Psychiatrists in Libertyville, IL
![Photo of Paul Berkowitz, MD, FACLP, FAPA, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ea3aa4f1-c42a-4924-a5f6-2a34b16c1fc2/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a double board certified psychiatrist (general psychiatry and consultation-liaison pyschiatry) with 23 years of experience providing psychiatric care in both outpatient and inpatient settings. I see adult patients to address a number of psychiatric conditions including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD and OCD.
I am a double board certified psychiatrist (general psychiatry and consultation-liaison pyschiatry) with 23 years of experience providing psychiatric care in both outpatient and inpatient settings. I see adult patients to address a number of psychiatric conditions including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD and OCD.
![Photo of Aleksandra Besterfeldt, MSN, PMHNP, AGNP, FPA, RN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d6b7f0ca-0684-454d-a419-b155a977b08d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Aleksandra Besterfeldt
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, AGNP, FPA, RN
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
Libertyville, IL 60048
As a dual-certified Nurse Practitioner in Adult-Geriatric Acute Care and Psychiatric Mental Health (PMHNP), I have years of experience helping people with conditions like anxiety, depression, ADHD, Bipolar disorders, Insomnia, PTSD, and Schizophrenia. I'm skilled at assisting older adults facing challenges like dementia, mood changes, and sleep troubles.
As a dual-certified Nurse Practitioner in Adult-Geriatric Acute Care and Psychiatric Mental Health (PMHNP), I have years of experience helping people with conditions like anxiety, depression, ADHD, Bipolar disorders, Insomnia, PTSD, and Schizophrenia. I'm skilled at assisting older adults facing challenges like dementia, mood changes, and sleep troubles.
![Photo of Aleksandra Besterfeldt - Embrace Behavioral Health, PMHNP, AGNP, FPA, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1613afbf-d2ff-494f-9624-d0f33f1479bc/1/320x400.jpeg)
Embrace Behavioral Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, AGNP, FPA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Libertyville, IL 60048
Welcome! At Embrace Behavioral Health we are dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive mental health care. With expertise in assessment, diagnosis, and medication management, we specialize in anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, dementia, and much more. We offer personalized treatment plans integrating pharmacotherapy with therapy and lifestyle adjustments for holistic healing.
Welcome! At Embrace Behavioral Health we are dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive mental health care. With expertise in assessment, diagnosis, and medication management, we specialize in anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, dementia, and much more. We offer personalized treatment plans integrating pharmacotherapy with therapy and lifestyle adjustments for holistic healing.
![Photo of Chibogu Victoria Obianwu, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/84b69243-6869-45c2-8960-a5846e1cd097/1/320x400.jpeg)
Chibogu Victoria Obianwu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Libertyville, IL 60048
I am a dedicated and board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience spanning both inpatient and outpatient mental health settings. My expertise encompasses the treatment of a wide range of conditions including anxiety, depression, attention deficit disorder (ADD / ADHD), insomnia, and mood disorders. I approach each client with empathy and understanding, tailoring my treatment plans to meet their unique needs and goals.
I am a dedicated and board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience spanning both inpatient and outpatient mental health settings. My expertise encompasses the treatment of a wide range of conditions including anxiety, depression, attention deficit disorder (ADD / ADHD), insomnia, and mood disorders. I approach each client with empathy and understanding, tailoring my treatment plans to meet their unique needs and goals.
![Photo of Joan Torrato, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/15ffbbd1-87ee-4be2-b17f-0550f7b99bcb/1/320x400.jpeg)
My focus is to give the best possible individualized care to my patients. I will combine evidence-based practice and compassionate care for better patient outcomes.
My focus is to give the best possible individualized care to my patients. I will combine evidence-based practice and compassionate care for better patient outcomes.
![Photo of Brianne Brown, MSN, APRN, FPA, FNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e138ffa2-0953-4fc6-9b77-c1549803fddd/1/320x400.jpeg)
Brianne Brown
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, FPA, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
Libertyville, IL 60048 (Online Only)
Are you drowning in an ocean of providers to choose from? Are you constantly overthinking? Do you struggle to quiet your racing thoughts, replaying different scenarios in your head? Do you feel like your mood has made it hard to fall asleep or get out of bed? Are you feeling isolated and lonely? You have a million things to do, but feel completely paralyzed. I understand how you feel and want to help you feel better.
Are you drowning in an ocean of providers to choose from? Are you constantly overthinking? Do you struggle to quiet your racing thoughts, replaying different scenarios in your head? Do you feel like your mood has made it hard to fall asleep or get out of bed? Are you feeling isolated and lonely? You have a million things to do, but feel completely paralyzed. I understand how you feel and want to help you feel better.
![Photo of Brianna Wicinski, MSN, PMHNP, FNP, FPA, RN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1abe1785-b16b-4114-ad7b-4e35a9565050/3/320x400.jpeg)
Brianna Wicinski
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, FNP, FPA, RN
Verified Verified
Libertyville, IL 60048
Since the beginning of my career, I have gained knowledge and expertise as a healthcare provider in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I excel in providing care to a variety of individuals, including emergency, intensive care, medical-surgical, correctional, and psychiatric populations. While supporting my patients in overcoming their physical and emotional challenges, I developed a passion for working with individuals struggling with mental health disorders and and thoroughly enjoy educating & empowering my patients to strengthen their mental health throughout their healing journey.
Since the beginning of my career, I have gained knowledge and expertise as a healthcare provider in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I excel in providing care to a variety of individuals, including emergency, intensive care, medical-surgical, correctional, and psychiatric populations. While supporting my patients in overcoming their physical and emotional challenges, I developed a passion for working with individuals struggling with mental health disorders and and thoroughly enjoy educating & empowering my patients to strengthen their mental health throughout their healing journey.
![Photo of Vanessa Wrobel, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2be33b91-6faa-44b0-bec3-19ee80c8998a/1/320x400.png)
Vanessa Wrobel, PMHNP-BC, is a compassionate and dedicated board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, committed to supporting individuals and families in their journey towards improved mental well-being. With over a decade of nursing experience and a master's degree in nursing from Northern Kentucky University, Vanessa brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her practice. Her areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, psychosis, and trauma. Vanessa takes a holistic and integrative approach to care, tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs of each individual.
Vanessa Wrobel, PMHNP-BC, is a compassionate and dedicated board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, committed to supporting individuals and families in their journey towards improved mental well-being. With over a decade of nursing experience and a master's degree in nursing from Northern Kentucky University, Vanessa brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her practice. Her areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, psychosis, and trauma. Vanessa takes a holistic and integrative approach to care, tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs of each individual.
![Photo of Robert G Kohn, DO FAAN, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fa3f2e13-2c6c-43f3-a7f8-60b64348ae93/2/320x400.jpeg)
I offer the medical knowledge learned from a thirty year career in Neuropsychiatry. The brain and mind work in harmony seeking balance. The difficulty that you are experiencing, whether this affects your emotions, thinking or behavior, is something I may be able to help. Life is both complicated and simple. I would like to help.
I offer the medical knowledge learned from a thirty year career in Neuropsychiatry. The brain and mind work in harmony seeking balance. The difficulty that you are experiencing, whether this affects your emotions, thinking or behavior, is something I may be able to help. Life is both complicated and simple. I would like to help.
![Photo of Lisa Hengen - Thrive Psychiatric Services, Lisa Hengen, DNP, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/71d969ef-01bb-49f0-81ed-6412ab50759b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Thrive Psychiatric Services, Lisa Hengen
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Libertyville, IL 60048 (Online Only)
At Thrive Psychiatric Services, I provide personalized, comprehensive and compassionate Psychiatric Care. I love what I do and never feel like it is work. I enjoy helping people to feel better, so they can have better quality of life. I strive to provide every patient with the best possible care. I feel it is an honor and a privilege to be part of my patient’s healthcare journey, and I am always mindful of the respect and trust that is needed to maintain a therapeutic relationship. I provide comprehensive mental health services, psychiatric evaluation, medication management, substance abuse/addiction treatment and psychotherapy.
At Thrive Psychiatric Services, I provide personalized, comprehensive and compassionate Psychiatric Care. I love what I do and never feel like it is work. I enjoy helping people to feel better, so they can have better quality of life. I strive to provide every patient with the best possible care. I feel it is an honor and a privilege to be part of my patient’s healthcare journey, and I am always mindful of the respect and trust that is needed to maintain a therapeutic relationship. I provide comprehensive mental health services, psychiatric evaluation, medication management, substance abuse/addiction treatment and psychotherapy.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
![Photo of Darrin Coulter, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1d627233-1698-45ff-abf5-15b66e85f346/1/320x400.jpeg)
My clients are motivated to improve and I meet them where they are. They prioritize their mental health and are motivated because they understand that there is a better path forward. Every session we work together to create a new path toward healing.
My clients are motivated to improve and I meet them where they are. They prioritize their mental health and are motivated because they understand that there is a better path forward. Every session we work together to create a new path toward healing.
![Photo of James Marks - Northshore TMS, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9ec10698-4438-46b4-af50-4b533961e627/1/320x400.jpeg)
Have you tried medication and therapy, but are still struggling with depression, anxious depression, or OCD? TMS Therapy is an FDA-Approved treatment that can help those with treatment resistant mood disorders get relief in as little as 6 weeks. TMS Therapy is a non-invasive, 20 minute treatment done in the outpatient setting that uses a magnetic field to stimulate a targeted area of the brain. Patients are awake during the treatment and can drive themselves to and from the treatment. TMS is tolerable, with less than 2% of patients discontinuing TMS for discomfort.
Have you tried medication and therapy, but are still struggling with depression, anxious depression, or OCD? TMS Therapy is an FDA-Approved treatment that can help those with treatment resistant mood disorders get relief in as little as 6 weeks. TMS Therapy is a non-invasive, 20 minute treatment done in the outpatient setting that uses a magnetic field to stimulate a targeted area of the brain. Patients are awake during the treatment and can drive themselves to and from the treatment. TMS is tolerable, with less than 2% of patients discontinuing TMS for discomfort.
![Photo of Gerthy Cipus Pierre - Sunrise Family Practice Mind & Body Wellness, PMHNP , BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e8151757-133e-401f-ad0a-75a731f8b6da/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sunrise Family Practice Mind & Body Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP , BC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Mundelein, IL 60060
I specialize in clients dedicated to nurturing their mental and physical well-being, navigating challenges such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, Bipolar disorder, and a strong desire for relief. I am committed to enhancing mental health for both adults and children. Driven by a profound longing for an improved quality of life, my ideal client is prepared for a comprehensive treatment approach that integrates medication management with accessible therapy strategies.
I specialize in clients dedicated to nurturing their mental and physical well-being, navigating challenges such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, Bipolar disorder, and a strong desire for relief. I am committed to enhancing mental health for both adults and children. Driven by a profound longing for an improved quality of life, my ideal client is prepared for a comprehensive treatment approach that integrates medication management with accessible therapy strategies.
![Photo of Irina Salabai, APRN, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/65a286a7-ac1e-497a-b790-fbe5acce713b/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) working with children, adolescents, and adults. I am a patient-centered, compassionate, dedicated, and attentive PMHNP who enjoys working with patients diagnosed with anxiety, depression, insomnia, PTSD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, mood disorder, self-injurious behaviors, chemical dependency, postpartum, etc. I deliver care that is empathetic, compassionate, and evidence based. I take time to listen and to understand each person's unique needs. I aim to provide and maintain a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive therapeutic environment.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) working with children, adolescents, and adults. I am a patient-centered, compassionate, dedicated, and attentive PMHNP who enjoys working with patients diagnosed with anxiety, depression, insomnia, PTSD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, mood disorder, self-injurious behaviors, chemical dependency, postpartum, etc. I deliver care that is empathetic, compassionate, and evidence based. I take time to listen and to understand each person's unique needs. I aim to provide and maintain a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive therapeutic environment.
![Photo of Krista Bedells, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d70b210b-cd17-45c6-b38c-97a179aa40f9/2/320x400.png)
Krista Bedells
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Lake Forest, IL 60045 (Online Only)
Krista Bedells is a board-certified mental health nurse practitioner. Krista takes an empathic and compassionate approach to patient care. She strives to support patients so they can have a good quality of life and reach their fullest potential. Clients can expect her to work with them and listen to their concerns fully before developing a treatment plan. Krista makes a point to spend quality time with the patient to explore their situation and to fully understand their current symptoms.
Krista Bedells is a board-certified mental health nurse practitioner. Krista takes an empathic and compassionate approach to patient care. She strives to support patients so they can have a good quality of life and reach their fullest potential. Clients can expect her to work with them and listen to their concerns fully before developing a treatment plan. Krista makes a point to spend quality time with the patient to explore their situation and to fully understand their current symptoms.
![Photo of Amer Smajkic - Amer Smajkic M.D., MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45f8ddbe-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Since 1995, Dr. Amer Smajkic has been practicing Psychiatry in the Chicago area. As a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Dr Smajkic is applying his knowledge and skills as a Psycho-pharmacologist, Behaviorist and Cognitive Behavioral therapist. The focus of his care are ADHD disorders, Learning disorders, Developmental disorders, Mood disorders and Anxiety disorders.
Since 1995, Dr. Amer Smajkic has been practicing Psychiatry in the Chicago area. As a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Dr Smajkic is applying his knowledge and skills as a Psycho-pharmacologist, Behaviorist and Cognitive Behavioral therapist. The focus of his care are ADHD disorders, Learning disorders, Developmental disorders, Mood disorders and Anxiety disorders.
![Photo of Rachel Amodu, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9fcbd29b-f8c9-4362-a3cc-bc8dea48ba0e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Rachel Amodu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lake Forest, IL 60045 (Online Only)
I believe we function at our highest capacity when there is balance in mental, psychological, physical, social as well as in spiritual health. Our initial appointment entails listening to your detailed history, talking about your current stressors, and working on your goals of treatment. Our follow up appointments will be aimed at reviewing progress and making needed adjustments until we find the best balance for you. I believe for best outcomes, application of both pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy are all it takes. Let's start a better mental health journey together.
I believe we function at our highest capacity when there is balance in mental, psychological, physical, social as well as in spiritual health. Our initial appointment entails listening to your detailed history, talking about your current stressors, and working on your goals of treatment. Our follow up appointments will be aimed at reviewing progress and making needed adjustments until we find the best balance for you. I believe for best outcomes, application of both pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy are all it takes. Let's start a better mental health journey together.
![Photo of Eugene Roginsky - Silver Lining Behavioral Health, LCSW, NP, CADC, LCPC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/088f7db0-73aa-4f8a-86e4-93020734a85f/3/320x400.png)
Silver Lining Behavioral Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, LCSW, NP, CADC, LCPC
Verified Verified
Deerfield, IL 60015
Silver Lining Behavioral Health clinicians are skilled in treating various issues ranging from the physiological manifestation of depression and anxiety to life-stage issues. Everyone is unique, so our treatment planning considers the client’s age, cultural background, socioeconomic status, ethnic background, and physical health. With proper permission, Silver Lining therapists collaborate with healthcare providers and other multidisciplinary healthcare professionals when necessary. We pride ourselves on our knowledge of the healthcare system and numerous resources.
Silver Lining Behavioral Health clinicians are skilled in treating various issues ranging from the physiological manifestation of depression and anxiety to life-stage issues. Everyone is unique, so our treatment planning considers the client’s age, cultural background, socioeconomic status, ethnic background, and physical health. With proper permission, Silver Lining therapists collaborate with healthcare providers and other multidisciplinary healthcare professionals when necessary. We pride ourselves on our knowledge of the healthcare system and numerous resources.
![Photo of Christian Charvet, MSN, AGNP-C, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cdaddb0a-af57-4fd3-864e-994d3fecce9c/5/320x400.jpeg)
Christian Charvet
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, AGNP-C, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lake Forest, IL 60045 (Online Only)
As we collaborate on your path to wellness, know that you are not alone. Together, we will explore the best treatment options and strategies to manage your condition, with the ultimate aim of improving your quality of life.
As we collaborate on your path to wellness, know that you are not alone. Together, we will explore the best treatment options and strategies to manage your condition, with the ultimate aim of improving your quality of life.
![Photo of Carmen Orellana Martinez, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0b5d67e8-caf7-4c52-abf8-e8aad1ee4061/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Carmen Orellana is a Staff Psychiatrist at Talkiatry who has been in practice for over 6 years, both in the U.S. and abroad. She is double board-certified in child and adolescent psychiatry and adult psychiatry. Dr. Orellana’s clinical interest include mood and anxiety disorders, OCD, ADHD, and ADHD-related disorders. She strives to provide exceptional medical care and has extensive experience in treating persons with diverse behavioral disorders and backgrounds. Dr. Orellana involves her patients in all decisions about their health, and provides care that is respectful of patient preferences, needs and values.
Dr. Carmen Orellana is a Staff Psychiatrist at Talkiatry who has been in practice for over 6 years, both in the U.S. and abroad. She is double board-certified in child and adolescent psychiatry and adult psychiatry. Dr. Orellana’s clinical interest include mood and anxiety disorders, OCD, ADHD, and ADHD-related disorders. She strives to provide exceptional medical care and has extensive experience in treating persons with diverse behavioral disorders and backgrounds. Dr. Orellana involves her patients in all decisions about their health, and provides care that is respectful of patient preferences, needs and values.
See more therapy options for Libertyville
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Libertyville, IL
10+
Average cost per session
$200
Psychiatrists in Libertyville, IL who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | Trauma and PTSD |
100% | Bipolar Disorder |
90% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
80% | ADHD |
70% | Sleep or Insomnia |
Average years in practice
9 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
100% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in Libertyville, IL see their clients
80% | In Person and Online | |
20% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
75% | Female | |
25% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Libertyville?
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.