Psychiatrists in Bethesda, MD
![Photo of Adebisi Ayodele, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0b779bcb-06d6-4031-a263-7cecee000a51/1/320x400.jpeg)
Adebisi Ayodele
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814 (Online Only)
Let's connect and work together! Are you feeling exhausted, low energy, having trouble sleeping, feeling sad or down? Are you having excessive fears or worry or extreme feelings of guilt? Are you having difficulty coping with daily problems or stress? Do you feel withdrawn from friends and activities? Have you noticed drastic mood changes of highs and lows? There is a reason why you feel the way you do, and there is help. I am here to listen, empathize, and try to understand how these issues affect you and your loved ones. Remember, your mental health can affect your physical health.
Let's connect and work together! Are you feeling exhausted, low energy, having trouble sleeping, feeling sad or down? Are you having excessive fears or worry or extreme feelings of guilt? Are you having difficulty coping with daily problems or stress? Do you feel withdrawn from friends and activities? Have you noticed drastic mood changes of highs and lows? There is a reason why you feel the way you do, and there is help. I am here to listen, empathize, and try to understand how these issues affect you and your loved ones. Remember, your mental health can affect your physical health.
![Photo of Aisha Mondal, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/eec929d1-2b7a-437e-8102-3587c6bd2e3e/1/320x400.jpeg)
I work with children, adolescents, and adults to provide psychiatric evaluation and offer evidence-based treatment strategies that are personalized to each individual. Together, we can address concerns related to stress management, anxiety, mood, ADHD, trauma, life changes and decisions, and changes in eating and eating disorders. I seek to provide a warm and welcoming space (in-person or online) to receive you and develop a deeper understanding of your mind and behaviors. I enjoy collaborating with an individual's other providers, including therapists, primary care doctors, nutritionists, and other supports involved in your care.
I work with children, adolescents, and adults to provide psychiatric evaluation and offer evidence-based treatment strategies that are personalized to each individual. Together, we can address concerns related to stress management, anxiety, mood, ADHD, trauma, life changes and decisions, and changes in eating and eating disorders. I seek to provide a warm and welcoming space (in-person or online) to receive you and develop a deeper understanding of your mind and behaviors. I enjoy collaborating with an individual's other providers, including therapists, primary care doctors, nutritionists, and other supports involved in your care.
![Photo of Francisca Onyedum, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1d61e3fd-bf59-4b7d-beae-e5d339357a2f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Francisca Onyedum
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814 (Online Only)
My name is Francisca Onyedum. A board-certified and passionate mental health nurse practitioner who has been trained to provide comprehensive psychiatric care across the lifespan. She has over 20 years of experience in nursing mostly in behavioral health. She is well-versed and highly knowledgeable in the management of the crisis, and various psychiatric mental health disorders, such as anxiety, and depression. ADHD, PTSD, and mood disorders. Schizophrenia and bipolar disorders.
My name is Francisca Onyedum. A board-certified and passionate mental health nurse practitioner who has been trained to provide comprehensive psychiatric care across the lifespan. She has over 20 years of experience in nursing mostly in behavioral health. She is well-versed and highly knowledgeable in the management of the crisis, and various psychiatric mental health disorders, such as anxiety, and depression. ADHD, PTSD, and mood disorders. Schizophrenia and bipolar disorders.
![Photo of Karon Jones, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fd993ac9-2b3b-430f-b63c-fcfab4255d27/1/320x400.jpeg)
Karon Jones
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814 (Online Only)
I’m a psychiatric nurse practitioner with over 25 years of experience, and I’m passionate about providing mental health treatment to individuals with anxiety, mood, and psychotic disorders. Throughout my years of successful practice, my goal has always been to provide a safe, shame-free environment for my patients as we work together to manage their mental health needs. My office is a judgment-free environment where you’ll always feel safe, comfortable, and accepted.
I’m a psychiatric nurse practitioner with over 25 years of experience, and I’m passionate about providing mental health treatment to individuals with anxiety, mood, and psychotic disorders. Throughout my years of successful practice, my goal has always been to provide a safe, shame-free environment for my patients as we work together to manage their mental health needs. My office is a judgment-free environment where you’ll always feel safe, comfortable, and accepted.
![Photo of Michael Mrizek, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bc7b3393-5649-4204-add6-513c1ac4f4cf/4/320x400.png)
As a psychiatrist, I bring a blend of medical and psychological training to my practice. I work closely with my patients to understand their individual needs and preferences, taking a holistic approach to their care.
As a psychiatrist, I bring a blend of medical and psychological training to my practice. I work closely with my patients to understand their individual needs and preferences, taking a holistic approach to their care.
![Photo of Anthony Massey - Gladstone Psychiatry and Wellness , LCSW, MD, CRNP, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/064849d2-19d8-45ba-afd2-14749bcd84c1/2/320x400.jpeg)
Mental Health Care – For Everyone. At Gladstone Psychiatry, we believe everyone deserves access to high-quality mental health care. We use an individualized approach to help clients get their lives back on track. Our treatment approach is more than just medicine. Our psychiatrists work with you to provide evidence-based treatments, unique to your lifestyle and challenges. We believe in a holistic view of medicine and provide personalized care to each patient, while making it affordable, inclusive and easy to access.
Mental Health Care – For Everyone. At Gladstone Psychiatry, we believe everyone deserves access to high-quality mental health care. We use an individualized approach to help clients get their lives back on track. Our treatment approach is more than just medicine. Our psychiatrists work with you to provide evidence-based treatments, unique to your lifestyle and challenges. We believe in a holistic view of medicine and provide personalized care to each patient, while making it affordable, inclusive and easy to access.
![Photo of Deanette James, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dc785cbb-4cbb-4695-8a0e-c973f32f4cd9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Deanette James
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20817 (Online Only)
Deanette James specializes in providing mental health medication management to women, especially those in the working-class group, who are experiencing the burdens of life. If you are a woman who is a wife, a homemaker, a mother, a professional, a daughter, has family responsibilities, or other factors contributing to a decline in your mental health, she is the person to see. Her services focus on women experiencing anxiety, depression, and PTSD. She understands that these disorders are very prevalent and act as determinants of the outcome of a woman's daily life.
Deanette James specializes in providing mental health medication management to women, especially those in the working-class group, who are experiencing the burdens of life. If you are a woman who is a wife, a homemaker, a mother, a professional, a daughter, has family responsibilities, or other factors contributing to a decline in your mental health, she is the person to see. Her services focus on women experiencing anxiety, depression, and PTSD. She understands that these disorders are very prevalent and act as determinants of the outcome of a woman's daily life.
![Photo of Gloria Osuruaka, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/61fccf52-995d-43b8-8939-17678f88277b/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Double Board-Certified General and Forensic Psychiatrist. I am passionate about mental health and the role it plays in leading a successful, purpose driven life. My undergraduate degree is in Biology and Philosophy from Quinnipiac University and then I went on to study at Ross University School of Medicine. My psychiatric Residency training was completed at Howard University Hospital. I sub-specialized in Forensic Psychiatry at Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital.
I am a Double Board-Certified General and Forensic Psychiatrist. I am passionate about mental health and the role it plays in leading a successful, purpose driven life. My undergraduate degree is in Biology and Philosophy from Quinnipiac University and then I went on to study at Ross University School of Medicine. My psychiatric Residency training was completed at Howard University Hospital. I sub-specialized in Forensic Psychiatry at Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital.
![Photo of Dana Gorsche, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ab2d8671-b28c-4df3-a18d-1c7a677bec8d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dana Gorsche
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814 (Online Only)
Dr. Daná Gorsche DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She received her Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Rush University School of Nursing. Daná has training and experience treating patients with psychiatric disorders across the lifespan with a special focus on adults, older adults, military, and first responders.
Dr. Daná Gorsche DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She received her Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Rush University School of Nursing. Daná has training and experience treating patients with psychiatric disorders across the lifespan with a special focus on adults, older adults, military, and first responders.
![Photo of Dr. Angela Sagar, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/10129952-7267-4fe4-bb8f-de07baac6117/2/320x400.jpeg)
Is your child struggling with anxiety? I am a board certified child and adolescent psychiatrist and an adult psychiatrist. I specialize in helping diagnose and treat children and adolescents who are struggling with anxiety. For these children, anxiety may make managing life in and out of school a challenge: from speaking in class and forging new friendships, to worrying excessively about their grades and the future.
Is your child struggling with anxiety? I am a board certified child and adolescent psychiatrist and an adult psychiatrist. I specialize in helping diagnose and treat children and adolescents who are struggling with anxiety. For these children, anxiety may make managing life in and out of school a challenge: from speaking in class and forging new friendships, to worrying excessively about their grades and the future.
![Photo of Dr. Joanne Patterson - Dr Joanne Psychiatry NP, DNP, PMHNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a870697b-4175-4595-9d9f-5473673a6854/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr Joanne Psychiatry NP
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20817 (Online Only)
New patients are always accepted! Dr. Patterson offers modern, quality mental health treatment using a secure telepsychiatry platform. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, she believes that the most important aspect of care is listening to the client's unique story. Although medication management is a large part of her role, medicine is only prescribed when absolutely necessary. Dr. Patterson will assess your genetics, reproductive hormonal events, as well as life events/stressors and responses to them. Dr. Patterson also specializes in child and adolescent mental health.
New patients are always accepted! Dr. Patterson offers modern, quality mental health treatment using a secure telepsychiatry platform. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, she believes that the most important aspect of care is listening to the client's unique story. Although medication management is a large part of her role, medicine is only prescribed when absolutely necessary. Dr. Patterson will assess your genetics, reproductive hormonal events, as well as life events/stressors and responses to them. Dr. Patterson also specializes in child and adolescent mental health.
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![Photo of Emem Ibanga, CRNP, PMH, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/08592b7d-750c-4334-bc78-2d031fb70441/2/320x400.jpeg)
Emem Ibanga
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMH
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20814 (Online Only)
A healthy mental state is essential in every stage of life – from childhood, adolescent, to adulthood. Throughout a lifetime, an individual can experience mental health issue at any point. Not only can this impact their mood and behavior, but can change their way of thinking, looking at life, and facing challenges. As a Board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner I specialize in treating patients with major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and ADHD.
A healthy mental state is essential in every stage of life – from childhood, adolescent, to adulthood. Throughout a lifetime, an individual can experience mental health issue at any point. Not only can this impact their mood and behavior, but can change their way of thinking, looking at life, and facing challenges. As a Board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner I specialize in treating patients with major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and ADHD.
![Photo of Gioia M Guerrieri, DO, DFAPA, CYT-200, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4ef61c9f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Gioia M Guerrieri
Psychiatrist, DO, DFAPA, CYT-200
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20814
Not accepting new clients
Please feel free to schedule a 15-minute complimentary call to see if I would be a good fit for you (current wait-time: NOT ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS). I treat each patient within a holistic frame that includes a review of the biological, psychological, and lifestyle factors that brought them to me: we work together to make a treatment plan. I ask my patients teach me about their mood experiences/symptoms and to share their personal goals. My practice style is Integrative: I combine Osteopathic, Yoga, and Nutrition principles in my work and have specific expertise in psychopharmacology. See below for qualifications/credentials.
Please feel free to schedule a 15-minute complimentary call to see if I would be a good fit for you (current wait-time: NOT ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS). I treat each patient within a holistic frame that includes a review of the biological, psychological, and lifestyle factors that brought them to me: we work together to make a treatment plan. I ask my patients teach me about their mood experiences/symptoms and to share their personal goals. My practice style is Integrative: I combine Osteopathic, Yoga, and Nutrition principles in my work and have specific expertise in psychopharmacology. See below for qualifications/credentials.
![Photo of Gezel Saheli, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/91fda787-f9f1-4a3a-a991-8e1ab21b28a4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ideal client is someone who is looking for a partner in their ability to improve their mental health.
Ideal client is someone who is looking for a partner in their ability to improve their mental health.
![Photo of Julia Joyce, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/637284ae-ed4c-43b5-b9f7-8bb45de04ff8/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner experienced in the nuanced treatment of ADHD, anxiety, depression, and other mood and psychotic disorders.
I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner experienced in the nuanced treatment of ADHD, anxiety, depression, and other mood and psychotic disorders.
![Photo of Sara Gena Israel - Balanced Mind Integrative Care, MSN, CRNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/76636888-75e0-443f-b4d6-ae9a4009c7d0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Balanced Mind Integrative Care
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, CRNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20817 (Online Only)
Are you feeling overwhelmed by depression, anxiety, inattention, disruptive behavior, sleeping problems, or difficulty managing your emotions? I am dedicated to helping you find a healthier and more fulfilling lifestyle. I specialize in treating depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, disruptive, impulse, and conduct disorders, as well as executive function disorders such as ADHD. My passion lies in supporting individuals whose mental health challenges have become barriers to joy. Together, we can tackle these issues and help you balance work, school, and life.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by depression, anxiety, inattention, disruptive behavior, sleeping problems, or difficulty managing your emotions? I am dedicated to helping you find a healthier and more fulfilling lifestyle. I specialize in treating depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, disruptive, impulse, and conduct disorders, as well as executive function disorders such as ADHD. My passion lies in supporting individuals whose mental health challenges have become barriers to joy. Together, we can tackle these issues and help you balance work, school, and life.
![Photo of Nkechi Achinanya, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0a49034a-7561-457d-8189-e896c9472325/1/320x400.jpeg)
Nkechi Achinanya
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814 (Online Only)
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with experience in helping individuals and families with various mental health challenges. Do you sometimes feel like no one is listening or understanding when all you are trying to do is to communicate your needs? Do not be disturbed anymore as I am here for you. I am here to listen and help you understand that you are not alone in this journey. No matter what your situation is I can help you navigate through this journey. Are you feeling overwhelmed? Are you stressed out by the numerous demands of work, family, and relationships, I am here to help.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with experience in helping individuals and families with various mental health challenges. Do you sometimes feel like no one is listening or understanding when all you are trying to do is to communicate your needs? Do not be disturbed anymore as I am here for you. I am here to listen and help you understand that you are not alone in this journey. No matter what your situation is I can help you navigate through this journey. Are you feeling overwhelmed? Are you stressed out by the numerous demands of work, family, and relationships, I am here to help.
![Photo of Dr. Yetunde Precious Rotimi, DNP, PMHNP, FNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3234af93-cd91-403d-aa22-c78af8494ed0/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Yetunde Precious Rotimi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814 (Online Only)
At Opollo Health and Wellness, our core principles have always been rooted in providing patients with dignity, respect, and compassion. We understand that each individual's healthcare journey is unique, and we are committed to tailoring our approach to meet your specific needs. Dr. Rotimi is dedicated to a holistic approach to healthcare, merging evidence-based practices with personalized care. We have a wealth of experience working with patients from diverse backgrounds, and Dr. Rotimi brings over 16 years of clinical expertise to our practice.
At Opollo Health and Wellness, our core principles have always been rooted in providing patients with dignity, respect, and compassion. We understand that each individual's healthcare journey is unique, and we are committed to tailoring our approach to meet your specific needs. Dr. Rotimi is dedicated to a holistic approach to healthcare, merging evidence-based practices with personalized care. We have a wealth of experience working with patients from diverse backgrounds, and Dr. Rotimi brings over 16 years of clinical expertise to our practice.
![Photo of Antonia L Baum - Antonia L Baum, MD, MD, DFAPA, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40326946-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Baum has a general adolescent and adult psychotherapy and medication management practice. I treat the “whole” patient, and have visits of sufficient length to know my patients thoroughly. I also focus attention on any ongoing medical problems. I encourage and incorporate exercise into treatment. I aspire to create an atmosphere that feels natural; if a patient prefers, we might have a walking session. When not practicing remotely, I have a therapy dog in my office. We can schedule a consultation to ascertain what your needs are, to establish a treatment plan, and to see whether I am a good fit for your ongoing treatment.
Dr. Baum has a general adolescent and adult psychotherapy and medication management practice. I treat the “whole” patient, and have visits of sufficient length to know my patients thoroughly. I also focus attention on any ongoing medical problems. I encourage and incorporate exercise into treatment. I aspire to create an atmosphere that feels natural; if a patient prefers, we might have a walking session. When not practicing remotely, I have a therapy dog in my office. We can schedule a consultation to ascertain what your needs are, to establish a treatment plan, and to see whether I am a good fit for your ongoing treatment.
![Photo of Yvonne McKenzie, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ab1c49a4-d853-4366-b65d-c3d7c72071ea/2/320x400.jpeg)
Yvonne McKenzie
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814 (Online Only)
Hello, I'm Dr. Yvonne. Do you feel pulled in a thousand directions and not able to put it all together? Are you struggling to keep up with your responsibilities? It's time to be kind to yourself and together we will address issues and come to a manageable regimen designed for you. Whether you're dealing with feeling overwhelmed, relationship issues or cycles of anxiety and depression, I'm here to help.
Hello, I'm Dr. Yvonne. Do you feel pulled in a thousand directions and not able to put it all together? Are you struggling to keep up with your responsibilities? It's time to be kind to yourself and together we will address issues and come to a manageable regimen designed for you. Whether you're dealing with feeling overwhelmed, relationship issues or cycles of anxiety and depression, I'm here to help.
See more therapy options for Bethesda
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Bethesda, MD
200+
Average cost per session
$170
Psychiatrists in Bethesda, MD who prioritize treating:
95% | Anxiety |
93% | Depression |
79% | Bipolar Disorder |
75% | ADHD |
68% | Trauma and PTSD |
64% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
57% | Medication Management |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
91% | Cigna and Evernorth |
83% | Aetna |
83% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in Bethesda, MD see their clients
51% | In Person and Online | |
49% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
72% | Female | |
27% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Bethesda?
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.