Psychiatrists in Oakland, FL
![Photo of Millian Okafor, DNP, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cbfaa727-8973-46e4-8445-18186cad6c41/2/320x400.jpeg)
Millian Okafor
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Oakland, FL 34787 (Online Only)
Welcome! I'm a dedicated healthcare professional with a rich background in nursing education and patient care across various settings. I have extensive, diverse experience working with various age groups. I have held various positions in hospitals in critical care units and worked in private practices in the community as a Nurse Practitioner. Throughout my profession, I have always had a special interest in my patients' mental health, which has enabled me to render holistic and compassionate care to this population.
Welcome! I'm a dedicated healthcare professional with a rich background in nursing education and patient care across various settings. I have extensive, diverse experience working with various age groups. I have held various positions in hospitals in critical care units and worked in private practices in the community as a Nurse Practitioner. Throughout my profession, I have always had a special interest in my patients' mental health, which has enabled me to render holistic and compassionate care to this population.
![Photo of Yuliya Ihlitskaya, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2c37d31c-8959-4096-8f29-bf36c39b63b1/3/320x400.jpeg)
Yuliya Ihlitskaya
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oakland, FL 34787
As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I bring a holistic approach to mental health care. My expertise lies in conducting thorough assessments, diagnosing mental health conditions, and developing personalized treatment plans. I offer evidence-based interventions, medication management, and psychotherapeutic support tailored to each individual's needs. Additionally, my commitment extends to education, ensuring clients and their families are well-informed about their conditions and treatment options. By fostering a compassionate and collaborative therapeutic relationship, I aim to empower individuals on their path to mental well-being.
As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I bring a holistic approach to mental health care. My expertise lies in conducting thorough assessments, diagnosing mental health conditions, and developing personalized treatment plans. I offer evidence-based interventions, medication management, and psychotherapeutic support tailored to each individual's needs. Additionally, my commitment extends to education, ensuring clients and their families are well-informed about their conditions and treatment options. By fostering a compassionate and collaborative therapeutic relationship, I aim to empower individuals on their path to mental well-being.
![Photo of Kazi Ahmad, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8867920e-98d0-4dbe-97bb-a2d3da7190a4/1/320x400.png)
Kazi Ahmad is a psychiatrist, who has been practicing since 2000. He graduated from Mercer University School of Medicine with a MD in Psychiatry. Kazi believes in Treating Mind & body as a whole & Individualize treatment as every person is unique & different. He approaches each Patient as a unique & different individual who needs to be treated with dignity, care & respect. He likes to listen to his Patients & devise a treatment plan which will be the best for patient incorporating Patients concerns. His main areas of focus include Addictions, Bipolar & other Mood Disorders, Anxiety/Panic disorders, Psychosis & Gender Issues.
Kazi Ahmad is a psychiatrist, who has been practicing since 2000. He graduated from Mercer University School of Medicine with a MD in Psychiatry. Kazi believes in Treating Mind & body as a whole & Individualize treatment as every person is unique & different. He approaches each Patient as a unique & different individual who needs to be treated with dignity, care & respect. He likes to listen to his Patients & devise a treatment plan which will be the best for patient incorporating Patients concerns. His main areas of focus include Addictions, Bipolar & other Mood Disorders, Anxiety/Panic disorders, Psychosis & Gender Issues.
![Photo of Hanish Sethi, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/82f20497-f294-4ee4-842b-6640d453dedf/1/320x400.png)
I am board certified Psychiatrist , Specialize in treatment of anxiety, depression , bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD, Schizophrenia , with medications, I do conduct comprehensive evaluation for persons with treatment resistance condition, I treat with TMS ( Trans cranial magnetic stimulation)
I am board certified Psychiatrist , Specialize in treatment of anxiety, depression , bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD, Schizophrenia , with medications, I do conduct comprehensive evaluation for persons with treatment resistance condition, I treat with TMS ( Trans cranial magnetic stimulation)
![Photo of Thessa Moncrieffe, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f56ffbde-86d5-46d9-be9b-473e053cdf24/2/320x400.jpeg)
Thessa Moncrieffe is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Florida who has been practicing since 2022. She has a Master's of Science in Nursing. Thessa's passion is caring for others and is driven by the desire to make a positive impact in the lives of those she comes in contact with. As your provider, Thessa believes in taking a personalized, partnered, and holistic approach. Her goal is to provide a safe place free of criticism or shame, but full of compassion and understanding for the single purpose of healing, positive progress toward regaining self-sufficiency, and a sense of normalcy in your life once again.
Thessa Moncrieffe is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Florida who has been practicing since 2022. She has a Master's of Science in Nursing. Thessa's passion is caring for others and is driven by the desire to make a positive impact in the lives of those she comes in contact with. As your provider, Thessa believes in taking a personalized, partnered, and holistic approach. Her goal is to provide a safe place free of criticism or shame, but full of compassion and understanding for the single purpose of healing, positive progress toward regaining self-sufficiency, and a sense of normalcy in your life once again.
![Photo of Eric Downes, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/df35517f-020e-49db-9828-0adfc12c7fdf/1/320x400.png)
Eric Downes is a psychiatrist who joined LifeStance Health in August of 2019 with a focus on outpatient psychiatry. He completed his general psychiatry residency at the University of Florida. Prior to that he completed medical school at Florida Atlantic University. In his spare time he enjoys swimming, spending time with his wife, and traveling.
Eric Downes is a psychiatrist who joined LifeStance Health in August of 2019 with a focus on outpatient psychiatry. He completed his general psychiatry residency at the University of Florida. Prior to that he completed medical school at Florida Atlantic University. In his spare time he enjoys swimming, spending time with his wife, and traveling.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
![Photo of Dr. Henry Boilini, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4f09bcec-b0c2-43a0-8411-91b916046a0c/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a board-certified psychiatrist with over 26 years of experience in treating a range of mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, adult ADHD, substance use, and psychosis. In addition to clinical practice, I train residents and medical students as an assistant Professor of Psychiatry at UCF Medical School. I draw on my extensive neuroscience experience with managing multiple medications and complex medical conditions to provide careful and personalized treatments informed by the most current medical evidence.
I am a board-certified psychiatrist with over 26 years of experience in treating a range of mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, adult ADHD, substance use, and psychosis. In addition to clinical practice, I train residents and medical students as an assistant Professor of Psychiatry at UCF Medical School. I draw on my extensive neuroscience experience with managing multiple medications and complex medical conditions to provide careful and personalized treatments informed by the most current medical evidence.
![Photo of Brence Brooks, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/03378ffc-caba-4ac5-8fbd-fe89ca338ed5/1/320x400.png)
Brence Brooks
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Winter Garden, FL 34787 (Online Only)
Brence Brooks is a psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner, board-certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center in 2020. He received his bachelor’s degree in Nursing from the University of Louisville and his master’s degree in Nursing from Walden University. Specialty areas include medication management for major depressive disorder, bipolar I and II disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, childhood behavioral disorders, psychotic disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Brence Brooks is a psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner, board-certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center in 2020. He received his bachelor’s degree in Nursing from the University of Louisville and his master’s degree in Nursing from Walden University. Specialty areas include medication management for major depressive disorder, bipolar I and II disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, childhood behavioral disorders, psychotic disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
![Photo of Jason Farrah - Harmony United Psychiatric Care, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6fd70da2-a34e-47c0-a323-1a266b04d11b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting New Clients. Appointments are typically available within 7 days. We offer Medication Management, Counseling/Psychotherapy, and Neuropsychological Testing online via our Telepsychiatry Services throughout Florida. Our team of experienced mental health professionals includes Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, Certified Physician Assistants, and Licensed Therapists. We care for adults, adolescents, and children, ages 5 and above. We accept most insurance plans including Medicare.
Accepting New Clients. Appointments are typically available within 7 days. We offer Medication Management, Counseling/Psychotherapy, and Neuropsychological Testing online via our Telepsychiatry Services throughout Florida. Our team of experienced mental health professionals includes Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, Certified Physician Assistants, and Licensed Therapists. We care for adults, adolescents, and children, ages 5 and above. We accept most insurance plans including Medicare.
![Photo of Adil Mohammed - Harmony United Psychiatric Care, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b5e98531-c88b-4e7f-b631-003ef675598c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting New Clients. Appointments are typically available within 7 days. We offer Medication Management, Counseling/Psychotherapy, and Neuropsychological Testing online via our Telepsychiatry Services throughout Florida. Our team of experienced mental health professionals includes Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, Certified Physician Assistants, and Licensed Therapists. We care for adults, adolescents, and children, ages 5 and above. We accept most insurance plans including Medicare.
Accepting New Clients. Appointments are typically available within 7 days. We offer Medication Management, Counseling/Psychotherapy, and Neuropsychological Testing online via our Telepsychiatry Services throughout Florida. Our team of experienced mental health professionals includes Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, Certified Physician Assistants, and Licensed Therapists. We care for adults, adolescents, and children, ages 5 and above. We accept most insurance plans including Medicare.
![Photo of Colleen Irwin - Accelerated Psychiatric Solutions LLC, ARNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5b188b5e-6f15-4a03-94ad-4a2ab372df47/1/320x400.jpeg)
Accelerated Psychiatric Solutions LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, ARNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Winter Garden, FL 34787 (Online Only)
Greetings! I am Colleen Irwin, a dually board certified, Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP -BC). I am dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive mental health care. With a deep understanding of the human mind and passion for helping others, I strive to empower individuals on their journal towards mental well-being.
Greetings! I am Colleen Irwin, a dually board certified, Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP -BC). I am dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive mental health care. With a deep understanding of the human mind and passion for helping others, I strive to empower individuals on their journal towards mental well-being.
![Photo of Adil Mohammed - Harmony United Psychiatric care, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/433a0249-c7cc-409e-bdae-12714a06012d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting New Clients. Appointments are typically available within 7 days. We offer Medication Management, Counseling/Psychotherapy, and Neuropsychological Testing in our network of clinics and online via our Telepsychiatry Services throughout Florida. Our team of experienced mental health professionals includes Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, Certified Physician Assistants, and Licensed Therapists. We care for adults, adolescents, and children, ages 5 and above. We accept most insurance plans including Medicare.
Accepting New Clients. Appointments are typically available within 7 days. We offer Medication Management, Counseling/Psychotherapy, and Neuropsychological Testing in our network of clinics and online via our Telepsychiatry Services throughout Florida. Our team of experienced mental health professionals includes Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, Certified Physician Assistants, and Licensed Therapists. We care for adults, adolescents, and children, ages 5 and above. We accept most insurance plans including Medicare.
![Photo of Brence Brooks, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/289c1c3a-8651-48df-85e3-e8df38e05acf/1/320x400.png)
Brence Brooks
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Winter Garden, FL 34787 (Online Only)
Brence Brooks is a psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner, board-certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center in 2020. He received his bachelor’s degree in Nursing from the University of Louisville and his master’s degree in Nursing from Walden University. Specialty areas include medication management for major depressive disorder, bipolar I and II disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, childhood behavioral disorders, psychotic disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Brence Brooks is a psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner, board-certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center in 2020. He received his bachelor’s degree in Nursing from the University of Louisville and his master’s degree in Nursing from Walden University. Specialty areas include medication management for major depressive disorder, bipolar I and II disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, childhood behavioral disorders, psychotic disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
![Photo of Elecia Trowers, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e3525683-137d-4967-b078-1998f701ce88/1/320x400.jpeg)
Elecia Trowers is a Board-Certified Adult, Child, and, Adolescent Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She obtained a Bachelor of Science Nursing Degree at The University of South Florida in 2016, she then went on to completing her Master of Science Nursing Degree at The University of Alabama Birmingham in 2019. She completed her psychiatric internship at Florida Behavioral Medicine, Lakeland Regional Health, and, Yantra Psychiatric Services. Elecia's professional background includes surgical transplant nursing, cardio thoracic nursing, she is also a proud nurse leader and continues to practice cardio thoracic nursing at the bedside.
Elecia Trowers is a Board-Certified Adult, Child, and, Adolescent Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She obtained a Bachelor of Science Nursing Degree at The University of South Florida in 2016, she then went on to completing her Master of Science Nursing Degree at The University of Alabama Birmingham in 2019. She completed her psychiatric internship at Florida Behavioral Medicine, Lakeland Regional Health, and, Yantra Psychiatric Services. Elecia's professional background includes surgical transplant nursing, cardio thoracic nursing, she is also a proud nurse leader and continues to practice cardio thoracic nursing at the bedside.
![Photo of Jason Farrah - Harmony United Psychiatric Care, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9ce79e0a-48c9-4cfd-9bfc-2ec9bc033999/2/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting New Clients. Appointments are typically available within 7 days. We offer Medication Management, Counseling/Psychotherapy, and Neuropsychological Testing online via our Telepsychiatry Services throughout Florida. Our team of experienced mental health professionals includes Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, Certified Physician Assistants, and Licensed Therapists. We care for adults, adolescents, and children, ages 5 and above. We accept most insurance plans including Medicare.
Accepting New Clients. Appointments are typically available within 7 days. We offer Medication Management, Counseling/Psychotherapy, and Neuropsychological Testing online via our Telepsychiatry Services throughout Florida. Our team of experienced mental health professionals includes Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, Certified Physician Assistants, and Licensed Therapists. We care for adults, adolescents, and children, ages 5 and above. We accept most insurance plans including Medicare.
![Photo of Dr. Arleen Andujar, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ad00e7aa-1b0c-405e-aedf-c8a040ab70bf/2/320x400.png)
I specialize in treating children, adolescents and adults who are struggling with ADHD, Anxiety, Depression and OCD. I value a holistic and integrative approach to treatment, which means we will treat root causes, together. We will look at diet, nutrition, exercise, sleep and other lifestyle factors to help obtain best outcomes. I find it important to dedicate time to each patient to truly get to know you and make the best treatment recommendations that are unique to your needs and goals.
I specialize in treating children, adolescents and adults who are struggling with ADHD, Anxiety, Depression and OCD. I value a holistic and integrative approach to treatment, which means we will treat root causes, together. We will look at diet, nutrition, exercise, sleep and other lifestyle factors to help obtain best outcomes. I find it important to dedicate time to each patient to truly get to know you and make the best treatment recommendations that are unique to your needs and goals.
![Photo of Kajessa Joseph, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1ecc095f-b8a9-4a62-bf2b-88c39f5d1c48/1/320x400.png)
Kajessa D. Joseph is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Florida who has been practicing since 2022. Kajessa started working as a certified pharmacy technician at Aspire Health Partners which solidify her desire into mental health. She also worked there as a licensed practical nurse and a registered nurse. She acquired experience as a registered nurse in the progressive care unit, postpartum and newborn nursery at Advent Health hospitals.
Kajessa D. Joseph is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Florida who has been practicing since 2022. Kajessa started working as a certified pharmacy technician at Aspire Health Partners which solidify her desire into mental health. She also worked there as a licensed practical nurse and a registered nurse. She acquired experience as a registered nurse in the progressive care unit, postpartum and newborn nursery at Advent Health hospitals.
![Photo of Nathan Schneider - Prestige Total Health, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8be64e4f-e7a6-4176-a967-d54909b657d4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Prestige Total Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Winter Garden, FL 34787 (Online Only)
Same-day appointments may be available. Please visit our website to book an appointment: www.prestigetotalhealth.org or call us at (321) 248-5387. All visits are conducted 100% through video, offering you enhanced privacy and convenience.
Same-day appointments may be available. Please visit our website to book an appointment: www.prestigetotalhealth.org or call us at (321) 248-5387. All visits are conducted 100% through video, offering you enhanced privacy and convenience.
![Photo of Carolann Brooks, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c8fe141b-bd86-417a-95df-1d056523c0a0/1/320x400.jpeg)
A board-certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner, Ms. Carolann Brooks is humble and caring. She is currently employed at Life Stance Health Celebration, FL location. Patients visit her for a variety of concerns involving mood disorders, anxiety, adhd, psychiatry consultations, and medication management. Ms. Brooks earned her bachelor's degree from the University of South Florida. She pursued her master's degree in counselor education from Florida Polytechnic University and another master's degree in nursing from Vanderbilt University.
A board-certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner, Ms. Carolann Brooks is humble and caring. She is currently employed at Life Stance Health Celebration, FL location. Patients visit her for a variety of concerns involving mood disorders, anxiety, adhd, psychiatry consultations, and medication management. Ms. Brooks earned her bachelor's degree from the University of South Florida. She pursued her master's degree in counselor education from Florida Polytechnic University and another master's degree in nursing from Vanderbilt University.
![Photo of Erika Cortes - Verdant Health LLC, APRN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/af0b071f-023e-42af-800d-7c871cdd92cb/2/320x400.jpeg)
Verdant Health LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-C
Verified Verified
Winter Garden, FL 34787 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
My name is Erika Cortes, I am a bilingual nurse practitioner who specializes in psychiatric mental health and can provide same day telehealth consultation, late nights and weekends. Visit my website to make a free 15 minute 'meet and great'. I have practiced in family health, hospital setting, geriatric rehab and other medical specialties. I have a master’s degree as a family nurse practitioner and a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner masters.
My name is Erika Cortes, I am a bilingual nurse practitioner who specializes in psychiatric mental health and can provide same day telehealth consultation, late nights and weekends. Visit my website to make a free 15 minute 'meet and great'. I have practiced in family health, hospital setting, geriatric rehab and other medical specialties. I have a master’s degree as a family nurse practitioner and a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner masters.
See more therapy options for Oakland
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Oakland, FL
< 10
Psychiatrists in Oakland, FL who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
100% | Bipolar Disorder |
83% | Trauma and PTSD |
83% | Sleep or Insomnia |
83% | Medication Management |
Average years in practice
17 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
100% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in Oakland, FL see their clients
84% | In Person and Online | |
16% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
50% | Female | |
50% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Oakland?
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.