Psychiatrists in Dallas County, TX
![Photo of Donavan Scott, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ed04fead-19df-480a-be5c-91bb8dae13ba/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hello, my name is Donavan, and I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. Have you been feeling down lately? How about feeling like you have been running a marathon but none of your planned tasks have been completed.
Hello, my name is Donavan, and I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. Have you been feeling down lately? How about feeling like you have been running a marathon but none of your planned tasks have been completed.
![Photo of Joy Ede, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/89cca25c-30a0-4fec-8f58-55004a08f8f8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Joy is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 15 years of nursing experience and 4 years of experience as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She focuses on providing care to patients across the lifespan with varying mental health disorders such as Depression Anxiety, Bipolar, ADHD, PTSD, including other psychotic disorders. I use a holistic approach in providing care to my mental health patients whereby I employ empathy to approach my client's mental health disorders as well as their total wellbeing which includes their stress level, emotional state, and environmental factors.
Joy is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 15 years of nursing experience and 4 years of experience as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She focuses on providing care to patients across the lifespan with varying mental health disorders such as Depression Anxiety, Bipolar, ADHD, PTSD, including other psychotic disorders. I use a holistic approach in providing care to my mental health patients whereby I employ empathy to approach my client's mental health disorders as well as their total wellbeing which includes their stress level, emotional state, and environmental factors.
MindFirst Behavioral Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Irving, TX 75062 (Online Only)
Accepting new clients now, same day appointments with weekend availability. We provide Telehealth services, accept self pay and insurances. Welcome to a non-judgmental environment where there is no biasness ! Meet Dorothy PMHNP-BC ( over 14 years experience in health care) who strives to ensure that patients receive comprehensive care that considers their mental and emotional well-being. I'm dedicated and focused on providing you with high-quality initial evaluations, diagnosing, formulating treatment plan and continued medication management. My focus is on pre- teens, teens and adults.
Accepting new clients now, same day appointments with weekend availability. We provide Telehealth services, accept self pay and insurances. Welcome to a non-judgmental environment where there is no biasness ! Meet Dorothy PMHNP-BC ( over 14 years experience in health care) who strives to ensure that patients receive comprehensive care that considers their mental and emotional well-being. I'm dedicated and focused on providing you with high-quality initial evaluations, diagnosing, formulating treatment plan and continued medication management. My focus is on pre- teens, teens and adults.
![Photo of Emmanuella Edekobi, MSN, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1177441b-da5f-41b2-b179-ff0275147ede/2/320x400.jpeg)
Emmanuella Edekobi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Irving, TX 75038 (Online Only)
As a compassionate and dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I am committed to providing personalized care that fosters healing and well-being. With a deep understanding of the challenges individuals face in their mental health journeys, I offer a safe and supportive space for patients seeking guidance and support. My approach centers on empathy, active listening, and evidence-based interventions tailored to each person's unique needs.
As a compassionate and dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I am committed to providing personalized care that fosters healing and well-being. With a deep understanding of the challenges individuals face in their mental health journeys, I offer a safe and supportive space for patients seeking guidance and support. My approach centers on empathy, active listening, and evidence-based interventions tailored to each person's unique needs.
![Photo of Brittney Gillyard- Agency Accepting New Patients!, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2da756ed-a200-49ca-b35a-c4c1363b4b15/1/320x400.jpeg)
Brittney Gillyard- Agency Accepting New Patients!
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Garland, TX 75041
Lifeline Medical Center is Accepting New Clients Now! We enjoy providing a person-centered and engaging approach with your active engagement and participation and emphasis on your goals and individual needs. We will help you identify possible interventions that address your personal goals and then help you decide which interventions and processes might be helpful. Our group of therapists have experience with all ages through life transitions, school, social problems, trauma and life events that have been difficult to work through alone. We Offer Telehealth Sessions All Across The State Of Oregon! Our therapists have experience in ma
Lifeline Medical Center is Accepting New Clients Now! We enjoy providing a person-centered and engaging approach with your active engagement and participation and emphasis on your goals and individual needs. We will help you identify possible interventions that address your personal goals and then help you decide which interventions and processes might be helpful. Our group of therapists have experience with all ages through life transitions, school, social problems, trauma and life events that have been difficult to work through alone. We Offer Telehealth Sessions All Across The State Of Oregon! Our therapists have experience in ma
![Photo of Debbie Weze, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/aff15b90-6652-4ba3-b535-d497abaa1951/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Psychiatric Mental Nurse Practitioner who treats adults with mental health concerns. My background of over 17 years in medicine offers me the skill set to understand medical systems, and provide mental health care. I received my masters from Walden University, and have been practicing for 3 years. I work with adult patients with depression, anxiety and bipolar disorders.
I am a Psychiatric Mental Nurse Practitioner who treats adults with mental health concerns. My background of over 17 years in medicine offers me the skill set to understand medical systems, and provide mental health care. I received my masters from Walden University, and have been practicing for 3 years. I work with adult patients with depression, anxiety and bipolar disorders.
![Photo of Nancy Soll Shosid, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1a7323ba-7ff8-444e-91db-2ee55de4c533/2/320x400.jpeg)
After practicing psychiatry for 30 years my practice has evolved with a focus on Functional Psychiatry and Women's Brain Health. If you have a psychiatric condition and are looking to alternatives to psychiatric medications or ways to decrease or optimize your response to your medications Functional Psychiatry may the approach you have been missing. Additionally, if you are a woman of any age it is never too early or late to focus on ways to maximize your brain health. This is especially important to women in the perimenopausal and postmenopausal age range as the rate of Dementia is on the rise.
After practicing psychiatry for 30 years my practice has evolved with a focus on Functional Psychiatry and Women's Brain Health. If you have a psychiatric condition and are looking to alternatives to psychiatric medications or ways to decrease or optimize your response to your medications Functional Psychiatry may the approach you have been missing. Additionally, if you are a woman of any age it is never too early or late to focus on ways to maximize your brain health. This is especially important to women in the perimenopausal and postmenopausal age range as the rate of Dementia is on the rise.
![Photo of Dr. Oluwole Popoola, MD, MPH, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1eaa437f-8f03-4ee8-855f-479bbeeb3d2d/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am board-certified in both General Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. I am currently accepting NEW patients with wait times of 1-5 DAYS . If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, substance use or any other mental health issue, and you are looking for an empathic professional who can understand and meet you where you are, then reach out to me. I will conduct a detailed and unrushed evaluation that focuses on understanding your symptoms. Then, you and I will create a treatment plan that is unique and focused on you in order to successfully get you from where you are to where you want to be.
I am board-certified in both General Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. I am currently accepting NEW patients with wait times of 1-5 DAYS . If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, substance use or any other mental health issue, and you are looking for an empathic professional who can understand and meet you where you are, then reach out to me. I will conduct a detailed and unrushed evaluation that focuses on understanding your symptoms. Then, you and I will create a treatment plan that is unique and focused on you in order to successfully get you from where you are to where you want to be.
![Photo of Nestor Ugo - Balanced Mind Behavioral Healthcare Inc, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a19f0f24-b5c8-4f31-b515-ff52169c4ba4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Balanced Mind Behavioral Healthcare Inc
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Dallas, TX 75254
At Balanced Mind Behavioral Healthcare Inc our vision is to treat patients with compassion and respect while providing an individualized treatment plans that meets patient’s outcome. We understand the challenges of daily life event and promote the concept of balanced mindset for patients to see actual results of treatment recommendations. Our team consist of a Psychiatrist, Texas Board and Arizona Board of Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioner with ANCC certification. We provide appointments and psychiatry services in person or via secured and HIPPA compliant video conference platform.
At Balanced Mind Behavioral Healthcare Inc our vision is to treat patients with compassion and respect while providing an individualized treatment plans that meets patient’s outcome. We understand the challenges of daily life event and promote the concept of balanced mindset for patients to see actual results of treatment recommendations. Our team consist of a Psychiatrist, Texas Board and Arizona Board of Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioner with ANCC certification. We provide appointments and psychiatry services in person or via secured and HIPPA compliant video conference platform.
![Photo of Jelilat Buhari - Goodness Psychiatry, APRN, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7dd96cac-10b4-4751-bfc1-d4f02c449115/2/320x400.png)
Goodness Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
Grand Prairie, TX 75051
Are you struggling to find your way out of a dark place ? Fighting to overcome feelings of grief , ADHD, addiction , anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, Bipolar disorder or major life transitions? Have a history of physical , emotional, or sexual trauma? Feeling like you’ve exhausted all options for treatment and given up hope on finding a solution ? I am here to provide light at the end of the tunnel for you .
Are you struggling to find your way out of a dark place ? Fighting to overcome feelings of grief , ADHD, addiction , anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, Bipolar disorder or major life transitions? Have a history of physical , emotional, or sexual trauma? Feeling like you’ve exhausted all options for treatment and given up hope on finding a solution ? I am here to provide light at the end of the tunnel for you .
![Photo of Esther Aruna, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d95c4bb7-afdc-486d-a2e2-962e2c82878f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Esther Aruna
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dallas, TX 75204 (Online Only)
Now accepting new CLIENTS in TX, AZ,WY Feeling overwhelmed, depressed, feeling down, difficulty with sleep and anxious due to life stressors? we offer a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation & treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Let us be a part of your mental health journey. Our goal is to help you live a functional life.
Now accepting new CLIENTS in TX, AZ,WY Feeling overwhelmed, depressed, feeling down, difficulty with sleep and anxious due to life stressors? we offer a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation & treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Let us be a part of your mental health journey. Our goal is to help you live a functional life.
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![Photo of Kelvin Jones, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, -BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/16750914-311b-43b3-b337-7f4d1f92587d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kelvin Jones
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
Dallas, TX 75231
Have you ever struggled with lack of confidence, grief, feeling depressed, frustrated, or uncertain about making a difficult transition? If so, I believe we can work together to find a solution. I understand that everyone is unique and likely responds differently to life challenges. At times we may need help distinguishing the things we can and cannot change in our lives; at other times, we need additional encouragement to make necessary changes in our lives. As a nurse for nearly 20 years, building trust, offering hope and words of encouragement, has repeatedly reminded me of the power of empathy and compassion.
Have you ever struggled with lack of confidence, grief, feeling depressed, frustrated, or uncertain about making a difficult transition? If so, I believe we can work together to find a solution. I understand that everyone is unique and likely responds differently to life challenges. At times we may need help distinguishing the things we can and cannot change in our lives; at other times, we need additional encouragement to make necessary changes in our lives. As a nurse for nearly 20 years, building trust, offering hope and words of encouragement, has repeatedly reminded me of the power of empathy and compassion.
![Photo of Damilola Salako - Salako Psychiatry, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/73849360-ed29-4def-8a52-0493771c1e29/1/320x400.jpeg)
Thank you for stopping by and learning more about the services offered at Salako Psychiatry. My first and only priority from the moment you walk through the door is YOU. I wholeheartedly believe that medical and psychiatric care is a collaborative experience and I strive to ensure clear communication of treatment goals and plans so that we are always on the same page. We do not have a waitlist at this time. I offer discounted rates to college and graduate students.
Thank you for stopping by and learning more about the services offered at Salako Psychiatry. My first and only priority from the moment you walk through the door is YOU. I wholeheartedly believe that medical and psychiatric care is a collaborative experience and I strive to ensure clear communication of treatment goals and plans so that we are always on the same page. We do not have a waitlist at this time. I offer discounted rates to college and graduate students.
![Photo of Emem Nkanga, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8c130de5-c644-4483-8b3e-09a9aa272a08/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am Emem Nkanga, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I hold a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in nursing science from the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). I have over 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry, with the last three years in psychiatry. My extensive background spans various healthcare fields, including trauma, medical/ surgical, progressive/intermediate care, rehabilitation, and psychiatry. I dedicated my lifelong career to improving the well-being of individuals and communities.
I am Emem Nkanga, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I hold a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in nursing science from the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). I have over 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry, with the last three years in psychiatry. My extensive background spans various healthcare fields, including trauma, medical/ surgical, progressive/intermediate care, rehabilitation, and psychiatry. I dedicated my lifelong career to improving the well-being of individuals and communities.
![Photo of Gwen Shipe, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c198efa-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
My patients find me because they want someone to listen and make sense of their journey. They have usually tried and failed several medications. Functional Medicine Psychiatry can usually help. Prior to your 90m initial evaluation you will fill out an extensive online health history. During our visit we may decide together to order diagnostic labs (insurance billing if appropriate). You will follow up to review these labs with a Functional Medicine and Board Certified Nutritionist and Health Coach. Medication management follow-ups, 25m, are with myself or a Psychiatry Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and doctoral candidate.
My patients find me because they want someone to listen and make sense of their journey. They have usually tried and failed several medications. Functional Medicine Psychiatry can usually help. Prior to your 90m initial evaluation you will fill out an extensive online health history. During our visit we may decide together to order diagnostic labs (insurance billing if appropriate). You will follow up to review these labs with a Functional Medicine and Board Certified Nutritionist and Health Coach. Medication management follow-ups, 25m, are with myself or a Psychiatry Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and doctoral candidate.
![Photo of Yaa Brago - Harmony Neuro Behavioral Care, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d4f781c6-470b-467f-852a-33359bc6f152/2/320x400.jpeg)
Harmony Neuro Behavioral Care
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Grand Prairie, TX 75050
Yaa B. is a board certified nurse practitioner who offers compassion,empathy and a sense of humor, making it easy to communicate with all patients and families across the lifespan. She has worked in a variety of setting such as psychiatric emergency, inpatient hospital, and rehabilitation. She has a strong passion for helping Patients get better on a personal level.
Yaa B. is a board certified nurse practitioner who offers compassion,empathy and a sense of humor, making it easy to communicate with all patients and families across the lifespan. She has worked in a variety of setting such as psychiatric emergency, inpatient hospital, and rehabilitation. She has a strong passion for helping Patients get better on a personal level.
![Photo of Dr. Ket Harris, DNP, APRN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1b59d2b8-86a7-4963-9bb9-e45a1eda97aa/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Ket Harris
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Grand Prairie, TX 75051
Are you looking for a healthcare provider who can offer you quality patient care with compassion, care, and customization? Look no further than Keturah Health! Our team of experienced nurse practitioners, including Board-Certified Family and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Ket Harris, DNP, bring a wealth of knowledge, clinical experience, and skills to their role at Keturah Health. At Keturah Health, we are dedicated to enhancing the lives of our clients by integrating health and wellness into each patient's everyday life. Our approach yields excellent results, and we are committed to providing top-quality patient care.
Are you looking for a healthcare provider who can offer you quality patient care with compassion, care, and customization? Look no further than Keturah Health! Our team of experienced nurse practitioners, including Board-Certified Family and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Ket Harris, DNP, bring a wealth of knowledge, clinical experience, and skills to their role at Keturah Health. At Keturah Health, we are dedicated to enhancing the lives of our clients by integrating health and wellness into each patient's everyday life. Our approach yields excellent results, and we are committed to providing top-quality patient care.
![Photo of Cecilia Chanda - Great hope psychiatry , PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/87593534-c822-40e5-8941-0c37b4ed9c2e/1/320x400.jpeg)
I understand your pain and I know how hard it can get sometimes, My goal is to keep every patient healthy, stable, functional, and productive. Great hope Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Services is a private, outpatient psychiatric and behavioral health practice based in Garland, Texas. We are committed to helping you navigate challenging situations and achieve your mental health goals. We treat patients with depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, bipolar, moods, sleep disorders and other psychiatric conditions. We also help children with psychiatric disorders, including ADHD, depression, anxiety, and Autism.
I understand your pain and I know how hard it can get sometimes, My goal is to keep every patient healthy, stable, functional, and productive. Great hope Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Services is a private, outpatient psychiatric and behavioral health practice based in Garland, Texas. We are committed to helping you navigate challenging situations and achieve your mental health goals. We treat patients with depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, bipolar, moods, sleep disorders and other psychiatric conditions. We also help children with psychiatric disorders, including ADHD, depression, anxiety, and Autism.
With my experience as clinician and teacher at the internationally-recognized Menninger Clinic and additional training in psychotherapy, I have special expertise in working with adults who are struggling to change paralyzing, painful or self-defeating patterns of experience, including depression, anxiety, relationship or work problems, low self-esteem and failure to achieve potential. If you prefer psychotherapy with minimal use of medications or if you have complex problems and have tried other treatments without getting well, I may be a good fit for you.
With my experience as clinician and teacher at the internationally-recognized Menninger Clinic and additional training in psychotherapy, I have special expertise in working with adults who are struggling to change paralyzing, painful or self-defeating patterns of experience, including depression, anxiety, relationship or work problems, low self-esteem and failure to achieve potential. If you prefer psychotherapy with minimal use of medications or if you have complex problems and have tried other treatments without getting well, I may be a good fit for you.
![Photo of Olayiwola Raphael Ilori, MBA, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5b1d95d5-26b7-49c3-bd7e-79a728cb4da2/1/320x400.png)
Olayiwola Raphael Ilori
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MBA, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Duncanville, TX 75116 (Online Only)
I am Olayiwola Raphael Ilori, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) currently licensed to practice in the states of Texas and Pennsylvania. I bring a wealth of experience dedicated to fostering my patients' optimal quality of life. My mission is to provide personalized, evidence-based psychiatric care that addresses individual needs comprehensively. I am fervently committed to delivering top-tier mental health services across all stages of life.
I am Olayiwola Raphael Ilori, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) currently licensed to practice in the states of Texas and Pennsylvania. I bring a wealth of experience dedicated to fostering my patients' optimal quality of life. My mission is to provide personalized, evidence-based psychiatric care that addresses individual needs comprehensively. I am fervently committed to delivering top-tier mental health services across all stages of life.
See more therapy options for Dallas County
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Dallas County, TX
500+
Average cost per session
$195
Psychiatrists in Dallas County, TX who prioritize treating:
95% | Anxiety |
94% | Depression |
83% | Bipolar Disorder |
75% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
75% | Trauma and PTSD |
71% | ADHD |
69% | Medication Management |
Average years in practice
6 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
92% | Cigna and Evernorth |
91% | Aetna |
89% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
How Psychiatrists in Dallas County, TX see their clients
50% | Online Only | |
50% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
73% | Female | |
27% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Dallas County?
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.