Psychiatrists in Bremer County, IA
![Photo of Jennifer Nelsen, ARNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/655cf69a-1294-4900-aa33-84bc29016cd8/1/320x400.png)
Jennifer Nelsen
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, ARNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Waverly, IA 50677 (Online Only)
Jennifer is accepting NEW Patients 14+. Jennifer is here to hold space during times of crisis. She wants to help you build a treatment plan with your goals in mind. She finds meaning in helping patients who are in times of struggle, as well as, those who are ready to move from feeling “good enough” to feeling truly like themselves again.
Jennifer is accepting NEW Patients 14+. Jennifer is here to hold space during times of crisis. She wants to help you build a treatment plan with your goals in mind. She finds meaning in helping patients who are in times of struggle, as well as, those who are ready to move from feeling “good enough” to feeling truly like themselves again.
![Photo of Kristina (Krissy) Gates, DNP, PMHNP, ARNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/55c238f8-c248-4acb-b96a-4aa268d3ea71/3/320x400.jpeg)
Kristina (Krissy) Gates
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, ARNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Waverly, IA 50677
Krissy’s areas of specialty include working with ages 5+, LGBTQ+ community, crisis management, substance abuse (Medication Assisted Treatment-30client limit), ADHD, PTSD, mood, anxiety, and schizophrenia disorders.
Krissy’s areas of specialty include working with ages 5+, LGBTQ+ community, crisis management, substance abuse (Medication Assisted Treatment-30client limit), ADHD, PTSD, mood, anxiety, and schizophrenia disorders.
Online Psychiatrists
![Photo of Natasha Lash, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5ef8af08-d552-4f1a-ae93-997d1378c02c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Are you struggling with managing mental health illness? Do you want a partner to help you manage symptoms and improve functionality? Would finding someone who is compassionate, empathetic, and knowledgeable be beneficial?
Are you struggling with managing mental health illness? Do you want a partner to help you manage symptoms and improve functionality? Would finding someone who is compassionate, empathetic, and knowledgeable be beneficial?
![Photo of Robin Cook Kopelman, MD, MPH, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51fd3e52-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Robin Kopelman is board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in Adult Psychiatry and is a leading expert in the state of Iowa in the fields of Women’s and Maternal/Perinatal Mental Health. She is passionate about working with women to streamline their care to address their unique preferences and life circumstances. Her expertise includes helping patients make informed decisions about medication use related to pregnancy, breastfeeding, and reproductive hormone status, while offering broader services to all women across adulthood.
Dr. Robin Kopelman is board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in Adult Psychiatry and is a leading expert in the state of Iowa in the fields of Women’s and Maternal/Perinatal Mental Health. She is passionate about working with women to streamline their care to address their unique preferences and life circumstances. Her expertise includes helping patients make informed decisions about medication use related to pregnancy, breastfeeding, and reproductive hormone status, while offering broader services to all women across adulthood.
![Photo of Rosaline During, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/025f24d8-b367-4823-b76c-1cd5cde8c882/2/320x400.jpeg)
Rosaline During
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 (Online Only)
Accepting NEW Patients! We can usually get new patients in within a WEEK! We specialize in high quality telemedicine, personalized ADHD treatment, treatment for anxiety, PTSD, depression, OCD, and some substance abuse! We accept most insurances and have discount self pay options. We offer comprehensive assessments and customized treatment plans, we work hard to improve your quality of life.
Accepting NEW Patients! We can usually get new patients in within a WEEK! We specialize in high quality telemedicine, personalized ADHD treatment, treatment for anxiety, PTSD, depression, OCD, and some substance abuse! We accept most insurances and have discount self pay options. We offer comprehensive assessments and customized treatment plans, we work hard to improve your quality of life.
![Photo of Emily Black, ARNP, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c8bfb0b1-1c5c-4874-8b61-c9c5ee4ca5e3/2/320x400.jpeg)
I started my career in healthcare providing respite, residential, and skilled community living care to children and young adults with intellectual and physical disabilities. During this time, I fell in love with the profession of nursing and completed my BSN in 2018 at Mercy College of Health and Sciences. I began my nursing career in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and later transitioned to working at a pediatric outpatient clinic. I felt most passionate about working with children and young adults seeking treatment for mental health and chose to pursue my Master of Sciences in Nursing at Briar Cliff University.
I started my career in healthcare providing respite, residential, and skilled community living care to children and young adults with intellectual and physical disabilities. During this time, I fell in love with the profession of nursing and completed my BSN in 2018 at Mercy College of Health and Sciences. I began my nursing career in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and later transitioned to working at a pediatric outpatient clinic. I felt most passionate about working with children and young adults seeking treatment for mental health and chose to pursue my Master of Sciences in Nursing at Briar Cliff University.
![Photo of Zachary Gilliam, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5acb5746-08da-4c4d-ae19-55d390dd3eef/1/320x400.png)
Zachary Gilliam
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Marion, IA 52302 (Online Only)
Hello! My name is Zac Gilliam, and I am a dual board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNPC-AG). In working with patients, I strive for a holistic approach to care that encompasses eating healthy, staying active, sleeping well, spending time with people you love, and doing the work and activities you enjoy, all of which are so important to mental health. Working on all of the things that contribute to well-being creates a synergistic effect to help patients achieve lasting and meaningful improvements.
Hello! My name is Zac Gilliam, and I am a dual board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNPC-AG). In working with patients, I strive for a holistic approach to care that encompasses eating healthy, staying active, sleeping well, spending time with people you love, and doing the work and activities you enjoy, all of which are so important to mental health. Working on all of the things that contribute to well-being creates a synergistic effect to help patients achieve lasting and meaningful improvements.
![Photo of Breanna Millsap, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8da71fce-6d97-4c22-90dd-cd27f0702d94/1/320x400.png)
Breanna Millsap
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 (Online Only)
Breanna Millsap (MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC) has over 20 years of experience in healthcare. Same-day appointments are often available, and patients report that they're glad she prioritizes availability. Patients who have worked with her say she's relatable, easy to talk to, and sincere. She believes in treating the whole person and recognizing the interconnectedness of mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Initial visits typically last 1 hour, and follow-ups are generally 20-30 minutes. Book directly at Helloalma.com. Search for a psychiatrist. Type in Breanna Millsap. Schedule your consultation today.
Breanna Millsap (MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC) has over 20 years of experience in healthcare. Same-day appointments are often available, and patients report that they're glad she prioritizes availability. Patients who have worked with her say she's relatable, easy to talk to, and sincere. She believes in treating the whole person and recognizing the interconnectedness of mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Initial visits typically last 1 hour, and follow-ups are generally 20-30 minutes. Book directly at Helloalma.com. Search for a psychiatrist. Type in Breanna Millsap. Schedule your consultation today.
![Photo of Larry Newman, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f5a08cc-b6c9-4269-9554-e4e3e8659391/1/320x400.jpeg)
Larry Newman
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Cedar Falls, IA 50613 (Online Only)
I am Larry Newman, DNP, AGNPPC, PMHNP. I am dually board-certified as both a Psychiatric Mental Health and an Adult/Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. I provide services to adults and children. My areas of focus include mental health in adults, LGBTQIA+, immigrant community members, Native Americans and other marginalized communities. Trauma-informed care is foundational in my practice. I collaborate with clients in all decision making. I use motivational interviewing techniques, person-centered therapy, cognitive-behavioral technique.
I am Larry Newman, DNP, AGNPPC, PMHNP. I am dually board-certified as both a Psychiatric Mental Health and an Adult/Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. I provide services to adults and children. My areas of focus include mental health in adults, LGBTQIA+, immigrant community members, Native Americans and other marginalized communities. Trauma-informed care is foundational in my practice. I collaborate with clients in all decision making. I use motivational interviewing techniques, person-centered therapy, cognitive-behavioral technique.
![Photo of Margaret Butler, ARNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/117d950d-04e8-40da-8156-6a0a66ca1c8e/1/320x400.jpeg)
I enjoy working with people ages 6 and up who are coping with mental health challenges including depression, anxiety, panic, trauma, and attention deficit disorder. I want to work with people to meet their goals of living their best life, in happiness health and safety. I like to work with people to develop individualized care plans and involve them in understanding the options they have to choose from when developing their care. I hope to establish a relationship based on mutual trust, and care with each of my clients.
I enjoy working with people ages 6 and up who are coping with mental health challenges including depression, anxiety, panic, trauma, and attention deficit disorder. I want to work with people to meet their goals of living their best life, in happiness health and safety. I like to work with people to develop individualized care plans and involve them in understanding the options they have to choose from when developing their care. I hope to establish a relationship based on mutual trust, and care with each of my clients.
![Photo of Abbie Kelley, ARNP, CNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8be21655-e9cd-42d1-bd86-4a69457dd9fa/1/320x400.jpeg)
Abbie is a board-certified Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She sees children and adults for medication management. Areas of interest include depression, generalized anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder, and post-partum depression.
Abbie is a board-certified Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She sees children and adults for medication management. Areas of interest include depression, generalized anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder, and post-partum depression.
![Photo of Lindsay Schock, MSN, ARNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c62bda3c-a21e-423e-afa9-2ceb07b3f640/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lindsay Schock
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, ARNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Lindsay Schock, ARNP, PMHNP-BC is a board certified Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner at Covenant Family Solutions at the Cedar Rapids location. She works with individuals ages 12 and up. She especially enjoys helping those who experience Anxiety Disorders (OCD, PTSD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder), Depression and other Mood Disorders, ADHD, Behavioral Disorders, Trauma, Psychotic Disorders, and Bipolar Disorders. She just relocated from Louisville, Kentucky, and has experience triaging clients in emergency psychiatric services.
Lindsay Schock, ARNP, PMHNP-BC is a board certified Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner at Covenant Family Solutions at the Cedar Rapids location. She works with individuals ages 12 and up. She especially enjoys helping those who experience Anxiety Disorders (OCD, PTSD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder), Depression and other Mood Disorders, ADHD, Behavioral Disorders, Trauma, Psychotic Disorders, and Bipolar Disorders. She just relocated from Louisville, Kentucky, and has experience triaging clients in emergency psychiatric services.
![Photo of Natalie Christensen, ARNP, FNP-C, PMH-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8a266c37-76e9-4943-bcf4-8daa7c948d9a/4/320x400.jpeg)
Natalie Christensen
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, ARNP, FNP-C, PMH-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ames, IA 50010 (Online Only)
I am a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner who has been practicing in the family practice setting since 2016 providing chronic disease management, including mental health care. I developed a passion for mental health, specifically the perinatal population. I have an understanding of how chronic health conditions, including mental health, can affect all aspects of our lives and be interconnected. I provide medication management services via telehealth to women 18+ in the state of Iowa. I offer treatment for anxiety, depression, ADHD, and some sleep disorders.
I am a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner who has been practicing in the family practice setting since 2016 providing chronic disease management, including mental health care. I developed a passion for mental health, specifically the perinatal population. I have an understanding of how chronic health conditions, including mental health, can affect all aspects of our lives and be interconnected. I provide medication management services via telehealth to women 18+ in the state of Iowa. I offer treatment for anxiety, depression, ADHD, and some sleep disorders.
![Photo of Danielle Van Oosbree, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ae5f43bb-beb5-4b6b-8dd9-8cb2de80f736/1/320x400.png)
Hi, I'm Danielle Van Oosbree. I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I use a client-centered approach with hopes in providing quality, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health services, along with medication management. I create a relaxed atmosphere, so the patient feels comfortable being able to express themselves without feeling judged.
Hi, I'm Danielle Van Oosbree. I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I use a client-centered approach with hopes in providing quality, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health services, along with medication management. I create a relaxed atmosphere, so the patient feels comfortable being able to express themselves without feeling judged.
![Photo of Curtis Long, DNP, PMHNP, MBA, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ae7b58de-a599-4b62-921c-437739511c38/1/320x400.jpeg)
Curtis Long
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, MBA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Iowa City, IA 52246
All people deal with varying levels of mental health but some face more intense circumstances. As a mental health medication prescriber, I am dedicated to providing support to you to help you unleash their potential. There is no simple blood test when it comes to determining the best mental health medication for each individual. Each person’s situation and experience is unique. Your voice and ability to share your symptoms in a calm environment is critical. A key part of my process is to listen to your questions and concerns from the first moment you meet and continually throughout treatment.
All people deal with varying levels of mental health but some face more intense circumstances. As a mental health medication prescriber, I am dedicated to providing support to you to help you unleash their potential. There is no simple blood test when it comes to determining the best mental health medication for each individual. Each person’s situation and experience is unique. Your voice and ability to share your symptoms in a calm environment is critical. A key part of my process is to listen to your questions and concerns from the first moment you meet and continually throughout treatment.
![Photo of Germaine Mbuh, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f0f07ba7-bf05-46c9-8b17-ea31b9c7bcb1/2/320x400.jpeg)
Germaine Mbuh
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Iowa City, IA 52240
I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Board Certified (PMHNP-BC) serving children, adults and the senior population. Professionally, I have worked in diverse roles in numerous care settings. Throughout these years of experience, I have faced numerous situations where understanding and recognizing a patient’s mental health was essential. In these care situations, I developed an indomitable passion for mental health, ultimately leading me to pursue a master’s degree in nursing to obtain my Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I provide medication management, psychoeducation, and psychiatric evaluations.
I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Board Certified (PMHNP-BC) serving children, adults and the senior population. Professionally, I have worked in diverse roles in numerous care settings. Throughout these years of experience, I have faced numerous situations where understanding and recognizing a patient’s mental health was essential. In these care situations, I developed an indomitable passion for mental health, ultimately leading me to pursue a master’s degree in nursing to obtain my Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I provide medication management, psychoeducation, and psychiatric evaluations.
![Photo of Breanna Millsap, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BC, RNC-OB, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5dd2ef69-2a2d-4c61-b4c3-9932173e4d9d/1/320x400.png)
Breanna Millsap
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BC, RNC-OB
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Cedar Falls, IA 50613 (Online Only)
Breanna Millsap (MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC) has over 20 years of experience in healthcare. Same-day appointments are often available because she prioritizes availability as being a must, with mental health. Patients who have worked with her like that she's relatable, easy to talk to, and sincere. She believes in recognizing the interconnectedness of mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Initial visits typically 1 hour and follow-ups are generally 20 minutes. Book directly at Helloalma.com. Search for a psychiatrist. Type in Breanna Millsap, and schedule your free consultation today!
Breanna Millsap (MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC) has over 20 years of experience in healthcare. Same-day appointments are often available because she prioritizes availability as being a must, with mental health. Patients who have worked with her like that she's relatable, easy to talk to, and sincere. She believes in recognizing the interconnectedness of mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Initial visits typically 1 hour and follow-ups are generally 20 minutes. Book directly at Helloalma.com. Search for a psychiatrist. Type in Breanna Millsap, and schedule your free consultation today!
![Photo of Noel Adams, MSN, ARNP, PMHNP, SANE, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/583c46ab-08f3-4f6f-9172-177379fd1c70/2/320x400.jpeg)
Noel Adams
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, ARNP, PMHNP, SANE
Verified Verified
Marion, IA 52302
Now able to accept new patients! Noel Adams is a board certified medication provider specializing in Anxiety Disorders (OCD, PTSD, panic disorder) ADHD, Depression and other Mood Disorders, Trauma, Bipolar Disorder, and Behavioral Disorders. Noel provides care to patients across a lifespan (ages 6+) with over a decade of experience in healthcare helping individuals navigate their mental health in both hospital and clinic settings.
Now able to accept new patients! Noel Adams is a board certified medication provider specializing in Anxiety Disorders (OCD, PTSD, panic disorder) ADHD, Depression and other Mood Disorders, Trauma, Bipolar Disorder, and Behavioral Disorders. Noel provides care to patients across a lifespan (ages 6+) with over a decade of experience in healthcare helping individuals navigate their mental health in both hospital and clinic settings.
![Photo of Kelsey Andresen, ARNP, MSN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/37b838b8-c904-441c-a6b8-cd5c6aa880b4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kelsey Andresen
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, ARNP, MSN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ankeny, IA 50023 (Online Only)
Kelsey believes it is important to create an individualized plan of care that integrates client involvement, evidence-based practices, and interprofessional collaboration. Kelsey is a board certified Psychiatric Mental health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who has worked in the mental health field since 2009. Her background includes experience in both inpatient and outpatient care. Kelsey earned her Bachelor's in Kinesiology from Iowa State University and her Master of Science in Nursing from Allen College.
Kelsey believes it is important to create an individualized plan of care that integrates client involvement, evidence-based practices, and interprofessional collaboration. Kelsey is a board certified Psychiatric Mental health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who has worked in the mental health field since 2009. Her background includes experience in both inpatient and outpatient care. Kelsey earned her Bachelor's in Kinesiology from Iowa State University and her Master of Science in Nursing from Allen College.
![Photo of Jenna Z Berendzen, DNP, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ae249659-248d-405e-832c-4a20ddde755b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jenna Z Berendzen
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
Cedar Falls, IA 50613
Jenna has extensive practice experience in psychiatry and reproductive health has helped Jenna gain knowledge and expertise in how hormones and life-changes, such as pregnancy, postpartum and menopause, play a role in one's mental health. She has post-graduate training in perinatal mental health including the 12-hour post-graduate PPD training and the Master Clinician Summit at the Postpartum Stress Center. She helped to found, and is a former board member of, the Iowa chapter of Postpartum Support International.
Jenna has extensive practice experience in psychiatry and reproductive health has helped Jenna gain knowledge and expertise in how hormones and life-changes, such as pregnancy, postpartum and menopause, play a role in one's mental health. She has post-graduate training in perinatal mental health including the 12-hour post-graduate PPD training and the Master Clinician Summit at the Postpartum Stress Center. She helped to found, and is a former board member of, the Iowa chapter of Postpartum Support International.
See more therapy options for Bremer County
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Bremer County, IA
< 10
Psychiatrists in Bremer County, IA who prioritize treating:
100% | Relationship Issues |
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | ADHD |
100% | Grief |
100% | Trauma and PTSD |
100% | Psychosis |
Average years in practice
3 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | HealthPartners of MN and WI |
100% | Midlands Choice |
100% | Blue Cross |
How Psychiatrists in Bremer County, IA see their clients
50% | In Person and Online | |
50% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
100% | Female |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Bremer 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.