Psychiatrists in Jacksonville, NC
![Photo of Augusta Williams - Corehealthpsych, PMHNP_B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a72b7f8c-e6a7-4aa8-a9f7-5ca1533ee182/1/320x400.png)
We are a virtual psychiatric mental health practice. We at CoreHealthPsych believe that everyone in need should have access to quality care. We provide patients with the knowledge and tools they need to live their best lives. Our experience enables us to offer effective outpatient telehealth and individualized psychiatric care. We provide a safe and non-judgmental environment.
We are a virtual psychiatric mental health practice. We at CoreHealthPsych believe that everyone in need should have access to quality care. We provide patients with the knowledge and tools they need to live their best lives. Our experience enables us to offer effective outpatient telehealth and individualized psychiatric care. We provide a safe and non-judgmental environment.
![Photo of Stephanie Canal - Alchemy Healthy Minds and Wellness, CRNP, MSN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5616b670-1742-4bef-8db6-9fd579b86583/1/320x400.png)
Alchemy Healthy Minds and Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, MSN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Jacksonville, NC 28546
Welcome to Alchemy Healthy Minds and Wellness! We are a nurse practitioner, women, veteran, and mom owned private practice serving the mental health medication management needs of Jacksonville, NC and surrounding areas. With close to 30 years of nursing experience between our two psychiatric nurse practitioners we have a rich background of experience to guide you in meeting your individualized treatment goals. We currently offer services for patients ages 6-65 for medication management, genetic testing, and order appropriate laboratory monitoring.
Welcome to Alchemy Healthy Minds and Wellness! We are a nurse practitioner, women, veteran, and mom owned private practice serving the mental health medication management needs of Jacksonville, NC and surrounding areas. With close to 30 years of nursing experience between our two psychiatric nurse practitioners we have a rich background of experience to guide you in meeting your individualized treatment goals. We currently offer services for patients ages 6-65 for medication management, genetic testing, and order appropriate laboratory monitoring.
![Photo of David Ahlberg, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/67cbfbb0-88fe-4164-bfe3-840d2fbaf3b7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Affiliated Medical Group, PLLC is a private practice Psychiatric Group serving all of North Carolina and Florida. We have many years of combined experience working with people in a variety of settings. We have expertise in the treatment of a wide variety of psychiatric challenges across the lifespan, and we are ready to meet your needs.
Affiliated Medical Group, PLLC is a private practice Psychiatric Group serving all of North Carolina and Florida. We have many years of combined experience working with people in a variety of settings. We have expertise in the treatment of a wide variety of psychiatric challenges across the lifespan, and we are ready to meet your needs.
![Photo of David Ahlberg - Affiliated Medical Group, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/aee9e783-bf1d-4385-afb9-ff9c00ea532b/1/320x400.png)
Affiliated Medical Group, PLLC is a private practice Psychiatric Group serving North Carolina and Florida. We have many years of combined experience working with people in a variety of settings. We have expertise in the treatment of a wide variety of psychiatric challenges across the lifespan, and we are ready to meet your needs.
Affiliated Medical Group, PLLC is a private practice Psychiatric Group serving North Carolina and Florida. We have many years of combined experience working with people in a variety of settings. We have expertise in the treatment of a wide variety of psychiatric challenges across the lifespan, and we are ready to meet your needs.
![Photo of Tanya Fowler, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/07d63cd3-2391-42fd-bc3f-331c4bfc56d6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting New Clients! I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 25 years of nursing experience across the lifespan. I started in a Surgical Trauma ICU helping patients and their families navigate through difficult traumatic experiences. I have always believed in the resiliency of the human spirit and have devoted my practice to providing care that is empathetic, evidenced-based, and unique to the individual. I try to provide a wholistic approach to treatment and advocate for optimizing brain health with medications, nutrition, exercise, supplements, and talk therapy.
Accepting New Clients! I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 25 years of nursing experience across the lifespan. I started in a Surgical Trauma ICU helping patients and their families navigate through difficult traumatic experiences. I have always believed in the resiliency of the human spirit and have devoted my practice to providing care that is empathetic, evidenced-based, and unique to the individual. I try to provide a wholistic approach to treatment and advocate for optimizing brain health with medications, nutrition, exercise, supplements, and talk therapy.
![Photo of Jacqueline Wait, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6ce9b8c7-02d0-472d-aeb0-ef5051eb8210/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jacqueline Wait
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP
Verified Verified
Jacksonville, NC 28546 (Online Only)
Hi! I'm a certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with a background in both inpatient and outpatient care. I've worked with patients dealing with substance abuse/addiction, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and PTSD. My approach involves utilizing the latest diagnostic guidelines from the DSM and evidence-based treatments to support patients in reclaiming their well-being. I strongly believe in the significance of mental health, aiming to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illness and encouraging others to prioritize their mental well-being. My mission is to educate and empower individuals to make their mental health a priority.
Hi! I'm a certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with a background in both inpatient and outpatient care. I've worked with patients dealing with substance abuse/addiction, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and PTSD. My approach involves utilizing the latest diagnostic guidelines from the DSM and evidence-based treatments to support patients in reclaiming their well-being. I strongly believe in the significance of mental health, aiming to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illness and encouraging others to prioritize their mental well-being. My mission is to educate and empower individuals to make their mental health a priority.
![Photo of Meghan Blankmann - CapeSide Psychiatry & CapeSide Addiction Care, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e79e3c83-edf3-44f6-b32d-6a0d2c6edbf1/1/320x400.png)
CapeSide Psychiatry & CapeSide Addiction Care
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Jacksonville, NC 28540
Capeside Psychiatry is committed to providing comprehensive mental health services to children, adolescents, and adults. We provide evaluations, psychological assessments, therapy, and medication management for a range of psychological and behavioral health disorders.
Capeside Psychiatry is committed to providing comprehensive mental health services to children, adolescents, and adults. We provide evaluations, psychological assessments, therapy, and medication management for a range of psychological and behavioral health disorders.
![Photo of Ashli Gibson, PMHNP, CNM, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/07bfac88-bd63-42eb-a56b-989ca3d89b38/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ashli Gibson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, CNM, MSN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Jacksonville, NC 28540
Ashli is a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in Perinatal and Reproductive Psychiatry. She has a background as a Certified Nurse-Midwife in which she developed expertise in prenatal care, birth, postpartum care, and gynecology over the span of six years. As a midwife, Ashli experienced firsthand how prevalent the adversities are that individuals face regarding reproductive challenges and transitions and how few mental health resources there are available to those who need them at such a vulnerable time. She offers medication management and support through a process that values empowerment and respect.
Ashli is a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in Perinatal and Reproductive Psychiatry. She has a background as a Certified Nurse-Midwife in which she developed expertise in prenatal care, birth, postpartum care, and gynecology over the span of six years. As a midwife, Ashli experienced firsthand how prevalent the adversities are that individuals face regarding reproductive challenges and transitions and how few mental health resources there are available to those who need them at such a vulnerable time. She offers medication management and support through a process that values empowerment and respect.
![Photo of Kizzy H Petersen - Carolina Behavioral Health and Wellness PLLC, FNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/13deaa0e-9b43-417e-bae2-a6b35aefb895/2/320x400.jpeg)
Carolina Behavioral Health and Wellness PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Jacksonville, NC 28540
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others and make healthy choices. Mental and physical health are equally important components of our overall health. For example, depression increases the risk for many types of physical health problems, particularly long-lasting conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. I believe mental health is a lifestyle and place emphasis on healthy habits, wellness and self-care to optimize the best version of ourselves.
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others and make healthy choices. Mental and physical health are equally important components of our overall health. For example, depression increases the risk for many types of physical health problems, particularly long-lasting conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. I believe mental health is a lifestyle and place emphasis on healthy habits, wellness and self-care to optimize the best version of ourselves.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
![Photo of Sheila Marano, MSN, FNP-C, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/20a8e1fa-f799-47d5-b030-f6d7c5b873d8/1/320x400.png)
Sheila Marano
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, FNP-C, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Camp Lejeune, NC 28542 (Online Only)
The journey towards mental health and wellness is a marathon and not a race. As a dually certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner, the foundation of my training is seeing and treating the person holistically. My goal is to partner with each individual client to foster the highest quality of life which is sustainable over time. Most clients benefit from a combination of medication management and brief psychotherapy.
The journey towards mental health and wellness is a marathon and not a race. As a dually certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner, the foundation of my training is seeing and treating the person holistically. My goal is to partner with each individual client to foster the highest quality of life which is sustainable over time. Most clients benefit from a combination of medication management and brief psychotherapy.
![Photo of Jordan Espersen, PMHNP-B, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3855ee05-d6ae-4f22-a20a-a140edbc42b0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jordan is a board certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She believes in patient-centered care, not only trusting her own knowledge but using the patient’s opinions and goals to mediate care in hopes to overall improve the individual’s daily life. She feels that involving the individual who seeks care with every decision will bring the individual closer to their goals, improve how they feel overall, and improve the outcome of care. She promotes healthy eating, exercise, and calming techniques such as meditation and yoga.
Jordan is a board certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She believes in patient-centered care, not only trusting her own knowledge but using the patient’s opinions and goals to mediate care in hopes to overall improve the individual’s daily life. She feels that involving the individual who seeks care with every decision will bring the individual closer to their goals, improve how they feel overall, and improve the outcome of care. She promotes healthy eating, exercise, and calming techniques such as meditation and yoga.
Online Psychiatrists
![Photo of Tara Nate, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1a202436-6a8e-44ff-bbb6-23d1f56f5fb2/1/320x400.jpeg)
Tara Nate is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive care to her patients across their lifespan. She prioritizes using a holistic or whole person approach when addressing her patient’s wellness goals. This includes not only focusing on their mental and emotional needs but also on their physical, spiritual, and social needs. She uses a trauma informed approach and aims to empower her patients to lead fulfilling lives.
Tara Nate is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive care to her patients across their lifespan. She prioritizes using a holistic or whole person approach when addressing her patient’s wellness goals. This includes not only focusing on their mental and emotional needs but also on their physical, spiritual, and social needs. She uses a trauma informed approach and aims to empower her patients to lead fulfilling lives.
![Photo of Mary Denina, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/08914242-d1d7-4e26-8632-d8e02a3b9905/1/320x400.jpeg)
Mary Denina
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Fayetteville, NC 28301 (Online Only)
Mary Denina is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) who treats a variety of mental health concerns including, women's issues, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, insomnia, grief, and loss. She is a fierce advocate for reducing the stigma of mental health issues in the adult and geriatric populations. Her role as a PMHNP includes education, medication management, advocacy, and counseling. Mary completed her Master's degree at East Carolina University and her studies included psychopharmacology, therapy modalities, and working with populations across the lifespan.
Mary Denina is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) who treats a variety of mental health concerns including, women's issues, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, insomnia, grief, and loss. She is a fierce advocate for reducing the stigma of mental health issues in the adult and geriatric populations. Her role as a PMHNP includes education, medication management, advocacy, and counseling. Mary completed her Master's degree at East Carolina University and her studies included psychopharmacology, therapy modalities, and working with populations across the lifespan.
![Photo of Jamie Wiles, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a1f8d30f-b434-46a2-a7e5-1c537c763fd5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jamie Wiles is a Board Certified Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a passion for individualized, patient-centered care. Jamie specializes in working with individuals and families in the treatment of anxiety disorders, mood disorders, eating disorders, and attention/focus issues. Jamie works best in partnering with individuals and families to provide options, education, and an open environment to share individual care needs. Experiencing a tragic loss while in Nursing School at Eastern Michigan University propelled Jamie to realize the only type of nurse she wanted to be was a Psychiatric Nurse.
Jamie Wiles is a Board Certified Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a passion for individualized, patient-centered care. Jamie specializes in working with individuals and families in the treatment of anxiety disorders, mood disorders, eating disorders, and attention/focus issues. Jamie works best in partnering with individuals and families to provide options, education, and an open environment to share individual care needs. Experiencing a tragic loss while in Nursing School at Eastern Michigan University propelled Jamie to realize the only type of nurse she wanted to be was a Psychiatric Nurse.
![Photo of Rokima Knox, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d1e19450-24a3-4b3e-9d49-833725e3e55f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Rokima Knox
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Wilmington, NC 28401 (Online Only)
Hi! I'm a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I received my masters for Walden University. I have been in the field of nursing for over 16 years. I have experience working with people across the lifespan treating mainly anxiety, depression and ADHD.
Hi! I'm a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I received my masters for Walden University. I have been in the field of nursing for over 16 years. I have experience working with people across the lifespan treating mainly anxiety, depression and ADHD.
![Photo of Adam Jenrola, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/08dbceb9-1bf3-4afb-9a9f-dc1220c0ada9/2/320x400.jpeg)
Adam Jenrola
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27601 (Online Only)
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). I am passionate about helping clients improve their mental health. As a registered nurse and currently as a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I have about 14 years experience working with patients struggling with mental health issues. I earned my bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) from Chamberlain University and my master of science in nursing (MSN) from Walden University.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). I am passionate about helping clients improve their mental health. As a registered nurse and currently as a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I have about 14 years experience working with patients struggling with mental health issues. I earned my bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) from Chamberlain University and my master of science in nursing (MSN) from Walden University.
![Photo of Danyelle Simmons, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f79f1d00-41e3-4926-b13a-c215e9d385d2/1/320x400.jpeg)
Danyelle Simmons
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fayetteville, NC 28303
My interest is in helping any and all who are in psychiatric need, child or adult.
My interest is in helping any and all who are in psychiatric need, child or adult.
![Photo of Stephanie Renfrow Oneal, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f95cd93e-1be8-48b5-a2d5-a3115c4bdca7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Stephanie Renfrow Oneal
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Fayetteville, NC 28301 (Online Only)
Stephanie is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) trained to evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients across the lifespan. She is very passionate about mental health and its impact on well-being. Stephanie works with individuals in all different stages of life who struggle with behaviors, thoughts, and emotions that prevent them from living the life they want. She can help you experience freedom from the overwhelming hardships making your life difficult to enjoy.
Stephanie is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) trained to evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients across the lifespan. She is very passionate about mental health and its impact on well-being. Stephanie works with individuals in all different stages of life who struggle with behaviors, thoughts, and emotions that prevent them from living the life they want. She can help you experience freedom from the overwhelming hardships making your life difficult to enjoy.
![Photo of Lolade Ogunleye - Cana Psychiatric Health, DNP, PMHNP, CNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/453d493c-4c88-438f-9f9f-35f9b11f3d1c/1/320x400.png)
Cana Psychiatric Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, CNP
Verified Verified
Fayetteville, NC 28304
Dr Lola is a Family psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner:NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! Are you suffering from Anxiety? Hopelessness, helplessness, lack of self-worth, Depression, Bipolar, PTSD, ANGER, ADHD, unsure of your diagnosis, or any other mental health disorders? Are you feeling a low mood? I am Board-Certified Psych Mental Health Nurse Practioner (PMHNP-BC) offering TELEPSYCH services in RTP and the surrounding area in North Carolina.
Dr Lola is a Family psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner:NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! Are you suffering from Anxiety? Hopelessness, helplessness, lack of self-worth, Depression, Bipolar, PTSD, ANGER, ADHD, unsure of your diagnosis, or any other mental health disorders? Are you feeling a low mood? I am Board-Certified Psych Mental Health Nurse Practioner (PMHNP-BC) offering TELEPSYCH services in RTP and the surrounding area in North Carolina.
![Photo of laurie Ann Powers - Sleep & Diet Restoration with Laurie Powers PA-C, PA-C , CAQ, CCMS, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4388a01c-4dbb-4593-8738-985bd001b3a6/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sleep & Diet Restoration with Laurie Powers PA-C
Physician Assistant, PA-C , CAQ, CCMS
Verified Verified
Fayetteville, NC 28305
Are you as frustrated with the medical system as I am? Do you wish your provider had more time to spend with you? Do you wish you were on less meds – or in some cases - none at all? Do you wish you felt healthy and well, both mentally and physically? Hi! My name is Laurie Powers and I have been a medical provider for over 30 years, more than 20 of these in psychiatry. I am a PA certified in Psychiatry and Primary Care. Frustrated with the system, I decided to go back to school to learn how to treat disease using a healthy lifestyle, something that is lacking in our American medical system that focuses on Big Pharma.
Are you as frustrated with the medical system as I am? Do you wish your provider had more time to spend with you? Do you wish you were on less meds – or in some cases - none at all? Do you wish you felt healthy and well, both mentally and physically? Hi! My name is Laurie Powers and I have been a medical provider for over 30 years, more than 20 of these in psychiatry. I am a PA certified in Psychiatry and Primary Care. Frustrated with the system, I decided to go back to school to learn how to treat disease using a healthy lifestyle, something that is lacking in our American medical system that focuses on Big Pharma.
See more therapy options for Jacksonville
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Jacksonville, NC
< 10
Psychiatrists in Jacksonville, NC who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
78% | ADHD |
78% | Trauma and PTSD |
78% | Bipolar Disorder |
67% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
67% | Behavioral Issues |
Average years in practice
5 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
88% | Aetna |
88% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
How Psychiatrists in Jacksonville, NC see their clients
78% | In Person and Online | |
22% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
72% | Female | |
28% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Jacksonville?
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.