Psychiatrists in Coles County, IL
![Photo of Zach Backlin - Noble Health Associates, DNP, FNP-C, PMHNP, RN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fd6a256f-15d4-49c5-8b7d-4b5773533e23/1/320x400.jpeg)
Noble Health Associates
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, FNP-C, PMHNP, RN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mattoon, IL 61938
I am a licensed certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and have been working as a NP since initially graduating in 2019 with my Doctorate in Nursing Practice.
I am a licensed certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and have been working as a NP since initially graduating in 2019 with my Doctorate in Nursing Practice.
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
Urbana, IL 61802
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 Jodi Juenger, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5a20e3e6-8aac-4e6b-b91e-dd67599284c3/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a board-certified Nurse Practitioner and am dually certified in Family and Psychiatric medicine. Initially, I obtained my Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Degree, as I was unsure of what area of medicine I was interested in. All I knew was that I had a burning desire to improve my patients' overall health and well-being through independent practice. In 2019, I began thinking it was time to start focusing on my passion for mental health. I obtained my Master’s Degree as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), and am Board Certified.I believe an individual must be treated as a whole and not by illness alone.
I am a board-certified Nurse Practitioner and am dually certified in Family and Psychiatric medicine. Initially, I obtained my Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Degree, as I was unsure of what area of medicine I was interested in. All I knew was that I had a burning desire to improve my patients' overall health and well-being through independent practice. In 2019, I began thinking it was time to start focusing on my passion for mental health. I obtained my Master’s Degree as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), and am Board Certified.I believe an individual must be treated as a whole and not by illness alone.
![Photo of Stacey Davis, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e3582157-a8bc-4838-982b-5f21b0968dec/1/320x400.jpeg)
Stacey Davis
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Springfield, IL 62701 (Online Only)
I believe in patient-led care. As your provider, I am here to listen and to answer any questions that you may have.
I believe in patient-led care. As your provider, I am here to listen and to answer any questions that you may have.
![Photo of Jacqueline Bode, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e4eabbbd-02fb-4ba7-bc8a-a3d9371c08b6/1/320x400.png)
Jacqueline Bode
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Champaign, IL 61820 (Online Only)
As a registered nurse of 15 years, Jacqueline had the privilege of caring for clients while demonstrating compassion, empathy, and trustworthiness. Wanting to do more for clients in her rural community, she received a degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner to treat patients by providing chronic disease management, preventative health services, and health education for 8 years. She has provided exceptional and timely mental health care for the past two years. Whether you struggle with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, insomnia, ADHD, stress, women's issues, or grief, Jacqueline work with you to formulate the best treatment plan.
As a registered nurse of 15 years, Jacqueline had the privilege of caring for clients while demonstrating compassion, empathy, and trustworthiness. Wanting to do more for clients in her rural community, she received a degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner to treat patients by providing chronic disease management, preventative health services, and health education for 8 years. She has provided exceptional and timely mental health care for the past two years. Whether you struggle with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, insomnia, ADHD, stress, women's issues, or grief, Jacqueline work with you to formulate the best treatment plan.
![Photo of Carrie Helle - Carrie Helle Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/485f6fe0-2946-44dc-b42f-0c1a6854d3f1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Carrie Helle Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MSN
Verified Verified
Bloomington, IL 61701 (Online Only)
Are you seeking a supportive partner on your journey to mental well-being? Look no further. As a dedicated psychiatric nurse practitioner, I specialize in providing personalized, compassionate care to individuals facing a variety of mental health challenges. That is why I take the time to listen, empathize, and tailor our approach to meet your individual needs. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, or other mental health concerns, I am here to help.
Are you seeking a supportive partner on your journey to mental well-being? Look no further. As a dedicated psychiatric nurse practitioner, I specialize in providing personalized, compassionate care to individuals facing a variety of mental health challenges. That is why I take the time to listen, empathize, and tailor our approach to meet your individual needs. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, or other mental health concerns, I am here to help.
![Photo of Mandi Troli, PMHNP, APN, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cf0e88f3-b7df-4a75-9535-d3e8a01a2524/1/320x400.png)
Mandi Troli
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, APN, FNP
Verified Verified
Clifton, IL 60927 (Online Only)
Hi! I am a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) based in Illinois. I received my Masters in Nursing degree from University of St. Francis in Joliet Illinois at the same time I received my post-masters degree as a Family Nurse practitioner (FNP-BC) and have been in practice as an FNP for over 11 years.
Hi! I am a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) based in Illinois. I received my Masters in Nursing degree from University of St. Francis in Joliet Illinois at the same time I received my post-masters degree as a Family Nurse practitioner (FNP-BC) and have been in practice as an FNP for over 11 years.
![Photo of Zackary Ladson, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/462e1717-e30f-490d-a013-a9d897de46ba/2/320x400.png)
I am a certified Physician Assistant and completed my master's degree at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL. I have several years of experience as a Family Medicine Physician Assistant, operating as the sole medical practitioner of my outpatient community health clinic. I manage an extensive array of acute and chronic health conditions, with a significant portion of my practice dedicated to diagnosing and treating psychiatric disorders ranging from mild to severe.
I am a certified Physician Assistant and completed my master's degree at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL. I have several years of experience as a Family Medicine Physician Assistant, operating as the sole medical practitioner of my outpatient community health clinic. I manage an extensive array of acute and chronic health conditions, with a significant portion of my practice dedicated to diagnosing and treating psychiatric disorders ranging from mild to severe.
![Photo of Amber Altidor, DNP, APN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/17c209e7-8c83-401a-b275-cf564869ad1d/2/320x400.png)
Amber Altidor
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Springfield, IL 62704 (Online Only)
Are you struggling with anxiety or depression at home, at school, at work or socially? Have you become frustrated with not meeting your goals in these settings because of how you're feeling emotionally? Are you experiencing trouble concentrating or sleeping? Are you hoping to develop new coping strategies that support your lifestyle and functioning? I am able to provide medication management with psychotherapy to treat your symptoms so that you can start to or get back to enjoying your life and meeting your goals.
Are you struggling with anxiety or depression at home, at school, at work or socially? Have you become frustrated with not meeting your goals in these settings because of how you're feeling emotionally? Are you experiencing trouble concentrating or sleeping? Are you hoping to develop new coping strategies that support your lifestyle and functioning? I am able to provide medication management with psychotherapy to treat your symptoms so that you can start to or get back to enjoying your life and meeting your goals.
![Photo of Pascale Kidane - VirtualPsychiatricCare.com, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8d5d3a40-1751-48fa-a58a-a1b07e7ddf22/2/320x400.jpeg)
VirtualPsychiatricCare.com
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Bloomington, IL 61701 (Online Only)
Accepting new patients via telehealth visits for psychiatric evaluations and medication management. We treat anyone suffering with depression, anxiety, or any other mental health issue that is adversely affecting optimal functioning at work, deterring their best social self, or preventing being fully present for loved ones. Our clients are looking to be properly diagnosed and treated using the safest prescribing principles. Make your appointment on our website today. Evening and weekend hours are available. We offer affordable rates-Initial Psychiatric Eval $199, Follow-ups $99. Accepting some insurance plans.
Accepting new patients via telehealth visits for psychiatric evaluations and medication management. We treat anyone suffering with depression, anxiety, or any other mental health issue that is adversely affecting optimal functioning at work, deterring their best social self, or preventing being fully present for loved ones. Our clients are looking to be properly diagnosed and treated using the safest prescribing principles. Make your appointment on our website today. Evening and weekend hours are available. We offer affordable rates-Initial Psychiatric Eval $199, Follow-ups $99. Accepting some insurance plans.
![Photo of Melinda Rader, MSN, PMHNP-, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/17725866-41b0-43dc-88ef-ce84b3a61066/1/320x400.jpeg)
Mindy Rader is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Illinois who has been practicing since 2015. She has an AND from Lincolnland Community College, a BSN from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, an MSN from University of Phoenix, and a Postgraduate PMHNP certification from Saint Louis University. Mindy offers medication management with a supportive and collaborative attitude. She has a nonjudgmental manner and spends the time needed to get to know each of her clients so that she can understand each person’s unique history and needs.
Mindy Rader is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Illinois who has been practicing since 2015. She has an AND from Lincolnland Community College, a BSN from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, an MSN from University of Phoenix, and a Postgraduate PMHNP certification from Saint Louis University. Mindy offers medication management with a supportive and collaborative attitude. She has a nonjudgmental manner and spends the time needed to get to know each of her clients so that she can understand each person’s unique history and needs.
![Photo of Dr. Chenhang Zou, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/770c28bd-0f20-4345-ba59-257e96b93d1a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Embark on your healing journey with Dr. Zou, a Board-certified psychiatrist who blends the precision of medicine with the art of psychotherapy. Trained at Emory and UAlabama, Dr. Zou is expert at integrating medication management and psychotherapy, including CBT. But her approach is not just about effective treatment; it's about empowering you with self-knowledge and tools for sustainable mental well-being. With Dr. Zou, you can explore a personalized, empathetic approach that resonates uniquely with you.
Embark on your healing journey with Dr. Zou, a Board-certified psychiatrist who blends the precision of medicine with the art of psychotherapy. Trained at Emory and UAlabama, Dr. Zou is expert at integrating medication management and psychotherapy, including CBT. But her approach is not just about effective treatment; it's about empowering you with self-knowledge and tools for sustainable mental well-being. With Dr. Zou, you can explore a personalized, empathetic approach that resonates uniquely with you.
![Photo of Amy Short, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51b7d908-09ad-4ba6-9698-37030b5009b5/1/320x400.png)
Amy Short is a dedicated and compassionate board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) in Illinois, with a robust background in nursing leadership and specialized expertise in psychiatric care. Holding an MSN in Nursing Leadership from Chamberlain University and an additional MSN with a focus on PMHNP-BC from Maryville University, Amy combines her leadership skills with advanced psychiatric knowledge to provide comprehensive care. With a diverse clinical background, Amy has worked as a psych nurse in a hospital setting, honing her skills in addressing the complex mental health needs of individuals.
Amy Short is a dedicated and compassionate board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) in Illinois, with a robust background in nursing leadership and specialized expertise in psychiatric care. Holding an MSN in Nursing Leadership from Chamberlain University and an additional MSN with a focus on PMHNP-BC from Maryville University, Amy combines her leadership skills with advanced psychiatric knowledge to provide comprehensive care. With a diverse clinical background, Amy has worked as a psych nurse in a hospital setting, honing her skills in addressing the complex mental health needs of individuals.
![Photo of Danielle Silva, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2d0343fe-6929-4e44-8390-ce9776359a80/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hello, I'm Danielle Silva, a licensed and board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with four years of experience. I specialize in providing compassionate care and evidence-based therapies to support individuals in managing mental health challenges. I'm dedicated to collaborating with my patients to develop personalized treatment plans that promote healing and enhance overall well-being. I typically work with patients across the lifespan who are struggling with a variety of mental health conditions.
Hello, I'm Danielle Silva, a licensed and board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with four years of experience. I specialize in providing compassionate care and evidence-based therapies to support individuals in managing mental health challenges. I'm dedicated to collaborating with my patients to develop personalized treatment plans that promote healing and enhance overall well-being. I typically work with patients across the lifespan who are struggling with a variety of mental health conditions.
![Photo of Jodie Warsing, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2b0601b1-baf4-459e-be3a-ff0ef3b4a85a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jodie Warsing
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Champaign, IL 61820 (Online Only)
Jodie, an ANCC Board-Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist, holds an advanced Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) and brings over 20 years of diverse experience to her practice. Having worked in various settings, she has honed her skills and expertise to offer exceptional, compassionate care to individuals seeking to improve their mental well-being. Jodie is deeply committed to providing client-centered, empathetic care tailored to each person's unique needs. As a DNP, her versatile role encompasses medication management, therapy, education, community mental health advocacy, and legal reform advocacy.
Jodie, an ANCC Board-Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist, holds an advanced Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) and brings over 20 years of diverse experience to her practice. Having worked in various settings, she has honed her skills and expertise to offer exceptional, compassionate care to individuals seeking to improve their mental well-being. Jodie is deeply committed to providing client-centered, empathetic care tailored to each person's unique needs. As a DNP, her versatile role encompasses medication management, therapy, education, community mental health advocacy, and legal reform advocacy.
![Photo of Dr. Elizabeth O'Brien - Mind-Body Pediatric Psychiatry, LLC, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c367281-94b3-4298-ae78-9e49600debe0/2/320x400.jpeg)
Mind-Body Pediatric Psychiatry, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Springfield, IL 62704 (Online Only)
No Waitlist - Immediate Openings Available! Evening Appointments. Are you seeking a mental health provider who truly understands and listens? Specializing in child and adolescent psychiatry, I am committed to helping young individuals flourish by tackling issues such as anxiety, ADHD, and mood disorders. Step into a supportive and nurturing space where every aspect of your child's unique needs is carefully addressed. My approach is thorough and holistic, involving medication management, customized therapy, nutritional advice, lifestyle coaching, and optimized sleep practices.
No Waitlist - Immediate Openings Available! Evening Appointments. Are you seeking a mental health provider who truly understands and listens? Specializing in child and adolescent psychiatry, I am committed to helping young individuals flourish by tackling issues such as anxiety, ADHD, and mood disorders. Step into a supportive and nurturing space where every aspect of your child's unique needs is carefully addressed. My approach is thorough and holistic, involving medication management, customized therapy, nutritional advice, lifestyle coaching, and optimized sleep practices.
![Photo of Brittni Roldan - Britt the NP, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f9929d3b-9067-4478-befd-9e0cc00b5a41/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hello! I'm Britt ;) Thank you for visiting! My goals are to help your reach your goals and full potential. I love getting to know people and hearing your unique story. My goals are to use my listening skills and experience as a family & psych NP to help you identify and work on any issues. I am developing more interest in the integrative approach to health so will be exploring that more. I am open to working with you in flexible ways to deliver care that is meaningful to you. I have an open mind approach to life and care. I do not prescribe controlled meds.
Hello! I'm Britt ;) Thank you for visiting! My goals are to help your reach your goals and full potential. I love getting to know people and hearing your unique story. My goals are to use my listening skills and experience as a family & psych NP to help you identify and work on any issues. I am developing more interest in the integrative approach to health so will be exploring that more. I am open to working with you in flexible ways to deliver care that is meaningful to you. I have an open mind approach to life and care. I do not prescribe controlled meds.
![Photo of Dan Foutch, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bcc5b674-bb57-4d12-8322-cd3005b2e0b3/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dan Foutch
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mahomet, IL 61853
Mental illness affects people from all walks of life and does not discriminate. I understand this and feel that everyone deserves compassionate treatment regardless of race, political affiliation, gender identity, sexual preference, or religious beliefs. I strive to provide trauma-informed care to all of my clients. This directly impacts my approach to treatment and has given me the ability to connect with my clients on a fundamental level. I understand that getting help can be difficult and that medication is not right for everyone. I will work with you to determine what is the best course of treatment for you.
Mental illness affects people from all walks of life and does not discriminate. I understand this and feel that everyone deserves compassionate treatment regardless of race, political affiliation, gender identity, sexual preference, or religious beliefs. I strive to provide trauma-informed care to all of my clients. This directly impacts my approach to treatment and has given me the ability to connect with my clients on a fundamental level. I understand that getting help can be difficult and that medication is not right for everyone. I will work with you to determine what is the best course of treatment for you.
![Photo of Chandra Pierson-Rye, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b645f22a-367c-403c-847a-007f757372ab/2/320x400.jpeg)
Chandra A. Pierson-Rye is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Illinois who has been practicing since 2016. She has over 20 years of diverse clinical experience. She received her Bachelor's in Science & Nursing (BSN) from MacMurray college, her Master's in Nursing & Science (MSN) from Maryville University, and her Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) from Southern Illinois University “ Edwardsville (SIU-E). She is a member of several organizations, including Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society.
Chandra A. Pierson-Rye is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Illinois who has been practicing since 2016. She has over 20 years of diverse clinical experience. She received her Bachelor's in Science & Nursing (BSN) from MacMurray college, her Master's in Nursing & Science (MSN) from Maryville University, and her Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) from Southern Illinois University “ Edwardsville (SIU-E). She is a member of several organizations, including Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society.
See more therapy options for Coles County
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Coles County, IL
< 10
Psychiatrists in Coles County, IL who prioritize treating:
100% | Addiction |
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in Coles County, IL 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 Coles 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.