Psychiatrists in Charlotte, NC
![Photo of Shelton Allison, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ca63a355-16b4-45cd-9995-82432dc2aeab/1/320x400.jpeg)
Shelton Allison is a Psychiatrist in North Carolina who has been practicing since 2010. He attended Jackson State University for his BS in Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine for his medical school, and Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine for his residency. Shelton develops an environment where people can feel supported and free to be their authentic selves. He uses his years of experience to come up with a treatment plan that works for them. Outside of work, Shelton enjoys sports, music, and outdoor activities.
Shelton Allison is a Psychiatrist in North Carolina who has been practicing since 2010. He attended Jackson State University for his BS in Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine for his medical school, and Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine for his residency. Shelton develops an environment where people can feel supported and free to be their authentic selves. He uses his years of experience to come up with a treatment plan that works for them. Outside of work, Shelton enjoys sports, music, and outdoor activities.
![Photo of Dr. Urvashi Goswami, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ec1f624a-b812-4030-9be0-f4b476b34534/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Urvashi Goswami chose psychiatry when she realized “whole of the body is in the mind, but the whole of the mind is not in the body.”
Dr. Urvashi Goswami chose psychiatry when she realized “whole of the body is in the mind, but the whole of the mind is not in the body.”
![Photo of Arlette Owens-Mosley, MSN, FNP-C, PMHNP-, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/259d323e-5a4f-44f2-94f8-8f71d1246a3b/2/320x400.png)
Arlette Owens-Mosley
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, FNP-C, PMHNP-, BC
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28205
I am a dual certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. My experience with psychiatric patients began with adults while working as a Family Nurse Practitioner. I have experience working with varied psychiatric disorders including Depression, ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, Personality Disorders, Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorders. In addition I am also experienced with Substance use and Alcohol use disorders. I also perform Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluations and Substance Abuse Assessments.
I am a dual certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. My experience with psychiatric patients began with adults while working as a Family Nurse Practitioner. I have experience working with varied psychiatric disorders including Depression, ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, Personality Disorders, Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorders. In addition I am also experienced with Substance use and Alcohol use disorders. I also perform Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluations and Substance Abuse Assessments.
![Photo of Lolade Ogunleye - Cana Psychiatric Health, DNP, PMHNP, -BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/88925616-3790-450b-8e46-65b8d704a060/1/320x400.png)
Cana Psychiatric Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28215
Dr Lola is a Family psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner:NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENT! The brain is an organ where specialized treatment and medications may be needed to help restore physiological balance and correct functioning. Keeping all aspects of each individual in mind, I prescribe medications and supportive therapy when needed so together, we can address the whole person. Therapy can be an effective tool in restoring the soul, which has a direct impact on the well-being of our mind, will, and emotional state.
Dr Lola is a Family psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner:NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENT! The brain is an organ where specialized treatment and medications may be needed to help restore physiological balance and correct functioning. Keeping all aspects of each individual in mind, I prescribe medications and supportive therapy when needed so together, we can address the whole person. Therapy can be an effective tool in restoring the soul, which has a direct impact on the well-being of our mind, will, and emotional state.
![Photo of Rhonda Robinson, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/14ee9add-3422-4537-b02d-b557f13b400f/1/320x400.png)
Rhonda Robinson, DNP, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, with training and experience treating patients with psychiatric disorders across the lifespan. Specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prescribing of psychiatric medications for children, adolescents, and adults (across the lifespan). Areas of focus include PTSD/trauma, anxiety disorders, ADHD, mood disorders (BPD, bipolar disorder, etc.), and depression disorders. I have been in the medical field for over 20 years. As a nurse, I have witnessed the gap in mental health services for both patients and family members.
Rhonda Robinson, DNP, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, with training and experience treating patients with psychiatric disorders across the lifespan. Specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prescribing of psychiatric medications for children, adolescents, and adults (across the lifespan). Areas of focus include PTSD/trauma, anxiety disorders, ADHD, mood disorders (BPD, bipolar disorder, etc.), and depression disorders. I have been in the medical field for over 20 years. As a nurse, I have witnessed the gap in mental health services for both patients and family members.
![Photo of Rashonda Wilson, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bf38e910-cf41-45b0-ae4b-9cf16e0bb9a1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Rashonda Wilson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28210 (Online Only)
Are you tired of feeling down, and depressed with low to no motivation? Are you struggling with feeling overwhelmed, racing thoughts and/or trouble sleeping? Are you or a loved one struggling with staying on task, focusing, or remembering things? What about experiencing some increased stress and needing help with coping skills? No worries! I am here to help! My name is Rashonda Wilson, and I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner licensed by the State of North Carolina and board-certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Are you tired of feeling down, and depressed with low to no motivation? Are you struggling with feeling overwhelmed, racing thoughts and/or trouble sleeping? Are you or a loved one struggling with staying on task, focusing, or remembering things? What about experiencing some increased stress and needing help with coping skills? No worries! I am here to help! My name is Rashonda Wilson, and I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner licensed by the State of North Carolina and board-certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
![Photo of Austin Sowell, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e1efe62-9065-4f62-b362-532884926b51/2/320x400.jpeg)
Austin Sowell
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28209
I enjoy working with my clients to figure out what they want their life to be like and help them identify their goals. From there, I see it as my job to support the client in their journey towards improving their life. Whether I am working with a young child or an adult, I recognize how brave it is to seek help. For my clients suffering from general psychiatric illnesses, I asses for psychiatric stability along with the appropriateness for therapy and/or medications.
I enjoy working with my clients to figure out what they want their life to be like and help them identify their goals. From there, I see it as my job to support the client in their journey towards improving their life. Whether I am working with a young child or an adult, I recognize how brave it is to seek help. For my clients suffering from general psychiatric illnesses, I asses for psychiatric stability along with the appropriateness for therapy and/or medications.
![Photo of Desiree Matthews - Different MHP, PC - Desiree Matthews, PMHNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/abef85dd-c626-48a6-aa05-dcce95dfdb84/1/320x400.png)
Different MHP, PC - Desiree Matthews, PMHNP
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28210 (Online Only)
We are accepting new patients ages 18+ in North Carolina for Telepsychiatry! Same day and next day appointments available! If you're struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, ADHD, or other conditions that impair your quality of life and limit your potential, you're not alone. When you're feeling stuck in therapy and medication cycles, it might seem like you'll never find your way out.
We are accepting new patients ages 18+ in North Carolina for Telepsychiatry! Same day and next day appointments available! If you're struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, ADHD, or other conditions that impair your quality of life and limit your potential, you're not alone. When you're feeling stuck in therapy and medication cycles, it might seem like you'll never find your way out.
![Photo of Arwen Podesta, MD, ABPN, FASAM, ABIHM, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6529e7f9-412a-47fe-bd84-10fb656e5720/1/320x400.jpeg)
As your psychiatrist, my aim is to help you achieve your fullest potential of wellness and health. I am board certified in Adult Psychiatry, Addiction Medicine, Holistic & Integrative Medicine, and Forensic Psychiatry. My extensive training helps me deeply understand your neurobiology from a reductionist standpoint, your whole environment and ecology and how that affects your well-being, and how medication, nutrition and lifestyle change can help you feel your best. I use science and evidence based therapies to treat your body, mind and spirit.
As your psychiatrist, my aim is to help you achieve your fullest potential of wellness and health. I am board certified in Adult Psychiatry, Addiction Medicine, Holistic & Integrative Medicine, and Forensic Psychiatry. My extensive training helps me deeply understand your neurobiology from a reductionist standpoint, your whole environment and ecology and how that affects your well-being, and how medication, nutrition and lifestyle change can help you feel your best. I use science and evidence based therapies to treat your body, mind and spirit.
![Photo of Linda Marie Banks, PHMNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f7116077-7c3a-44eb-9c73-72e30d61aa9e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Linda is a board-certified nurse practitioner in both psychiatry and family medicine. She completed her training at Samford University and has undergraduate degrees in both Psychology and Nursing. She is trained to work with all ages, including children. Linda uses her education and experience to provide trauma-informed, inclusive, personalized care for every patient. She uses a holistic and integrative approach to take the whole patient into consideration. Her training helps her to understand both physical and mental health, and how to address the mind-body connection in her care.
Linda is a board-certified nurse practitioner in both psychiatry and family medicine. She completed her training at Samford University and has undergraduate degrees in both Psychology and Nursing. She is trained to work with all ages, including children. Linda uses her education and experience to provide trauma-informed, inclusive, personalized care for every patient. She uses a holistic and integrative approach to take the whole patient into consideration. Her training helps her to understand both physical and mental health, and how to address the mind-body connection in her care.
![Photo of Amy Langston, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7c7b1f82-09e1-4f3c-b27f-a1c87703a4ad/2/320x400.jpeg)
Amy Langston
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28262 (Online Only)
Before transitioning into advanced practice, Amy was a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse, that had the privilege of working at several prestigious psychiatric hospitals in a variety of settings. In both her academic and professional life, she strives to deliver comprehensive evidence-based mental health and wellness services. As a Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, she aims to provide holistic care, taking into consideration the psychological, social, biological, and cultural needs of each individual patient.
Before transitioning into advanced practice, Amy was a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse, that had the privilege of working at several prestigious psychiatric hospitals in a variety of settings. In both her academic and professional life, she strives to deliver comprehensive evidence-based mental health and wellness services. As a Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, she aims to provide holistic care, taking into consideration the psychological, social, biological, and cultural needs of each individual patient.
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![Photo of Pratima Dahal, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/993e3495-788f-4159-a8e7-9b87266ec352/1/320x400.jpeg)
Pratima is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She received her graduate degree in Psychiatric Mental Health from University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. She has been a registered nurse since 2005 with unique experiences in psychiatric nursing across different cultures. As a provider, Pratima focuses on individual plan of care emphasizing on uniqueness of each client and their life situations. She is an avid advocate of importance of mental health to achieve the overall health and well-being.
Pratima is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She received her graduate degree in Psychiatric Mental Health from University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. She has been a registered nurse since 2005 with unique experiences in psychiatric nursing across different cultures. As a provider, Pratima focuses on individual plan of care emphasizing on uniqueness of each client and their life situations. She is an avid advocate of importance of mental health to achieve the overall health and well-being.
![Photo of Darlene Ifill-Taylor - Three Strand Wellness LLC, MD, FAPA, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3425286b-d0b6-4ea1-a8ff-3c6986c460be/2/320x400.jpeg)
If you are looking for a Mental Health care that focuses on all of you, using a wholistic approach- Three Strand Wellness is for you. Mind, Body and Spirit is our focus- providing therapy and medication management for Depression and Anxiety; Massage therapy; Yoga; Meditation training and Massage in a beautiful, private setting. Our practice offers TMS those who have not responded to antidepressants. TMS has an 83 percent response rate an is an holistic way to approach your depression treatment. Our Yoga and Meditation, specialists are the best- as is our massage, specialist. Referral for Nutrition and Physical fitness are offered.
If you are looking for a Mental Health care that focuses on all of you, using a wholistic approach- Three Strand Wellness is for you. Mind, Body and Spirit is our focus- providing therapy and medication management for Depression and Anxiety; Massage therapy; Yoga; Meditation training and Massage in a beautiful, private setting. Our practice offers TMS those who have not responded to antidepressants. TMS has an 83 percent response rate an is an holistic way to approach your depression treatment. Our Yoga and Meditation, specialists are the best- as is our massage, specialist. Referral for Nutrition and Physical fitness are offered.
![Photo of Aris Azar, PMHNP, AGNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/42e77c71-c737-447a-a2b5-99a41d95c0cf/8/320x400.jpeg)
I'm a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner offering a blend of psychotherapy and medication management to help you achieve your goals. My aim is to deliver expert care that aligns with your values and addresses your concerns by offering flexible scheduling, 7 days a week that includes weekends and evenings for your convenience. I have expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of psychiatric conditions including ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, OCD, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, panic disorder and many others. I also provide a holistic approach that integrates therapy seamlessly into your sessions.
I'm a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner offering a blend of psychotherapy and medication management to help you achieve your goals. My aim is to deliver expert care that aligns with your values and addresses your concerns by offering flexible scheduling, 7 days a week that includes weekends and evenings for your convenience. I have expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of psychiatric conditions including ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, OCD, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, panic disorder and many others. I also provide a holistic approach that integrates therapy seamlessly into your sessions.
![Photo of Cheryl Norris, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1fe4bccc-043e-46e1-951a-20862a3c6708/1/320x400.jpeg)
Cheryl Norris
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28202 (Online Only)
Hello! My name is Cheryl. I am a dually certified family and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I know the importance of treating mental health with not only medications but also therapy. We all need tools in our toolbox to be the best version of ourselves. I am committed to helping each client in their personal journey. I do not believe in one size fits all solutions.
Hello! My name is Cheryl. I am a dually certified family and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I know the importance of treating mental health with not only medications but also therapy. We all need tools in our toolbox to be the best version of ourselves. I am committed to helping each client in their personal journey. I do not believe in one size fits all solutions.
![Photo of Raj Shah, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e6aa3cfa-19a5-4212-8453-b20a8e58ce36/3/320x400.jpeg)
My goal is to work alongside my patients to improve their function and well-being - I take a collaborative, individualized approach to each patient and recognize that no two patients are alike. I believe that taking the time to listen and understand my patients is key to providing excellent care, whether that be medication, therapy, or a combination of both. Your success is my success, and rather than focus on a single issue or symptom, I prefer to view my patients on a more holistic scale and believe that excellent treatment involves understanding the nuances of an individual's personal and professional life.
My goal is to work alongside my patients to improve their function and well-being - I take a collaborative, individualized approach to each patient and recognize that no two patients are alike. I believe that taking the time to listen and understand my patients is key to providing excellent care, whether that be medication, therapy, or a combination of both. Your success is my success, and rather than focus on a single issue or symptom, I prefer to view my patients on a more holistic scale and believe that excellent treatment involves understanding the nuances of an individual's personal and professional life.
![Photo of Casey Watson, FNP , PMHNP , Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/85354aee-6072-40f9-843f-47648dca17af/2/320x400.jpeg)
Casey Watson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP , PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28277
Revitalize Psychiatry is a mental health practice located in Charlotte, NC that provides psychiatric evaluations and medication management. Online and in person appointments available for adults 18+. Casey is dual board certified as a nurse practitioner specializing in psychiatric mental health and family medicine. Casey has over 17 years in the medical field. Casey sees each patient as an individual and not your disorder. As a team, we will design a customized and comprehensive care plan for your continued care.
Revitalize Psychiatry is a mental health practice located in Charlotte, NC that provides psychiatric evaluations and medication management. Online and in person appointments available for adults 18+. Casey is dual board certified as a nurse practitioner specializing in psychiatric mental health and family medicine. Casey has over 17 years in the medical field. Casey sees each patient as an individual and not your disorder. As a team, we will design a customized and comprehensive care plan for your continued care.
![Photo of Lauren Smith, MSPAS, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e3abef82-5cfd-4d56-9aee-c373be046a5e/1/320x400.jpeg)
My main goal as a physician assistant is to provide personable, patient-oriented care. I chose psychiatry in order to implement my passion for mental health awareness. I have experience in treating anxiety, depression, insomnia, and ADHD. I work with both adolescents and adults. I am in person in Charlotte and virtual in Rocky Mount NC.
My main goal as a physician assistant is to provide personable, patient-oriented care. I chose psychiatry in order to implement my passion for mental health awareness. I have experience in treating anxiety, depression, insomnia, and ADHD. I work with both adolescents and adults. I am in person in Charlotte and virtual in Rocky Mount NC.
![Photo of Sakina Alston, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6e9d8ad8-ef30-4856-b73d-38853f96fb59/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have always had an innate passion to treat not the disease, but rather to assist individuals in living up to their desired level of optimal functioning despite health or sociological barriers they face. Twelve years of nursing experience allowed me to treat and gain familiarity with people from all walks of life; I also had the opportunity to understand their barriers to functioning at their best. I have cared for adolescents, children and babies when they were in crisis in the emergency department providing reassurance and safety.
I have always had an innate passion to treat not the disease, but rather to assist individuals in living up to their desired level of optimal functioning despite health or sociological barriers they face. Twelve years of nursing experience allowed me to treat and gain familiarity with people from all walks of life; I also had the opportunity to understand their barriers to functioning at their best. I have cared for adolescents, children and babies when they were in crisis in the emergency department providing reassurance and safety.
![Photo of Tonya Farmer, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2d75e07c-f59c-483d-a2b1-2c8c282a4179/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tonya is a dually Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 10 years of nursing experience providing care to individuals from ages 10 and above. She has always been passionate about helping others achieve optimal levels of functioning; both physically and mentally despite health or sociological barriers. She believes in person-centered and holistic healthcare.
Tonya is a dually Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 10 years of nursing experience providing care to individuals from ages 10 and above. She has always been passionate about helping others achieve optimal levels of functioning; both physically and mentally despite health or sociological barriers. She believes in person-centered and holistic healthcare.
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Number of Psychiatrists in Charlotte, NC
200+
Average cost per session
$177
Psychiatrists in Charlotte, NC who prioritize treating:
94% | Anxiety |
93% | Depression |
77% | Bipolar Disorder |
76% | ADHD |
70% | Trauma and PTSD |
68% | Medication Management |
64% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
7 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
88% | Cigna and Evernorth |
87% | Aetna |
83% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in Charlotte, NC see their clients
59% | In Person and Online | |
41% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
73% | Female | |
27% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Charlotte?
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.