Psychiatrists in Brookline Village, MA
![Photo of Chike Nwankwo, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43c72001-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Chiké Nwankwo, "Doctor Chiké," is a Harvard trained adult and child psychiatrist. He has worked on Beacon Street in private practice in Brookline since 2006. Dr. Chiké specializes in psychotherapy for both adults and children, but is also comfortable prescribing medications when it is necessary.
Chiké Nwankwo, "Doctor Chiké," is a Harvard trained adult and child psychiatrist. He has worked on Beacon Street in private practice in Brookline since 2006. Dr. Chiké specializes in psychotherapy for both adults and children, but is also comfortable prescribing medications when it is necessary.
![Photo of Christine Boie, MSN, CNS, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49121787-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Christine Boie
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, CNS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brookline Village, MA 02447
I am a Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist with over 25 years of experience in the field of Mental Health. I currently work with adults providing individual, couple and group psychotherapy. I can prescribe medication, if necessary, as an adjunct to psychotherapy. I believe that psychotherapy can be healing and transformative. My theoretical grounding is psychodynamic and interpersonal. Keeping silent and shut down over the years can lead to a variety of painful issues - depression, anxiety, obsessions, physical ailments - which can often lead to difficulty functioning and conflicted relationships.
I am a Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist with over 25 years of experience in the field of Mental Health. I currently work with adults providing individual, couple and group psychotherapy. I can prescribe medication, if necessary, as an adjunct to psychotherapy. I believe that psychotherapy can be healing and transformative. My theoretical grounding is psychodynamic and interpersonal. Keeping silent and shut down over the years can lead to a variety of painful issues - depression, anxiety, obsessions, physical ailments - which can often lead to difficulty functioning and conflicted relationships.
![Photo of Janet M Witte, MD, MPH, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/466d565a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
People often come to treatment seeking relief and support. Many are curious about patterns in their lives, and want to develop a deeper, more useful understanding of how and why things are unfolding as they are. Some have ideas about changes they want to make; others feel stymied in their pursuit of a vibrant, creative life. Good therapy provides the opportunity to engage with these and other deeply personal concerns in an environment of warmth and trust.
People often come to treatment seeking relief and support. Many are curious about patterns in their lives, and want to develop a deeper, more useful understanding of how and why things are unfolding as they are. Some have ideas about changes they want to make; others feel stymied in their pursuit of a vibrant, creative life. Good therapy provides the opportunity to engage with these and other deeply personal concerns in an environment of warmth and trust.
![Photo of Joy Dana Riskin, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3dd49cf7-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a psychiatrist in private practice for over 20 years, treating patients by integrating psychotherapy, psychoanalysis and, when indicated psychopharmacology. As a physician, I am able to evaluate patients with symptoms which may be medical or psychiatric in origin, understanding the mind-body connection. I see a broad range of patients, some suffering from major mental illness to those healthy individuals seeking to learn more about themselves. A major focus of my private practice is working with college and graduate students. I see students as young as seniors in high school and consult to parents of college age students around the country.
I am a psychiatrist in private practice for over 20 years, treating patients by integrating psychotherapy, psychoanalysis and, when indicated psychopharmacology. As a physician, I am able to evaluate patients with symptoms which may be medical or psychiatric in origin, understanding the mind-body connection. I see a broad range of patients, some suffering from major mental illness to those healthy individuals seeking to learn more about themselves. A major focus of my private practice is working with college and graduate students. I see students as young as seniors in high school and consult to parents of college age students around the country.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
![Photo of Jennifer M. Gelda, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/caa3f7e2-71ff-41c0-b175-5ef533d8b7ed/1/320x400.png)
Jennifer M. Gelda
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brookline, MA 02446 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I am a Harvard-trained, board-certified psychiatrist with a broad range of clinical experience and a passion for psychotherapy. I provide warm and collaborative care for adults who are coping with personal or professional challenges, life transitions, or struggling to achieve satisfying relationships. I enjoy working with individuals who are highly motivated to invest in their mental health. I offer both psychotherapy and medication management for adults ages 18-65. Sessions are conducted virtually to accommodate busy working professionals, parents, and students. I am currently accepting new patients.
I am a Harvard-trained, board-certified psychiatrist with a broad range of clinical experience and a passion for psychotherapy. I provide warm and collaborative care for adults who are coping with personal or professional challenges, life transitions, or struggling to achieve satisfying relationships. I enjoy working with individuals who are highly motivated to invest in their mental health. I offer both psychotherapy and medication management for adults ages 18-65. Sessions are conducted virtually to accommodate busy working professionals, parents, and students. I am currently accepting new patients.
![Photo of Jungjin Kim, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6f6a8bab-22d7-4c56-a053-a0dc175ea61d/3/320x400.jpeg)
Jungjin Kim
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Brookline, MA 02146 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Hello! It's not easy finding an excellent psychiatrist in today's world. I aim to be that psychiatrist you can send your family with confidence...a caring and trustworthy partnership that is consistently warm, knowledgeable, and thoughtful. To ensure outstanding service, I have a boutique practice, where patients have access to sooner appointments and can speak to me outside of appointments, if needed. I start with a thorough assessment to individualize your journey towards a life grounded in peace, contentment, and meaning.
Hello! It's not easy finding an excellent psychiatrist in today's world. I aim to be that psychiatrist you can send your family with confidence...a caring and trustworthy partnership that is consistently warm, knowledgeable, and thoughtful. To ensure outstanding service, I have a boutique practice, where patients have access to sooner appointments and can speak to me outside of appointments, if needed. I start with a thorough assessment to individualize your journey towards a life grounded in peace, contentment, and meaning.
![Photo of Charlene Sama - Awaken Mind Center, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/db085e57-74ad-4ee1-8557-7688d1f1379b/1/320x400.png)
Awaken Mind Center
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Boston, MA 02116
Charlene Sama is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She offers 18 years of experience being a dedicated, ambitious, compassionate, hard-working, and patient-focused registered nurse and nurse Practitioner. She has experience working with adolescents and adult populations and is a strong advocate for mental health.
Charlene Sama is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She offers 18 years of experience being a dedicated, ambitious, compassionate, hard-working, and patient-focused registered nurse and nurse Practitioner. She has experience working with adolescents and adult populations and is a strong advocate for mental health.
![Photo of Omar Sultan Haque M D Ph D, MD, PhD, MTS, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1ea869ce-0a37-4b29-94ce-044954a4adb9/2/320x400.jpeg)
Omar Sultan Haque M D Ph D
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD, MTS
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Brookline, MA 02446 (Online Only)
Greetings! I specialize in individualized and compassionate psychiatric treatment with evidence-based medical interventions. With expert medication management, I aspire to help our patients recover and return to their lives and relationships feeling whole again.
Greetings! I specialize in individualized and compassionate psychiatric treatment with evidence-based medical interventions. With expert medication management, I aspire to help our patients recover and return to their lives and relationships feeling whole again.
![Photo of Sherley Boisvert Msn Pmhnp-Bc, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/620335e4-c293-4477-9dd7-c2a47d121396/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sherley Boisvert Msn Pmhnp-Bc
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Brookline, MA 02446
Medication Management: Experienced, Personalized, Empathic, Insurance covered! ... Hello! My name is Sherley, and I would be honored to learn about your journey and how I can help you. Send me a message and let me know what you are looking for. Thank you! → Your Trusted Partner in a Collaborative Therapeutic Relationship: I take a collaborative approach with my patients, and I am dedicated to active listening, understanding, respect, and kindness, all while adhering to evidence-based research and the highest ethical standards of patient-centered care. → Experienced: over 20 years of clinical experience.
Medication Management: Experienced, Personalized, Empathic, Insurance covered! ... Hello! My name is Sherley, and I would be honored to learn about your journey and how I can help you. Send me a message and let me know what you are looking for. Thank you! → Your Trusted Partner in a Collaborative Therapeutic Relationship: I take a collaborative approach with my patients, and I am dedicated to active listening, understanding, respect, and kindness, all while adhering to evidence-based research and the highest ethical standards of patient-centered care. → Experienced: over 20 years of clinical experience.
![Photo of Queendroline Nkeh - Engrace Behavioral Health Services, PMHNP, ARPN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/39e61060-fb4a-49e1-ac73-1b895c8ea613/3/320x400.jpeg)
Engrace Behavioral Health Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, ARPN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brookline, MA 02446 (Online Only)
At Engrace Behavioral Health Services LLC, we are committed to helping people with mental health conditions by tailoring their care to their unique needs and requirements. In Engrace Behavioral Health Services, Our Goal is to empower and inspire our patients. Knowing how common it is for people of all ages to experience a decline in mental health, we bring a platform to get support without any judgments. In Engrace Behavioral Health Services, we hope for the possibility of recovery from mental illness.
At Engrace Behavioral Health Services LLC, we are committed to helping people with mental health conditions by tailoring their care to their unique needs and requirements. In Engrace Behavioral Health Services, Our Goal is to empower and inspire our patients. Knowing how common it is for people of all ages to experience a decline in mental health, we bring a platform to get support without any judgments. In Engrace Behavioral Health Services, we hope for the possibility of recovery from mental illness.
![Photo of Jacqueline Buchanan, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3599f5ba-f1e1-4208-b75f-2c03723cbd13/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jacqueline Buchanan
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Cambridge, MA 02138
Not accepting new clients
Sometimes we have a sense of the ways in which we hope to grow with psychotherapy, and sometimes we learn things about ourselves along the way that are unexpected and turn out to be central issues. Psychotherapy has the capacity to help us identify these central issues in a way that liberates and empowers us. In our work together, I will use psychodynamic psychotherapy to explore the issues you are concerned about, as well as who you are, what has shaped you, and what might be holding you back from living your life to the fullest. I have experience working with patients with a broad array of issues and diagnoses.
Sometimes we have a sense of the ways in which we hope to grow with psychotherapy, and sometimes we learn things about ourselves along the way that are unexpected and turn out to be central issues. Psychotherapy has the capacity to help us identify these central issues in a way that liberates and empowers us. In our work together, I will use psychodynamic psychotherapy to explore the issues you are concerned about, as well as who you are, what has shaped you, and what might be holding you back from living your life to the fullest. I have experience working with patients with a broad array of issues and diagnoses.
![Photo of Yixi Dong, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a1928703-a8c4-455f-af00-232d16d70d12/2/320x400.jpeg)
Yixi Dong
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Boston, MA 02115 (Online Only)
As a college student, you may suddenly have to master every aspect of your life with little guidance in college. Have you wondered why you hold such high expectations for yourself? Why do you constantly worry about how others see you? Why do you prioritize others’ feelings over yours? How can you focus on classes and complete assignments on time? You may feel lost and confused. This can lead to sadness, fatigue, loss of interest in activities, or constant anxiety about things that don’t seem to bother others. You may feel like you’ve lost control of your emotions.
As a college student, you may suddenly have to master every aspect of your life with little guidance in college. Have you wondered why you hold such high expectations for yourself? Why do you constantly worry about how others see you? Why do you prioritize others’ feelings over yours? How can you focus on classes and complete assignments on time? You may feel lost and confused. This can lead to sadness, fatigue, loss of interest in activities, or constant anxiety about things that don’t seem to bother others. You may feel like you’ve lost control of your emotions.
![Photo of Sydney Stathes, PMHNP, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6e8aa75e-55f8-4772-be26-f0a3df4dddd5/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sydney Stathes
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MSN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brookline, MA 02446 (Online Only)
I provide psychiatric medication management and specialize in treating depression, anxiety, and stress related disorders.
I provide psychiatric medication management and specialize in treating depression, anxiety, and stress related disorders.
![Photo of Donna Agave, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/25f7b680-368b-4913-9e4b-89fa9cdce358/1/320x400.jpeg)
Donna Agave
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brookline, MA 02446 (Online Only)
Are you looking for personalized and empathetic care for your mental health? Do you have more questions than answers and need someone who will patiently walk you through the path to mental wellness? I am sensitive to each persons struggles and have a range of experience to draw upon to better help my patients.
Are you looking for personalized and empathetic care for your mental health? Do you have more questions than answers and need someone who will patiently walk you through the path to mental wellness? I am sensitive to each persons struggles and have a range of experience to draw upon to better help my patients.
![Photo of Dr. Cheryl Chen, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/eb034b05-3b3d-4f20-a5ba-2ec7bdfe4114/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Chen is a Harvard trained, double Board Certified psychiatrist who believes in evidence-based and collaborative mental health care for her pediatric and young adult patients. She is accepting new patients and offers in-person appointments on Tuesdays and virtual appointments Monday through Thursday. Dr. Chen strives to understand each patient's individual goals of treatment and help them develop the skills to achieve those goals. She works with patients to manage their symptoms with the lowest dose and the fewest medications possible. She also hopes to help her patients graduate from psychiatric treatment whenever possible.
Dr. Chen is a Harvard trained, double Board Certified psychiatrist who believes in evidence-based and collaborative mental health care for her pediatric and young adult patients. She is accepting new patients and offers in-person appointments on Tuesdays and virtual appointments Monday through Thursday. Dr. Chen strives to understand each patient's individual goals of treatment and help them develop the skills to achieve those goals. She works with patients to manage their symptoms with the lowest dose and the fewest medications possible. She also hopes to help her patients graduate from psychiatric treatment whenever possible.
![Photo of Priscilla Sinclair, PMHNP, RN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b7049bd5-bbc7-4cc9-9df3-296c74083707/2/320x400.jpeg)
Priscilla Sinclair
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, RN
Verified Verified
Boston, MA 02116 (Online Only)
I am dedicated to providing compassionate, holistic, and evidence-based care to support the mental well-being of my patients. I believe in working with my clients through active listening to foster a trusting therapeutic environment where individuals can explore their emotions, thoughts, and experiences to determine goals and medication management. My goal is to collaborate with each patient to personalize treatment plans that empower them to navigate life's challenges, cultivate resilience, and achieve their fullest potential. I've worked with a wide variety of clientele but specialize in depression, anxiety, and trauma.
I am dedicated to providing compassionate, holistic, and evidence-based care to support the mental well-being of my patients. I believe in working with my clients through active listening to foster a trusting therapeutic environment where individuals can explore their emotions, thoughts, and experiences to determine goals and medication management. My goal is to collaborate with each patient to personalize treatment plans that empower them to navigate life's challenges, cultivate resilience, and achieve their fullest potential. I've worked with a wide variety of clientele but specialize in depression, anxiety, and trauma.
![Photo of Karen Greene, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e3e660cf-3c03-4b46-85e2-7c52ca3955ee/2/320x400.jpeg)
With more than two decades of experience in healthcare, I've observed that mental health services often do not receive the attention they deserve. Transitioning from family medicine to mental health care has underscored the critical demand for these services among my patients and the limited availability in mental health care open to them. My objective is to ensure that individuals in need receive the support they're entitled to. Through various talk therapies and, when necessary, medication management, I aim to assist you in finding your ideal balance for a successful, fulfilling, and healthy life.
With more than two decades of experience in healthcare, I've observed that mental health services often do not receive the attention they deserve. Transitioning from family medicine to mental health care has underscored the critical demand for these services among my patients and the limited availability in mental health care open to them. My objective is to ensure that individuals in need receive the support they're entitled to. Through various talk therapies and, when necessary, medication management, I aim to assist you in finding your ideal balance for a successful, fulfilling, and healthy life.
![Photo of Athena Davos, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c75dec30-7a91-40bc-920b-043c3708ad6f/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 10 years of experience in the field of psychiatric nursing. I currently treat clients 18 years and older. I work with clients who are seeking psychiatric treatment for the first time and require psychiatric diagnostic evaluations as well as clients who have had previous psychiatric treatment and may be seeking a new provider.
I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 10 years of experience in the field of psychiatric nursing. I currently treat clients 18 years and older. I work with clients who are seeking psychiatric treatment for the first time and require psychiatric diagnostic evaluations as well as clients who have had previous psychiatric treatment and may be seeking a new provider.
![Photo of William Z Barnard, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6bb19665-3a75-4026-9c01-b6d770c6f470/2/320x400.jpeg)
PRACTICE IS TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO NEW PATIENTS... I aim to be as transparent as possible so as to help you to identify if I might be that person for you. This is vital because it is crucial for you to trust your psychiatrist and feel confident that your concerns and needs will be addressed in a sensitive, respectful, and nonjudgmental way. Whether you are a new mom or dad struggling with the challenges of new parenthood, having difficulty adapting to a new job or role, feeling worried and overwhelmed, or feeling down and withdrawn, I may be able to help you recover and improve your quality of life.
PRACTICE IS TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO NEW PATIENTS... I aim to be as transparent as possible so as to help you to identify if I might be that person for you. This is vital because it is crucial for you to trust your psychiatrist and feel confident that your concerns and needs will be addressed in a sensitive, respectful, and nonjudgmental way. Whether you are a new mom or dad struggling with the challenges of new parenthood, having difficulty adapting to a new job or role, feeling worried and overwhelmed, or feeling down and withdrawn, I may be able to help you recover and improve your quality of life.
![Photo of Susan Rako - Susan Rako MD, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e304911-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
If you need help to gain or regain a good enough balance and a way to find happiness in your life, I have decades of valuable experience. I am known as a "psychiatrist's psychiatrist," a true healer, and one who is gifted at working with "challenging" situations" -- both individual and couples. Therapy is my specialty, and I evaluate and prescribe medication only for patients I treat in therapy when it is truly indicated. I particularly enjoy working with individuals who are more interested in developing their own capacities than in complaining about the inadequacy of what they find outside themselves in the world and in other people. I do not provide "medication management" if that is a primary reason for consultation. Author of : "That's How the Light Gets In: Memoir of a Psychiatrist" (published by Random House) and "Semrad: The Heart of a Therapist" (see www.susanrako.com) My blog, "More Light" can also be found on my website.
If you need help to gain or regain a good enough balance and a way to find happiness in your life, I have decades of valuable experience. I am known as a "psychiatrist's psychiatrist," a true healer, and one who is gifted at working with "challenging" situations" -- both individual and couples. Therapy is my specialty, and I evaluate and prescribe medication only for patients I treat in therapy when it is truly indicated. I particularly enjoy working with individuals who are more interested in developing their own capacities than in complaining about the inadequacy of what they find outside themselves in the world and in other people. I do not provide "medication management" if that is a primary reason for consultation. Author of : "That's How the Light Gets In: Memoir of a Psychiatrist" (published by Random House) and "Semrad: The Heart of a Therapist" (see www.susanrako.com) My blog, "More Light" can also be found on my website.
See more therapy options for Brookline Village
Nearby Searches for Brookline Village
- Boston
- Brighton
- Brookline
- Cambridge
- Chestnut Hill
- Dorchester
- Jamaica Plain
- Newton Centre
- Somerville
- South Boston
- Watertown
- West Roxbury
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Brookline Village, MA
< 10
Psychiatrists in Brookline Village, MA who prioritize treating:
75% | Depression |
75% | Anxiety |
75% | Trauma and PTSD |
75% | Sleep or Insomnia |
75% | Self Esteem |
75% | Life Transitions |
50% | Relationship Issues |
Average years in practice
18 Years
Gender breakdown
75% | Female | |
25% | Male |
How Psychiatrists in Brookline Village, MA see their clients
75% | In Person and Online | |
25% | Online Only |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Brookline Village?
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.