Psychiatrists in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
![Photo of Dr. Ike Ohiaeri - Foothill Behavioral Health Consultants, Inc. , MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d97549e5-722c-4e1a-9220-813fd0201cf3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Foothill Behavioral Health Consultants, Inc.
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
Hello, I am Dr, Ike Ohiaeri, MD, Medical Director for Foothill Behavioral Health Consultants, Inc. I look forward to working with you.
Hello, I am Dr, Ike Ohiaeri, MD, Medical Director for Foothill Behavioral Health Consultants, Inc. I look forward to working with you.
![Photo of Mottsin Thomas, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44f57c44-8415-45c9-9249-3395c3953925/2/320x400.jpeg)
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS-Bonmente knows asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS-Bonmente knows asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
![Photo of Ijeoma Mbadugha, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ce28c3f2-8777-43ef-90b4-086caad0bd60/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ijeoma Mbadugha
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 (Online Only)
We are glad you stopped by! Do you think you have symptoms of ADHD? Do you need answers? Do you need treatment? We got you! We are accepting new patients for ADHD Neuropsychological testing. For Depressive, Anxiety, and Bipolar Disorders; Are you anxious? having mood swings? Have you been feeling sad, tearful, empty, helpless, hopeless, or worthless? Fixed on past failures or self-blame? Lack of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities? We also have great medication management and psychotherapy tools available to help you get your life back. Call us today to book an appointment.
We are glad you stopped by! Do you think you have symptoms of ADHD? Do you need answers? Do you need treatment? We got you! We are accepting new patients for ADHD Neuropsychological testing. For Depressive, Anxiety, and Bipolar Disorders; Are you anxious? having mood swings? Have you been feeling sad, tearful, empty, helpless, hopeless, or worthless? Fixed on past failures or self-blame? Lack of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities? We also have great medication management and psychotherapy tools available to help you get your life back. Call us today to book an appointment.
![Photo of Mildred A Usongo, PMHNP, -BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bc8574a6-f911-40aa-9e81-5d9b838f9bfb/1/320x400.jpeg)
Mildred A Usongo
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
As a dedicated Psychiatry Nurse Practitioner, with over a decade experience from minor Psychiatry care to present, I am passionate about integrating compassionate care with evidence-based practices to support individuals on their journey toward emotional and psychological well-being. I have worked as a Nurse/Nurse Practitioner taking care of patients in psychiatric emergency settings, including cases of Bipolar, Schizophrenia, Anxiety, Depression, PTSD and ADHD. With a strong foundation in nursing and advanced training in psychiatric care, I provide comprehensive assessments, diagnosis, and treatment plans tailored to each patient's
As a dedicated Psychiatry Nurse Practitioner, with over a decade experience from minor Psychiatry care to present, I am passionate about integrating compassionate care with evidence-based practices to support individuals on their journey toward emotional and psychological well-being. I have worked as a Nurse/Nurse Practitioner taking care of patients in psychiatric emergency settings, including cases of Bipolar, Schizophrenia, Anxiety, Depression, PTSD and ADHD. With a strong foundation in nursing and advanced training in psychiatric care, I provide comprehensive assessments, diagnosis, and treatment plans tailored to each patient's
![Photo of Cathlyn Cwiek, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/db00fd59-87e8-4b43-a874-1ab269b2f877/1/320x400.jpeg)
As a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) I will work with you to understand your unique situation and develop a personalized treatment plan. This will include prescribing psychotropic medications, if appropriate to help manage symptoms and improve your overall well-being. Therapy options are available to help you develop coping mechanisms, address underlying issues, and build resilience.
As a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) I will work with you to understand your unique situation and develop a personalized treatment plan. This will include prescribing psychotropic medications, if appropriate to help manage symptoms and improve your overall well-being. Therapy options are available to help you develop coping mechanisms, address underlying issues, and build resilience.
![Photo of Darlene Alugbue, APRN, MSN, PMHNP, -BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/aabc9db2-7607-4b79-8e08-49f5aea05511/1/320x400.jpeg)
Darlene Alugbue
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, MSN, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
There’s so much to enjoy about life, and yet mental health symptoms often get in the way. Sometimes there’s an imbalance in your brain chemistry, and other times trauma or current circumstances are to blame. Either way, it’s not your fault if you’re suffering from depression, anxiety, debilitating grief, or other challenges. However, you do have the power to find the care you need to feel better. As a nurse practitioner I offer emotional support, medication management, and therapy to help you overcome problems that are holding you back. Together we can help you change course towards a more peaceful, meaningful, and enjoyable life.
There’s so much to enjoy about life, and yet mental health symptoms often get in the way. Sometimes there’s an imbalance in your brain chemistry, and other times trauma or current circumstances are to blame. Either way, it’s not your fault if you’re suffering from depression, anxiety, debilitating grief, or other challenges. However, you do have the power to find the care you need to feel better. As a nurse practitioner I offer emotional support, medication management, and therapy to help you overcome problems that are holding you back. Together we can help you change course towards a more peaceful, meaningful, and enjoyable life.
![Photo of Tooyin A Owolabi, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/713d7834-f02c-4c02-a3ae-77560f5a48f3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Tooyin A Owolabi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
Dr. Owolabi, DNP, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over two decades of invaluable mental health experience. I am deeply passionate about guiding individuals on their journey toward mental wellness. I understand that each person's path is unique and deserves personalized care and support. My ideal client may be grappling with a range of issues, from anxiety and depression to trauma-related disorders or mood disturbances. Regardless of the specific challenges they encounter, my ideal client seeks relief from their distress and a sense of empowerment over their mental health.
Dr. Owolabi, DNP, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over two decades of invaluable mental health experience. I am deeply passionate about guiding individuals on their journey toward mental wellness. I understand that each person's path is unique and deserves personalized care and support. My ideal client may be grappling with a range of issues, from anxiety and depression to trauma-related disorders or mood disturbances. Regardless of the specific challenges they encounter, my ideal client seeks relief from their distress and a sense of empowerment over their mental health.
![Photo of Ernest Takang, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fb4102c4-dce5-44eb-8ce8-761e6c830ecf/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ernest Takang
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739 (Online Only)
Hello! Are you having mental health issues? Are you attempting to maintain harmony with your general well-being? I am a mental health professional with board certification (PMHNP-BC).
Hello! Are you having mental health issues? Are you attempting to maintain harmony with your general well-being? I am a mental health professional with board certification (PMHNP-BC).
![Photo of Sachin Relia, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0854cfdc-08fb-4901-94ea-9667aa87a10b/3/320x400.jpeg)
I strive to partner with my patients in achieving mental health wellness. I utilize psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic skills in developing a truly individualized treatment plan. In addition, I focus on impact of sleep on mental health outcomes and therefore, utilize my background in sleep medicine and incorporate those principles while providing psychiatric care.
I strive to partner with my patients in achieving mental health wellness. I utilize psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic skills in developing a truly individualized treatment plan. In addition, I focus on impact of sleep on mental health outcomes and therefore, utilize my background in sleep medicine and incorporate those principles while providing psychiatric care.
![Photo of Michael Marshall, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/16b858a9-c8b3-46c2-8333-b2c121ae74a9/1/320x400.png)
Michael Marshall
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 (Online Only)
Michael Marshall, is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from Los Angeles, California who works with adults and adolescents, and provides care for patients who struggle with ADHD, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Michael Marshall has extensive experience treating patients who are in crisis and has worked as a registered nurse/nurse practitioner in behavioral health for 15 years. Michael’s, treatment approach is rooted in evidence-based practice using a client centered approach.
Michael Marshall, is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from Los Angeles, California who works with adults and adolescents, and provides care for patients who struggle with ADHD, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Michael Marshall has extensive experience treating patients who are in crisis and has worked as a registered nurse/nurse practitioner in behavioral health for 15 years. Michael’s, treatment approach is rooted in evidence-based practice using a client centered approach.
![Photo of Dave Auluck - The Focus Doc, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/99469130-6c1e-49b7-9fb8-8b40fc49350d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Dave Auluck, M.D. is a 3rd generation physician, 2nd generation psychiatrist, and physician educator. He is passionate about improving the mental health treatment experience. His mission is to ensure personalized, industry-leading, preeminent care is accessible and affordable. He has worked with thousands of patients over the years and overseen program development for tens of thousands of others. He truly understands there is no "one size fits all" approach.
Dr. Dave Auluck, M.D. is a 3rd generation physician, 2nd generation psychiatrist, and physician educator. He is passionate about improving the mental health treatment experience. His mission is to ensure personalized, industry-leading, preeminent care is accessible and affordable. He has worked with thousands of patients over the years and overseen program development for tens of thousands of others. He truly understands there is no "one size fits all" approach.
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![Photo of Dr. Denise Persichino, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f7201f6e-e3bf-48f2-af58-69ef47fd4399/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Denise Persichino
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
Not accepting new clients
Dr. Persichino is a medical doctor with over a decade of experience as a board certified psychiatrist. Trained at Loma Linda University, she has a passion for helping her clients to achieve their own best personal state of balance and Health.
Dr. Persichino is a medical doctor with over a decade of experience as a board certified psychiatrist. Trained at Loma Linda University, she has a passion for helping her clients to achieve their own best personal state of balance and Health.
![Photo of Adewale Oyemade, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/62b02a61-378e-4277-835a-5ef03a8aff24/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist specializing in psychopharmacology, ADHD, Mood disorders, Anxiety, Psychotic disorders, and more. I have been practicing psychiatry for over nine years and am board-certified in Child, Adolescent, and Adult psychiatry. Before starting in private practice, I was a Medical Director for an adolescent inpatient psychiatric program and a psychiatrist in community mental health settings. I look forward to helping you and/or your child/adolescent with your mental health concerns and help you navigate and thrive.
I am a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist specializing in psychopharmacology, ADHD, Mood disorders, Anxiety, Psychotic disorders, and more. I have been practicing psychiatry for over nine years and am board-certified in Child, Adolescent, and Adult psychiatry. Before starting in private practice, I was a Medical Director for an adolescent inpatient psychiatric program and a psychiatrist in community mental health settings. I look forward to helping you and/or your child/adolescent with your mental health concerns and help you navigate and thrive.
![Photo of Chioma Pamela Onodugo - Advanced Psychology Associates, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/799dfdef-8597-4bcc-ae16-8f8140806a9f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Advanced Psychology Associates
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. My patients enjoys comprehensive treatments customized specifically for their unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow them to see your provider from the comfort of their home, an online patient portal that lets them communicate directly with their provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. My patients enjoys comprehensive treatments customized specifically for their unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow them to see your provider from the comfort of their home, an online patient portal that lets them communicate directly with their provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
![Photo of Timothy Tien-Min Lee, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2d85d07d-d68f-4423-a2e5-3c9653c2fd6e/1/320x400.png)
After 13 years of training future psychiatrists at Loma Linda University, God led me to leave a job I loved and start my own practice to focus on caring for patients. I am glad for the opportunity and privilege to work with people of all faiths, but particularly have a passion for helping fellow Christians. I am experienced in both medication management and psychotherapy, and have a particular interest in Christian counseling.
After 13 years of training future psychiatrists at Loma Linda University, God led me to leave a job I loved and start my own practice to focus on caring for patients. I am glad for the opportunity and privilege to work with people of all faiths, but particularly have a passion for helping fellow Christians. I am experienced in both medication management and psychotherapy, and have a particular interest in Christian counseling.
![Photo of Gladys Obeng - Adom Telepsychiatry and Mental Health Services, DNP, BSN, RN, PMHNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e928eab6-f99a-48a9-8bcb-1cd07e98cd87/2/320x400.jpeg)
Adom Telepsychiatry and Mental Health Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, BSN, RN, PMHNP-C
Verified Verified
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
At Adom Telepsychiatry and Mental Health Services, your satisfaction and overall outcome in attaining the highest quality of life is our utmost concern. We, therefore, ensure you receive individualized patient-centered care with respect and dignity while at the same time acknowledging your input and preferences. To promote your full participation in your care, we have made every effort to improve communication and avoid barriers that may impede the process of effective communication.
At Adom Telepsychiatry and Mental Health Services, your satisfaction and overall outcome in attaining the highest quality of life is our utmost concern. We, therefore, ensure you receive individualized patient-centered care with respect and dignity while at the same time acknowledging your input and preferences. To promote your full participation in your care, we have made every effort to improve communication and avoid barriers that may impede the process of effective communication.
![Photo of Ryan Thebo, DNP, PMHNP, FNP, CICP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e5b4b8f6-853b-4306-a427-d8de28d5fdc9/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ryan Thebo
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP, CICP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
Unsure if medication is right for you or need help optimizing your current treatment? While medication can be beneficial, the most effective approach to mental health challenges often combines the right medications with holistic treatments. Sadly, the profit-driven mental healthcare system may not always prioritize your well-being. My goal is to help you thrive through holistic psychiatry, enabling you to achieve optimal wellness. Easily schedule an online appointment for personalized medication management at www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA and take the first step towards a healthier you.
Unsure if medication is right for you or need help optimizing your current treatment? While medication can be beneficial, the most effective approach to mental health challenges often combines the right medications with holistic treatments. Sadly, the profit-driven mental healthcare system may not always prioritize your well-being. My goal is to help you thrive through holistic psychiatry, enabling you to achieve optimal wellness. Easily schedule an online appointment for personalized medication management at www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA and take the first step towards a healthier you.
![Photo of Maricela Tonie Beltran, MD, MPH, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bc5aefea-d670-473a-9bb4-ab4f1ab706ec/3/320x400.jpeg)
Maricela Tonie Beltran
Psychiatrist, MD, MPH
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 (Online Only)
I run a cash pay integrative psychiatry and psychotherapy practice and am dedicated to nurturing whole-body health and wellness in my patients. I was born in Long Beach, California, where I was raised by immigrant parents from Mexico, instilling in me a profound appreciation for the interconnectedness of culture and mental heath. Central to my practice is the belief that true healing encompasses the totality of the individual, honoring their unique journey. I strive to create a collaborative and nurturing space where patients feel truly heard and are empowered to explore various avenues of healing.
I run a cash pay integrative psychiatry and psychotherapy practice and am dedicated to nurturing whole-body health and wellness in my patients. I was born in Long Beach, California, where I was raised by immigrant parents from Mexico, instilling in me a profound appreciation for the interconnectedness of culture and mental heath. Central to my practice is the belief that true healing encompasses the totality of the individual, honoring their unique journey. I strive to create a collaborative and nurturing space where patients feel truly heard and are empowered to explore various avenues of healing.
![Photo of Adel Mostafavi - WellPsyche Medical Group, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ed66dbd-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
WellPsyche Medical Group
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 (Online Only)
Are you struggling to balance your physical and mental health? Are things becoming unmanageable? Is your time limited? Then welcome to WellPsyche! WellPsyche Medical Group provides experts in the field of Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. Our practice offers the latest in psychiatry including Telemedicine! Now you can visit with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of your home or work. Our providers take a Conservative and Effective approach to medication management and can help you balance your life.
Are you struggling to balance your physical and mental health? Are things becoming unmanageable? Is your time limited? Then welcome to WellPsyche! WellPsyche Medical Group provides experts in the field of Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. Our practice offers the latest in psychiatry including Telemedicine! Now you can visit with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of your home or work. Our providers take a Conservative and Effective approach to medication management and can help you balance your life.
![Photo of Waqar Zuberi, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d546da55-4cb0-4e8f-bf05-38076807660d/1/320x400.png)
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
See more therapy options for Rancho Cucamonga
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
50+
Average cost per session
$250
Psychiatrists in Rancho Cucamonga, CA who prioritize treating:
96% | Anxiety |
87% | Depression |
85% | ADHD |
85% | Bipolar Disorder |
79% | Sleep or Insomnia |
77% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
77% | Trauma and PTSD |
Average years in practice
13 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
98% | Aetna |
96% | Cigna and Evernorth |
91% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in Rancho Cucamonga, CA see their clients
50% | Online Only | |
50% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
53% | Male | |
47% | Female |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Rancho Cucamonga?
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.