Psychiatrists in Machesney Park, IL
![Photo of Kimberly Baldwin - Better Me Psychiatry LLC, BC, FPA, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b6436091-aed3-43dc-8b6c-650e3c023ed1/2/320x400.jpeg)
Better Me Psychiatry LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, BC, FPA, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Machesney Park, IL 61115 (Online Only)
Life can be challenging, demanding, overwhelming and sometimes painful. But suffering does not have to be a part of your life. Mental health symptoms are unique to each individual. In addition there are many factors to consider when seeking mental health services. There are so many treatment options and approaches, it can be confusing. Together we will explore your specific needs and find the treatment options that work for you.
Life can be challenging, demanding, overwhelming and sometimes painful. But suffering does not have to be a part of your life. Mental health symptoms are unique to each individual. In addition there are many factors to consider when seeking mental health services. There are so many treatment options and approaches, it can be confusing. Together we will explore your specific needs and find the treatment options that work for you.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
![Photo of Imuentiyan Oyesiku, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/185ea9b8-94f7-4a77-80a5-66117196d89f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hi there! Welcome to my professional profile! I am Faith Oyesiku, a highly skilled Board Certified Family Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a master's degree in nursing. With three years of dedicated practice, I bring a wealth of experience across diverse healthcare settings. Are you looking for a provider who is Kind? Empathetic? Compassionate? then look no further!
Hi there! Welcome to my professional profile! I am Faith Oyesiku, a highly skilled Board Certified Family Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a master's degree in nursing. With three years of dedicated practice, I bring a wealth of experience across diverse healthcare settings. Are you looking for a provider who is Kind? Empathetic? Compassionate? then look no further!
![Photo of Amanda Hahn, PMHNP, CNM, PMH-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a2e30318-e2ac-458e-8745-eaaf9675fb88/1/320x400.png)
Amanda Hahn
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, CNM, PMH-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Rockford, IL 61108 (Online Only)
Women and birthing people face unique mental health challenges. Mandy specializes in women's and perinatal psychiatry, valuing a holistic approach to mental health. She provides comprehensive care that addresses psychological, emotional, and physical well-being. Her services include medication management, supportive therapy, preconception counseling, and birth/postpartum planning. With additional training in integrative psychiatry, Mandy offers natural treatment options for those who prefer to limit medication.
Women and birthing people face unique mental health challenges. Mandy specializes in women's and perinatal psychiatry, valuing a holistic approach to mental health. She provides comprehensive care that addresses psychological, emotional, and physical well-being. Her services include medication management, supportive therapy, preconception counseling, and birth/postpartum planning. With additional training in integrative psychiatry, Mandy offers natural treatment options for those who prefer to limit medication.
![Photo of Dr. Chenhang Zou, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ff2df666-6d18-4b56-988b-3dbc54f158be/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 Kenneth Restor - Generations Behavioral Healthcare, PC, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f89b13c6-a5db-4a9b-bc3c-436f08ac83fa/1/320x400.jpeg)
Generations Behavioral Healthcare, PC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN
Verified Verified
Rockford, IL 61101
At Generations Behavioral Healthcare, P.C., (GBH) we offer telehealth services so that you can seek help in the comfort, safety and convenience of your home using fully HIPAA compliant meeting software with the flexibility for Live Text, Live Phone or Live Video sessions. We serve the entire states of Illinois and Florida and offer counseling, neuropsychological testing and psychiatric medication management for children, adolescents and adult clients.
At Generations Behavioral Healthcare, P.C., (GBH) we offer telehealth services so that you can seek help in the comfort, safety and convenience of your home using fully HIPAA compliant meeting software with the flexibility for Live Text, Live Phone or Live Video sessions. We serve the entire states of Illinois and Florida and offer counseling, neuropsychological testing and psychiatric medication management for children, adolescents and adult clients.
![Photo of Sarah Bier, PMHNP, CNM, PMH-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0dac097d-3933-46d9-a00f-ed9774cc289b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sarah Bier
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, CNM, PMH-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Rockford, IL 61108 (Online Only)
Women and birthing people face unique mental health challenges. Sarah specializes in women's and perinatal psychiatry, valuing a holistic approach to mental health. She provides comprehensive care that addresses psychological, emotional, and physical well-being. Her services include medication management, supportive therapy, preconception counseling, and birth/postpartum planning. With additional training in integrative psychiatry, Sarah offers natural treatment options for those who prefer to limit medication, addressing conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PMDD.
Women and birthing people face unique mental health challenges. Sarah specializes in women's and perinatal psychiatry, valuing a holistic approach to mental health. She provides comprehensive care that addresses psychological, emotional, and physical well-being. Her services include medication management, supportive therapy, preconception counseling, and birth/postpartum planning. With additional training in integrative psychiatry, Sarah offers natural treatment options for those who prefer to limit medication, addressing conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PMDD.
![Photo of Chime Ajiere - Zoelife psychiatric services, APRN, PMHNP, FNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e732855f-83f1-4145-94f9-523af0e2f970/2/320x400.jpeg)
Zoelife psychiatric services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
Cherry Valley, IL 61016
We endeavor to partner with our patients, approaching their care from a holistic and integrative standpoint. We listen to and get to know our patients, addressing their needs from a medical, mental, and social health perspective. We provide medication management, supportive therapy, and several other services. Our clinic specializes in the treatment of ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD, and other mood and personality disorders.
We endeavor to partner with our patients, approaching their care from a holistic and integrative standpoint. We listen to and get to know our patients, addressing their needs from a medical, mental, and social health perspective. We provide medication management, supportive therapy, and several other services. Our clinic specializes in the treatment of ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD, and other mood and personality disorders.
![Photo of Stephanie Onyeforo, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a168124d-bb73-4db4-a19b-517070b5012d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Stephanie Onyeforo
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Rockford, IL 61101 (Online Only)
Hello, I'm Stephanie. I am a dual board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner who provides high-quality psychiatric services to children aged ten and above and adolescent and adult psychiatric services.
Hello, I'm Stephanie. I am a dual board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner who provides high-quality psychiatric services to children aged ten and above and adolescent and adult psychiatric services.
![Photo of Senami Edalere-Lukula, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a886aa93-1afb-4703-bb78-ead1bc258a97/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hi there, I'm Senami Do you feel like you are trying to juggle a million things at once? Are you finding it challenging to balance your relationships, career, and health? Is treating oneself kindly difficult for you? As a board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner with expertise in psychiatry, I provide anxiety disorder management and burnout prevention for high achievers. Together, we can figure out what is not working and restore balance to your life. I utilize a holistic and evidence-based model, in caring for your mind, body, and spirit's needs for you to have a better relationship with yourself and others.
Hi there, I'm Senami Do you feel like you are trying to juggle a million things at once? Are you finding it challenging to balance your relationships, career, and health? Is treating oneself kindly difficult for you? As a board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner with expertise in psychiatry, I provide anxiety disorder management and burnout prevention for high achievers. Together, we can figure out what is not working and restore balance to your life. I utilize a holistic and evidence-based model, in caring for your mind, body, and spirit's needs for you to have a better relationship with yourself and others.
![Photo of Juliette Murphy, APRN, PMHNP, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/23346260-82b8-4825-af48-cddc81b30ec0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Juliette Murphy
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, MSN
Verified Verified
Rockford, IL 61107
I want to know your story. As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, it is my job to make sure you feel seen and heard in order to provide the best care possible. I have been in the field of mental health since 2018, working in both the inpatient and outpatient sectors. I have experience across the lifespan working with a broad range of mental health diagnoses including depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar, mood disorders, personality disorders, PTSD/trauma, and serious mental illness. Together, we will collaborate using a biopsychosocial approach to meet your individual goals.
I want to know your story. As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, it is my job to make sure you feel seen and heard in order to provide the best care possible. I have been in the field of mental health since 2018, working in both the inpatient and outpatient sectors. I have experience across the lifespan working with a broad range of mental health diagnoses including depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar, mood disorders, personality disorders, PTSD/trauma, and serious mental illness. Together, we will collaborate using a biopsychosocial approach to meet your individual goals.
![Photo of Amanda Lantow, MSN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6f24639b-9220-4d4e-bd09-f32b2b0f173c/1/320x400.jpeg)
I find the greatest fulfillment in assisting individuals who are grappling with anxiety or depression and find themselves in a state of stagnation. Guiding them to envision possibilities beyond their current challenges is immensely rewarding. These individuals aspire to feel better, break free from the constraints of anxiety and depression, and regain the confidence to pursue their goals unhindered. Ultimately, their journey involves building self-esteem, unraveling the barriers that hold them back, and ascending to a more gratifying and fulfilling life.
I find the greatest fulfillment in assisting individuals who are grappling with anxiety or depression and find themselves in a state of stagnation. Guiding them to envision possibilities beyond their current challenges is immensely rewarding. These individuals aspire to feel better, break free from the constraints of anxiety and depression, and regain the confidence to pursue their goals unhindered. Ultimately, their journey involves building self-esteem, unraveling the barriers that hold them back, and ascending to a more gratifying and fulfilling life.
![Photo of Chime Ajiere - Zoelife Psychiatric Services, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/066f3b2a-dca6-4bec-acdd-175b9bd0bca0/2/320x400.jpeg)
Zoelife Psychiatric Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN
Verified Verified
Rockford, IL 61103
Hi! I am Queen **** Our clinic is accepting new patients****We endeavor to partner with our patients, approaching their care from a holistic and integrative standpoint. We listen to and get to know our patients, addressing their needs from a medical, mental, and social health perspective. We provide medication management, supportive therapy, and several other services. Our clinic specializes in the treatment of ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD, and other mood and personality disorders. Email us or call us today to book an appointment. You shouldn’t have to struggle to also find a provider.
Hi! I am Queen **** Our clinic is accepting new patients****We endeavor to partner with our patients, approaching their care from a holistic and integrative standpoint. We listen to and get to know our patients, addressing their needs from a medical, mental, and social health perspective. We provide medication management, supportive therapy, and several other services. Our clinic specializes in the treatment of ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD, and other mood and personality disorders. Email us or call us today to book an appointment. You shouldn’t have to struggle to also find a provider.
![Photo of Gundu Reddy - Illinois Telepsychiatry, MBBS, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/14cde23b-3ad6-4f03-ab8d-f97f57c01030/1/320x400.jpeg)
Illinois Telepsychiatry
Psychiatrist, MBBS, MD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Rockford, IL 61102 (Online Only)
Dr. Gundu Reddy is licensed in Illinois. Prior to starting a 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 a 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 Shakita Johnson, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/432ff4a4-b8d9-4b2b-afdc-71fe5d46ff7e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Shakita Johnson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Rockford, IL 61101 (Online Only)
The first session we are establishing goals and what you hope to accomplish with treatment.
The first session we are establishing goals and what you hope to accomplish with treatment.
![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 Amanda Lantow, MSN, PMHNP, -BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ca62b499-b1bb-4072-9871-0fb41cf1c986/2/320x400.jpeg)
Amanda Lantow
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
Rockford, IL 61107
Not accepting new clients
Many of us have times during which we just cannot quite feel okay, whether it’s anxiety, depression, insomnia, dementia, or any number of other mental health difficulties. I would like to help you get to a mentally good place again! I do not seek to simply add medication to your daily life but to assess and determine if medication would be something that could help. I like to work with my patients, encouraging them to be a part of the decision-making process when it comes to medications. I will work with you to get you feeling the best you can.
Many of us have times during which we just cannot quite feel okay, whether it’s anxiety, depression, insomnia, dementia, or any number of other mental health difficulties. I would like to help you get to a mentally good place again! I do not seek to simply add medication to your daily life but to assess and determine if medication would be something that could help. I like to work with my patients, encouraging them to be a part of the decision-making process when it comes to medications. I will work with you to get you feeling the best you can.
![Photo of Idowu O Oshokoya, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/68c862ff-636b-4483-b53e-f5c569352e5e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Idowu O Oshokoya
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Rockford, IL 61101 (Online Only)
Idowu Oshokoya is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from Chicago, IL. He works with adolescents, adults, and older adults, and provides care for patients who are battling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, Bipolars, and other mental disorders. Idowu studied at Walden University, where he obtained a Master of Science in PMHNP. He has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Chamberlain University. He has extensive training and 10 years of experience with behavioral health. He has provided cares for Veterans, minorities, children, homeless, and others at over 6 different teaching hospitals.
Idowu Oshokoya is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from Chicago, IL. He works with adolescents, adults, and older adults, and provides care for patients who are battling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, Bipolars, and other mental disorders. Idowu studied at Walden University, where he obtained a Master of Science in PMHNP. He has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Chamberlain University. He has extensive training and 10 years of experience with behavioral health. He has provided cares for Veterans, minorities, children, homeless, and others at over 6 different teaching hospitals.
![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 Kim McCoy, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9a007b54-fd3a-4384-b7bf-e05f83cfe956/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hello Everyone, My name is Kim McCoy. I am a PMHNP-BC in Illinois. I earned my Bachelor's degree in nursing from St. Xavier University and my Master's degree from U.I.C.'s psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program.
Hello Everyone, My name is Kim McCoy. I am a PMHNP-BC in Illinois. I earned my Bachelor's degree in nursing from St. Xavier University and my Master's degree from U.I.C.'s psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program.
![Photo of Nicole Alexander, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/64cc9aff-cd29-4293-8663-4530796b20b8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Nicole Alexander
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Rockford, IL 61101 (Online Only)
Accepting new clients! I am a Family Nurse Practitioner with a dual certification in Psychiatry and Mental Health.
Accepting new clients! I am a Family Nurse Practitioner with a dual certification in Psychiatry and Mental Health.
See more therapy options for Machesney Park
Nearby Searches for Machesney Park
- Algonquin
- Belvidere
- Cary
- Crystal Lake
- Dekalb
- Elgin
- Fox River Grove
- Lake In The Hills
- McHenry
- Rockford
- Sycamore
- Woodstock
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Machesney Park, IL
< 10
Psychiatrists in Machesney Park, IL who prioritize treating:
100% | Relationship Issues |
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | Addiction |
100% | ADHD |
100% | Chronic Pain |
100% | Life Coaching |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in Machesney Park, IL see their clients
100% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
100% | Female |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Machesney Park?
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.