Psychiatrists in Austin, TX
![Photo of Tyson Lippe, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c6f470e-b4ab-4035-85bb-6c3f4c2ee26c/1/320x400.jpeg)
I believe all of us will be impacted by mental health at some point, be it personally or from those around us. Because psychiatric conditions are so ubiquitous, it requires individualized approaches. Together, we will find the correct blend of treatments for you to drive change in your life and better your future.
I believe all of us will be impacted by mental health at some point, be it personally or from those around us. Because psychiatric conditions are so ubiquitous, it requires individualized approaches. Together, we will find the correct blend of treatments for you to drive change in your life and better your future.
![Photo of Ivan Srdanovic, PMHNP, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9d1b5c84-3e93-4f77-a187-cfb121f9734c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ivan Srdanovic is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who encompasses the biopsychosocial model in treating mental health disorders. Ivan believes that each person has a unique history, and considering all aspects of a person’s life is the most effective way of creating a personalized treatment plan for them. Ivan has experience in outpatient psychiatry treating adults and adolescents with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, thought disorders, adjustment disorders, and personality disorders.
Ivan Srdanovic is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who encompasses the biopsychosocial model in treating mental health disorders. Ivan believes that each person has a unique history, and considering all aspects of a person’s life is the most effective way of creating a personalized treatment plan for them. Ivan has experience in outpatient psychiatry treating adults and adolescents with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, thought disorders, adjustment disorders, and personality disorders.
![Photo of Justin Cullers, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ef8614e0-2756-4566-83f8-e7832867ed5b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Are you looking for someone who will take time to listen and understand you as an individual? I’m an experienced psychiatric nurse practitioner who is accepting new patients (19-64yo) for psychiatric medication management with or without psychotherapy. In addition to my NP training, I completed a two-year program in adult psychodynamic therapy at the Center for Psychoanalytic Studies in Houston, a therapy approach that encourages patients to understand the interplay of who they are, their personal history, and how it impacts their lives.
Are you looking for someone who will take time to listen and understand you as an individual? I’m an experienced psychiatric nurse practitioner who is accepting new patients (19-64yo) for psychiatric medication management with or without psychotherapy. In addition to my NP training, I completed a two-year program in adult psychodynamic therapy at the Center for Psychoanalytic Studies in Houston, a therapy approach that encourages patients to understand the interplay of who they are, their personal history, and how it impacts their lives.
![Photo of James Koch, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/084e5218-5705-4c85-bc4e-fbf78867ab4b/1/320x400.png)
My ideal client-someone who needs an empathetic listener. A person who does not feel heard, respected, or needed in life A person that needs direction, and desires to live life to the fullest. Free of anxiety, anger, and fear of abandonment, and knowing they are enough I can help, I offer active and empathetic listening skills. I offer a lifetime of personal and professional experience. I have experienced my own loss.
My ideal client-someone who needs an empathetic listener. A person who does not feel heard, respected, or needed in life A person that needs direction, and desires to live life to the fullest. Free of anxiety, anger, and fear of abandonment, and knowing they are enough I can help, I offer active and empathetic listening skills. I offer a lifetime of personal and professional experience. I have experienced my own loss.
![Photo of Ramon Aragon, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e450bdb6-09ac-464c-8c59-8ee3b555faf3/3/320x400.jpeg)
Depression is a severely debilitating illness and while some patients improve with medications and psychotherapy, some patients do not. This can be due to medication adverse effects, difficulty adhering to the regimen, or a simple lack of efficacy from these agents. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is an FDA-approved and indicated therapy for these cases. TMS can also treat OCD, Anxiety, and aid in smoking cessation.
Depression is a severely debilitating illness and while some patients improve with medications and psychotherapy, some patients do not. This can be due to medication adverse effects, difficulty adhering to the regimen, or a simple lack of efficacy from these agents. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is an FDA-approved and indicated therapy for these cases. TMS can also treat OCD, Anxiety, and aid in smoking cessation.
![Photo of undefined - Bee Well Mental Wellness, LLC , MSN, APRN, PMHNP, -BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d0b5065d-71e4-4962-8ab7-4a625be8f3e4/1/320x400.png)
Bee Well Mental Wellness, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78731 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I am committed to helping individuals attain their optimal mental health. I have over a decade of dedicated patient care experience. My treatment philosophy is rooted in the belief that every individual deserves to experience their personal happy place. I will help with facilitating your journey to inner well-being.
I am committed to helping individuals attain their optimal mental health. I have over a decade of dedicated patient care experience. My treatment philosophy is rooted in the belief that every individual deserves to experience their personal happy place. I will help with facilitating your journey to inner well-being.
![Photo of undefined - Vital Psych MD, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/08e42c2c-cac8-491b-bf2b-4dfd53918342/1/320x400.png)
Hi! Welcome to Dr. Kapoor's private practice. With over 10 years of experience in the field of mental health, our mission is to have a positive impact in your life by working on your present. Weather it is anxiety, depression, difficulty functioning at work or school, family conflicts, challenges in relationships, low self-esteem, or simply a desire to learn more about themselves; we can help. As a psychiatrist with deep expertise in the field, Dr. Kapoor creates a treatment plan that meets his client's needs. His style is guided by warmth and flexibility, with the goals of helping patients build insight and self esteem.
Hi! Welcome to Dr. Kapoor's private practice. With over 10 years of experience in the field of mental health, our mission is to have a positive impact in your life by working on your present. Weather it is anxiety, depression, difficulty functioning at work or school, family conflicts, challenges in relationships, low self-esteem, or simply a desire to learn more about themselves; we can help. As a psychiatrist with deep expertise in the field, Dr. Kapoor creates a treatment plan that meets his client's needs. His style is guided by warmth and flexibility, with the goals of helping patients build insight and self esteem.
![Photo of Dr. Daniel Daylamani, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/77982014-e267-46eb-95a5-1c8df8370b62/1/320x400.png)
I am a board-certified psychiatrist currently accepting new patients. My practice is strictly through the use of telepsychiatry which means that all appointments will be held via HIPAA compliant video conferencing software. Many patients prefer this means of treatment as appointments can be done from the comfort of your home or office without the need for lengthy commutes or waiting rooms and it provides access to mental health treatment to patients located in more remote locations. I treat adult (18+) patients located in Colorado, Texas and Washington State though controlled substance prescribing may only be done in Colorado.
I am a board-certified psychiatrist currently accepting new patients. My practice is strictly through the use of telepsychiatry which means that all appointments will be held via HIPAA compliant video conferencing software. Many patients prefer this means of treatment as appointments can be done from the comfort of your home or office without the need for lengthy commutes or waiting rooms and it provides access to mental health treatment to patients located in more remote locations. I treat adult (18+) patients located in Colorado, Texas and Washington State though controlled substance prescribing may only be done in Colorado.
![Photo of Ian M Crooks, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8bdce582-ed2e-40e9-a5dc-9f49a1d689f9/2/320x400.jpeg)
Your health and well-being matter. If you have been struggling with mental, emotional or behavioral challenges, it can be very helpful to meet with a psychiatrist for a comprehensive & thorough evaluation, as well as discuss treatment recommendations that will get you back on the path to feeling and functioning as you need and want to be. As a physician, I work in a collaborative and caring manner, listening to your concerns and supporting you along the way as you set out on your path to improved health and well-being. Your life matters, and as your doctor, it is my responsibility to be available, accessible and helpful to you.
Your health and well-being matter. If you have been struggling with mental, emotional or behavioral challenges, it can be very helpful to meet with a psychiatrist for a comprehensive & thorough evaluation, as well as discuss treatment recommendations that will get you back on the path to feeling and functioning as you need and want to be. As a physician, I work in a collaborative and caring manner, listening to your concerns and supporting you along the way as you set out on your path to improved health and well-being. Your life matters, and as your doctor, it is my responsibility to be available, accessible and helpful to you.
![Photo of Deena Velazquez Dong- Psychiatry Texas, APRN, PMHNP-, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/09138022-0751-4c5e-a3ce-e18921022a82/3/320x400.jpeg)
Deena Velazquez Dong- Psychiatry Texas
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP-, BC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78701
Feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, and often at your wits' end? Struggling to be your best self in your career, educational pursuit, or family life (spouse/partner/parent)? Difficulty staying focused, making careless mistakes, racing thoughts, or trouble turning your brain off at night? Finding yourself feeling guilty or ashamed of constantly feeling on edge, irritable, or lashing out at others? Exhausted, unmotivated, sad, and just 'meh' about things? Let's talk about getting you back on track to being your optimal self.
Feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, and often at your wits' end? Struggling to be your best self in your career, educational pursuit, or family life (spouse/partner/parent)? Difficulty staying focused, making careless mistakes, racing thoughts, or trouble turning your brain off at night? Finding yourself feeling guilty or ashamed of constantly feeling on edge, irritable, or lashing out at others? Exhausted, unmotivated, sad, and just 'meh' about things? Let's talk about getting you back on track to being your optimal self.
![Photo of undefined - Holistic Health and Psychiatry PLLC, PMHNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fe7325cd-a184-4cb7-be46-a7b7b8aecfc8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Holistic Health and Psychiatry PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-C
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78705 (Online Only)
Andrea Yoshiko Carter is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She has experience treating adolescents and adults with depression, anxiety, PTSD, childhood trauma, and bipolar disorder. Andrea has received training in dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and is certified in brainspotting.
Andrea Yoshiko Carter is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She has experience treating adolescents and adults with depression, anxiety, PTSD, childhood trauma, and bipolar disorder. Andrea has received training in dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and is certified in brainspotting.
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![Photo of Patrick Sassoon, MD, MS, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7cb98afc-c849-4bd0-82b2-130d8ca8da48/2/320x400.jpeg)
My approach is based on integrative psychiatry, which uses medications, therapy and complementary medicine to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms. I address the combined impact of sleep, lifestyle, relationships, nutrition and chronic medical conditions on well-being, and use cutting edge tools like genetic testing to guide personalized treatment with medication and supplements. I consider the patient’s cultural background in my assessments and I can provide treatment in Spanish, Portuguese, French and Italian. My goal is to help my patients create lasting changes and build vitality, resilience and purpose in life.
My approach is based on integrative psychiatry, which uses medications, therapy and complementary medicine to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms. I address the combined impact of sleep, lifestyle, relationships, nutrition and chronic medical conditions on well-being, and use cutting edge tools like genetic testing to guide personalized treatment with medication and supplements. I consider the patient’s cultural background in my assessments and I can provide treatment in Spanish, Portuguese, French and Italian. My goal is to help my patients create lasting changes and build vitality, resilience and purpose in life.
![Photo of Sue Roh, APRN, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9f60507f-ac55-43b1-b8bc-632513e18e27/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC), both certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. I am providing integrated care, using a multi-directional approach to touch the base of all mental and physical illnesses.
I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC), both certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. I am providing integrated care, using a multi-directional approach to touch the base of all mental and physical illnesses.
![Photo of Ellen Campbell, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/227a979e-b131-44cc-bf71-eaeb1fe437f6/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ellen Campbell
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78746
Not accepting new clients
If you are worried about yourself or your child's mental wellbeing, you've come to the right place. I work with clients ages 5-25 who are experiencing various levels of psychiatric distress and looking for diagnosis and medication management. In conjunction with medication management, I provide holistic, well-rounded, and integrated approaches to mental wellness. My practice is inclusive and affirming of all genders, sexualities, body types, and neurotypes.
If you are worried about yourself or your child's mental wellbeing, you've come to the right place. I work with clients ages 5-25 who are experiencing various levels of psychiatric distress and looking for diagnosis and medication management. In conjunction with medication management, I provide holistic, well-rounded, and integrated approaches to mental wellness. My practice is inclusive and affirming of all genders, sexualities, body types, and neurotypes.
![Photo of Nathanial Kamerick, PMHNP, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/904c71ce-7f34-424a-a328-852f81c6c92e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Nathanial Kamerick
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, APRN
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78752 (Online Only)
If you feel like your previous experiences with psychiatry have felt cold and abrupt, and it has felt near-impossible to communicate with your provider, I'd like to help create a new impression of the experience of psychiatry for you. My patients often thank me for my friendly and easy-going approach, and I'm often only a message away if there are questions or concerns. If you're struggling with issues like anxiety, mood instability, trauma, paranoia, or substance use (to name a few), I would like to hear your story, offer solutions, and discuss medications if appropriate. I have a wide range of experience and tools to help.
If you feel like your previous experiences with psychiatry have felt cold and abrupt, and it has felt near-impossible to communicate with your provider, I'd like to help create a new impression of the experience of psychiatry for you. My patients often thank me for my friendly and easy-going approach, and I'm often only a message away if there are questions or concerns. If you're struggling with issues like anxiety, mood instability, trauma, paranoia, or substance use (to name a few), I would like to hear your story, offer solutions, and discuss medications if appropriate. I have a wide range of experience and tools to help.
![Photo of Karissa L Dungy, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4f911ef9-7828-4a06-8425-9c26abc085b1/3/320x400.jpeg)
Karissa L Dungy
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78735
Waitlist for new clients
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner of whom provides psychiatric treatment including medication management to individuals across the lifespan from 6yrs old to adults (<55), in person and via Telehealth. My passion is for our next generation of leaders, our children and adolescents. But we are the now and we need help today. I believe every person, no matter their age, is a unique individual and deserves individually tailored care, focusing on their needs and desires. I am here to provide such care beginning with a full assessment of the biological, psychological, and sociological issues.
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner of whom provides psychiatric treatment including medication management to individuals across the lifespan from 6yrs old to adults (<55), in person and via Telehealth. My passion is for our next generation of leaders, our children and adolescents. But we are the now and we need help today. I believe every person, no matter their age, is a unique individual and deserves individually tailored care, focusing on their needs and desires. I am here to provide such care beginning with a full assessment of the biological, psychological, and sociological issues.
![Photo of Jonathan Prokop, MA, MSN, APRN, PMNHP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/73e2aef2-b1b0-4c69-a029-2f5661fd032c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jonathan Prokop
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MA, MSN, APRN, PMNHP
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78752 (Online Only)
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner of whom provides psychiatric treatment and management to individuals across the lifespan from adolescents to older adults both in person and via telehealth. My approach to care is of a holistic, collaborative, empowering, practical and evidence-based nature in order to improve the lives of those of whom I provide care. I believe that the patient-provider relationship is the mechanism through which change occurs. And it is through collaboration with the individual seeking services by which empowerment is achieved and a patient’s full potential can be realized.
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner of whom provides psychiatric treatment and management to individuals across the lifespan from adolescents to older adults both in person and via telehealth. My approach to care is of a holistic, collaborative, empowering, practical and evidence-based nature in order to improve the lives of those of whom I provide care. I believe that the patient-provider relationship is the mechanism through which change occurs. And it is through collaboration with the individual seeking services by which empowerment is achieved and a patient’s full potential can be realized.
![Photo of Zaw Win, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/04eb79ea-556b-49f2-abaf-f0ec6281f04f/2/320x400.png)
Zaw Win, MD is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology in General Adult Psychiatry. Dr. Win was elected by the Membership Committee and the Board of Trustees of the American Psychiatric Association to be a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association (FAPA) in recognition of his significant contributions to the field of psychiatry. Dr. Win completed his psychiatry residency training at the University of Kansas School of Medicine in 1998.
Zaw Win, MD is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology in General Adult Psychiatry. Dr. Win was elected by the Membership Committee and the Board of Trustees of the American Psychiatric Association to be a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association (FAPA) in recognition of his significant contributions to the field of psychiatry. Dr. Win completed his psychiatry residency training at the University of Kansas School of Medicine in 1998.
![Photo of Joseph Swider, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/81b62cef-5a28-491c-9679-99e24258d6d2/2/320x400.png)
Dr. Joe Swider is a Georgetown trained psychiatrist with over 20 yrs of experience in treating the most challenging mental health issues, and has had over 15 yrs of inpatient experience. Specialties include treatment refractory depression and anxiety, which may include PTSD or OCD. Outside of the office, Dr. Swider enjoys an active life, to include skiing, biking and scuba diving.
Dr. Joe Swider is a Georgetown trained psychiatrist with over 20 yrs of experience in treating the most challenging mental health issues, and has had over 15 yrs of inpatient experience. Specialties include treatment refractory depression and anxiety, which may include PTSD or OCD. Outside of the office, Dr. Swider enjoys an active life, to include skiing, biking and scuba diving.
![Photo of Ryann Rathbone, MSN, RN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7bb7013d-4ce3-4a49-ae15-8a9c24488de1/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), and owner of Clear Water Psychiatry. I provide psychiatric assessments, diagnostic services and medication management with psychoeducation. I believe in a holistic, client-centered and evidence based perspective. I specialize in the treatment of adults with trauma, mood, anxiety and thought disorders as well as pre-peri-post natal psychiatry. I am committed to an integrated model of care and partner with my clients, their healthcare providers and therapists. My Master's of Nursing and training as a PMHNP from the University of Texas in Austin.
I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), and owner of Clear Water Psychiatry. I provide psychiatric assessments, diagnostic services and medication management with psychoeducation. I believe in a holistic, client-centered and evidence based perspective. I specialize in the treatment of adults with trauma, mood, anxiety and thought disorders as well as pre-peri-post natal psychiatry. I am committed to an integrated model of care and partner with my clients, their healthcare providers and therapists. My Master's of Nursing and training as a PMHNP from the University of Texas in Austin.
See more therapy options for Austin
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Austin, TX
300+
Average cost per session
$196
Psychiatrists in Austin, TX who prioritize treating:
94% | Depression |
94% | Anxiety |
81% | Bipolar Disorder |
78% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
77% | Trauma and PTSD |
74% | Medication Management |
69% | ADHD |
Average years in practice
8 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
85% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
85% | Cigna and Evernorth |
84% | Aetna |
How Psychiatrists in Austin, TX see their clients
62% | In Person and Online | |
38% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
69% | Female | |
30% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Austin?
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.