psychiatric services to individuals ages 16 and older and have expertise in treatments for anxiety, depression, trauma, psychosis, and medication-assisted treatments for substance use. My approach is client-centered, warm, and collaborative; employing evidence-based pharmacotherapeutic and functional interventions to support individual wellness goals.
I received advanced practice training at OHSU, graduating with MSN in addition to a Psychology MA from the University of British Columbia. I am Board Certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as lifespan Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). I provide psychiatric services to individuals ages 16 and older and have expertise in treatments for anxiety, depression, trauma, psychosis, and medication-assisted treatments for substance use. My approach is client-centered, warm, and collaborative; employing evidence-based pharmacotherapeutic and functional interventions to support individual wellness goals.
Welcome! To the beginning of your journey toward mental clarity, fulfillment and reuniting with your true self. For over 20 years, I've treated individuals with psychiatry disorders. I am currently available for new patients for medication evaluation, 2nd opinion consultation, treatment planning and medication management. I have been appointed a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association (2015) in recognition of my dedication and service to the field of mental health treatment.
Welcome! To the beginning of your journey toward mental clarity, fulfillment and reuniting with your true self. For over 20 years, I've treated individuals with psychiatry disorders. I am currently available for new patients for medication evaluation, 2nd opinion consultation, treatment planning and medication management. I have been appointed a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association (2015) in recognition of my dedication and service to the field of mental health treatment.
![Photo of Vicki Grossman, PhD, MS, APRN, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9f2e3779-b1f8-4a85-9753-cb695cedcb15/1/320x400.jpeg)
Vicki Grossman
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, MS, APRN, BC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97232
Wholeness Care for Body, Mind and Spirit for Depression, Anxiety, Mood Changes, ADHD, Grief, and Weight Management. PhD, Board Certified Licensed Psychiatric Provider, Oregon and Colorado. My PhD, is based on Caring Science Psychology with Board Certification as a Licensed Psychiatric Practitioner (PMHNP) in Colorado and Oregon. Over 25 years working in numerous areas of Healthcare including Psychiatry, Critical Care, Emergency and Trauma medicine, this provides me with the important connections in Medical Care and Mental Health Care. PhD with a focus in Caring Psychology, Holistic Psychiatric Care and Evidence Based Medicine.
Wholeness Care for Body, Mind and Spirit for Depression, Anxiety, Mood Changes, ADHD, Grief, and Weight Management. PhD, Board Certified Licensed Psychiatric Provider, Oregon and Colorado. My PhD, is based on Caring Science Psychology with Board Certification as a Licensed Psychiatric Practitioner (PMHNP) in Colorado and Oregon. Over 25 years working in numerous areas of Healthcare including Psychiatry, Critical Care, Emergency and Trauma medicine, this provides me with the important connections in Medical Care and Mental Health Care. PhD with a focus in Caring Psychology, Holistic Psychiatric Care and Evidence Based Medicine.
![Photo of Elena Logvinenko, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e94014e4-c4c9-401c-8d74-9a7f05f456b2/2/320x400.jpeg)
I’m a board certified psychiatrist in Portland. I provide both psychotherapy and medication management; I also offer psychiatric evaluation and med management to folks who already have an individual therapist who they see regularly (at least every other week, preferably one or more times a week). While my vibe is casual, my clinical approach (both meds and therapy) is thoughtful, evidence based, and individualized. Medication can turn people's lives around, but it's not the best choice (or likely to work) for everyone. I value having a very thorough picture of the entire situation before proposing any course of treatment.
I’m a board certified psychiatrist in Portland. I provide both psychotherapy and medication management; I also offer psychiatric evaluation and med management to folks who already have an individual therapist who they see regularly (at least every other week, preferably one or more times a week). While my vibe is casual, my clinical approach (both meds and therapy) is thoughtful, evidence based, and individualized. Medication can turn people's lives around, but it's not the best choice (or likely to work) for everyone. I value having a very thorough picture of the entire situation before proposing any course of treatment.
![Photo of Michelle Dahl, PMHNP, MA, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a285fdbc-9f95-4ad3-b702-3a8dad91cb46/2/320x400.jpeg)
Michelle Dahl
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97212 (Online Only)
If you are experiencing issues with depression/mood, anxiety or other psychological issues, age 18-65 and looking for psychiatric medication management then contact me. I approach treatment in a collaborative way. I find the best outcomes when clients are fully engaged in their treatment. While medications can be a very helpful it will not be a fix all. Often medication should be accompanied by therapy and learning additional skills. While I do not do therapy only I can offer some supportive therapy, but this is not meant to replace an individual therapist if needed.
If you are experiencing issues with depression/mood, anxiety or other psychological issues, age 18-65 and looking for psychiatric medication management then contact me. I approach treatment in a collaborative way. I find the best outcomes when clients are fully engaged in their treatment. While medications can be a very helpful it will not be a fix all. Often medication should be accompanied by therapy and learning additional skills. While I do not do therapy only I can offer some supportive therapy, but this is not meant to replace an individual therapist if needed.
![Photo of Dallas L Upchurch, PMHNP, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5644d84e-a669-4610-84aa-f1febd5b7058/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dallas L Upchurch
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97229
Hello, and welcome to your best life! I believe in listening to my patients concerns and creating the best possible individualized treatment plan to help each one of my patient's live their best lives as they navigate the rough waters life sometimes brings our way. I started my nursing career as an ICU trauma nurse in neuro, surgical, medical, and trauma ICU in federal, veteran, and civilian hospitals all over this amazing country. I feel my unique background of medical, nursing, and psychological approaches help my clients feel comfortable with my holistic approach to their psychiatric care.
Hello, and welcome to your best life! I believe in listening to my patients concerns and creating the best possible individualized treatment plan to help each one of my patient's live their best lives as they navigate the rough waters life sometimes brings our way. I started my nursing career as an ICU trauma nurse in neuro, surgical, medical, and trauma ICU in federal, veteran, and civilian hospitals all over this amazing country. I feel my unique background of medical, nursing, and psychological approaches help my clients feel comfortable with my holistic approach to their psychiatric care.
See more therapy options for Portland
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Portland, OR
400+
Average cost per session
$250
Psychiatrists in Portland, OR who prioritize treating:
95% | Anxiety |
94% | Depression |
81% | Medication Management |
74% | Trauma and PTSD |
73% | Bipolar Disorder |
72% | ADHD |
64% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
73% | Aetna |
73% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
67% | PacificSource |
How Psychiatrists in Portland, OR see their clients
62% | In Person and Online | |
38% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
73% | Female | |
26% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Portland?
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.