Psychiatrists in Elgin, IL
![Photo of Allison Sikorsky - At Your Service Psychiatry PLLC, PMHNP, DNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3fc5480b-b542-46f6-8ef7-e7cf0b343123/1/320x400.png)
At Your Service Psychiatry PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, DNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Elgin, IL 60123
To see availability and schedule, go to AtYourServicePsychiatry.com. Prescription medications are sent to your local pharmacy after the visit. You finally decided to reach out for help, but it takes months to get in. I established this online telepsychiatry practice with the busy person in mind. We care for people with ADHD, depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, bipolar, and more. We strive to offer compassionate and convenient psychiatric care.
To see availability and schedule, go to AtYourServicePsychiatry.com. Prescription medications are sent to your local pharmacy after the visit. You finally decided to reach out for help, but it takes months to get in. I established this online telepsychiatry practice with the busy person in mind. We care for people with ADHD, depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, bipolar, and more. We strive to offer compassionate and convenient psychiatric care.
![Photo of Cheryl Ischar - Ci Psychiatry PLLC , PMHNP, APN, CEO, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0c563104-a5dc-4abe-9654-331ba1e3663c/1/320x400.png)
Ci Psychiatry PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, APN, CEO
Verified Verified
Elgin, IL 60123
I utilize a holistic and comprehensive treatment approach. By combining genetic testing with a variety of assessment screenings (done before your first appointment with me) and fasting lab work- I collect, review, diagnose and then treat to identify just exactly what your body needs to feel well again.
I utilize a holistic and comprehensive treatment approach. By combining genetic testing with a variety of assessment screenings (done before your first appointment with me) and fasting lab work- I collect, review, diagnose and then treat to identify just exactly what your body needs to feel well again.
![Photo of Gundu Reddy - Illinois Telepsychiatry, MD, MBBS, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/da9e6c63-fccb-4443-bf28-679a92acbe67/1/320x400.jpeg)
Illinois Telepsychiatry
Psychiatrist, MD, MBBS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Elgin, IL 60120 (Online Only)
Dr. Gundu Reddy is licensed in Illinois. Prior to starting residency at Mount Sinai School of medicine she pursued additional research in HIV Psychiatry. As well as residency training, she has also pursued further training in psychodynamic psychotherapy at the NYU Psychoanalytic Institute. She states that whether prescribing medication, family, or relationship therapy, understanding psychodynamic conflict and causes of symptoms will cause help to enhance the quality of care. As well as psychodynamic training Dr. Reddy also has a background in integrative psychiatry and treatment resistance.
Dr. Gundu Reddy is licensed in Illinois. Prior to starting residency at Mount Sinai School of medicine she pursued additional research in HIV Psychiatry. As well as residency training, she has also pursued further training in psychodynamic psychotherapy at the NYU Psychoanalytic Institute. She states that whether prescribing medication, family, or relationship therapy, understanding psychodynamic conflict and causes of symptoms will cause help to enhance the quality of care. As well as psychodynamic training Dr. Reddy also has a background in integrative psychiatry and treatment resistance.
![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
Elgin, IL 60120 (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 Sherann Ivy - Sunshine Psychiatry, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/53036dae-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Sunshine Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Elgin, IL 60123
*****NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS**** Whether you need psychiatric evaluation and treatment for addiction, anxiety, depression, a mood disorder, ADHD, PTSD, or another mental health problem, as your provider, my goal is to help you get the solutions that will let you feel better soon. The belief in giving help with deep caring, and my style of listening, form the soul of my practice today. I see all patients as unique in their own way, and I value the privilege of giving the best care that my private practice in psychiatric medicine can provide.
*****NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS**** Whether you need psychiatric evaluation and treatment for addiction, anxiety, depression, a mood disorder, ADHD, PTSD, or another mental health problem, as your provider, my goal is to help you get the solutions that will let you feel better soon. The belief in giving help with deep caring, and my style of listening, form the soul of my practice today. I see all patients as unique in their own way, and I value the privilege of giving the best care that my private practice in psychiatric medicine can provide.
![Photo of Sarah Skea - Values Based Psychiatry, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f985367-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Values Based Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Elgin, IL 60120 (Online Only)
Values Based Psychiatry offers flexible appointment scheduling including early morning, late evening, and weekend availability. In fact, we will do our very best to schedule your first appointment within a week of your call.
Values Based Psychiatry offers flexible appointment scheduling including early morning, late evening, and weekend availability. In fact, we will do our very best to schedule your first appointment within a week of your call.
![Photo of Devika Patel, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/03838c8f-46b7-40ef-bea2-c0ff7ff38ce5/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am currently accepting new patients** I have been providing excellent care for over 4 years with great compassion. I provide psychiatric evaluations and medication management for patients 5 years and older with Anxiety Disorders, Depression, ADHD, Mood disorder, PTSD, Opioid Use Disorder, and other mental health problems. I treat each patient as an individual and work together in developing treatment plans. I spend the time needed with each patient to get to know them and understand the source of their struggles.
I am currently accepting new patients** I have been providing excellent care for over 4 years with great compassion. I provide psychiatric evaluations and medication management for patients 5 years and older with Anxiety Disorders, Depression, ADHD, Mood disorder, PTSD, Opioid Use Disorder, and other mental health problems. I treat each patient as an individual and work together in developing treatment plans. I spend the time needed with each patient to get to know them and understand the source of their struggles.
![Photo of Khyati V Patel, MSN, CNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/58ca355e-ebb2-4871-bd05-a809b02e2191/2/320x400.jpeg)
Khyati V Patel
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, CNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Elgin, IL 60120
Khyati Patel is a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner. She has experienced working with adults and adolescents. She has exceptional clinical skills in treating both pediatric and adult population. She is specializing in Adhd, Anxiety, Depression, and Ptsd. Khyati, approaches her patient Holistic rather than focusing on their diagnosis. She believes it is important to understand the patient holistically to receive benefits from the treatment. Listening to patients’ concerns is one of her empower skills that she carries with her.
Khyati Patel is a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner. She has experienced working with adults and adolescents. She has exceptional clinical skills in treating both pediatric and adult population. She is specializing in Adhd, Anxiety, Depression, and Ptsd. Khyati, approaches her patient Holistic rather than focusing on their diagnosis. She believes it is important to understand the patient holistically to receive benefits from the treatment. Listening to patients’ concerns is one of her empower skills that she carries with her.
![Photo of Shalom A Odefadehan - Greater Heights P Medical services, FNP-BC, APRN-FP, PMHNP, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/53c4a633-334b-42fa-8d7b-d9edf78dffab/2/320x400.jpeg)
Greater Heights P Medical services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP-BC, APRN-FP, PMHNP, MSN
Verified Verified
Elgin, IL 60120
Shalom is a board-certified advanced practitioner with Full Practice Authority (FPA). He has worked in various behavioral health Hospitals since past 15 years in a variety of settings including inpatient and outpatient, managing care from adolescents with autism to older adults with dementia. His expertise lies in listening to patients and astute ability to develop a care plan/medication management cultured to each patient needs. Everyone is different and should be treated as such. Shalom brings humor to set people at ease while building healthy therapeutic relationships with individuals.
Shalom is a board-certified advanced practitioner with Full Practice Authority (FPA). He has worked in various behavioral health Hospitals since past 15 years in a variety of settings including inpatient and outpatient, managing care from adolescents with autism to older adults with dementia. His expertise lies in listening to patients and astute ability to develop a care plan/medication management cultured to each patient needs. Everyone is different and should be treated as such. Shalom brings humor to set people at ease while building healthy therapeutic relationships with individuals.
![Photo of Dr. Chenhang Zou, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0054dda2-133d-4dc2-9193-6aa29b83b5ab/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 Aleksandr Zverinskiy - Brave Health, MD, MSW, PhD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8c3da24d-464a-4595-9f3c-8a007965fde4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Brave Health is a virtual mental health provider dedicated to helping people thrive by engaging them in high-quality, affordable, and easily accessible mental health care. Our diverse clinical staff includes licensed psychiatrists and nurse practitioners with expertise in treating mental health. One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to your health. We’ll work together to create a customized treatment plan for your needs. Our programs are evidence-based, drawing on approaches to treatment that are clinically proven to be effective.
Brave Health is a virtual mental health provider dedicated to helping people thrive by engaging them in high-quality, affordable, and easily accessible mental health care. Our diverse clinical staff includes licensed psychiatrists and nurse practitioners with expertise in treating mental health. One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to your health. We’ll work together to create a customized treatment plan for your needs. Our programs are evidence-based, drawing on approaches to treatment that are clinically proven to be effective.
![Photo of Jessica Stier, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ae585bb6-648e-4893-ade2-1f77c40625b3/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a psychiatrist with expertise in both psychopharmacology and psychotherapy. I earned my medical degree from Rosalind Franklin University and completed my psychiatry residency training at the University of Chicago. As a general psychiatrist, I have experience working with a wide range of psychiatric disorders and with patients from diverse cultural backgrounds. I understand that many people have difficulty accessing psychiatric services. Therefore, my practice utilizes a virtual platform to provide patients located in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin with high quality and confidential care.
I am a psychiatrist with expertise in both psychopharmacology and psychotherapy. I earned my medical degree from Rosalind Franklin University and completed my psychiatry residency training at the University of Chicago. As a general psychiatrist, I have experience working with a wide range of psychiatric disorders and with patients from diverse cultural backgrounds. I understand that many people have difficulty accessing psychiatric services. Therefore, my practice utilizes a virtual platform to provide patients located in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin with high quality and confidential care.
![Photo of Zeba Madni, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/06eb6dab-a669-4587-8c81-b92c15c94a41/1/320x400.jpeg)
I understand that your health and wellness are your priority and I will work collaboratively with you towards your goals. I believe in providing holistic and individualized care. My area of expertise includes Major depressive disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Mood Disorders, PostPartum Depression, Personality Disorders, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, OCD, ADHD, Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder and Psychosis.
I understand that your health and wellness are your priority and I will work collaboratively with you towards your goals. I believe in providing holistic and individualized care. My area of expertise includes Major depressive disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Mood Disorders, PostPartum Depression, Personality Disorders, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, OCD, ADHD, Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder and Psychosis.
![Photo of Alexandria Hernandez, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1ab56f1a-9009-4f0f-9a24-b3d2230f8fcd/2/320x400.jpeg)
Alexandria Hernandez
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Elgin, IL 60123
More Psychiatrists Nearby
![Photo of Fatima M. Hadi, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2958a114-8db1-4165-b1c0-1f2c5be55d43/3/320x400.jpeg)
I was trained at the world renowned Cleveland Clinic Health System in Cleveland, Ohio. The training included residency in adult/general psychiatry and a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry. This was a tertiary care facility and the training involved providing consultations to local practitioners/therapists for complicated patients not responding to the traditional treatment modalities.
I was trained at the world renowned Cleveland Clinic Health System in Cleveland, Ohio. The training included residency in adult/general psychiatry and a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry. This was a tertiary care facility and the training involved providing consultations to local practitioners/therapists for complicated patients not responding to the traditional treatment modalities.
![Photo of Carol Lynn Craig, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0432e810-423b-4ad5-bf8e-fffe8c4af458/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Carol Lynn Craig is a Psychiatrist in Illinois who has been practicing since 1991. She has a B.S. in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the University of Michigan, an M.D. from Wayne State University School of Medicine, and an M. P. H. from Northern Illinois University. Dr. Craig approaches care of her patients from a holistic biopsychosocial model which allows her to develop a treatment plan that helps her patients to function at their highest optimal potential. Outside of work, Dr. Craig enjoys practicing Vinyasa Yoga. She enjoys cooking and has become quite the Vegan Chef and Vegan Baker.
Dr. Carol Lynn Craig is a Psychiatrist in Illinois who has been practicing since 1991. She has a B.S. in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the University of Michigan, an M.D. from Wayne State University School of Medicine, and an M. P. H. from Northern Illinois University. Dr. Craig approaches care of her patients from a holistic biopsychosocial model which allows her to develop a treatment plan that helps her patients to function at their highest optimal potential. Outside of work, Dr. Craig enjoys practicing Vinyasa Yoga. She enjoys cooking and has become quite the Vegan Chef and Vegan Baker.
![Photo of JOSEPH Spagnola, PMHNPBC, NP, FPA, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0d6702a6-56ba-4f29-ac72-1cca1d7f463b/2/320x400.jpeg)
JOSEPH Spagnola
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNPBC, NP, FPA
Verified Verified
Saint Charles, IL 60175
Joseph Spagnola III, delivers extensive and holistic psychiatric care for those who are 16 years old and older. Joseph works carefully with each of his clients to ensure that they are meeting their unique health and wellness goals. Joseph pioneers the increasing of awareness for behavioral and mental health disorders. Joseph is a clinical preceptor supervising nurse practitioner PMHNP students at universities such as NKU, EKU, Walden University, and Herzing University.
Joseph Spagnola III, delivers extensive and holistic psychiatric care for those who are 16 years old and older. Joseph works carefully with each of his clients to ensure that they are meeting their unique health and wellness goals. Joseph pioneers the increasing of awareness for behavioral and mental health disorders. Joseph is a clinical preceptor supervising nurse practitioner PMHNP students at universities such as NKU, EKU, Walden University, and Herzing University.
![Photo of Georgina Srinivas Rao - In Step Behavioral Health SC, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f437875f-6704-4c7e-ba6b-ab7cd56f2b11/1/320x400.jpeg)
Our multidisciplinary group practice includes dedicated psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse practitioners, psychologist and psychotherapists providing patient centered comprehensive care that emphasize the the biopsychosocial model of care treating the whole person. We provide person specific treatment options through the life span from children to older adults. We also offer psychological testing services as well. We want to incorporate the mind and body to developing and achieving mental wellness.
Our multidisciplinary group practice includes dedicated psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse practitioners, psychologist and psychotherapists providing patient centered comprehensive care that emphasize the the biopsychosocial model of care treating the whole person. We provide person specific treatment options through the life span from children to older adults. We also offer psychological testing services as well. We want to incorporate the mind and body to developing and achieving mental wellness.
![Photo of Michael McDowell, DNP, PMHNPBC, FNP-BC, MSBA, MBA, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b601dd91-d68d-45c6-9567-acf4b5569a0d/2/320x400.png)
Michael McDowell
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNPBC, FNP-BC, MSBA, MBA
Verified Verified
Saint Charles, IL 60174
In my practice, I prioritize providing psychiatric care through a combination of traditional methods and innovative treatments. I specialize in medication management and the administration of Spravato, an intranasal esketamine and the only FDA-approved psychedelic therapy on the market. Spravato is designed to help patients with treatment-resistant depression and major depression with suicidal thoughts or actions.
In my practice, I prioritize providing psychiatric care through a combination of traditional methods and innovative treatments. I specialize in medication management and the administration of Spravato, an intranasal esketamine and the only FDA-approved psychedelic therapy on the market. Spravato is designed to help patients with treatment-resistant depression and major depression with suicidal thoughts or actions.
![Photo of Dr. Michelle K. Cook (Murphy), MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b9ff0db7-f04e-499a-aa3b-5bacbc078592/3/320x400.jpeg)
I believe in an intuitive "inner intelligence" that binds us together and allows us to heal and be healed. This means that a diagnosis or a prescription pad isn't sufficient to treat complex mind-body-heart challenges such as depression or anxiety. My work is focused on creating and utilizing deep therapeutic relationships to discover and bring light to the shadows of the unconscious. These unconscious processes often contributing to dis-ease in day-to-day life. I believe we are all fellow-travelers seeking our own highest truth. I am accepting patients in IL, MN, MT, SD, IA, FL, VA, CA, OR, NE.
I believe in an intuitive "inner intelligence" that binds us together and allows us to heal and be healed. This means that a diagnosis or a prescription pad isn't sufficient to treat complex mind-body-heart challenges such as depression or anxiety. My work is focused on creating and utilizing deep therapeutic relationships to discover and bring light to the shadows of the unconscious. These unconscious processes often contributing to dis-ease in day-to-day life. I believe we are all fellow-travelers seeking our own highest truth. I am accepting patients in IL, MN, MT, SD, IA, FL, VA, CA, OR, NE.
See more therapy options for Elgin
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Elgin, IL
10+
Average cost per session
$287
Psychiatrists in Elgin, IL who prioritize treating:
100% | Anxiety |
93% | Depression |
93% | Bipolar Disorder |
87% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
87% | Medication Management |
80% | ADHD |
67% | Grief |
Average years in practice
8 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
89% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
How Psychiatrists in Elgin, IL see their clients
60% | In Person and Online | |
40% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
92% | Female | |
8% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Elgin?
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.