Psychiatrists in Harrodsburg, KY
![Photo of Krista Thompson, APRN, PMHNP, -BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bfbdc292-280a-43df-9a86-6b821c8a7ec6/2/320x400.png)
Krista Thompson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
Harrodsburg, KY 40330
Are you looking for a caring, unique approach to your overall mental and physical wellness? Have you experienced a traumatic event or recent loss, or feel like you're not coping well emotionally with life stressors? Are you struggling to set healthy boundaries with loved ones or trying to break a harmful generational cycle? Do you feel stuck, like you're not managing as well as you wish you were? I'm a professional psychiatric nurse practitioner and faithful Christian with a great deal of life experience. I offer a quiet, serene place where self-motivated women can find help and sound counsel in a non-judgmental, caring environment.
Are you looking for a caring, unique approach to your overall mental and physical wellness? Have you experienced a traumatic event or recent loss, or feel like you're not coping well emotionally with life stressors? Are you struggling to set healthy boundaries with loved ones or trying to break a harmful generational cycle? Do you feel stuck, like you're not managing as well as you wish you were? I'm a professional psychiatric nurse practitioner and faithful Christian with a great deal of life experience. I offer a quiet, serene place where self-motivated women can find help and sound counsel in a non-judgmental, caring environment.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
![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
Danville, KY 40422
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 Wellsprings Wellness - Wellsprings Wellness, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1ee1e2d8-472d-4db7-8c9a-45e4cd4b2bed/2/320x400.jpeg)
Wellsprings Wellness Practitioners, Clinicians & staff provide a compassionate and caring environment to promote personal healing and growth. We focus on each client's needs while honoring their individual beliefs and values. We pride ourselves in providing Integrated Care to our Patients. Integrated Care blends the expertise of mental health, substance use, and primary care practitioners, with feedback from patients and their caregivers. This creates a team-based approach where mental health care and general medical care are offered in the same setting.
Wellsprings Wellness Practitioners, Clinicians & staff provide a compassionate and caring environment to promote personal healing and growth. We focus on each client's needs while honoring their individual beliefs and values. We pride ourselves in providing Integrated Care to our Patients. Integrated Care blends the expertise of mental health, substance use, and primary care practitioners, with feedback from patients and their caregivers. This creates a team-based approach where mental health care and general medical care are offered in the same setting.
Online Psychiatrists
![Photo of Erica Cecil, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6b278c2f-1def-43d9-a7e8-aa0e50783644/3/320x400.jpeg)
I have been working as a psychiatric- mental health nurse practitioner since 2017 after graduating from Eastern Kentucky University. Prior to this, I obtained my BSN from the University of Kentucky in 2012. I have experience working in the outpatient and inpatient psychiatric setting. I have experience in treating depression, anxiety, trauma, adjustment disorders, bipolar disorder, and ADHD. I understand each circumstance is special and I like to incorporate issues with any stressors that may be impacting your mental health. I as well welcome the LGBTQ+ community!
I have been working as a psychiatric- mental health nurse practitioner since 2017 after graduating from Eastern Kentucky University. Prior to this, I obtained my BSN from the University of Kentucky in 2012. I have experience working in the outpatient and inpatient psychiatric setting. I have experience in treating depression, anxiety, trauma, adjustment disorders, bipolar disorder, and ADHD. I understand each circumstance is special and I like to incorporate issues with any stressors that may be impacting your mental health. I as well welcome the LGBTQ+ community!
![Photo of William Nunley, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/36be5966-45f6-4fed-9204-e97a0ac48c08/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst serving OR and KY. I work primarily with mental health professionals, physicians, attorneys, entrepreneurs, and people in transition in their personal or professional identity. Most people begin therapy with me to improve their mood, sleep, or a more general sense of deep suffering. I can help understand patterns of distressing conflicts in one or more areas of your life such that you feel less isolated by intense emotions and build anew patterns in relating.
I am a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst serving OR and KY. I work primarily with mental health professionals, physicians, attorneys, entrepreneurs, and people in transition in their personal or professional identity. Most people begin therapy with me to improve their mood, sleep, or a more general sense of deep suffering. I can help understand patterns of distressing conflicts in one or more areas of your life such that you feel less isolated by intense emotions and build anew patterns in relating.
![Photo of Mandy Bliss - Bliss Progressive Psychiatry, MSN, APRN, FNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/17ad8d68-9854-4365-ad10-de4882f6e8e4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Bliss Progressive Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, FNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Louisville, KY 40207
Are you tired of the 15 minute ‘med check’ style of psychiatric practice? Me, too. I specialize in treatment of individuals with a history of trauma and/or depression and anxiety that have not responded to traditional treatments. When a client says, “I’ve tried every medicine out there – none of them work,” my response is, “Let’s dig deeper.” I practice from a trauma-informed perspective. I'm endlessly curious and a creative thinker - both of these traits shape how I prescribe medications and which non-medication treatments recommendations I make.
Are you tired of the 15 minute ‘med check’ style of psychiatric practice? Me, too. I specialize in treatment of individuals with a history of trauma and/or depression and anxiety that have not responded to traditional treatments. When a client says, “I’ve tried every medicine out there – none of them work,” my response is, “Let’s dig deeper.” I practice from a trauma-informed perspective. I'm endlessly curious and a creative thinker - both of these traits shape how I prescribe medications and which non-medication treatments recommendations I make.
![Photo of Promise Haynes - Sunrise Mental Health & Wellness, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e2cb89e3-0e79-4be0-aaaf-65ef63057d2e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sunrise Mental Health & Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lexington, KY 40504 (Online Only)
Providing appointments 100% online. Accepting new patients with insurance from anywhere in the state of New York or Kentucky! Cash payment is also available. Do you feel lost in a room full of darkness? Is it hard to get out of bed in the morning? Have you lost joy in what used to be important to you? Are you suffering from anxiety that is preventing you from living your life to the fullest? We can help! At Sunrise Mental Health & Wellness we want to help you find the light in the darkness and bring hope and healing.
Providing appointments 100% online. Accepting new patients with insurance from anywhere in the state of New York or Kentucky! Cash payment is also available. Do you feel lost in a room full of darkness? Is it hard to get out of bed in the morning? Have you lost joy in what used to be important to you? Are you suffering from anxiety that is preventing you from living your life to the fullest? We can help! At Sunrise Mental Health & Wellness we want to help you find the light in the darkness and bring hope and healing.
![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 Ramesh Ghanta, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/caf984dd-deb0-4df3-82db-a264d445d334/2/320x400.png)
Board certified in Psychiatry Adult/Board certified in addiction medicine.
Board certified in Psychiatry Adult/Board certified in addiction medicine.
![Photo of Brian T Briscoe, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8d20060d-8e77-4127-85d5-66c8198a1f70/3/320x400.jpeg)
Are you a Christian looking for help? Feeling overwhelmed? Unable to fall asleep? Can't turn your mind off? Having mood swings or anxious thoughts? Unable to focus? In a 'dark place' and unable to pull yourself out? Been diagnosed with Depression, OCD, ADHD, Bipolar, Anxiety, Panic Attacks, PTSD, ... or just wondering if you might be struggling with a medical or psychological issue?
Are you a Christian looking for help? Feeling overwhelmed? Unable to fall asleep? Can't turn your mind off? Having mood swings or anxious thoughts? Unable to focus? In a 'dark place' and unable to pull yourself out? Been diagnosed with Depression, OCD, ADHD, Bipolar, Anxiety, Panic Attacks, PTSD, ... or just wondering if you might be struggling with a medical or psychological issue?
![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 Sarah Schirmer, DNP, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/60bf1a0a-7c34-4d68-b938-09362f4951e5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sarah Schirmer
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Louisville, KY 40218
I work with people who encounter frequent, strong emotions that they experience as problematic and then find themselves avoiding the life they want to live. My patients may struggle with intense anxiety and worry, distressing depression, or problems with focus, concentration, and productivity. We work together to remind you of your strengths, values, and goals and create a holistic plan that works for you. Instead of avoiding your life, you will learn to accept and tolerate your emotions and get back to doing the things that are meaningful for you.
I work with people who encounter frequent, strong emotions that they experience as problematic and then find themselves avoiding the life they want to live. My patients may struggle with intense anxiety and worry, distressing depression, or problems with focus, concentration, and productivity. We work together to remind you of your strengths, values, and goals and create a holistic plan that works for you. Instead of avoiding your life, you will learn to accept and tolerate your emotions and get back to doing the things that are meaningful for you.
![Photo of JoLynn Gaither-Crenshaw, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/73f9d78d-a52c-49b0-b65c-ca04f5476d0f/1/320x400.jpeg)
JoLynn Gaither-Crenshaw
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Louisville, KY 40228 (Online Only)
Welcome to JoLynn Gaither Behavioral HealthCare Services, PLLC. I am a Masters prepared dual-certified family and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner specializing in a variety of mental health disorders. I provide telehealth online services for medication management for depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder to name a few.
Welcome to JoLynn Gaither Behavioral HealthCare Services, PLLC. I am a Masters prepared dual-certified family and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner specializing in a variety of mental health disorders. I provide telehealth online services for medication management for depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder to name a few.
![Photo of Angel Opara, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6e115638-09a3-4c4d-bfd2-71ef4b97d720/1/320x400.jpeg)
Angel is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She is originally from Nigeria but has called Lexington her home since 2016. Angel attended midway university for her undergraduate studies in nursing. While in nursing school, she worked at Baptist health as a patient care technician. She found psychiatry particularly interesting and decided to become a psychiatric nurse at eastern state hospital where she has worked as a registered nurse for about four years now. Angel went on to pursue her MSN at Herzing University. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, she is committed to providing compassionate, holistic an
Angel is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She is originally from Nigeria but has called Lexington her home since 2016. Angel attended midway university for her undergraduate studies in nursing. While in nursing school, she worked at Baptist health as a patient care technician. She found psychiatry particularly interesting and decided to become a psychiatric nurse at eastern state hospital where she has worked as a registered nurse for about four years now. Angel went on to pursue her MSN at Herzing University. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, she is committed to providing compassionate, holistic an
![Photo of Kristen Cox, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e7ebacf4-1264-4f7e-aecb-4fbb0634f946/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kristen Cox is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Kentucky who has been practicing since 2023. Kristen implements caring and compassion to her patients. She listens to their needs and uses clinical judgement to best help them. Kristen truly loves what she does, and helping people is a passion of hers. Outside of work, Kristen like to run; she has completed a few half marathons before. She loves spending time with her family and husband and their 12yearold pitbull.
Kristen Cox is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Kentucky who has been practicing since 2023. Kristen implements caring and compassion to her patients. She listens to their needs and uses clinical judgement to best help them. Kristen truly loves what she does, and helping people is a passion of hers. Outside of work, Kristen like to run; she has completed a few half marathons before. She loves spending time with her family and husband and their 12yearold pitbull.
![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 Rada Bostock, PMHNP, FNP , Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/75d60fb0-fd50-48ea-98ad-6a35f8e8c0d4/1/320x400.png)
Rada Bostock
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Frankfort, KY 40601 (Online Only)
This profile is managed by Cerebral. To get connected with Rada and directly schedule, please click the "my website" button! Rada Bostock is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She earned her Master of Science degree from the University of Cincinnati. Her experience focuses on providing tailored holistic mental health assessment and treatment for individuals across the lifespan in rural communities. To see if you are eligible for insurance coverage, please use your phone's camera app to scan the QR code below.
This profile is managed by Cerebral. To get connected with Rada and directly schedule, please click the "my website" button! Rada Bostock is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She earned her Master of Science degree from the University of Cincinnati. Her experience focuses on providing tailored holistic mental health assessment and treatment for individuals across the lifespan in rural communities. To see if you are eligible for insurance coverage, please use your phone's camera app to scan the QR code below.
![Photo of Pascale Kidane - VirtualPsychiatricCare.com, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fda1fd62-000c-4a9d-8a77-2f55705fbecb/2/320x400.jpeg)
VirtualPsychiatricCare.com
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Louisville, KY 40202 (Online Only)
Accepting new patients via telehealth visits in Kentucky state for psychiatric evaluations and medication management. We treat anyone suffering with depression, anxiety, or other mental health issue adversely affecting optimal functioning at work, deterring their best social self, or preventing being fully present for loved ones. Our clients are looking to be properly diagnosed and treated using the safest prescribing principles. Make your appointment on our website. Evening and weekend hours are available. We offer affordable rates-Initial Psychiatric Eval $199, Follow-ups $99. Accepting some insurances.
Accepting new patients via telehealth visits in Kentucky state for psychiatric evaluations and medication management. We treat anyone suffering with depression, anxiety, or other mental health issue adversely affecting optimal functioning at work, deterring their best social self, or preventing being fully present for loved ones. Our clients are looking to be properly diagnosed and treated using the safest prescribing principles. Make your appointment on our website. Evening and weekend hours are available. We offer affordable rates-Initial Psychiatric Eval $199, Follow-ups $99. Accepting some insurances.
![Photo of Kay Jones, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/659555cf-6a45-4068-a7b8-4dfea9e139a1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Teresa Kay Jones has 5 years of experience with Psychiatric medicine and is Board Certified. Holistic care is a consistent goal with balancing physical and mental health for everyone. Previous experience and certification with Family medical care with management of multiple conditions supports holistic care. Kay is an avid supporter of Holistic Self care and Holistic care education. Areas of expertise include patients with multiple medical illnesses in addition to mental health concerns. Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia, Dementia, Sleep disorders, ADHD, Autism, and Intellectually challenged.
Teresa Kay Jones has 5 years of experience with Psychiatric medicine and is Board Certified. Holistic care is a consistent goal with balancing physical and mental health for everyone. Previous experience and certification with Family medical care with management of multiple conditions supports holistic care. Kay is an avid supporter of Holistic Self care and Holistic care education. Areas of expertise include patients with multiple medical illnesses in addition to mental health concerns. Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia, Dementia, Sleep disorders, ADHD, Autism, and Intellectually challenged.
![Photo of Mark Bush, MSN, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fb426730-2cfa-43db-93c4-a69efbab316b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Mark Bush
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Louisville, KY 40241
Accepting New Patients. I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over 10 years of helping people manage their mental health wellness. I believe that mental wellness is a key foundation for overall health. I understand that all my clients are unique and valued individuals who deserve acceptance, appreciation, support, and compassion. My perfect client would be someone struggling with life’s challenges who wants to obtain optimal happiness and wellness. My goal is simple - to assist you to live your very best life. Everyone deserves that!
Accepting New Patients. I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over 10 years of helping people manage their mental health wellness. I believe that mental wellness is a key foundation for overall health. I understand that all my clients are unique and valued individuals who deserve acceptance, appreciation, support, and compassion. My perfect client would be someone struggling with life’s challenges who wants to obtain optimal happiness and wellness. My goal is simple - to assist you to live your very best life. Everyone deserves that!
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See More PsychiatristsHow does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Harrodsburg, KY
< 10
Psychiatrists in Harrodsburg, KY who prioritize treating:
100% | Relationship Issues |
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | Life Coaching |
100% | Grief |
100% | Trauma and PTSD |
100% | Coping Skills |
Average years in practice
8 Years
Gender breakdown
100% | Female |
How Psychiatrists in Harrodsburg, KY see their clients
100% | In Person and Online |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Harrodsburg?
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.