Psychiatrists in Potomac, MD

Photo of John Christian Umhau - AlcoholRecoveryMedicine.com, MD, MPH, CPE, Psychiatrist
AlcoholRecoveryMedicine.com
Psychiatrist, MD, MPH, CPE
Verified Verified
Potomac, MD 20854
Why not use evidence-based treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)? If you have lost control over how much you drink, get help from an expert. If psychological or will-power based treatment methods have not worked, the Sinclair Method and medications like naltrexone or baclofen may be critical for your recovery. As a specialist in Addiction Medicine, my evidenced based medical program is affordable, practical, and accessible. Go to AlcoholRecoveryMedicine.com for more information and learn how thousands of people have found freedom from alcohol.
Why not use evidence-based treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)? If you have lost control over how much you drink, get help from an expert. If psychological or will-power based treatment methods have not worked, the Sinclair Method and medications like naltrexone or baclofen may be critical for your recovery. As a specialist in Addiction Medicine, my evidenced based medical program is affordable, practical, and accessible. Go to AlcoholRecoveryMedicine.com for more information and learn how thousands of people have found freedom from alcohol.
(301) 979-9130 View (301) 979-9130
Photo of Andreea Seicean, MD, PhD, MPH, Psychiatrist
Andreea Seicean
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD, MPH
Verified Verified
Potomac, MD 20854
Andreea Seicean, MD, PhD, MPH, completed her training at Case Western Reserve University, the Cleveland Clinic, and the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). She has extensive experience treating mood and anxiety disorders and addiction in teens and adults. Dr. Seicean has published more than forty articles and been the recipient of multiple awards from: The National Institute of Mental Health, The American Psychiatric Association and The American Association of Neurological Surgeons. She is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago where she continues to be active in research and teaches psychopharmacology.
Andreea Seicean, MD, PhD, MPH, completed her training at Case Western Reserve University, the Cleveland Clinic, and the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). She has extensive experience treating mood and anxiety disorders and addiction in teens and adults. Dr. Seicean has published more than forty articles and been the recipient of multiple awards from: The National Institute of Mental Health, The American Psychiatric Association and The American Association of Neurological Surgeons. She is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago where she continues to be active in research and teaches psychopharmacology.
(312) 380-2790 View (312) 380-2790
Photo of Spencer A Ward, MD, Psychiatrist
Spencer A Ward
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Potomac, MD 20854
I am a Board Certified Psychiatrist with over 40 years of experience who does medication management and psychotherapy. I am adjunct faculty at St. Elizabeth's hospital with my wife, Deborah K. Ward, DCSW. We teach couples therapy and lead a process group. I have advanced training in Imago Relationship Therapy, family and individual therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS) & Gestalt therapy. I support principles of Conscious Uncoupling and Imago Parent training, focusing on the family's need for listening and understanding. I am available for teletherapy with weekend and evening appointments available.
I am a Board Certified Psychiatrist with over 40 years of experience who does medication management and psychotherapy. I am adjunct faculty at St. Elizabeth's hospital with my wife, Deborah K. Ward, DCSW. We teach couples therapy and lead a process group. I have advanced training in Imago Relationship Therapy, family and individual therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS) & Gestalt therapy. I support principles of Conscious Uncoupling and Imago Parent training, focusing on the family's need for listening and understanding. I am available for teletherapy with weekend and evening appointments available.
(301) 684-6917 View (301) 684-6917
Photo of Alan Brody Md, MD, Psychiatrist
Alan Brody Md
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Potomac, MD 20854
Dr. Brody is an experienced Board Certified Psychiatrist with specialties in treating adults, adolescents, and children. His neighborhood practice treats individuals with ADHD, mood disorders, including depression and anxiety, as well as situational and family/social related disorders. He uses individual psychotherapy with an eclectic/supportive approach and will prescribe medication as needed. His focus is on creating a warm trusting environment to help his patients feel free to be as open and honest as possible.
Dr. Brody is an experienced Board Certified Psychiatrist with specialties in treating adults, adolescents, and children. His neighborhood practice treats individuals with ADHD, mood disorders, including depression and anxiety, as well as situational and family/social related disorders. He uses individual psychotherapy with an eclectic/supportive approach and will prescribe medication as needed. His focus is on creating a warm trusting environment to help his patients feel free to be as open and honest as possible.
(301) 781-7019 View (301) 781-7019
Photo of Edward Gelber, MD, Psychiatrist
Edward Gelber
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Potomac, MD 20854
I am seeing patients in my Rockville office located at 11119 Rockville Pike, Suite 200, and by videoconference (Zoom). I received my medical degree at the University of Pennsylvania. I provide psychiatric treatment for a wide range of challenges in adults, adolescents and pre-teens. My approach is to create a personalized treatment plan starting from scientific treatment guidelines and focusing on your individual needs and strengths. I have wide-ranging expertise including the treatment of anxiety, depression, addiction, ADD/ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, women's psychiatric needs, schizophrenia, and impulsivity.
I am seeing patients in my Rockville office located at 11119 Rockville Pike, Suite 200, and by videoconference (Zoom). I received my medical degree at the University of Pennsylvania. I provide psychiatric treatment for a wide range of challenges in adults, adolescents and pre-teens. My approach is to create a personalized treatment plan starting from scientific treatment guidelines and focusing on your individual needs and strengths. I have wide-ranging expertise including the treatment of anxiety, depression, addiction, ADD/ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, women's psychiatric needs, schizophrenia, and impulsivity.
(301) 750-2744 View (301) 750-2744
Photo of Susan D Rich, MD, MPH, DFAPA, Psychiatrist
Susan D Rich
Psychiatrist, MD, MPH, DFAPA
Verified Verified
Potomac, MD 20854
Selected as one of Washington's Top Doctors, Dr. Rich treats children, adolescents & young adults with anxiety, depression, ADHD, FASD/ND-PAE, and high functioning autism. Are you looking for a comprehensive approach to mental wellness for your child, teen or young adult who is struggling to meet the demands and pressures of school, college applications, transitioning to young adulthood? Are you seeking psychiatric care that combines psychotherapy with medication? You may be interested in more holistic, integrative methods, combining psychotherapy with medication using strengths-based, concrete approaches.
Selected as one of Washington's Top Doctors, Dr. Rich treats children, adolescents & young adults with anxiety, depression, ADHD, FASD/ND-PAE, and high functioning autism. Are you looking for a comprehensive approach to mental wellness for your child, teen or young adult who is struggling to meet the demands and pressures of school, college applications, transitioning to young adulthood? Are you seeking psychiatric care that combines psychotherapy with medication? You may be interested in more holistic, integrative methods, combining psychotherapy with medication using strengths-based, concrete approaches.
(240) 434-0458 View (240) 434-0458
Photo of Lashandra Saulsberry, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Lashandra Saulsberry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Potomac, MD 20854  (Online Only)
Shandra is dedicated to providing warm, compassionate care to each individual throughout their healing journey. She treats complex mood and anxiety disorders, panic disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Women’s Health, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Insomnia, Grief and Loss, Life transitions, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder LGBTQ+ issues, panic disorder and more.
Shandra is dedicated to providing warm, compassionate care to each individual throughout their healing journey. She treats complex mood and anxiety disorders, panic disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Women’s Health, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Insomnia, Grief and Loss, Life transitions, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder LGBTQ+ issues, panic disorder and more.
(240) 563-9818 View (240) 563-9818
Photo of Dr. Allen Masry, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Allen Masry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Potomac, MD 20854
I am Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and have been practicing since 2005. I completed my residency from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts and my Fellowship in Addictions from the Robert Johnson Wood Foundation. In 2014, I was featured in SJ Magazine as one of New Jersey’s top psychiatrists. I have experience working with adults as well as adolescents suffering from both psychiatric diagnosis and substance use disorders and have extensive experience working in both out-patient and in-patient settings.
I am Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and have been practicing since 2005. I completed my residency from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts and my Fellowship in Addictions from the Robert Johnson Wood Foundation. In 2014, I was featured in SJ Magazine as one of New Jersey’s top psychiatrists. I have experience working with adults as well as adolescents suffering from both psychiatric diagnosis and substance use disorders and have extensive experience working in both out-patient and in-patient settings.
(240) 647-9139 View (240) 647-9139
Photo of Dr. Andrea Papa-Molter, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Andrea Papa-Molter
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Potomac, MD 20854
I am double board-certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. I believe in using both medication when indicated as well as therapy. I was trained in CBT and was given the Excellence in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy during my residency program. I use supportive therapy with each client I see. During my residency I served as Chief Resident and was awarded the Overall Excellence in Psychiatry Award as well as the Clinical Excellence Award.
I am double board-certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. I believe in using both medication when indicated as well as therapy. I was trained in CBT and was given the Excellence in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy during my residency program. I use supportive therapy with each client I see. During my residency I served as Chief Resident and was awarded the Overall Excellence in Psychiatry Award as well as the Clinical Excellence Award.
(240) 789-4357 View (240) 789-4357
Photo of Amoah Asante, CRNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Amoah Asante
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP
Verified Verified
Potomac, MD 20854
My ideal client is an adult who is struggling with adult ADHD & depression. You may feel overwhelmed and struggle to complete tasks and you may experience a lack of motivation and energy that makes it challenging to engage in these tasks or daily activities. You might find it difficult to get out of bed or take care of basic tasks due to depressive symptoms.
My ideal client is an adult who is struggling with adult ADHD & depression. You may feel overwhelmed and struggle to complete tasks and you may experience a lack of motivation and energy that makes it challenging to engage in these tasks or daily activities. You might find it difficult to get out of bed or take care of basic tasks due to depressive symptoms.
(240) 913-8711 View (240) 913-8711
Photo of Shannon Bucciarelli, MSN, PMHNP, B-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Shannon Bucciarelli
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, B-C
Verified Verified
Potomac, MD 20854
My ideal client would understand that the journey to wellness and recovery requires time, effort, and patience. They would be receptive to treatment suggestions which may include psychotherapy, behavioral interventions, and medication options. My patients would take an active role in their care, and engage in open and honest communication with their provider.
My ideal client would understand that the journey to wellness and recovery requires time, effort, and patience. They would be receptive to treatment suggestions which may include psychotherapy, behavioral interventions, and medication options. My patients would take an active role in their care, and engage in open and honest communication with their provider.
(240) 650-9558 View (240) 650-9558
Photo of Pascale Kidane Davis - VirtualPsychiatricCare.com, MSN, APRN, CRNP-PM, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
VirtualPsychiatricCare.com
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, CRNP-PM
Verified Verified
Potomac, MD 20854  (Online Only)
We are board-certified in treating Children and Adults. Accepting new Maryland patients via telehealth visits for psychiatric evaluations and medication management. Our clients are looking to be properly diagnosed and treated using the safest prescribing principles. Make your appointment on our website today. Evening and weekend hours are available. We offer affordable rates-Initial Psychiatric Eval $199, Follow-ups are $99. Taking some insurances.
We are board-certified in treating Children and Adults. Accepting new Maryland patients via telehealth visits for psychiatric evaluations and medication management. Our clients are looking to be properly diagnosed and treated using the safest prescribing principles. Make your appointment on our website today. Evening and weekend hours are available. We offer affordable rates-Initial Psychiatric Eval $199, Follow-ups are $99. Taking some insurances.
(430) 224-0389 View (430) 224-0389
Photo of Michelle McCarthy, APN , MSN, PMHP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Michelle McCarthy
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APN , MSN, PMHP
Verified Verified
Potomac, MD 20854
Michelle is passionate about delivering care to individuals suffering from anxiety, substance use, and depression. Client motivation and dedication are key to utilizing the tools provided during our sessions including medication management, implementing lifestyle interventions, and therapy to help develop and implement a successful treatment plan. Relief of the client's suffering in dealing with their mental health issues and striving for an improvement in their quality of life is key to treatment.
Michelle is passionate about delivering care to individuals suffering from anxiety, substance use, and depression. Client motivation and dedication are key to utilizing the tools provided during our sessions including medication management, implementing lifestyle interventions, and therapy to help develop and implement a successful treatment plan. Relief of the client's suffering in dealing with their mental health issues and striving for an improvement in their quality of life is key to treatment.
(240) 913-6965 View (240) 913-6965
Photo of Liza Losada Schor, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse
Liza Losada Schor
Psychiatric Nurse, APRN
Verified Verified
Potomac, MD 20854
Are you worried about your child or adolescent? Has a teacher or a pediatrician expressed some concern over your child's mood or behavior? Do you have a teen who is brimming with potential but seems sad or stuck? Do they worry too much? Perhaps your family or child has suffered a loss or trauma that may be getting in the way of their ability to be successful or enjoy things. If any of these apply to you then I can help. I offer a safe, non-judgmental space where young people and their families can be heard and supported.
Are you worried about your child or adolescent? Has a teacher or a pediatrician expressed some concern over your child's mood or behavior? Do you have a teen who is brimming with potential but seems sad or stuck? Do they worry too much? Perhaps your family or child has suffered a loss or trauma that may be getting in the way of their ability to be successful or enjoy things. If any of these apply to you then I can help. I offer a safe, non-judgmental space where young people and their families can be heard and supported.
(240) 442-1647 View (240) 442-1647
Photo of Christopher Thomas Raczynski, MD, DFAPA, Psychiatrist
Christopher Thomas Raczynski
Psychiatrist, MD, DFAPA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Potomac, MD 20854
Thanks for taking the time to learn about me and Washington Interventional Psychiatry (WIP), which my partner, Navin Reddy, MD and I co-founded in early 2018. I am fellowship trained in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. My primary interest/expertise is in treating condition that do not response adequately to oral psychotropic medication. Our fastest acting, safest, and most effective treatments include ketamine infusion therapy and accelerated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (aTMS). We have 9 prescribers in practice that manage oral medications for patients. None of us offer psychotherapy.
Thanks for taking the time to learn about me and Washington Interventional Psychiatry (WIP), which my partner, Navin Reddy, MD and I co-founded in early 2018. I am fellowship trained in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. My primary interest/expertise is in treating condition that do not response adequately to oral psychotropic medication. Our fastest acting, safest, and most effective treatments include ketamine infusion therapy and accelerated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (aTMS). We have 9 prescribers in practice that manage oral medications for patients. None of us offer psychotherapy.
(202) 856-9203 View (202) 856-9203
Photo of Bashkim Kadriu, MD, FAPA, Psychiatrist
Bashkim Kadriu
Psychiatrist, MD, FAPA
Verified Verified
Potomac, MD 20854
I received my board certification by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN). I completed my Psychiatry Residency training at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City and the National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda. My treatment approach is individual-centered, uniquely and collaboratively created with the client via a thorough understanding of life experience, symptoms, needs, and goals. It aims to improve individual mental health and overall sense of well-being. Complex mind & brain requires integrated multi-modal approach and thorough clinical expertise to ensure the best care is provided.
I received my board certification by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN). I completed my Psychiatry Residency training at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City and the National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda. My treatment approach is individual-centered, uniquely and collaboratively created with the client via a thorough understanding of life experience, symptoms, needs, and goals. It aims to improve individual mental health and overall sense of well-being. Complex mind & brain requires integrated multi-modal approach and thorough clinical expertise to ensure the best care is provided.
(240) 507-5579 View (240) 507-5579
Photo of Robert Winer, MD, Psychiatrist
Robert Winer
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Potomac, MD 20854
Perhaps a relationship or a job or parenting isn’t going well, or you just feel bad (or angry, or frightened). I try to be of use to people who are in pain. How do I try to help? By having open and honest conversations, good talks. It’s not so easy to do that – we keep our guards up for compelling reasons, because of our experiences of being hurt and used and misunderstood in the past. Often it seems obvious what we need to do, and yet impossible to do it. In therapy we wrestle with the bind.
Perhaps a relationship or a job or parenting isn’t going well, or you just feel bad (or angry, or frightened). I try to be of use to people who are in pain. How do I try to help? By having open and honest conversations, good talks. It’s not so easy to do that – we keep our guards up for compelling reasons, because of our experiences of being hurt and used and misunderstood in the past. Often it seems obvious what we need to do, and yet impossible to do it. In therapy we wrestle with the bind.
(240) 392-1911 View (240) 392-1911
Photo of Lynn Staton Dworsky Md, MD, Psychiatrist
Lynn Staton Dworsky Md
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Potomac, MD 20854
Not accepting new clients
MY PRACTICE IS PRESENTLY CLOSED. WASHINGTON PSYCHIATRIC SOCIETY WEBSITE HAS A SEARCHABLE FEATURE "FIND A PSYCHIATRIST" listing psychiatrist by area and insurance plans that they accept. HYPNOSIS RESOURCES SEARCHABLE BY AREA AND SPECIALTY ARE AVAILABLE ON THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CLINICAL HYPNOSIS WEBSITE (ASCH). I work with my patients using eclectic approaches, including Hypnosis, Gestalt, Psychodynamic and Cognitive techniques, I have had extensive training and experience in Experiential Therapies (Gestalt and Ego-State Therapy), and Hypnosis. I work with medications/supplements when appropriate.
MY PRACTICE IS PRESENTLY CLOSED. WASHINGTON PSYCHIATRIC SOCIETY WEBSITE HAS A SEARCHABLE FEATURE "FIND A PSYCHIATRIST" listing psychiatrist by area and insurance plans that they accept. HYPNOSIS RESOURCES SEARCHABLE BY AREA AND SPECIALTY ARE AVAILABLE ON THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CLINICAL HYPNOSIS WEBSITE (ASCH). I work with my patients using eclectic approaches, including Hypnosis, Gestalt, Psychodynamic and Cognitive techniques, I have had extensive training and experience in Experiential Therapies (Gestalt and Ego-State Therapy), and Hypnosis. I work with medications/supplements when appropriate.
(301) 684-8174 View (301) 684-8174
Photo of Stacy Woods, MD, Psychiatrist
Stacy Woods
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Potomac, MD 20854
I am a board certified psychiatrist and completed my training at the University of Maryland at Baltimore. My patients may be seeking psychiatric help for the first time, others have tried a number of medications and have struggled to find the level of help they were seeking. With each patient I work carefully to evaluate which medication will be effective. As my patient your ongoing treatment will include consultation with you about the effects of any medication to ensure you get the maximum benefit to improve your quality of life. I can be reached by phone and email as needed.
I am a board certified psychiatrist and completed my training at the University of Maryland at Baltimore. My patients may be seeking psychiatric help for the first time, others have tried a number of medications and have struggled to find the level of help they were seeking. With each patient I work carefully to evaluate which medication will be effective. As my patient your ongoing treatment will include consultation with you about the effects of any medication to ensure you get the maximum benefit to improve your quality of life. I can be reached by phone and email as needed.
(301) 684-8159 View (301) 684-8159
Photo of Sandra Rubin, MD, Psychiatrist
Sandra Rubin
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Potomac, MD 20854
I am a board certified psychiatrist with extensive training in Child Adolescent and Adult Psychiatry. I implement a treatment model that uses different interventions tailored to the patient's individual needs. I specialize in active listening to provide a diagnosis and then specific interventions to bring relief to the patients and their families. Once the emergency is addressed, the next step is to focus on the most important tools for the patient- early recognition, education, and preventive interventions to manage stress.
I am a board certified psychiatrist with extensive training in Child Adolescent and Adult Psychiatry. I implement a treatment model that uses different interventions tailored to the patient's individual needs. I specialize in active listening to provide a diagnosis and then specific interventions to bring relief to the patients and their families. Once the emergency is addressed, the next step is to focus on the most important tools for the patient- early recognition, education, and preventive interventions to manage stress.
(301) 654-0285 View (301) 654-0285

How does your Psychiatrist compare?

Number of Psychiatrists in Potomac, MD

40+

Average cost per session

$250

Psychiatrists in Potomac, MD who prioritize treating:

88% Depression
88% Anxiety
80% ADHD
73% Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
68% Trauma and PTSD
68% Medication Management
65% Bipolar Disorder

Average years in practice

15 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

86% Cigna and Evernorth
77% Aetna
73% Optum

How Psychiatrists in Potomac, MD see their clients

73% In Person and Online
27% Online Only

Gender breakdown

70% Female
30% Male
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses

How can I find a psychiatrist in Potomac?

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.