Psychiatrists in Baltimore, MD
![Photo of John K Kamau, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6d04bffe-28b6-4200-b2e3-dd6278c71203/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hello, my name is John. I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who is passionate about what I do. I have more than ten years of experience in healthcare. I provide Comprehensive Client-Focused Mental Health care to my clients using evidence-based practice. I offer psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and psychotherapy for a wide range of psychiatric conditions.
Hello, my name is John. I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who is passionate about what I do. I have more than ten years of experience in healthcare. I provide Comprehensive Client-Focused Mental Health care to my clients using evidence-based practice. I offer psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and psychotherapy for a wide range of psychiatric conditions.
![Photo of Michelle Blackston, CRNP, FNP, PMH-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b22b1fe6-32cc-41c0-89f2-6eb9224c0101/2/320x400.jpeg)
Michelle Blackston
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, FNP, PMH-BC
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21224
Catering to the adults and adolescents in the Baltimore Metropolitan area, we work with individuals suffering from mental health issues, as well as patients struggling with substance use disorders. Our mission is to provide professional, compassionate care for people battling mental health or substance use issues by employing a holistic approach to treatment.
Catering to the adults and adolescents in the Baltimore Metropolitan area, we work with individuals suffering from mental health issues, as well as patients struggling with substance use disorders. Our mission is to provide professional, compassionate care for people battling mental health or substance use issues by employing a holistic approach to treatment.
![Photo of Vonetta Davis, CRNP, PMH, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/27ffd5a9-ff65-4f49-9658-f5916daeff5a/1/320x400.png)
Vonetta Davis
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMH
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21209
Not accepting new clients
Vonetta is a Baltimore-native, graduated with a BS in Nursing from Coppin State University and an MS in Advanced Practice Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Adult-focused from the University of Maryland at Baltimore. Her early career was spent working at Sheppard Pratt Health System in Towson, MD, as lead/charge nurse before advancing to the nurse management role of the co-occurring (addictions) disorders unit. Since completing education as a psychiatric NP in 2013, Vonetta has worked in outpatient settings, including at the esteemed Kolmac Outpatient Recovery Center in Towson, MD.
Vonetta is a Baltimore-native, graduated with a BS in Nursing from Coppin State University and an MS in Advanced Practice Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Adult-focused from the University of Maryland at Baltimore. Her early career was spent working at Sheppard Pratt Health System in Towson, MD, as lead/charge nurse before advancing to the nurse management role of the co-occurring (addictions) disorders unit. Since completing education as a psychiatric NP in 2013, Vonetta has worked in outpatient settings, including at the esteemed Kolmac Outpatient Recovery Center in Towson, MD.
![Photo of Lisa Johnson - Thrivewell Health, (Medication Management), MSN, CRNP, PMHNP, FNP-c, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0dca0481-dd1f-4652-81ff-cc42d3ca6308/2/320x400.png)
Thrivewell Health, (Medication Management)
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, CRNP, PMHNP, FNP-c
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Baltimore, MD 21218 (Online Only)
Are you feeling overwhelmed by loneliness, sadness, shame or guilt? Do you find yourself battling anxiety, depression, or low self esteem? Struggling with life transitions (career counseling), lack of motivation and procrastination, or peer relationships? Thinking ADHD might be the cause? Medication management... Is this something you are considering or not? It's time to focus on your self-care and to discover the answers you've been searching for. Our ideal client is someone who is highly motivated to collaborate with us on their journey to mental health wellness. I’m here to offer you a compassionate approach to mental health.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by loneliness, sadness, shame or guilt? Do you find yourself battling anxiety, depression, or low self esteem? Struggling with life transitions (career counseling), lack of motivation and procrastination, or peer relationships? Thinking ADHD might be the cause? Medication management... Is this something you are considering or not? It's time to focus on your self-care and to discover the answers you've been searching for. Our ideal client is someone who is highly motivated to collaborate with us on their journey to mental health wellness. I’m here to offer you a compassionate approach to mental health.
![Photo of Aderonke Omotade - Omi Psychiatry and TMS, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b95642f8-904d-42af-bbc1-289773f63a70/3/320x400.jpeg)
Sometimes life knocks you off your feet. Not necessarily due to any innate deficiency but sometimes circumstances can get the best of you. Whether it be depression, anxiety, or just not feeling like yourself. I can help. I believe that you have what it takes but sometimes you may need help to remind you or to give you space to breath and reflect. I am here to facilitate discovery and healing. I believe in medications in certain circumstances but also that medications are only part of the treatment. In order to restore you
Sometimes life knocks you off your feet. Not necessarily due to any innate deficiency but sometimes circumstances can get the best of you. Whether it be depression, anxiety, or just not feeling like yourself. I can help. I believe that you have what it takes but sometimes you may need help to remind you or to give you space to breath and reflect. I am here to facilitate discovery and healing. I believe in medications in certain circumstances but also that medications are only part of the treatment. In order to restore you
![Photo of Florence B Akanbi - BISAK Healthcare Systems, LLC, FNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f1d987d0-f788-4ac7-8392-8a0ff84661a1/1/320x400.jpeg)
BISAK Healthcare Systems, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21202
Are you struggling with mental health concerns with ongoing signs and symptoms that cause frequent stress and affect your ability to function? Are you experiencing extreme mood changes, agitation, not being yourself, lack of sleep, lack of motivation, feeling sad, detachment from reality, excessive anger, lack of concentration, or suicidal thoughts? Are you finding it hard to hold a job or live the kind of life you envisage for yourself? Are you noticing life is difficult to live as others around you? If your answers are yes, then I can help you.
Are you struggling with mental health concerns with ongoing signs and symptoms that cause frequent stress and affect your ability to function? Are you experiencing extreme mood changes, agitation, not being yourself, lack of sleep, lack of motivation, feeling sad, detachment from reality, excessive anger, lack of concentration, or suicidal thoughts? Are you finding it hard to hold a job or live the kind of life you envisage for yourself? Are you noticing life is difficult to live as others around you? If your answers are yes, then I can help you.
![Photo of Nicole Leistikow, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d14f34bf-fc51-4290-9cbc-b959bb0a5edd/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am a board-certified psychiatrist with expertise in treating and protecting women’s mental health throughout the reproductive life cycle with both medications and psychotherapy. I help women make the best decisions for themselves and their families by giving evidence-based recommendations informed by research. As a therapist who can also prescribe medications, I am in a unique position to monitor symptoms and help you make a decision about when they can be helped with therapy, sleep, exercise, communication, and other modalities and when the volume is simply too high for these first line treatments to be effective.
I am a board-certified psychiatrist with expertise in treating and protecting women’s mental health throughout the reproductive life cycle with both medications and psychotherapy. I help women make the best decisions for themselves and their families by giving evidence-based recommendations informed by research. As a therapist who can also prescribe medications, I am in a unique position to monitor symptoms and help you make a decision about when they can be helped with therapy, sleep, exercise, communication, and other modalities and when the volume is simply too high for these first line treatments to be effective.
![Photo of Francis Oduah, PMHNP, FNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e468f757-5649-40cb-ad52-3652ae278525/2/320x400.jpeg)
Francis Oduah
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21201 (Online Only)
At Breakthrough Behavioral Health Services, we’re committed to providing you with the most exceptional care in a compassionate and friendly atmosphere. Since the beginning of our practice, we have had the philosophy that our patients come first, insurance issues come second. No matter why you’re visiting us, we provide comprehensive and excellent care. Find out more about our provider and let us take care of you.
At Breakthrough Behavioral Health Services, we’re committed to providing you with the most exceptional care in a compassionate and friendly atmosphere. Since the beginning of our practice, we have had the philosophy that our patients come first, insurance issues come second. No matter why you’re visiting us, we provide comprehensive and excellent care. Find out more about our provider and let us take care of you.
![Photo of Leslie Bradley-Poff - Exhale, Baltimore, MS, CRNP, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4a125f9b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Exhale, Baltimore
Psychiatric Nurse, MS, CRNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Baltimore, MD 21201 (Online Only)
Leslie Poff is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience in providing medication management for individuals in a wide variety of settings, from hospitals and prisons to private offices and churches. Her diagnostic skills and prescriptive privileges enable her to treat a wide variety of psychiatric disorders including but not limited to anxiety, depressive, psychotic, co-occurring and bipolar disorders, ADHD, substance abuse and dependence. Clients who may need psychotropic medication receive education and safe prescription of such medication.
Leslie Poff is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience in providing medication management for individuals in a wide variety of settings, from hospitals and prisons to private offices and churches. Her diagnostic skills and prescriptive privileges enable her to treat a wide variety of psychiatric disorders including but not limited to anxiety, depressive, psychotic, co-occurring and bipolar disorders, ADHD, substance abuse and dependence. Clients who may need psychotropic medication receive education and safe prescription of such medication.
![Photo of Mohammed Younus, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4fa61a9b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
If you suffer from Anxiety, Social phobia, Depression or ADHD, you are not alone, these are treatable illnesses and I have expertise to help you. Whether, you have never been treated or not totally satisfied with current treatment, there is help available. I treat Adults, Adolescents and Children
If you suffer from Anxiety, Social phobia, Depression or ADHD, you are not alone, these are treatable illnesses and I have expertise to help you. Whether, you have never been treated or not totally satisfied with current treatment, there is help available. I treat Adults, Adolescents and Children
![Photo of Lakeyia Daniels, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4245fb39-efa8-412f-9d6b-50a4255fea29/1/320x400.jpeg)
Lakeyia Daniels is a board-certified nurse practitioner in psychiatry. Ms. Lakeyia received her Bachelor of Science from Sojourner Douglas College as a Registered Nurse. During Lakeyia's nursing career, she developed a strong passion for psychiatric nursing after working in various settings. Due to Lakeyia's strong passion for psychiatric nursing, she was encouraged to pursue a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner certificate at Walden University, where she received her Master of Science in Nursing.
Lakeyia Daniels is a board-certified nurse practitioner in psychiatry. Ms. Lakeyia received her Bachelor of Science from Sojourner Douglas College as a Registered Nurse. During Lakeyia's nursing career, she developed a strong passion for psychiatric nursing after working in various settings. Due to Lakeyia's strong passion for psychiatric nursing, she was encouraged to pursue a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner certificate at Walden University, where she received her Master of Science in Nursing.
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![Photo of Dr. Martin Atta, DNP, CRNP, PMH, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0f57e7d0-d351-4fe2-a03c-150203217042/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Martin Atta
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, CRNP, PMH
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Baltimore, MD 21216
At Compassion Behavioral health ,We offer customized treatment services for each of our clients. With this, we can ensure that our services are focused on addressing their unique needs and are encouraging their strengths .We have extensive experience treating clients with various psychiatric conditions including but not limited to Depression, Anxiety, ADHD ,Bipolar, Schizophrenia, and neurocognitive disorders. Medication Management, Psychotherapy/counseling ,and addiction treatment.
At Compassion Behavioral health ,We offer customized treatment services for each of our clients. With this, we can ensure that our services are focused on addressing their unique needs and are encouraging their strengths .We have extensive experience treating clients with various psychiatric conditions including but not limited to Depression, Anxiety, ADHD ,Bipolar, Schizophrenia, and neurocognitive disorders. Medication Management, Psychotherapy/counseling ,and addiction treatment.
![Photo of Itoro Abatai, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d6b3b35a-05ea-4aa3-85a4-3b8c39a983a6/1/320x400.jpeg)
The Chance healthcare services is a Psychiatric and Mental health organization that provides psychiatric services to individuals and families with behavioral problems. We offer telehealth services to help meet clients’ needs for convenient, affordable, and readily-accessible mental health services.
The Chance healthcare services is a Psychiatric and Mental health organization that provides psychiatric services to individuals and families with behavioral problems. We offer telehealth services to help meet clients’ needs for convenient, affordable, and readily-accessible mental health services.
![Photo of Victorine Ngang - Unique Minds Behavioral Health Services, LLC, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48babd61-3646-4bdb-82da-2e5793368267/3/320x400.jpeg)
Unique Minds Behavioral Health Services, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21215
Victorine (Vicky) Ngang is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner specialized in treating patients with mental illnesses in and Maryland. She is board certified with the American Nurses Credentialing Center. After working as a registered nurse in several settings, she decided to further her education with a specialty in mental health. Her inspiration was driven by the stigma associated with mental health illnesses in the communities. She is a community advocate of mental illness and her grit is to bridge the gap between physical and mental health as well as reduce the stigma about mental health.
Victorine (Vicky) Ngang is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner specialized in treating patients with mental illnesses in and Maryland. She is board certified with the American Nurses Credentialing Center. After working as a registered nurse in several settings, she decided to further her education with a specialty in mental health. Her inspiration was driven by the stigma associated with mental health illnesses in the communities. She is a community advocate of mental illness and her grit is to bridge the gap between physical and mental health as well as reduce the stigma about mental health.
![Photo of Pamela Pierce - PierCentral Wellness Solutions, MSN, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e2f66128-172e-450a-a133-a426d2ccab0e/1/320x400.png)
PierCentral Wellness Solutions
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Baltimore, MD 21218 (Online Only)
As the sole provider here at PierCentral Wellness Solutions, Pam serves to facilitate a nonjudgmental environment where clients feel safe to explore options available for the treatment of symptoms that may impact social and/or occupational functioning. Pam is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who has amassed an abundance of experience and education including a Master of Science in Nursing degree from Georgia College & State University, clinical experience with Wellstar Health System in Georgia, and 10 years of experience as a registered nurse working in the mental health setting.
As the sole provider here at PierCentral Wellness Solutions, Pam serves to facilitate a nonjudgmental environment where clients feel safe to explore options available for the treatment of symptoms that may impact social and/or occupational functioning. Pam is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who has amassed an abundance of experience and education including a Master of Science in Nursing degree from Georgia College & State University, clinical experience with Wellstar Health System in Georgia, and 10 years of experience as a registered nurse working in the mental health setting.
![Photo of Hotenesia Njoroge - Blue Spring Wellness Center (Mental Health Clinic), CRNP, PMH, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b00e00fc-e341-457d-aa7f-ec74a934afe9/2/320x400.jpeg)
Blue Spring Wellness Center (Mental Health Clinic)
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMH
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Baltimore, MD 21202
My goal to advocate for patients who struggle to be heard or respected, and to manage their treatment with compassion, understanding, and attention to holistic care.
My goal to advocate for patients who struggle to be heard or respected, and to manage their treatment with compassion, understanding, and attention to holistic care.
![Photo of Neal Ranen - Ranen Psychiatric Associates, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45a28559-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
After training at Hopkins and then serving as full-time staff/faculty at The Johns Hopkins Hospital and The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine for many years, I am now in private practice where I treat a variety of conditions, including depression, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, irritability, OCD, mood swings, Bipolar, and life stressors. I am double Board-Certified, and both a Psychopharmacologist (medication expert) and Psychotherapist (using Cognitive-Behavioral therapy and other approaches). You deserve expertise, compassion, and a holistic approach to understanding you and your circumstances.
After training at Hopkins and then serving as full-time staff/faculty at The Johns Hopkins Hospital and The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine for many years, I am now in private practice where I treat a variety of conditions, including depression, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, irritability, OCD, mood swings, Bipolar, and life stressors. I am double Board-Certified, and both a Psychopharmacologist (medication expert) and Psychotherapist (using Cognitive-Behavioral therapy and other approaches). You deserve expertise, compassion, and a holistic approach to understanding you and your circumstances.
![Photo of Wanda Caesar - Holistic Medical Services, MSN, , PMHNP, CRNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0f67cb60-3e6f-4a28-8336-e9bb51bdddda/1/320x400.jpeg)
Holistic Medical Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, , PMHNP, CRNP
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21206
Wanda Caesar, a dedicated Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner, epitomizes the essence of compassionate care and unwavering commitment to mental health advocacy. With a fervent desire to enhance the lives of those grappling with mental health disorders, she has become a beacon of hope and healing in her field. Wanda’s professional journey commenced with the solid foundation laid during her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) studies at Howard University. Here, she not only honed her nursing skills but also cultivated a deep-seated empathy for patients and a passion for delivering exceptional care.
Wanda Caesar, a dedicated Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner, epitomizes the essence of compassionate care and unwavering commitment to mental health advocacy. With a fervent desire to enhance the lives of those grappling with mental health disorders, she has become a beacon of hope and healing in her field. Wanda’s professional journey commenced with the solid foundation laid during her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) studies at Howard University. Here, she not only honed her nursing skills but also cultivated a deep-seated empathy for patients and a passion for delivering exceptional care.
![Photo of Victoria Adaramaja, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/882b892c-2446-4534-a6fc-063ec8aad87d/2/320x400.png)
I am a doctoral prepared psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. My goal is to provide individualized mental health treatment plan. I strive to provide quality care in a collaborative, supportive, and non-judgment manner. Like I always tell my primary care patients; Life is full of seasons and each season prepare you for the next! My approach is very warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, compassion, and kindness. I will tailor our sessions and your treatment plan to your individual needs and meeting you where you are in life.
I am a doctoral prepared psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. My goal is to provide individualized mental health treatment plan. I strive to provide quality care in a collaborative, supportive, and non-judgment manner. Like I always tell my primary care patients; Life is full of seasons and each season prepare you for the next! My approach is very warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, compassion, and kindness. I will tailor our sessions and your treatment plan to your individual needs and meeting you where you are in life.
![Photo of Chelsia Burkes-Brown, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b663b245-7fca-409e-a6d9-486884634ef0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Chelsia Burkes-Brown
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Baltimore, MD 21202
Chelsia Burkes-Brown is a Board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who sees clients in Oregon, Maryland, Washington, Maryland and Florida. She has over eleven years of nursing experience in a variety of settings, including inpatient psychiatric care across the lifespan. She is committed to providing both competent and compassionate care to her clients. She places high value on a client’s full participation in the development of each treatment plan to encourage compliance and believes everyone deserves to have access to high-quality mental health care. She specializes in children, teenagers, and young adults.
Chelsia Burkes-Brown is a Board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who sees clients in Oregon, Maryland, Washington, Maryland and Florida. She has over eleven years of nursing experience in a variety of settings, including inpatient psychiatric care across the lifespan. She is committed to providing both competent and compassionate care to her clients. She places high value on a client’s full participation in the development of each treatment plan to encourage compliance and believes everyone deserves to have access to high-quality mental health care. She specializes in children, teenagers, and young adults.
See more therapy options for Baltimore
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Baltimore, MD
400+
Average cost per session
$155
Psychiatrists in Baltimore, MD who prioritize treating:
94% | Anxiety |
93% | Depression |
85% | Bipolar Disorder |
79% | ADHD |
70% | Trauma and PTSD |
69% | Medication Management |
67% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
7 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
88% | Cigna and Evernorth |
83% | Aetna |
78% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in Baltimore, MD see their clients
61% | In Person and Online | |
39% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
81% | Female | |
18% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Baltimore?
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.