Psychiatrists in Lexington, KY
![Photo of Michael Rieser, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e548df22-2d24-407c-93b7-a0530328347f/1/320x400.png)
Dr. Rieser received his undergraduate degree with honors from the University of Louisville where he also attended medical school and graduated in 1981. He completed an internship in Internal Medicine and began practicing Emergency Medicine in 1982, receiving Board Certification from the American Board of Emergency Physicians in 1988. He entered training in Psychiatry at the University of California at San Diego in 1990 and completed Adult Psychiatry Residency and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship in 1994, retiring from Emergency Medicine practice upon coming home to Kentucky to establish Psychiatric practice.
Dr. Rieser received his undergraduate degree with honors from the University of Louisville where he also attended medical school and graduated in 1981. He completed an internship in Internal Medicine and began practicing Emergency Medicine in 1982, receiving Board Certification from the American Board of Emergency Physicians in 1988. He entered training in Psychiatry at the University of California at San Diego in 1990 and completed Adult Psychiatry Residency and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship in 1994, retiring from Emergency Medicine practice upon coming home to Kentucky to establish Psychiatric practice.
![Photo of Jackie Stethem, APRN, PMHNP-, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8c52b38d-2cf6-481d-a76d-06058b5ec173/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jackie Stethem
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP-, BC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Lexington, KY 40509
Accepting new clients! I provide psychiatric evaluations and assessments, determine diagnoses and prescribe psychotropic medications as necessary to children, adolescents and adults. I am very open-minded and non-judgmental. I believe in treating the whole person, not a diagnosis. I am supportive of the LGBTQIA community.
Accepting new clients! I provide psychiatric evaluations and assessments, determine diagnoses and prescribe psychotropic medications as necessary to children, adolescents and adults. I am very open-minded and non-judgmental. I believe in treating the whole person, not a diagnosis. I am supportive of the LGBTQIA community.
![Photo of Elizabeth Templeman, APRN, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/587216cd-03c7-4bc3-a297-12217c4e965d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Elizabeth Templeman
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
Lexington, KY 40513
Embrace Integrative Behavioral Health will be opening in June of 2024. Website under development. I blend traditional psychiatric approaches with complementary therapies to provide holistic care for my patients. By integrating medication management with techniques like lifestyle modification, mindfulness, neurofeedback, and nutritional medicine, I aim to address the root causes of mental health issues and promote long-term wellness. My goal is to empower patients to take an active role in their treatment journey by fostering a collaborative approach in a supporting, therapeutic environment.
Embrace Integrative Behavioral Health will be opening in June of 2024. Website under development. I blend traditional psychiatric approaches with complementary therapies to provide holistic care for my patients. By integrating medication management with techniques like lifestyle modification, mindfulness, neurofeedback, and nutritional medicine, I aim to address the root causes of mental health issues and promote long-term wellness. My goal is to empower patients to take an active role in their treatment journey by fostering a collaborative approach in a supporting, therapeutic environment.
![Photo of Erin Greenlee, APRN, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b701993e-f521-4f05-b02e-4d2a06fb287b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Erin Greenlee
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Lexington, KY 40509
I have experience in assessing and treating complex mental health issues in the inpatient and outpatient settings for people of all ages. I am looking forward to treating individuals in the private practice setting with similar mental health concerns.
I have experience in assessing and treating complex mental health issues in the inpatient and outpatient settings for people of all ages. I am looking forward to treating individuals in the private practice setting with similar mental health concerns.
![Photo of Holly Kent, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f804902c-8404-466d-bee9-8eb55b02a0b8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Holly Kent is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Kentucky who has been practicing since 2021. She graduated from Northern Kentucky University with an MSN of Science in Nursing. Holly has eight years of nursing experience working in a variety of care settings. She is also a member of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association.
Holly Kent is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Kentucky who has been practicing since 2021. She graduated from Northern Kentucky University with an MSN of Science in Nursing. Holly has eight years of nursing experience working in a variety of care settings. She is also a member of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association.
![Photo of Hoyt Noble - PRISM Wellness Solutions, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/14911fb9-43b9-45e0-8b65-245aa83ca662/1/320x400.jpeg)
PRISM Wellness Solutions
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Lexington, KY 40513
PRISM Wellness Solutions was established in 2022 after the COVID-19 pandemic emphasized a major lapse in access to mental health services. Finding the right provider is not always easy but we are confident that you will find a match here.
PRISM Wellness Solutions was established in 2022 after the COVID-19 pandemic emphasized a major lapse in access to mental health services. Finding the right provider is not always easy but we are confident that you will find a match here.
![Photo of Allie Carmichael, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dac3b89a-098d-4530-8d73-6c5a26adf2c9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Allie Carmichael is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Kentucky who has been practicing since 2022. She received her Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Kentucky and her Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from the University of Louisville. Allie has experience working as a registered nurse in an inpatient psychiatric setting on children, adolescent, and adult units. She has experience as a psychiatric nurse practitioner working with adults in an inpatient psychiatric unit.
Allie Carmichael is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Kentucky who has been practicing since 2022. She received her Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Kentucky and her Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from the University of Louisville. Allie has experience working as a registered nurse in an inpatient psychiatric setting on children, adolescent, and adult units. She has experience as a psychiatric nurse practitioner working with adults in an inpatient psychiatric unit.
Jessica Price is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She holds active memberships in the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APRN) and the American Nurses Association (ANA). She received her master's degree in nursing from Northern Kentucky University and her bachelor's degree in Nursing from Kentucky State University. Her previous work experience includes both hospital and private practice settings in both inpatient and outpatient units.
Jessica Price is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She holds active memberships in the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APRN) and the American Nurses Association (ANA). She received her master's degree in nursing from Northern Kentucky University and her bachelor's degree in Nursing from Kentucky State University. Her previous work experience includes both hospital and private practice settings in both inpatient and outpatient units.
![Photo of Cheryl Lynn Marrs, DNP, APRN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a40a9915-d1a7-46c2-892e-64e27fc8809b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Cheryl Lynn Marrs
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lexington, KY 40503
We are not born with the skills to handle life or our emotions. If we did not have people surrounding us as we grew who knew these skills and could teach us, then we did whatever we could to get through the emotion or situation we were faced with. This continued and evolved over time-maybe it changed into substance use, maybe into chronic dishonesty, or maybe we just tried to disappear into the background. Eventually these coping skills stopped working and we become desperate for the pain to stop. This is the perfect time a person can completely change their life and become who they were meant to be. THIS is the second chance!
We are not born with the skills to handle life or our emotions. If we did not have people surrounding us as we grew who knew these skills and could teach us, then we did whatever we could to get through the emotion or situation we were faced with. This continued and evolved over time-maybe it changed into substance use, maybe into chronic dishonesty, or maybe we just tried to disappear into the background. Eventually these coping skills stopped working and we become desperate for the pain to stop. This is the perfect time a person can completely change their life and become who they were meant to be. THIS is the second chance!
![Photo of Ryan Bowlds, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/437a32b9-d59f-4539-b162-78448aeeecc3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ryan Bowlds, PMHNP Ryan Bowlds is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Kentucky who has been practicing since 2023. He graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor's degree in Nursing and completed a Psychiatric-Nurse Practitioner Master's degree from Western Kentucky University. Ryan offers not only medication management but the ability to provide psychotherapy-based therapeutic interventions. Outside of work, Ryan loves to play music, collect old music records, watch sports, and also play basketball and golf.
Ryan Bowlds, PMHNP Ryan Bowlds is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Kentucky who has been practicing since 2023. He graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor's degree in Nursing and completed a Psychiatric-Nurse Practitioner Master's degree from Western Kentucky University. Ryan offers not only medication management but the ability to provide psychotherapy-based therapeutic interventions. Outside of work, Ryan loves to play music, collect old music records, watch sports, and also play basketball and golf.
![Photo of Brian Richardson, PMHNP, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6d32e879-e987-4845-a720-70a61e9a6cb4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Brian Richardson is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who received his"¯Master's"¯Degree"¯from Northern Kentucky University. "¯ He received a bachelor's degree in nursing and environmental studies from Eastern Kentucky University. "¯ He has"¯experience"¯working"¯at Cardinal Hill dealing with traumatic brain injury patients and"¯the"¯rehabilitative needs of patients with acute medical conditions. "¯ He has"¯also"¯worked at the Ridge inpatient"¯services"¯with children, adolescents, and adult populations. "¯ His special interests include treatment of depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorders.
Brian Richardson is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who received his"¯Master's"¯Degree"¯from Northern Kentucky University. "¯ He received a bachelor's degree in nursing and environmental studies from Eastern Kentucky University. "¯ He has"¯experience"¯working"¯at Cardinal Hill dealing with traumatic brain injury patients and"¯the"¯rehabilitative needs of patients with acute medical conditions. "¯ He has"¯also"¯worked at the Ridge inpatient"¯services"¯with children, adolescents, and adult populations. "¯ His special interests include treatment of depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorders.
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![Photo of Amy Snowden, APRN (C, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/efbc94e7-8ea0-4a2c-a803-2cc73636cde6/1/320x400.png)
Amy Snowden is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who has been practicing since 2019. She graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a Master's of Science in Nursing with a focus in psychiatry. Amy's clinical career includes over 20 years of experience as a RN at inpatient hospitals, community mental health centers, and school-based settings. She enjoys working with children and adolescents and is certified to diagnose and treat all ages across the lifespan. Amy believes in providing compassionate, holistic and evidence-based care.
Amy Snowden is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who has been practicing since 2019. She graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a Master's of Science in Nursing with a focus in psychiatry. Amy's clinical career includes over 20 years of experience as a RN at inpatient hospitals, community mental health centers, and school-based settings. She enjoys working with children and adolescents and is certified to diagnose and treat all ages across the lifespan. Amy believes in providing compassionate, holistic and evidence-based care.
![Photo of Amy M. Tye, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c5bcf3d9-bf77-4cf0-aa20-47c8502c9123/1/320x400.jpeg)
Amy M. Tye is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, obtaining her Master's degree from Eastern Kentucky University. She started her practice in 2023 after 10 years of critical care nursing. It was during these years in the intensive care where her interest in mental health developed. She is a member of the American Nurses Association and the American Psychiatric Nurses Association. Amy has experience with all age groups, from children to geriatric populations as well as women's health; promoting wellness as well as offering treatment for various conditions i. e. , anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, substance use and more.
Amy M. Tye is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, obtaining her Master's degree from Eastern Kentucky University. She started her practice in 2023 after 10 years of critical care nursing. It was during these years in the intensive care where her interest in mental health developed. She is a member of the American Nurses Association and the American Psychiatric Nurses Association. Amy has experience with all age groups, from children to geriatric populations as well as women's health; promoting wellness as well as offering treatment for various conditions i. e. , anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, substance use and more.
![Photo of Kim Smith, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2c7eeea2-9a3c-4d0f-888e-a3e4f3e3a97c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kim Smith
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lexington, KY 40517
I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) dedicated to helping you overcome your mental health struggles so can lead a meaningful life.
I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) dedicated to helping you overcome your mental health struggles so can lead a meaningful life.
![Photo of Karen LaFlair, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/636d478b-3cd6-42b2-a54e-feb6c427bab2/2/320x400.jpeg)
Karen LaFlair
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Lexington, KY 40504 (Online Only)
My job is to empower my patients through education, collaborative decision-making, and fostering a therapeutic relationship that promotes healing and well being. Whether you're navigating mood disorders, anxiety or trauma, I offer more than just pills, but a partnership in your journey to optimize your mental health. Together, we can explore personalized strategies to enhance your resilience and quality of life. Let's work together to achieve your goals and cultivate lasting mental wellness through comprehensive psychiatric care and the integration of your mind and body.
My job is to empower my patients through education, collaborative decision-making, and fostering a therapeutic relationship that promotes healing and well being. Whether you're navigating mood disorders, anxiety or trauma, I offer more than just pills, but a partnership in your journey to optimize your mental health. Together, we can explore personalized strategies to enhance your resilience and quality of life. Let's work together to achieve your goals and cultivate lasting mental wellness through comprehensive psychiatric care and the integration of your mind and body.
![Photo of Naomi Johnson, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f781fa30-9ca0-4e13-b6e5-930d07539a95/1/320x400.jpeg)
Naomi Johnson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Lexington, KY 40502
I completed training in psychology, nursing, and psychiatric nursing. Before becoming a nurse, I worked as a social worker. My experience working in the mental health field has led me to understand how difficult asking for help can be for you. Whether it is your first time seeking help or your hundredth time, I am here to help guide you through your journey to be YOUR best self. I can help with anxiety, depression, bipolar, PTSD, and various other conditions. I can provide care in person or via telehealth.
I completed training in psychology, nursing, and psychiatric nursing. Before becoming a nurse, I worked as a social worker. My experience working in the mental health field has led me to understand how difficult asking for help can be for you. Whether it is your first time seeking help or your hundredth time, I am here to help guide you through your journey to be YOUR best self. I can help with anxiety, depression, bipolar, PTSD, and various other conditions. I can provide care in person or via telehealth.
![Photo of Brittany Robinson, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3a0d43fa-d330-40e3-8f96-8ba16de76427/3/320x400.jpeg)
Brittany Robinson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Lexington, KY 40513
As a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with a passion for holistic healing, I am dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey to mental wellness. I offer psychiatric evaluations with medication management and specialize in treating a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and mood disorders. My therapeutic approach is rooted in the belief that true healing occurs when we address the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit.
As a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with a passion for holistic healing, I am dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey to mental wellness. I offer psychiatric evaluations with medication management and specialize in treating a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and mood disorders. My therapeutic approach is rooted in the belief that true healing occurs when we address the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit.
![Photo of Treven Back, APRN , PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51038fbc-4023-4969-b00d-fcb98e2e9594/2/320x400.jpeg)
Treven Back
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN , PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lexington, KY 40509
As a provider, I believe in treating everyone has human and not labeling someone based on their diagnosis. As the need for mental health care continues to increase, I provide a warm and opening setting for clients to seek help. My focus is on the client and making sure that they are prepared to face everyday life.
As a provider, I believe in treating everyone has human and not labeling someone based on their diagnosis. As the need for mental health care continues to increase, I provide a warm and opening setting for clients to seek help. My focus is on the client and making sure that they are prepared to face everyday life.
![Photo of Dr. Kristin Dawson, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/561775e7-08a2-4ac7-a68d-64a919e54f13/2/320x400.jpeg)
Every one of us is on an expedition and most of us have encountered suffering along the way. We are here to act as guides during the most difficult parts of your mental health journey. Your treatment team will assess which stage of the journey you find yourself in now. You may be seeking relief from psychiatric symptoms, exploring healing from trauma, trying to optimize your mind, body and spirit or building a thriving life - Expedition Mental Health is ready to join you on your journey to greater mental health.
Every one of us is on an expedition and most of us have encountered suffering along the way. We are here to act as guides during the most difficult parts of your mental health journey. Your treatment team will assess which stage of the journey you find yourself in now. You may be seeking relief from psychiatric symptoms, exploring healing from trauma, trying to optimize your mind, body and spirit or building a thriving life - Expedition Mental Health is ready to join you on your journey to greater mental health.
![Photo of Michael Sarten, PMHNP, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4bd7bb97-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have been working in Mental Health since 2011, first as an inpatient psychiatric RN and now as a psychiatric nurse practitioner. I have practiced as a nurse practitioner in VA hospitals as a psychiatric consultation liaison and at VA community-based outpatient clinics. That’s just a fancy way of saying I have experience working as an inpatient and outpatient clinician. In addition, I have experience working in community mental health, mostly working with clients on Medicaid, many with substance abuse issues. As my well-rounded experience suggests, I respect and enjoy working with clients from all walks of life.
I have been working in Mental Health since 2011, first as an inpatient psychiatric RN and now as a psychiatric nurse practitioner. I have practiced as a nurse practitioner in VA hospitals as a psychiatric consultation liaison and at VA community-based outpatient clinics. That’s just a fancy way of saying I have experience working as an inpatient and outpatient clinician. In addition, I have experience working in community mental health, mostly working with clients on Medicaid, many with substance abuse issues. As my well-rounded experience suggests, I respect and enjoy working with clients from all walks of life.
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See More PsychiatristsHow does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Lexington, KY
70+
Average cost per session
$200
Psychiatrists in Lexington, KY who prioritize treating:
92% | Anxiety |
90% | Depression |
83% | Bipolar Disorder |
78% | Trauma and PTSD |
67% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
67% | Medication Management |
63% | ADHD |
Average years in practice
5 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
82% | Aetna |
65% | Cigna and Evernorth |
65% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in Lexington, KY see their clients
63% | In Person and Online | |
37% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
68% | Female | |
32% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Lexington?
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.