Psychiatrists in Dundalk, MD
![Photo of Dr. Priscilla Benewaah - Peace Healthcare Inc, DNP, CRNP, FNP, PMH-NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/38907324-7914-4a74-9fc8-06b8b0fee89c/1/320x400.png)
Peace Healthcare Inc
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, CRNP, FNP, PMH-NP
Verified Verified
Dundalk, MD 21222
My name is Priscilla Benewaah, I am a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. My mission is to provide patient-centered healthcare with excellence in quality service and ease of access to services. I am committed to the wellness of individuals, their families, and the community through prevention, intervention, treatment, and education. Furthermore, I believe in fostering hope and confidence in the ability to conquer life stressors and enriching the quality of lives for consumers.
My name is Priscilla Benewaah, I am a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. My mission is to provide patient-centered healthcare with excellence in quality service and ease of access to services. I am committed to the wellness of individuals, their families, and the community through prevention, intervention, treatment, and education. Furthermore, I believe in fostering hope and confidence in the ability to conquer life stressors and enriching the quality of lives for consumers.
![Photo of Adam Horn, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/eba11330-d2b7-4b8e-98be-7c90e246449e/2/320x400.png)
Adam Horn
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Dundalk, MD 21222 (Online Only)
Adam is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in psychological trauma, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and addiction issues. He has more than 25 years of experience in mental health, as a psychotherapist with a Cognitive Behavioral approach and as a nurse practitioner. He has helped people from all walks of life, all sorts of life experiences, from the coasts of Washington State to hills of Tennessee and Virginia; urban and rural. He believes our pasts do not dictate our futures; and through a combination of psychotherapy and psychopharmacology, we are all capable of change and creating a better life.
Adam is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in psychological trauma, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and addiction issues. He has more than 25 years of experience in mental health, as a psychotherapist with a Cognitive Behavioral approach and as a nurse practitioner. He has helped people from all walks of life, all sorts of life experiences, from the coasts of Washington State to hills of Tennessee and Virginia; urban and rural. He believes our pasts do not dictate our futures; and through a combination of psychotherapy and psychopharmacology, we are all capable of change and creating a better life.
![Photo of Olayinka Omolabake Toby, MSN, CRNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d6dc0d1-29c5-4387-8dfc-ac9823d27560/3/320x400.jpeg)
Olayinka Omolabake Toby
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, CRNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Dundalk, MD 21222
Homestead Mental health takes care of the mental wellness of clients across lifespan- Adults, adolescents, and children. Homestead is committed to the belief that a little guided perspective combined with appropriate medications and psychotherapy can help spark wellness opportunities in any individual, child, or family, including medication management of drugs and alcohol addiction.
Homestead Mental health takes care of the mental wellness of clients across lifespan- Adults, adolescents, and children. Homestead is committed to the belief that a little guided perspective combined with appropriate medications and psychotherapy can help spark wellness opportunities in any individual, child, or family, including medication management of drugs and alcohol addiction.
![Photo of Ayoola Juliana Oyenuga - Alpha Recovery HealthCare Services Inc., DNP, CRNP, PMH-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f8405d9e-3273-40ae-9186-42b6ae999180/1/320x400.jpeg)
Alpha Recovery HealthCare Services Inc.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, CRNP, PMH-BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dundalk, MD 21222
At Alpha Recovery Healthcare Service Inc., we focus on promoting mental health recovery through patients' assessments, diagnosis, disease prevention, and medication management. Our psychiatric consultations are tailored to provide compassionate, holistic, thorough, and competent treatments aimed to improve individualized patients' mental health recovery, and the overall sense of well-being of our patients in a confidential, friendly, and therapeutic consulting environment.
At Alpha Recovery Healthcare Service Inc., we focus on promoting mental health recovery through patients' assessments, diagnosis, disease prevention, and medication management. Our psychiatric consultations are tailored to provide compassionate, holistic, thorough, and competent treatments aimed to improve individualized patients' mental health recovery, and the overall sense of well-being of our patients in a confidential, friendly, and therapeutic consulting environment.
![Photo of Charles Wangui - Overcare Psychiatry &Therapy, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/716d90fd-3f2b-45b7-9d85-70c8016cb6fd/1/320x400.png)
We have great experience providing psychiatry treatment over the years at John Hopkins, Lifebridge Health, Sheppard Pratt, and University of Maryland among others. We treat various conditions, including depression, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, OCD, Bipolar, Mood Disorders, Psychotic disorders, Post-traumatic stress disorder, Substance Abuse such as Addiction, and Medical Cannabis ID certification/Renewal among others. We provide direct clinical care to patients presenting for initial or follow-up diagnostic assessment and treatment recommendations. Care is provided through therapeutic interventions.
We have great experience providing psychiatry treatment over the years at John Hopkins, Lifebridge Health, Sheppard Pratt, and University of Maryland among others. We treat various conditions, including depression, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, OCD, Bipolar, Mood Disorders, Psychotic disorders, Post-traumatic stress disorder, Substance Abuse such as Addiction, and Medical Cannabis ID certification/Renewal among others. We provide direct clinical care to patients presenting for initial or follow-up diagnostic assessment and treatment recommendations. Care is provided through therapeutic interventions.
![Photo of Chantal Tchoumba - Devoted Healthcare Services LLC, DNP, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/503d74a9-4d22-411e-a347-2b4602ec1fa5/2/320x400.jpeg)
Devoted Healthcare Services LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Dundalk, MD 21222
Dr. Chantal Tchoumba is a doctoral-prepared and board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who specializes in treating patients with anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, eating disorders, PTSD, and other mental health problems. I perform diagnostic evaluations and medication management. I am culturally competent to see people from all walks of life no matter religion, race, or sexuality.
Dr. Chantal Tchoumba is a doctoral-prepared and board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who specializes in treating patients with anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, eating disorders, PTSD, and other mental health problems. I perform diagnostic evaluations and medication management. I am culturally competent to see people from all walks of life no matter religion, race, or sexuality.
![Photo of Kofo Abiru-Adebambo - Kolossal Healthcare Services LLC, CRNP, PMH-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c4b203ec-8918-40ec-9101-2f60290d3279/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kolossal Healthcare Services LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMH-BC
Verified Verified
Dundalk, MD 21222 (Online Only)
I am a compassionate and dedicated Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with a deep passion for mental health wellness and a commitment to helping individuals achieve optimal well-being. I specialize in Anxiety disorders, Depression, Adjustment disorders Eating disorders, Mood disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in teens and adults.
I am a compassionate and dedicated Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with a deep passion for mental health wellness and a commitment to helping individuals achieve optimal well-being. I specialize in Anxiety disorders, Depression, Adjustment disorders Eating disorders, Mood disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in teens and adults.
![Photo of Omotale Margaret Adebayo - Magsun Mental Wellness , CRNP, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7699cacf-580f-4cc6-b65c-aa098cd5d2bf/1/320x400.png)
Magsun Mental Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Dundalk, MD 21222
Hello and welcome to Magsun Mental Wellness. Nowadays, it’s about time we open up and address the real struggles of mental health without the weight of stigma. Your mental health is not about your destination, but about how you take each step. Magsun Mental Wellness is here to support you in your journey because you are precious and important in this World. Every individual’s journey is different, and that’s why we customize our treatment plans to your unique needs. We strive to produce better results that improve your quality of life.
Hello and welcome to Magsun Mental Wellness. Nowadays, it’s about time we open up and address the real struggles of mental health without the weight of stigma. Your mental health is not about your destination, but about how you take each step. Magsun Mental Wellness is here to support you in your journey because you are precious and important in this World. Every individual’s journey is different, and that’s why we customize our treatment plans to your unique needs. We strive to produce better results that improve your quality of life.
![Photo of Angela D Long - Long Integrated Psychiatric Services, MSN, CRNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e5295324-e496-43ed-97d3-a7863aa9088c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Long Integrated Psychiatric Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, CRNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Dundalk, MD 21222
We understand that health and wellness is particularly difficult with all the struggles we face today. Long Integrated hopes to provide behavioral health care to adolescents and adults suffering from depression, insomnia, anxiety, ADHD, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. We currently have five psychiatric nurse practitioners that are working to help you on your journey to be the best version of your self.
We understand that health and wellness is particularly difficult with all the struggles we face today. Long Integrated hopes to provide behavioral health care to adolescents and adults suffering from depression, insomnia, anxiety, ADHD, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. We currently have five psychiatric nurse practitioners that are working to help you on your journey to be the best version of your self.
![Photo of Vivian Tantoh Mondo - Arise & Shine Health Center, LLC, DNP, APRN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/782bf40a-5900-4647-b0af-d631a1517132/2/320x400.jpeg)
Arise & Shine Health Center, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dundalk, MD 21222
At Arise & Shine our patients satisfaction is our number 1 priority. Our goal is to be able to create an environment, where people will be comfortable in sharing their feelings, experiences and mental health problems. We work with children and adolescents struggling with significant mood and behavioral dysregulation related to Autism Spectrum Disorder, anxiety and ADHD. Our experience extends to college age. We will work with you to take control of your life so that you can be in charge once again. We are compassionate, warm, and welcoming mental health providers who focus on changing the lives of our patients .
At Arise & Shine our patients satisfaction is our number 1 priority. Our goal is to be able to create an environment, where people will be comfortable in sharing their feelings, experiences and mental health problems. We work with children and adolescents struggling with significant mood and behavioral dysregulation related to Autism Spectrum Disorder, anxiety and ADHD. Our experience extends to college age. We will work with you to take control of your life so that you can be in charge once again. We are compassionate, warm, and welcoming mental health providers who focus on changing the lives of our patients .
![Photo of Harriett Neverdon-Fair - Hopestone Health and Wellness, NP-C, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c376e7a0-69af-4148-b87b-895f26c36ab5/1/320x400.png)
Hopestone Health and Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP-C, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Dundalk, MD 21222
The ideal client may be facing a range of mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, addiction, bipolar disorder, ADHD, or other mood and behavioral difficulties. You may be encountering symptoms such as ongoing sadness, heightened anxiety, fluctuations in mood, trouble focusing, or impulsive behavior, all of which can have a substantial impact on your day-to-day life.
The ideal client may be facing a range of mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, addiction, bipolar disorder, ADHD, or other mood and behavioral difficulties. You may be encountering symptoms such as ongoing sadness, heightened anxiety, fluctuations in mood, trouble focusing, or impulsive behavior, all of which can have a substantial impact on your day-to-day life.
![Photo of Juddy Morgan, DNP, PMHNP, FNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/25105a58-d032-4e37-9bc1-139c036e87fd/2/320x400.jpeg)
Juddy Morgan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Dundalk, MD 21222 (Online Only)
My name is Juddy Morgan, a board-certified PMHNP/FNP. Very knowledgeable and dedicated to the needs of clients served. An expert in medication management for ADHD, depression, anxiety, and various other mental health disorders. I have more than 5 years of experience in various mental health settings working with clients across the lifespan with a primary focus on the pediatric population.
My name is Juddy Morgan, a board-certified PMHNP/FNP. Very knowledgeable and dedicated to the needs of clients served. An expert in medication management for ADHD, depression, anxiety, and various other mental health disorders. I have more than 5 years of experience in various mental health settings working with clients across the lifespan with a primary focus on the pediatric population.
![Photo of Ic Health Services - IC Health Services Inc, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7beb3543-5b82-46c4-9003-4227c7809363/1/320x400.png)
IC Health Services Inc
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Dundalk, MD 21222 (Online Only)
Have you been feeling down lately? Have you been diagnosed with a behavioral health condition but stopped getting treatments? We are here to give you the support that you need. At IC Health Services, Inc., we take a holistic approach in our services by providing various forms of treatments to address a variety of mental and behavioral health problems and to meet the unique needs of each client. Want to learn more about our practice? Feel free to give us a call at 443-837-7511
Have you been feeling down lately? Have you been diagnosed with a behavioral health condition but stopped getting treatments? We are here to give you the support that you need. At IC Health Services, Inc., we take a holistic approach in our services by providing various forms of treatments to address a variety of mental and behavioral health problems and to meet the unique needs of each client. Want to learn more about our practice? Feel free to give us a call at 443-837-7511
Christopher Bertsch
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Verified Verified
Dundalk, MD 21222 (Online Only)
We can accept patients FAST and work with ALL private insurance policies! No gimmicky or ridiculously brief "telehealth appointments" here; to ensure our patients are comfortable with their questions answered and needs met, our medication management evaluations are scheduled for a full 90 minutes and follow-ups for 30 minutes. We offer low cash pricing, accept some insurance in-network, can assist with out-of-network reimbursement (for any private policy with out-of-network benefits), and accept HSA/FSA cards to reduce your cost further.
We can accept patients FAST and work with ALL private insurance policies! No gimmicky or ridiculously brief "telehealth appointments" here; to ensure our patients are comfortable with their questions answered and needs met, our medication management evaluations are scheduled for a full 90 minutes and follow-ups for 30 minutes. We offer low cash pricing, accept some insurance in-network, can assist with out-of-network reimbursement (for any private policy with out-of-network benefits), and accept HSA/FSA cards to reduce your cost further.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
![Photo of Asia Douglas - Oriented Healthcare, MS, FNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/853faa68-e761-4367-b061-2c837decdc9f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Oriented Healthcare
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MS, FNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21224
We are accepting new patients! Services designed for, directed towards, and motivated by your needs
We are accepting new patients! Services designed for, directed towards, and motivated by your needs
![Photo of Kaye-De-Ann Rattray - Healing For Success, PMHNP, MS, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cab0be95-04f8-4dcf-b7dc-f8cd5d16ef26/3/320x400.jpeg)
Healing For Success
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MS
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Baltimore, MD 21222 (Online Only)
Licensed in DC, MD and NY. I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a Masters in Counseling. I offer holistic mental health services including, psychiatric evaluations, medication management. My area of specialty includes: ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma including narcissistic abuse recover.
Licensed in DC, MD and NY. I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a Masters in Counseling. I offer holistic mental health services including, psychiatric evaluations, medication management. My area of specialty includes: ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma including narcissistic abuse recover.
![Photo of Angela Mackay - Denoor Healthcare Services Inc, DNP, CRNP-PM, MSN, BSN, PHN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ca021bc0-2fb0-4d56-915c-d5c62b44fef0/2/320x400.jpeg)
Denoor Healthcare Services Inc
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, CRNP-PM, MSN, BSN, PHN
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21222
At Denoor Healthcare Services Inc, we focus on your needs and goals.
At Denoor Healthcare Services Inc, we focus on your needs and goals.
![Photo of Dr. Temi Akinpetide, DNP, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5aff95d4-f9cd-4d03-9f44-b55caa76cb19/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Temi Akinpetide
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Baltimore, MD 21224 (Online Only)
Mental health issues are a part of us. This doesn't make you weak, it just makes you human and what's important is that we get help and keep moving forward. Remember, you don't have to hold it all in, you're not alone in this journey. We are here to help, and you can share your experience with us anytime by scheduling a session with us.
Mental health issues are a part of us. This doesn't make you weak, it just makes you human and what's important is that we get help and keep moving forward. Remember, you don't have to hold it all in, you're not alone in this journey. We are here to help, and you can share your experience with us anytime by scheduling a session with us.
![Photo of Amanda Berger, CRNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bfa0e40f-cbdb-4fc0-b008-62512598a0d4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Amanda Berger is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to creating a safe and empathetic space to enhance mental well-being. With a background in nursing, she has dedicated her career to the field of psychiatric mental health. Since 2006, she has gained valuable clinical experience to address a diverse range of mental health concerns. Amanda believes in tailoring treatment plans to each individual's unique needs to promote a collaborative approach that empowers clients in their mental health journey.
Amanda Berger is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to creating a safe and empathetic space to enhance mental well-being. With a background in nursing, she has dedicated her career to the field of psychiatric mental health. Since 2006, she has gained valuable clinical experience to address a diverse range of mental health concerns. Amanda believes in tailoring treatment plans to each individual's unique needs to promote a collaborative approach that empowers clients in their mental health journey.
![Photo of Victoria Adaramaja, DNP, PNHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a55f1f7f-38a9-40b6-978c-2c9627b53544/1/320x400.jpeg)
Victoria Adaramaja
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PNHNP-B
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21224
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.
See more therapy options for Dundalk
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Dundalk, MD
10+
Average cost per session
$187
Psychiatrists in Dundalk, MD who prioritize treating:
100% | Anxiety |
93% | Depression |
93% | ADHD |
93% | Medication Management |
86% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
86% | Bipolar Disorder |
71% | Trauma and PTSD |
Average years in practice
6 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
93% | Cigna and Evernorth |
86% | CareFirst |
79% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
How Psychiatrists in Dundalk, MD see their clients
65% | In Person and Online | |
35% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
92% | Female | |
8% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Dundalk?
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.