Psychiatrists in Sykesville, MD
![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
Sykesville, MD 21784
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 Shantiah Moore-Norfleet, CRNP, PMH, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/83a9c973-026f-4854-9b59-cd4057586203/1/320x400.jpeg)
Shantiah Moore-Norfleet
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMH, APRN
Verified Verified
Sykesville, MD 21784
Hi, my name is Shantiah Norfleet, and I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner with over 20 years of experience in the field. As a CRNP, PMH, and APRN, I specialize in medication management for various mental health conditions including ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder. I am committed to providing compassionate and personalized care to my patients and believe in the importance of collaborating with other healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible treatment outcomes. I am dedicated to using cost-effective, evidence-based practices in my work.
Hi, my name is Shantiah Norfleet, and I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner with over 20 years of experience in the field. As a CRNP, PMH, and APRN, I specialize in medication management for various mental health conditions including ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder. I am committed to providing compassionate and personalized care to my patients and believe in the importance of collaborating with other healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible treatment outcomes. I am dedicated to using cost-effective, evidence-based practices in my work.
![Photo of Ikran Mohamud - Hopestone Health and Wellness, NP-C, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7e302fc2-ff9c-47a1-b01b-c0a44ea940f3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hopestone Health and Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP-C, PMHNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Sykesville, MD 21784
Are you feeling overwhelmed by persistent sadness, excessive worry, mood swings, difficulty concentrating, or impulsivity? At Hopestone Health and Wellness, we understand that mental health struggles such as depression, anxiety, addiction, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and other mood and behavioral disorders can significantly impact your daily life. We value your opinions, history, and past experiences, believing in a collaborative approach to your care. Together, we will work as a team to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs and goals.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by persistent sadness, excessive worry, mood swings, difficulty concentrating, or impulsivity? At Hopestone Health and Wellness, we understand that mental health struggles such as depression, anxiety, addiction, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and other mood and behavioral disorders can significantly impact your daily life. We value your opinions, history, and past experiences, believing in a collaborative approach to your care. Together, we will work as a team to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs and goals.
![Photo of Sandra C Anoruo, CRNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/908f3f45-c332-46bf-9ce1-fac9cb2f0cb8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Mental Health and Wellness requires individualized approach. My goal of treatment is to collaborate with the client, identify and improve client's strengths while working with them to identify and work on areas of weakness. There is no magic pill to take away stress, but it's effect on our mental health can be effectively managed using joint effort. Limitations exist solely within us; we can realize our full potential with adequate support and the right mind-set.
Mental Health and Wellness requires individualized approach. My goal of treatment is to collaborate with the client, identify and improve client's strengths while working with them to identify and work on areas of weakness. There is no magic pill to take away stress, but it's effect on our mental health can be effectively managed using joint effort. Limitations exist solely within us; we can realize our full potential with adequate support and the right mind-set.
![Photo of Mosunmola Lake - Nimel Mental Health LLC, DNP, PMHNP, PhD, LCPC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4b4671d1-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Nimel Mental Health LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, PhD, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sykesville, MD 21784
Hello, we know that the Pandemic has been difficult for everyone! We are here to provide that needed support. If you are looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation, or you just want to pursue a new positive path in life, let us support you to achieve your goals. We provide high quality, excellent and compassionate services to all our clients regardless of age, gender, economic, racial or ethnic background. Our team believe in holistic and natural approach to achievement of an optimal health. As such, our clients are part of their treatment plan, and we collaborate to develop the best care for each client
Hello, we know that the Pandemic has been difficult for everyone! We are here to provide that needed support. If you are looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation, or you just want to pursue a new positive path in life, let us support you to achieve your goals. We provide high quality, excellent and compassionate services to all our clients regardless of age, gender, economic, racial or ethnic background. Our team believe in holistic and natural approach to achievement of an optimal health. As such, our clients are part of their treatment plan, and we collaborate to develop the best care for each client
![Photo of Dr. Oladipo Olaleye - Clear Mind Health LLC, DNP, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cad3fea9-0dcb-42ed-a45c-cfc2f51ebf39/3/320x400.jpeg)
Clear Mind Health LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
Sykesville, MD 21784
We are a team of Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and a Psychiatrist with training and experience treating patients with psychiatric disorders across the lifespan. Our providers work with clients to help tailor a personalized treatment plan. Over 12 years Experience with PSYCHOTROPIC MANAGEMENT, AND BRIEF PSYCHOTHERAPY. At Clear Mind Health we are here to help you get back to living, and being your very best self. TRY US
We are a team of Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and a Psychiatrist with training and experience treating patients with psychiatric disorders across the lifespan. Our providers work with clients to help tailor a personalized treatment plan. Over 12 years Experience with PSYCHOTROPIC MANAGEMENT, AND BRIEF PSYCHOTHERAPY. At Clear Mind Health we are here to help you get back to living, and being your very best self. TRY US
![Photo of Ashley Vickery, CRNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/909b3401-e4bc-4d57-a010-b599606af85c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ashley Vickery
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sykesville, MD 21784
I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, who works with adolescent and adults with a variety of mental health needs. I believe in collaboration with therapists, and other healthcare providers, for well-rounded care of the individual client. I believe that it is important to meet client's where they are to help them become who they want to be.
I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, who works with adolescent and adults with a variety of mental health needs. I believe in collaboration with therapists, and other healthcare providers, for well-rounded care of the individual client. I believe that it is important to meet client's where they are to help them become who they want to be.
![Photo of Christiana Olayera-Akinboye, CRNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8e92f64c-4ebf-47a8-af6d-df18a8f35e71/2/320x400.jpeg)
Christiana Olayera-Akinboye
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, BC
Verified Verified
Sykesville, MD 21784
I am a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner who is qualified in Psychiatry. My training and experiences as a clinician allow me to provide comprehensive client-focused mental healthcare across the lifespan. Some of my practice specialties include (but are not limited to) anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder, and ADHD. I completed my Master of Science in Nursing at Walden University Minnesota, and received my Certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner .
I am a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner who is qualified in Psychiatry. My training and experiences as a clinician allow me to provide comprehensive client-focused mental healthcare across the lifespan. Some of my practice specialties include (but are not limited to) anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder, and ADHD. I completed my Master of Science in Nursing at Walden University Minnesota, and received my Certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner .
![Photo of Maria Mbeboh, PMHNNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/28f58735-1493-427e-92b5-27bba662520b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Maria Mbeboh
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sykesville, MD 21784 (Online Only)
Dr Maria Mbeboh has extensive experience in nursing care. She is driven by her thirst for knowledge and dedication to delivering exceptional care. She is passionate about assisting others and has been actively involved in community service through non-profit organizations. She has taken part in medical missions abroad, delivering healthcare services to underserved populations with various medical/mental health problems. She believes in healthy therapeutic relationships between the provider and client to deliver higher quality care and make informed shared decisions. She is committed to examining psycho-social factors that affect the
Dr Maria Mbeboh has extensive experience in nursing care. She is driven by her thirst for knowledge and dedication to delivering exceptional care. She is passionate about assisting others and has been actively involved in community service through non-profit organizations. She has taken part in medical missions abroad, delivering healthcare services to underserved populations with various medical/mental health problems. She believes in healthy therapeutic relationships between the provider and client to deliver higher quality care and make informed shared decisions. She is committed to examining psycho-social factors that affect the
![Photo of Maura Constance, MPH, PMHNP, FNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/caebcc4f-34c9-496a-8f6e-8b3a8e09ef60/1/320x400.jpeg)
Maura Constance
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MPH, PMHNP, FNP, BC
Verified Verified
Sykesville, MD 21784
I am a warm, compassionate psychiatric nurse practitioner devoted to helping people overcome difficulties and thrive. I employ a humanistic approach that looks at the whole person to understand how elements in the past and factors in the present environment can contribute to your current challenges. I listen deeply and work with you to find the right mix of evidence-based therapies and medications to address your particular needs. I have a special interest in depression, anxiety, personality disorders, addiction issues, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
I am a warm, compassionate psychiatric nurse practitioner devoted to helping people overcome difficulties and thrive. I employ a humanistic approach that looks at the whole person to understand how elements in the past and factors in the present environment can contribute to your current challenges. I listen deeply and work with you to find the right mix of evidence-based therapies and medications to address your particular needs. I have a special interest in depression, anxiety, personality disorders, addiction issues, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
![Photo of Grace Emasealu - FreshAir Health Services, LLC, DNP, CRNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/855f34f5-be42-4674-9752-5a71d652b80a/1/320x400.jpeg)
FreshAir Health Services, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, CRNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Owings Mills, MD 21117
At FreshAir Health Services, we believe in fostering meaningful relationships with our clients and their families. We are exceptional in providing individualized, patient-centered care. We take pride in listening to your problems and tailoring your treatment to your unique needs. Utilizing the best available evidence, we aim to provide our clients with results-oriented care.
At FreshAir Health Services, we believe in fostering meaningful relationships with our clients and their families. We are exceptional in providing individualized, patient-centered care. We take pride in listening to your problems and tailoring your treatment to your unique needs. Utilizing the best available evidence, we aim to provide our clients with results-oriented care.
![Photo of Dr. Allen Masry, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ba517290-d619-4acd-93c8-17de9dde87c1/2/320x400.png)
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.
![Photo of Erin Thompson, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cca73f7a-7899-4076-9492-50f1bb1a2128/1/320x400.jpeg)
Erin Thompson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, BC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Westminster, MD 21157 (Online Only)
Offering Evening and Weekend Hours - Are you looking for a well-rounded, holistic approach to mental health? Do you struggle with scheduling weekday appointments or calling to schedule? If so, you've come to the right place! My name is Erin, and I aim to provide convenient, wellness-based mental health to all age groups. I'm here to ease the burden of anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, poor concentration, and many other common issues! My goal is to actively listen to your needs and create a customized plan that allows you to take charge and prioritize your mental health without the stress of missing work or school!
Offering Evening and Weekend Hours - Are you looking for a well-rounded, holistic approach to mental health? Do you struggle with scheduling weekday appointments or calling to schedule? If so, you've come to the right place! My name is Erin, and I aim to provide convenient, wellness-based mental health to all age groups. I'm here to ease the burden of anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, poor concentration, and many other common issues! My goal is to actively listen to your needs and create a customized plan that allows you to take charge and prioritize your mental health without the stress of missing work or school!
![Photo of Dr. Anna Alban, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/797779c8-a092-4c88-af0e-f221cb886c6d/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have extensive experience providing outpatient psychiatric medication management services to diverse populations across all age groups. My work with children and adolescents began at the start of my career. I have practiced as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in psychiatry since 2013 and as a master’s prepared nurse practitioner as of 2009. I am a proud graduate of Johns Hopkins University, University of Maryland and Carlow University. I believe in a holistic approach to patient care and I encourage patients to incorporate complementary interventions such as therapy.
I have extensive experience providing outpatient psychiatric medication management services to diverse populations across all age groups. My work with children and adolescents began at the start of my career. I have practiced as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in psychiatry since 2013 and as a master’s prepared nurse practitioner as of 2009. I am a proud graduate of Johns Hopkins University, University of Maryland and Carlow University. I believe in a holistic approach to patient care and I encourage patients to incorporate complementary interventions such as therapy.
![Photo of Dr. Christian Maurer - Mid-Atlantic Psychiatry, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43cd0504-0cd6-4564-a105-7636bb441371/4/320x400.jpeg)
Minimal wait time currently for new patients. Personalized psychiatric care from an experienced and accessible board-certified psychiatrist. Accepting patients statewide via telehealth. The website is under development, please email me or call (443-537-9656) for any requests to join the practice. I do offer evening office hours (7-11 PM) as well as early morning hours/weekend hours.
Minimal wait time currently for new patients. Personalized psychiatric care from an experienced and accessible board-certified psychiatrist. Accepting patients statewide via telehealth. The website is under development, please email me or call (443-537-9656) for any requests to join the practice. I do offer evening office hours (7-11 PM) as well as early morning hours/weekend hours.
![Photo of Charles D Sarbeng - Comprehensive Healthcare Services., DNP, MSN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51ea4baa-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Comprehensive Healthcare Services.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, MSN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-C
Verified Verified
Reisterstown, MD 21136
Taking a step today for a better tomorrow . Struggling to get emotional balance due to multi factorial psycho-social and psychiatric issues?, having difficulties living a high quality life as a result of depression, anxiety, phobias, paranoia, PTSD, ADHD, and a host of other mental health disorders?. then come, let’s address and develop a customized evidence based individualized care using a range of therapy programs that are family centered. We aim to discover, identify, and address the root causes of our clients’ life challenges, helping them set realistic and achievable goals to improve their quality of life holistically.
Taking a step today for a better tomorrow . Struggling to get emotional balance due to multi factorial psycho-social and psychiatric issues?, having difficulties living a high quality life as a result of depression, anxiety, phobias, paranoia, PTSD, ADHD, and a host of other mental health disorders?. then come, let’s address and develop a customized evidence based individualized care using a range of therapy programs that are family centered. We aim to discover, identify, and address the root causes of our clients’ life challenges, helping them set realistic and achievable goals to improve their quality of life holistically.
![Photo of Sasha Nanji, DNP, CRNP, PMH, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b6eb3626-9d66-4deb-ad65-001d524432ae/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sasha Nanji
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, CRNP, PMH
Verified Verified
Eldersburg, MD 21784 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I specialize in medication management with an emphasis on holistic and patient centered care. I aim to develop therapeutic relationships with my patients in order to provide the best treatment for the patient. I am empathetic and work with patients to achieve their goals. I educated patients about all treatment options available to ensure they make informed decisions. I provide psychiatric care to patients ages 16 and older with a variety of mental health illnesses. I have practiced in an array of different settings including inpatient psychiatric units, emergency departments, and substance use.
I specialize in medication management with an emphasis on holistic and patient centered care. I aim to develop therapeutic relationships with my patients in order to provide the best treatment for the patient. I am empathetic and work with patients to achieve their goals. I educated patients about all treatment options available to ensure they make informed decisions. I provide psychiatric care to patients ages 16 and older with a variety of mental health illnesses. I have practiced in an array of different settings including inpatient psychiatric units, emergency departments, and substance use.
![Photo of Amoah Asante, CRNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5d2de4f0-5603-4795-bcf0-d45525cb88ec/1/320x400.png)
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.
![Photo of Melissa Richards, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/62b26ae6-a2d5-431f-ae65-10e22f5e7556/1/320x400.jpeg)
Melissa Richards
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Eldersburg, MD 21784 (Online Only)
I have always had a keen interest in mental health and entered this field with a strong and purposeful desire to help facilitate the psychiatric wellbeing of others. In addition to my psychiatric training and experience, I previously served as a registered nurse for 12 years primarily in critical care and cardio-thoracic and surgical nursing units.
I have always had a keen interest in mental health and entered this field with a strong and purposeful desire to help facilitate the psychiatric wellbeing of others. In addition to my psychiatric training and experience, I previously served as a registered nurse for 12 years primarily in critical care and cardio-thoracic and surgical nursing units.
![Photo of Stephanie Durruthy, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/42c54623-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Life is full of surprises. Having a mental health issue was never you game plan. Smart people like yourself should be able to control their emotions. But here, you find yourself struggling with this new reality. It was your prior belief that mental illness happens to other people. What is the next step? Healing starts with your decision to fully understand your condition in order to achieve optimal wellness. Recovery requires time for self-discovery and awareness. Mental illness is not a choice, but your response to this situation is personal.
Life is full of surprises. Having a mental health issue was never you game plan. Smart people like yourself should be able to control their emotions. But here, you find yourself struggling with this new reality. It was your prior belief that mental illness happens to other people. What is the next step? Healing starts with your decision to fully understand your condition in order to achieve optimal wellness. Recovery requires time for self-discovery and awareness. Mental illness is not a choice, but your response to this situation is personal.
See more therapy options for Sykesville
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Sykesville, MD
10+
Average cost per session
$150
Psychiatrists in Sykesville, MD who prioritize treating:
100% | Anxiety |
100% | ADHD |
100% | Bipolar Disorder |
90% | Depression |
80% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
70% | Trauma and PTSD |
70% | Medication Management |
Average years in practice
6 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
90% | Cigna and Evernorth |
80% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
70% | Aetna |
How Psychiatrists in Sykesville, MD see their clients
90% | In Person and Online | |
10% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
86% | Female | |
14% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Sykesville?
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.