Psychiatrists in Middlebury, IN
![Photo of Dr. Allen Masry, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c26b2f22-ab54-4c49-9a8d-6a8578eba145/2/320x400.png)
I am Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and have been practicing since 2005. I completed my residency from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts and my Fellowship in Addictions from the Robert Johnson Wood Foundation. In 2014, I was featured in SJ Magazine as one of New Jersey’s top psychiatrists. I have experience working with adults as well as adolescents suffering from both psychiatric diagnosis and substance use disorders and have extensive experience working in both out-patient and in-patient settings.
I am Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and have been practicing since 2005. I completed my residency from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts and my Fellowship in Addictions from the Robert Johnson Wood Foundation. In 2014, I was featured in SJ Magazine as one of New Jersey’s top psychiatrists. I have experience working with adults as well as adolescents suffering from both psychiatric diagnosis and substance use disorders and have extensive experience working in both out-patient and in-patient settings.
![Photo of Lacy Pippin, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9dc8d9b0-6dcc-446d-b569-cbbf66a40829/2/320x400.png)
I imagine my ideal client to be a person seeking treatment for struggles that they are not able to handle on their own, such as overwhelming anxiety or depression. They are invested in improving their life and functioning but may not know where to start or may have failed in the process of seeking treatment in the past. They need some guidance in getting back to a place where they are happy with their life and they need support and kindness along the way. They want to have a better understanding of themselves and their feelings with an emphasis placed on learning coping skills to help them through difficult times.
I imagine my ideal client to be a person seeking treatment for struggles that they are not able to handle on their own, such as overwhelming anxiety or depression. They are invested in improving their life and functioning but may not know where to start or may have failed in the process of seeking treatment in the past. They need some guidance in getting back to a place where they are happy with their life and they need support and kindness along the way. They want to have a better understanding of themselves and their feelings with an emphasis placed on learning coping skills to help them through difficult times.
![Photo of Allen Masry - Harmony Bay, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e73add36-9b2a-4b48-a993-10472dbb84e8/1/320x400.png)
Harmony Bay Wellness is a psychiatry and therapy office that provides primary mental health treatment programs for psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and ADHD. We offer a clean, bright environment with a calming and positive tone. We offer programs and services for both therapy and psychiatry including individual therapy, group therapy, couples therapy, and medication management.
Harmony Bay Wellness is a psychiatry and therapy office that provides primary mental health treatment programs for psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and ADHD. We offer a clean, bright environment with a calming and positive tone. We offer programs and services for both therapy and psychiatry including individual therapy, group therapy, couples therapy, and medication management.
Online Psychiatrists
![Photo of Shawn Faust, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/13a40273-8e70-41e6-8df9-6861e36c1c0e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Shawn Faust
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Fort Wayne, IN 46805 (Online Only)
Dr. Shawn Faust, DNP, PMHNP-BC is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who brings a unique and patient-centric approach to the field of mental health. His philosophy centers around the belief that individuals are experts in their own experiences, and collaboration between the patient and their mental health provider is essential for effective and personalized treatment. He believes that informed patients are better equipped to navigate their unique mental health challenges. Thus, treatment with Dr. Faust often involves teaching patients about their diagnosis and discussing the pros and cons of various treatment options.
Dr. Shawn Faust, DNP, PMHNP-BC is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who brings a unique and patient-centric approach to the field of mental health. His philosophy centers around the belief that individuals are experts in their own experiences, and collaboration between the patient and their mental health provider is essential for effective and personalized treatment. He believes that informed patients are better equipped to navigate their unique mental health challenges. Thus, treatment with Dr. Faust often involves teaching patients about their diagnosis and discussing the pros and cons of various treatment options.
![Photo of Dr. Cathy-Ann Carby, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8189066c-66bd-40d2-8c85-86955fdd6580/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Cathy-Ann Carby
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fort Wayne, IN 46818 (Online Only)
There is an old saying that goes, "The one who has experienced it, knows it." I see this saying as being true. Therefore, I seek to understand how you are feeling in an effort to help achieve your mental health goals. I work with clients with a variety of mental health issues, including ADHD, substance use, schizophrenia, mood, and anxiety disorders.
There is an old saying that goes, "The one who has experienced it, knows it." I see this saying as being true. Therefore, I seek to understand how you are feeling in an effort to help achieve your mental health goals. I work with clients with a variety of mental health issues, including ADHD, substance use, schizophrenia, mood, and anxiety disorders.
![Photo of René Phillippe, RN, MSN, FNP-C, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b998b07a-d612-4fd9-a6a8-fb1111795be7/1/320x400.jpeg)
René Phillippe
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, RN, MSN, FNP-C, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Fort Wayne, IN 46804
I am a nurse practitioner with expertise in adult primary care and mental health, holding a MSN in Primary Care and a Post-Master's PMHNP certificate from Indiana Wesleyan University. I bring a comprehensive approach to my care and am dedicated to delivering advanced treatments to Allen County and the surrounding community. I prioritize building trust and fostering collaborative relationships with my patients, providing them the support they need to improve their mental wellness.
I am a nurse practitioner with expertise in adult primary care and mental health, holding a MSN in Primary Care and a Post-Master's PMHNP certificate from Indiana Wesleyan University. I bring a comprehensive approach to my care and am dedicated to delivering advanced treatments to Allen County and the surrounding community. I prioritize building trust and fostering collaborative relationships with my patients, providing them the support they need to improve their mental wellness.
![Photo of Nikki Gaines, APRN, MBA, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/41362ea9-9387-4990-aebb-b86b4a332116/2/320x400.jpeg)
Nikki Gaines
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, MBA, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Fort Wayne, IN 46808 (Online Only)
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with more than ten years of experience in various facets of mental health. My philosophy includes a focus on whole mind and body wellness. I strive to deliver excellent, compassionate care through active listening and thoughtful collaboration with my patients – with a splash of humor. You will feel heard and validated, never rushed or ignored. My interest is in the person with a symptom rather than the symptom of a person.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with more than ten years of experience in various facets of mental health. My philosophy includes a focus on whole mind and body wellness. I strive to deliver excellent, compassionate care through active listening and thoughtful collaboration with my patients – with a splash of humor. You will feel heard and validated, never rushed or ignored. My interest is in the person with a symptom rather than the symptom of a person.
![Photo of Christina Outlaw, PMHCNS, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51cf116e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Christina Outlaw is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist specializing in adult chronic mental illness including mood disorders, substance abuse support, anxiety and depression. Christina’s clinical experience includes psychiatric evaluation and assessment, as well as medication management using the latest evidence-based interventions and treatment options.
Christina Outlaw is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist specializing in adult chronic mental illness including mood disorders, substance abuse support, anxiety and depression. Christina’s clinical experience includes psychiatric evaluation and assessment, as well as medication management using the latest evidence-based interventions and treatment options.
![Photo of Lindsay Russell, MSN, PMHNP, -BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/73573d63-2173-43de-b82a-920d88f6447f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hello! My name is Lindsay,. I take pride in being on YOUR team. I will work with you to create the best treatment plan to meet your needs. YOU are in charge of your treatment. I am only your "helper" to get you where you want to be. We will work together to ensure you are confident in our treatment decisions while achieving desired outcomes safely. My ideal patient is someone who is seeking personal growth and healing. Everyone deserves to wake up looking forward to starting their day by identifying the positives in their lives, changing controllable negatives, and coping with uncontrollable negatives that impede happiness!
Hello! My name is Lindsay,. I take pride in being on YOUR team. I will work with you to create the best treatment plan to meet your needs. YOU are in charge of your treatment. I am only your "helper" to get you where you want to be. We will work together to ensure you are confident in our treatment decisions while achieving desired outcomes safely. My ideal patient is someone who is seeking personal growth and healing. Everyone deserves to wake up looking forward to starting their day by identifying the positives in their lives, changing controllable negatives, and coping with uncontrollable negatives that impede happiness!
![Photo of Edena Walden, APN, MSN, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a1bd5ab1-700b-44e4-a696-80b281045b0f/1/320x400.png)
Edena Walden
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APN, MSN, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
Fort Wayne, IN 46818
Ideally my patient is as invested in their care as I am. They could have a variety of diagnoses but the thing they have in common is they are willing to give the process time, are open to new ideas, and know there is no magic pill to fix all their problems. My patients want to get to the best version of themselves and are willing to try therapy as well as medications to help them reach that goal. My patient wants an empathetic, listening provider who can guide their care based on the evidence, but tailored to their individual needs.
Ideally my patient is as invested in their care as I am. They could have a variety of diagnoses but the thing they have in common is they are willing to give the process time, are open to new ideas, and know there is no magic pill to fix all their problems. My patients want to get to the best version of themselves and are willing to try therapy as well as medications to help them reach that goal. My patient wants an empathetic, listening provider who can guide their care based on the evidence, but tailored to their individual needs.
![Photo of Diane Campbell, P, M, H, N, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/eb029137-655e-4a40-b577-f417f450018f/3/320x400.jpeg)
The primary goal of Central Indiana Mental Health Partners is to provide high quality psychtropic medication management to those within the community. Are you currently in therapy, but feel as though you may benefit from medication as well? Do you feel like you could use specialty care to help make sense of your mental health? Let's connect and discuss what Central Indiana Mental Health Partners can offer. Services are currently conducted through a combination of in person and telehealth visits.
The primary goal of Central Indiana Mental Health Partners is to provide high quality psychtropic medication management to those within the community. Are you currently in therapy, but feel as though you may benefit from medication as well? Do you feel like you could use specialty care to help make sense of your mental health? Let's connect and discuss what Central Indiana Mental Health Partners can offer. Services are currently conducted through a combination of in person and telehealth visits.
![Photo of Lacy Pippin, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1f852fae-9c6b-4c0f-8b59-1a6913eb09af/2/320x400.png)
I imagine my ideal client to be a person seeking treatment for struggles that they are not able to handle on their own, such as overwhelming anxiety or depression. They are invested in improving their life and functioning but may not know where to start or may have failed in the process of seeking treatment in the past. They need some guidance in getting back to a place where they are happy with their life and they need support and kindness along the way. They want to have a better understanding of themselves and their feelings with an emphasis placed on learning coping skills to help them through difficult times.
I imagine my ideal client to be a person seeking treatment for struggles that they are not able to handle on their own, such as overwhelming anxiety or depression. They are invested in improving their life and functioning but may not know where to start or may have failed in the process of seeking treatment in the past. They need some guidance in getting back to a place where they are happy with their life and they need support and kindness along the way. They want to have a better understanding of themselves and their feelings with an emphasis placed on learning coping skills to help them through difficult times.
![Photo of Lindsey Morgan, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c38fffbe-1f59-4b73-9956-f5b5dbca5088/4/320x400.jpeg)
Hello! My name is Lindsey, and I'm a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with over a decade of experience in the mental health field. I am so glad you are here and about to take the first step by asking for help. People often come into our lives for a reason, so I aim to make every interaction meaningful. Helping others reach their true potential through growth and recovery is something I'm passionate about. This starts with listening to understand who you are, what you've been through, and your goals for treatment. Together, we will develop a personalized plan to help guide you toward healing and overall wellness.
Hello! My name is Lindsey, and I'm a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with over a decade of experience in the mental health field. I am so glad you are here and about to take the first step by asking for help. People often come into our lives for a reason, so I aim to make every interaction meaningful. Helping others reach their true potential through growth and recovery is something I'm passionate about. This starts with listening to understand who you are, what you've been through, and your goals for treatment. Together, we will develop a personalized plan to help guide you toward healing and overall wellness.
![Photo of Joni Kay Whetzel - Bellwood Wellness Center, PMHNP-, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/34172daa-9568-4d5d-ab74-de6ad1656ad3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Bellwood Wellness Center
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Albany, IN 47320
I am passionate about helping those most in need.Many of my clients have not felt heard in the past.They struggle with the everyday things, due to a previous mis-diagnosis or lack of holistic treatment.I seek to listen and take the time needed to fully understand those struggling with ADHD, grief processing, depression, trauma, anxiety or PTSD. Some clients may experience psychosis, or suffer from a personality disorder, or more likely a combination of some of the above. I believe whole body wellness, spirituality, and the mind- body connection are as important as pharmaceutical remedies. If you need to be truly heard, let’s talk.
I am passionate about helping those most in need.Many of my clients have not felt heard in the past.They struggle with the everyday things, due to a previous mis-diagnosis or lack of holistic treatment.I seek to listen and take the time needed to fully understand those struggling with ADHD, grief processing, depression, trauma, anxiety or PTSD. Some clients may experience psychosis, or suffer from a personality disorder, or more likely a combination of some of the above. I believe whole body wellness, spirituality, and the mind- body connection are as important as pharmaceutical remedies. If you need to be truly heard, let’s talk.
![Photo of Sarah Schinbeckler, MSN, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bd26e79e-bbcd-4f4f-97f6-7d58371d1213/1/320x400.png)
Sarah Schinbeckler
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fort Wayne, IN 46802 (Online Only)
With more than 11 years of clinical experience as a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, my experience includes treating individuals with mood disorders (bipolar), depression, anxiety, trauma, ADD/ADHD, addiction, postpartum depression/anxiety, and difficulties adjusting to major life events.
With more than 11 years of clinical experience as a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, my experience includes treating individuals with mood disorders (bipolar), depression, anxiety, trauma, ADD/ADHD, addiction, postpartum depression/anxiety, and difficulties adjusting to major life events.
![Photo of Shani Berrios, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bf43b649-25fd-4b8b-b44f-d539ded1734e/1/320x400.png)
Shani Berrios
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Kokomo, IN 46902
Hi! As someone who has personal experience related to mental health difficulty and trauma, I am hoping to provide empathetic care to help individuals achieve and maintain a better quality of life. My goal is to treat individuals holistically, working collaboratively with clients to tailor personalized treatment plans.
Hi! As someone who has personal experience related to mental health difficulty and trauma, I am hoping to provide empathetic care to help individuals achieve and maintain a better quality of life. My goal is to treat individuals holistically, working collaboratively with clients to tailor personalized treatment plans.
![Photo of Edena Walden, APN, MSN, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/515b35df-4998-4db7-92ab-d64d5cdf711d/1/320x400.png)
Ideally my patient is as invested in their care as I am. They could have a variety of diagnoses but the thing they have in common is they are willing to give the process time, are open to new ideas, and know there is no magic pill to fix all their problems. My patients want to get to the best version of themselves and are willing to try therapy as well as medications to help them reach that goal. My patient wants an empathetic, listening provider who can guide their care based on the evidence, but tailored to their individual needs.
Ideally my patient is as invested in their care as I am. They could have a variety of diagnoses but the thing they have in common is they are willing to give the process time, are open to new ideas, and know there is no magic pill to fix all their problems. My patients want to get to the best version of themselves and are willing to try therapy as well as medications to help them reach that goal. My patient wants an empathetic, listening provider who can guide their care based on the evidence, but tailored to their individual needs.
![Photo of Rinkoo Sidhu, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/10ed190e-6711-4414-8e2c-8962c246d8ee/1/320x400.jpeg)
Rinkoo Sidhu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
South Bend, IN 46617 (Online Only)
Hello, my name is Rinkoo Sidhu and I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) currently licensed in the states of Indiana, Texas, and California.
Hello, my name is Rinkoo Sidhu and I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) currently licensed in the states of Indiana, Texas, and California.
![Photo of Dr. Allen Masry, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b5321af5-7743-47e8-b2e9-948d5dbdcc1d/2/320x400.png)
I am Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and have been practicing since 2005. I completed my residency from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts and my Fellowship in Addictions from the Robert Johnson Wood Foundation. In 2014, I was featured in SJ Magazine as one of New Jersey’s top psychiatrists. I have experience working with adults as well as adolescents suffering from both psychiatric diagnosis and substance use disorders and have extensive experience working in both out-patient and in-patient settings.
I am Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and have been practicing since 2005. I completed my residency from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts and my Fellowship in Addictions from the Robert Johnson Wood Foundation. In 2014, I was featured in SJ Magazine as one of New Jersey’s top psychiatrists. I have experience working with adults as well as adolescents suffering from both psychiatric diagnosis and substance use disorders and have extensive experience working in both out-patient and in-patient settings.
![Photo of Dr. David Oluyinka Isaac, ARNP, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a24aedea-b646-4656-b801-b4b31762be1f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. David Oluyinka Isaac
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, ARNP, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Fort Wayne, IN 46835 (Online Only)
Regardless of your sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, race, color, national origin, religion, Surround Me Mental Health (SMMH) understands that your mental health is important. An experienced, passionate psychiatric provider who will listen actively to your concerns and be supportive can assist you in achieving your goal of healing from your struggles, using a culturally sensitive and patient-centered approach. Our goal is to help you move forward to where you want to be in your life. Visit our website to request consultation for services via telehealth anywhere in WA and Indiana and in the Greenwood and Indianapolis area.
Regardless of your sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, race, color, national origin, religion, Surround Me Mental Health (SMMH) understands that your mental health is important. An experienced, passionate psychiatric provider who will listen actively to your concerns and be supportive can assist you in achieving your goal of healing from your struggles, using a culturally sensitive and patient-centered approach. Our goal is to help you move forward to where you want to be in your life. Visit our website to request consultation for services via telehealth anywhere in WA and Indiana and in the Greenwood and Indianapolis area.
See more therapy options for Middlebury
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Middlebury, IN
< 10
Psychiatrists in Middlebury, IN who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | Addiction |
100% | ADHD |
100% | Grief |
100% | Bipolar Disorder |
100% | Behavioral Issues |
Average years in practice
14 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in Middlebury, IN see their clients
100% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
50% | Female | |
50% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Middlebury?
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.