Psychiatrists in Callahan, FL
![Photo of Michael A Coulter, APRN, FNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b6d4722a-212f-497e-a99b-9af23a81ec91/2/320x400.jpeg)
Michael A Coulter
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, FNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Callahan, FL 32011
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC), as well as, a family nurse practitioner (FNP-BC). I am devoted to providing quality, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health services to children and adults in all walks of life. I am well versed in trauma, addiction, and all mood disorders.
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC), as well as, a family nurse practitioner (FNP-BC). I am devoted to providing quality, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health services to children and adults in all walks of life. I am well versed in trauma, addiction, and all mood disorders.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
![Photo of Kimberly Hunter Clayton, DNP, MBA, APRN-C, PMHNP-B, AGPNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/740a01c4-da58-4acf-a474-011d675089b5/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kimberly Hunter Clayton
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, MBA, APRN-C, PMHNP-B, AGPNP-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Jacksonville, FL 32218
Online Psychiatrists
![Photo of Valencia Mitonya Covington, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b23910b9-1bc2-481f-a06b-e95536777f6c/4/320x400.png)
Valencia Mitonya Covington
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP
Verified Verified
16 Endorsed
Jacksonville, FL 32258
Anxiety, depression, insomnia, mood disorders, PTSD to name a few are examples of mental health issues people struggle with every day. These mental health issues can have a significant impact on our lives. You deserve to be happy, have confidence, self-love, and enjoy life. I also prepare paperwork required for bariatric surgery. As a provider, I utilize a comprehensive approach to diagnose and formulate individualized treatment plan that will work out for you. We now offer medication management, Gene-sight testing, cognitive testing for disorders such as ADHD, and other mood disorders. Semaglutide & Zepbound also available.
Anxiety, depression, insomnia, mood disorders, PTSD to name a few are examples of mental health issues people struggle with every day. These mental health issues can have a significant impact on our lives. You deserve to be happy, have confidence, self-love, and enjoy life. I also prepare paperwork required for bariatric surgery. As a provider, I utilize a comprehensive approach to diagnose and formulate individualized treatment plan that will work out for you. We now offer medication management, Gene-sight testing, cognitive testing for disorders such as ADHD, and other mood disorders. Semaglutide & Zepbound also available.
![Photo of Satyen Madkaiker MD, MD, FAPA, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4aa8edb9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a double board-certified psychiatrist and I treat Depression, Anxiety, Psychosis & Schizophrenia, PTSD, Addiction & Substance abuse, Borderline Personality Disorder, and Memory Disturbances.
I am a double board-certified psychiatrist and I treat Depression, Anxiety, Psychosis & Schizophrenia, PTSD, Addiction & Substance abuse, Borderline Personality Disorder, and Memory Disturbances.
![Photo of Dr. Jennifer Benjamin - Just4U Behavioral &Mental Health Services, DNP, APRN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4001c416-a395-45b7-a9b1-20b43f521a8b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Just4U Behavioral &Mental Health Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Ocala, FL 34471 (Online Only)
Do you work in corrections? Do you struggle with life stressors or, immigration issues? Do you have post traumatic stress syndrome(PTSD) or other related life crisis? Let Just4U help you process your feelings due to life stressors such as; immigration concerns, trauma, working as a correctional staff, death of a loved one, anxious feelings or depression. Just4U will help you to get your life back! JUST4U uses different types of therapies and or medications to make you feel better. JUST4U will help you reach individualized goals. We got you!
Do you work in corrections? Do you struggle with life stressors or, immigration issues? Do you have post traumatic stress syndrome(PTSD) or other related life crisis? Let Just4U help you process your feelings due to life stressors such as; immigration concerns, trauma, working as a correctional staff, death of a loved one, anxious feelings or depression. Just4U will help you to get your life back! JUST4U uses different types of therapies and or medications to make you feel better. JUST4U will help you reach individualized goals. We got you!
![Photo of Gerald Matthews, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6dd70b87-36d3-4c1c-bf08-847a5cebf978/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Gerald Matthews is a staff psychiatrist at Talkiatry. He is board-certified in adult psychiatry, and has experience treating civilians, as well as active duty military and veterans. The majority of Dr. Matthews's practice is in providing medication management, however he often collaborates with therapists in caring for his patients, where indicated.
Dr. Gerald Matthews is a staff psychiatrist at Talkiatry. He is board-certified in adult psychiatry, and has experience treating civilians, as well as active duty military and veterans. The majority of Dr. Matthews's practice is in providing medication management, however he often collaborates with therapists in caring for his patients, where indicated.
![Photo of Albert Fernandez, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c71da793-1601-4738-ac77-2c33024020fc/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Albert Fernandez is a board-certified physician who specializes in adult psychiatry. He has expertise in medication management and psychotherapy. His practice emphasizes a holistic approach to treatment and his style is empathic, insight-oriented and flexible. He has particular interests in helping individuals struggling with depression, difficulty functioning at work or school, life transitions, bipolar spectrum disorders, ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorders, relationship struggles, anxiety disorders, sleep disturbances, low self-esteem, and more.
Dr. Albert Fernandez is a board-certified physician who specializes in adult psychiatry. He has expertise in medication management and psychotherapy. His practice emphasizes a holistic approach to treatment and his style is empathic, insight-oriented and flexible. He has particular interests in helping individuals struggling with depression, difficulty functioning at work or school, life transitions, bipolar spectrum disorders, ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorders, relationship struggles, anxiety disorders, sleep disturbances, low self-esteem, and more.
![Photo of Dr. Swarnalata Debbarma, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dff22a99-1d5d-4560-afa7-4590cb6f7109/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Debbarma is double board certified in General Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. Dr. Debbarma is also certified in mindfulness therapy. Prior to joining Talkiatry, she was working as an attending psychiatrist and teaching faculty in an academic hospital. She has experience managing diverse patients, ranging from chronic severe mental illness, dual diagnosis patients, crisis management and high functioning outpatients population.
Dr. Debbarma is double board certified in General Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. Dr. Debbarma is also certified in mindfulness therapy. Prior to joining Talkiatry, she was working as an attending psychiatrist and teaching faculty in an academic hospital. She has experience managing diverse patients, ranging from chronic severe mental illness, dual diagnosis patients, crisis management and high functioning outpatients population.
![Photo of John Bellavia, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bcee21ea-5e4b-43d9-8dd2-f59b99b4f9f8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Bellavia is an experienced board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in adult psychiatry. He was a faculty member of the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle for 8 years and has been a medical director and attending psychiatrist in several clinical settings including academic medical centers, outpatient private practice and consultation. Dr Bellavia works collaboratively with each patient to identify presenting problems and stressors and utilizes evidence-based medication treatments along with individualized supportive and short-term psychotherapy strategies to reduce symptoms and improve function.
Dr. Bellavia is an experienced board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in adult psychiatry. He was a faculty member of the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle for 8 years and has been a medical director and attending psychiatrist in several clinical settings including academic medical centers, outpatient private practice and consultation. Dr Bellavia works collaboratively with each patient to identify presenting problems and stressors and utilizes evidence-based medication treatments along with individualized supportive and short-term psychotherapy strategies to reduce symptoms and improve function.
![Photo of Celia Colson, DNP, ARNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/31c896c8-94c5-4a5a-94c5-0ea0a9634f57/2/320x400.jpeg)
Celia Colson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, ARNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Gainesville, FL 32601
Welcome! I love to work with individuals who feel stuck. Your concerns may range from anxiety, depression, trauma, or stress to navigating life transitions, relationships, or self-esteem issues. Your goal is likely to feel better and to move through life more effectively, with more ease. You want a provider you can trust, who meets you with humanity and warmth, and who you know is dedicated to instigating real change. You want to be heard, to have a mentor in this process, and to receive thorough explanation and education regarding all treatment options.
Welcome! I love to work with individuals who feel stuck. Your concerns may range from anxiety, depression, trauma, or stress to navigating life transitions, relationships, or self-esteem issues. Your goal is likely to feel better and to move through life more effectively, with more ease. You want a provider you can trust, who meets you with humanity and warmth, and who you know is dedicated to instigating real change. You want to be heard, to have a mentor in this process, and to receive thorough explanation and education regarding all treatment options.
![Photo of Siddharth Arora - Care Clinic, DO, MS, DABPN, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4539237d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
At the CARE Clinic, we provide our patients with up-to-date, evidenced based practices along with some of the most experienced and dedicated healthcare professionals in the field. Our mission has been to provide quality care in a safe environment - earning us a reputation as the clinic most often recommended by family members and colleagues alike. From Addiction Medicine to Brain Health and Wellness, our personalized services allow us to cater to your individual needs. We truly believe that recovery can be a reality for everyone.
At the CARE Clinic, we provide our patients with up-to-date, evidenced based practices along with some of the most experienced and dedicated healthcare professionals in the field. Our mission has been to provide quality care in a safe environment - earning us a reputation as the clinic most often recommended by family members and colleagues alike. From Addiction Medicine to Brain Health and Wellness, our personalized services allow us to cater to your individual needs. We truly believe that recovery can be a reality for everyone.
![Photo of Ahmed Valdes, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7d03373b-4879-4a9d-af3c-060060f91b16/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Ahmed Valdes is a board certified adult psychiatrist and burgeoning Geriatric Psychiatrist. After completing his undergraduate education at Florida State University, he attended medical school at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine where he graduated with a combined M.D./M.S. in Genomic Medicine. He subsequently completed psychiatry residency at Jackson Health System/University of Miami and further subspecialized with a fellowship in Geriatric Psychiatry.
Dr. Ahmed Valdes is a board certified adult psychiatrist and burgeoning Geriatric Psychiatrist. After completing his undergraduate education at Florida State University, he attended medical school at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine where he graduated with a combined M.D./M.S. in Genomic Medicine. He subsequently completed psychiatry residency at Jackson Health System/University of Miami and further subspecialized with a fellowship in Geriatric Psychiatry.
![Photo of Ana Rodriguez, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/36644248-9207-4452-9d40-a2c658956928/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Rodriguez is an adult psychiatrist, who is fluent in Spanish and English. She emphasizes psychoeducation in collaborating with patients to help tailor a personalized treatment plan. Dr. Rodriguez has a patient-centered approach, combined with a passion for optimizing sleep as part of managing psychiatric illness. She offers supportive therapy during medication management visits, and may also offer cognitive behavioral therapy and/or recommend adding a therapist to your care team to optimize outcomes.
Dr. Rodriguez is an adult psychiatrist, who is fluent in Spanish and English. She emphasizes psychoeducation in collaborating with patients to help tailor a personalized treatment plan. Dr. Rodriguez has a patient-centered approach, combined with a passion for optimizing sleep as part of managing psychiatric illness. She offers supportive therapy during medication management visits, and may also offer cognitive behavioral therapy and/or recommend adding a therapist to your care team to optimize outcomes.
![Photo of Tarek Aly, MD, MPH, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7f74e9f7-6b27-4f7e-9676-f19394deee62/2/320x400.jpeg)
I believe medicine and mental health can be both evidence-based and practical. It’s easy to look around and get frustrated with the “medicine first” mentality- a quick fix to treating the complexities of psychiatric diagnoses. I take a conservative but evidence- based approach to medication management with the belief that the path to better mental health and functioning is a mosaic- a multidisciplinary approach including lifestyle changes, therapy, and pharmacological management when appropriate. Please visit mosaicpsychiatry.com for more info -
I believe medicine and mental health can be both evidence-based and practical. It’s easy to look around and get frustrated with the “medicine first” mentality- a quick fix to treating the complexities of psychiatric diagnoses. I take a conservative but evidence- based approach to medication management with the belief that the path to better mental health and functioning is a mosaic- a multidisciplinary approach including lifestyle changes, therapy, and pharmacological management when appropriate. Please visit mosaicpsychiatry.com for more info -
![Photo of Jacquelyn Diane Hill - Jackie's Mental Health Management Solutions, LLC, APRN, FNP-BC, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/74c6dcd9-7657-4885-811a-3bcb075019a8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jackie's Mental Health Management Solutions, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, FNP-BC, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Yulee, FL 32097
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner offering medication management services and psychiatric evaluations for ages 6 and up. I am currently accepting self-pay, Cigna, Aetna, Optum, United Healthcare, Tricare, and BCBS. All appointments start online, with in-person visits available to meet DEA requirements for controlled substances. I treat depression, anxiety, eating disorders, bipolar I and II, schizophrenia, ADHD, insomnia, OCD, panic disorder, nightmares, and other mood disorders. Appointments are available early in the morning (starting at 7:00 AM) and on Saturdays to accommodate your schedule.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner offering medication management services and psychiatric evaluations for ages 6 and up. I am currently accepting self-pay, Cigna, Aetna, Optum, United Healthcare, Tricare, and BCBS. All appointments start online, with in-person visits available to meet DEA requirements for controlled substances. I treat depression, anxiety, eating disorders, bipolar I and II, schizophrenia, ADHD, insomnia, OCD, panic disorder, nightmares, and other mood disorders. Appointments are available early in the morning (starting at 7:00 AM) and on Saturdays to accommodate your schedule.
![Photo of Helen Lancy, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/72a8ae8f-dbf8-427c-b8f4-95bcd6b16ccc/1/320x400.jpeg)
Helen Lancy
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Jacksonville, FL 32209 (Online Only)
Helen Lancy is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner with a Master’s in Nursing from Spring Arbor University, pursuing a Doctor of Nursing in Psychiatric Mental Health from the University of Missouri. With four years of adult-gerontology psychiatry experience, she specializes in anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, and trauma in adults 18+. Passionate about providing evidence-based, compassionate care, Helen is dedicated to serving patients from diverse backgrounds, particularly those in underserved communities. Helen champions patient empowerment, guiding her patients to take control of their health and emotional wellbeing.
Helen Lancy is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner with a Master’s in Nursing from Spring Arbor University, pursuing a Doctor of Nursing in Psychiatric Mental Health from the University of Missouri. With four years of adult-gerontology psychiatry experience, she specializes in anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, and trauma in adults 18+. Passionate about providing evidence-based, compassionate care, Helen is dedicated to serving patients from diverse backgrounds, particularly those in underserved communities. Helen champions patient empowerment, guiding her patients to take control of their health and emotional wellbeing.
![Photo of Robin Belcher, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e76aaaec-aa8d-4a9f-86d7-5eb734558567/1/320x400.jpeg)
Robin Belcher
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Jacksonville, FL 32256 (Online Only)
am a dual certified Nurse Practitioner (APRN) in Psychiatry and Family Nurse Practitioner. I specialize in Psychiatry and is licensed in the state of Florida, Georgia, Wyoming, and Washington.
am a dual certified Nurse Practitioner (APRN) in Psychiatry and Family Nurse Practitioner. I specialize in Psychiatry and is licensed in the state of Florida, Georgia, Wyoming, and Washington.
![Photo of Emmanuel Appiadu, APRN, PMHNP, FNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/33890f36-58e1-4aca-9f93-95b500044de5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Emmanuel Appiadu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Jacksonville, FL 32217
I’m an experienced Dual Certified Mental Health & Family Medicine Provider. I have an extensive history in treating Children, Adults and Geriatric population. I treat clients with ADHD, Bipolar, Depression, Anxiety, Schizophrenia, PTSD, OCD, Eating Disorders, Conduct/Oppositional Defiant Disorders, Personality Disorders, & those with Autistic Spectrum Disorder etc. My work history includes Criminal Justice, Department of Children & Family, Group Homes, Substances Use & Addiction. I am a Certified Addiction Provider with over 10 years experience in treating patients with Suboxone, Sublocade & Vivitrol.
I’m an experienced Dual Certified Mental Health & Family Medicine Provider. I have an extensive history in treating Children, Adults and Geriatric population. I treat clients with ADHD, Bipolar, Depression, Anxiety, Schizophrenia, PTSD, OCD, Eating Disorders, Conduct/Oppositional Defiant Disorders, Personality Disorders, & those with Autistic Spectrum Disorder etc. My work history includes Criminal Justice, Department of Children & Family, Group Homes, Substances Use & Addiction. I am a Certified Addiction Provider with over 10 years experience in treating patients with Suboxone, Sublocade & Vivitrol.
![Photo of Lindsey Burd, CRNP, PMHNP, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/00187dc4-f5cd-464b-b560-e75f2fe12451/1/320x400.jpeg)
Lindsey Burd
Psychiatric Nurse, CRNP, PMHNP, MSN
Verified Verified
Saint Augustine, FL 32095 (Online Only)
Now Accepting New Patients! Over 10 years experience providing patient-centered mental health care to ages 6 years to 65 years. I work with you to offer holistic treatment, meaning you are treated as more than a diagnosis. Your lifestyle, unique challenges, and strengths are always considered. I work with patients to offer collaborative and integrative mental health care, with your needs and goals as part of the treatment plan. I offer personalized psychiatric care from the comfort of your own home via telepsychiatry.
Now Accepting New Patients! Over 10 years experience providing patient-centered mental health care to ages 6 years to 65 years. I work with you to offer holistic treatment, meaning you are treated as more than a diagnosis. Your lifestyle, unique challenges, and strengths are always considered. I work with patients to offer collaborative and integrative mental health care, with your needs and goals as part of the treatment plan. I offer personalized psychiatric care from the comfort of your own home via telepsychiatry.
![Photo of Blanca Osorio Candelaria, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/641ed53f-3bb7-44b2-9773-566bee4beef8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Blanca Osorio-Candelaria is a board-certified adult psychiatrist and has been practicing for over 16 years. Her practice focuses on medication management, which she typically combines with supportive therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. If Dr. Osorio-Candelaria feels you would benefit from working with a therapist in conjunction to medication management, she welcomes collaboration with your therapist to make for the best outcome.
Dr. Blanca Osorio-Candelaria is a board-certified adult psychiatrist and has been practicing for over 16 years. Her practice focuses on medication management, which she typically combines with supportive therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. If Dr. Osorio-Candelaria feels you would benefit from working with a therapist in conjunction to medication management, she welcomes collaboration with your therapist to make for the best outcome.
See more therapy options for Callahan
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Callahan, FL
< 10
Psychiatrists in Callahan, FL who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | ADHD |
100% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
100% | Trauma and PTSD |
100% | Dissociative Disorders (DID) |
100% | Psychosis |
Average years in practice
14 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in Callahan, FL see their clients
100% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
100% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Callahan?
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.