Psychiatrists in Portland, OR
![Photo of Madeline Jacobs, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/25a31bdd-4c6b-478c-a6be-83834e859ad1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Madeline Jacobs
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97204
Madeline Jacobs is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing from Oregon Health & Science University and has been working in the psychiatric field since 2015. She has worked at the Los Angeles LGBT Center, the largest LGBT Center in the country, and would love the opportunity to broaden the reach of LGBTQ+ affirming mental health care through telepsychiatry. She is trained in EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), an evidence-based trauma therapy, and takes a trauma-informed perspective on mental health care.
Madeline Jacobs is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing from Oregon Health & Science University and has been working in the psychiatric field since 2015. She has worked at the Los Angeles LGBT Center, the largest LGBT Center in the country, and would love the opportunity to broaden the reach of LGBTQ+ affirming mental health care through telepsychiatry. She is trained in EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), an evidence-based trauma therapy, and takes a trauma-informed perspective on mental health care.
![Photo of Njideka Domrufus Dnp Pmhnp-Bc Fnp-C, DNP, PMHNP-B, FNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a1b8f86c-cb16-4d8b-956f-9f493fa1500a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Njideka Domrufus Dnp Pmhnp-Bc Fnp-C
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP-B, FNP-C
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97221
Njideka (NJ) Domrufus is a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) with a dual board certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She is an experienced Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with years of clinical experience in treating psychiatric disorders and specializes in treating major depression, substance use disorders, eating disorders, mood disorder, anxiety disorder, OCD, PTSD and ADHD.
Njideka (NJ) Domrufus is a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) with a dual board certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She is an experienced Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with years of clinical experience in treating psychiatric disorders and specializes in treating major depression, substance use disorders, eating disorders, mood disorder, anxiety disorder, OCD, PTSD and ADHD.
![Photo of Dr. Christopher Galbick, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1d896ca4-8e92-48ea-b4c7-53e6b63e0d78/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Galbick sees OHP patients with Health Share of Oregon, Jackson Care Connect, and Columbia Pacific CCO. He is currently welcoming new patients and can usually offer appointment availability within 2 weeks! He specializes in medication management, and he emphasizes active listening and empathy in his approach to patient care.
Dr. Galbick sees OHP patients with Health Share of Oregon, Jackson Care Connect, and Columbia Pacific CCO. He is currently welcoming new patients and can usually offer appointment availability within 2 weeks! He specializes in medication management, and he emphasizes active listening and empathy in his approach to patient care.
![Photo of Lacey Evans, MSN, PMHNP-, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e9932eb6-854b-4d91-8423-d340d1b8b112/2/320x400.jpeg)
Education -MCPHS University- Master's in Nursing -Mercer University- Bachelor's in Nursing -The University of Alabama- Bachelor's, Community Health Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner through ANCC
Education -MCPHS University- Master's in Nursing -Mercer University- Bachelor's in Nursing -The University of Alabama- Bachelor's, Community Health Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner through ANCC
![Photo of Melanie Ramsey, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5620d98e-765e-4361-b355-9e1b12d6acc4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Melanie Ramsey
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97205 (Online Only)
Are you experiencing distress due to internal conflicts, trauma, relationships, fears, or feeling stuck? Do you feel anxious, depressed, and unmotivated? Some things are just too difficult to go through alone. Working with someone in a safe and compassionate environment without judgment can be the key to your understanding and growth. Your success and happiness are rooted in a partnership that we share. You do the hard part of being vulnerable; to the best of my ability, I will work to listen to and understand you, before developing a shared treatment plan. I am honored to support you on your journey to mental wellness.
Are you experiencing distress due to internal conflicts, trauma, relationships, fears, or feeling stuck? Do you feel anxious, depressed, and unmotivated? Some things are just too difficult to go through alone. Working with someone in a safe and compassionate environment without judgment can be the key to your understanding and growth. Your success and happiness are rooted in a partnership that we share. You do the hard part of being vulnerable; to the best of my ability, I will work to listen to and understand you, before developing a shared treatment plan. I am honored to support you on your journey to mental wellness.
![Photo of Nwamaka Emeruem, DNP, APRN, MBA, FNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6c8319b3-bd42-41a2-9f47-4b54f4920053/1/320x400.png)
Nwamaka Emeruem
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, MBA, FNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97239 (Online Only)
Now accepting new patients! Are you struggling with your mood? Anxious all the time? Have you failed several medications in the past and just feel like giving up? @ Ease Psychiatry is here to help. We aim to help our patients by putting them at ease with their mental health. Search no more and call us today: 972-503-4109. We generally respond within 48 hours. Virtual visits from the comfort of your home is also available.
Now accepting new patients! Are you struggling with your mood? Anxious all the time? Have you failed several medications in the past and just feel like giving up? @ Ease Psychiatry is here to help. We aim to help our patients by putting them at ease with their mental health. Search no more and call us today: 972-503-4109. We generally respond within 48 hours. Virtual visits from the comfort of your home is also available.
![Photo of Robert S McKelvey, MD, DLFAPA, LFAACAP, FRANZCP, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e5517fc-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Specializing in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of complex cases, psychoanalytically-oriented psychotherapy of children, adolescents, adults, and psychopharmacology. I am especially interested in the care of persons from other cultural traditions, an outgrowth of many years of clinical and research involvement with refugees from Southeast Asia, and particularly Vietnam. Prior to entering medicine, I served as a Captain in the US Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. It was that experience that stimulated my interest in both medicine and cross-cultural psychiatry.
Specializing in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of complex cases, psychoanalytically-oriented psychotherapy of children, adolescents, adults, and psychopharmacology. I am especially interested in the care of persons from other cultural traditions, an outgrowth of many years of clinical and research involvement with refugees from Southeast Asia, and particularly Vietnam. Prior to entering medicine, I served as a Captain in the US Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. It was that experience that stimulated my interest in both medicine and cross-cultural psychiatry.
![Photo of Lillian Nagi, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/33bf2cb2-3374-4f16-a34b-28737fbe922e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lillian Nagi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97239 (Online Only)
At your first visit we will discuss what you are looking to obtain from my service and next to try to create a plan. This way, I can accommodate both our expectations and come up with a realistic, achievable plan. There is not a one size fits all approach when it comes to mental health. The goal is to build a solid relationship with you and continue this journey until treatment is completed or ongoing desired stability is achieved. As the saying goes, some things cannot be fixed, they can only be carried- but they still can be managed! And we can work on that.
At your first visit we will discuss what you are looking to obtain from my service and next to try to create a plan. This way, I can accommodate both our expectations and come up with a realistic, achievable plan. There is not a one size fits all approach when it comes to mental health. The goal is to build a solid relationship with you and continue this journey until treatment is completed or ongoing desired stability is achieved. As the saying goes, some things cannot be fixed, they can only be carried- but they still can be managed! And we can work on that.
![Photo of Shannon Anastasiadis, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0a9dc82d-5795-4b03-92d2-bc020c96399e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Shannon Anastasiadis
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97232
Do you often find yourself overwhelmed and worry that things won't work out? If you (or your child) are described as disorganized, forgetful, overly sensitive, easily frustrated, or the one who talks too much, it likely starts with the unique way that your brain works. These symptoms can make parenting, partnering or just daily life difficult. Many people who work with me have never understood why they experience the world differently than others. Clients often come to me wondering about ADHD. That is one possibility on a long list that should be considered. I am committed to supporting each client in the process of understanding.
Do you often find yourself overwhelmed and worry that things won't work out? If you (or your child) are described as disorganized, forgetful, overly sensitive, easily frustrated, or the one who talks too much, it likely starts with the unique way that your brain works. These symptoms can make parenting, partnering or just daily life difficult. Many people who work with me have never understood why they experience the world differently than others. Clients often come to me wondering about ADHD. That is one possibility on a long list that should be considered. I am committed to supporting each client in the process of understanding.
![Photo of Ablavi Agomessou - Ivydale Psychiatry -Virtual Visit-Children &Adults, PMHNP-C, FNP-C, DNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/684d99b4-ed4d-4a3f-8338-fbb2bda2c8bf/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ivydale Psychiatry -Virtual Visit-Children &Adults
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-C, FNP-C, DNP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97204 (Online Only)
We are offering compassionate care via telepsychiatry(virtual visit) throughout the state of Oregon and accepting new patients for Addiction & Mental Health for Medication Management!!! We have expertise in treating children through adults, with minimal waiting time. Call our office now to get help scheduling your appointment. Telepsychiatry Across Oregon! Be seen from the privacy of your home with our experts! Virtual Compassionate , Comprehensive and Holistic Addiction and Mental Health Care! Schedule your visit today! Medication Management to all ages via Telepsychiatry !
We are offering compassionate care via telepsychiatry(virtual visit) throughout the state of Oregon and accepting new patients for Addiction & Mental Health for Medication Management!!! We have expertise in treating children through adults, with minimal waiting time. Call our office now to get help scheduling your appointment. Telepsychiatry Across Oregon! Be seen from the privacy of your home with our experts! Virtual Compassionate , Comprehensive and Holistic Addiction and Mental Health Care! Schedule your visit today! Medication Management to all ages via Telepsychiatry !
![Photo of Paul J. McMahon, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a8e5214c-a725-45dc-953c-4f3513ad8ced/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a board certified psychiatrist, providing both medication management and therapy. My therapeutic style focuses on cognitive behavioral techniques. Treatment decisions are personalized, and evidence-based, ensuring they align with your values. I am comfortable working with medically complex cases, and draw from my additional years of experience in neurology, neuroscience and clinical research. Together, we will develop a specific plan to improve your mental health.
I am a board certified psychiatrist, providing both medication management and therapy. My therapeutic style focuses on cognitive behavioral techniques. Treatment decisions are personalized, and evidence-based, ensuring they align with your values. I am comfortable working with medically complex cases, and draw from my additional years of experience in neurology, neuroscience and clinical research. Together, we will develop a specific plan to improve your mental health.
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![Photo of Jarusha Kutz, PMHNP, RN, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c2ead8d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in evaluation and treatment of adult ADHD. I treat patients with psychotherapy that is tailored to the way people with ADHD experience the world. The goal is to optimize your effectiveness in all aspects of your life, while decreasing emotional stress.
I specialize in evaluation and treatment of adult ADHD. I treat patients with psychotherapy that is tailored to the way people with ADHD experience the world. The goal is to optimize your effectiveness in all aspects of your life, while decreasing emotional stress.
![Photo of Thomas A Veeder, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49e04a5d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a board-certified psychiatrist focusing on providing psychoanalytic psychotherapy and psychiatric consultation services. I am comfortable treating clients with a wide range of emotional or psychiatric difficulties including acute crisis, anxiety, depression, psychosis, and/or life transition issues. In addition to having a small private practice, I am on faculty at the Oregon Health & Sciences University, where I teach, practice, and supervise residents, focusing on inpatient and outpatient management of a wide array of psychiatric conditions.
I am a board-certified psychiatrist focusing on providing psychoanalytic psychotherapy and psychiatric consultation services. I am comfortable treating clients with a wide range of emotional or psychiatric difficulties including acute crisis, anxiety, depression, psychosis, and/or life transition issues. In addition to having a small private practice, I am on faculty at the Oregon Health & Sciences University, where I teach, practice, and supervise residents, focusing on inpatient and outpatient management of a wide array of psychiatric conditions.
![Photo of Cassandra Stell, PMHNP, DNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e0a661c2-aeb0-4a65-9d94-0b80206b616b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Cassandra Stell
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, DNP, FNP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97210 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Accepting new clients in OR and WA. No matter where you are on your psychiatric health, my goal is provide a therapeutic environment to help you achieve your best unique outcome. One of many benefits of becoming mentally strong is that it is one of the best ways to improve how you feel emotionally and physically. My mission is to provide psychiatric diagnosis and medication management in a comprehensive and teaching manner, paying careful attention to your psychological and individual make-up. My approach is collaborative and relational.
Accepting new clients in OR and WA. No matter where you are on your psychiatric health, my goal is provide a therapeutic environment to help you achieve your best unique outcome. One of many benefits of becoming mentally strong is that it is one of the best ways to improve how you feel emotionally and physically. My mission is to provide psychiatric diagnosis and medication management in a comprehensive and teaching manner, paying careful attention to your psychological and individual make-up. My approach is collaborative and relational.
![Photo of Rachel C Ward, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3aa533f7-ec15-4c77-a83e-d096ab490e23/1/320x400.jpeg)
Rachel C Ward
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97225
Struggling with relationships, feeling overwhelmed, and finding it hard to keep up with school or work because of difficulty in social situations, inability to organize yourself, disrupted sleep, or tumultuous moods? You're not alone. I understand the dread and paralyzing effects these symptoms can have on your life.
Struggling with relationships, feeling overwhelmed, and finding it hard to keep up with school or work because of difficulty in social situations, inability to organize yourself, disrupted sleep, or tumultuous moods? You're not alone. I understand the dread and paralyzing effects these symptoms can have on your life.
![Photo of Andrea Hughes, DNP, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ed0744e1-8259-4b37-b114-84971371d55d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Andrea Hughes
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97214
Hello, and welcome. I believe all individuals are complex beings that bring a mix of history, culture and beliefs into our daily lives, and this affects both our mental and physical health. Traditionally, health has been viewed, as the absence of disease. However, I believe that health is a continuum and different for every person. The WHO says “mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual realizes their own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and is able to make a contribution to their community". I hope to help you uncover what you need to achieve this.
Hello, and welcome. I believe all individuals are complex beings that bring a mix of history, culture and beliefs into our daily lives, and this affects both our mental and physical health. Traditionally, health has been viewed, as the absence of disease. However, I believe that health is a continuum and different for every person. The WHO says “mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual realizes their own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and is able to make a contribution to their community". I hope to help you uncover what you need to achieve this.
![Photo of Jenna Brown Albright, DNP, PMHNP, -BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/631c0c4d-3e9d-40c6-b5e1-f8439865993c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jenna Brown Albright
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97209
My intention is to understand what is important to you in supporting your wellness. Medication can be a tool to use along with therapy and skills. Through mutual collaboration and trust, we will work to determine which medication will be helpful. I will provide education and support while we work together, being sensitive to your questions and concerns.
My intention is to understand what is important to you in supporting your wellness. Medication can be a tool to use along with therapy and skills. Through mutual collaboration and trust, we will work to determine which medication will be helpful. I will provide education and support while we work together, being sensitive to your questions and concerns.
![Photo of Beaux Baggensen-Jensen, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2426b1e0-3ee8-4f9e-8cb2-5bbac37adf14/1/320x400.jpeg)
Beaux Baggensen-Jensen
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97225 (Online Only)
I am passionate about providing empathetic and holistic mental healthcare, centered on each person’s specific needs. Through medication management, cognitive-behavioral techniques, motivational interviewing, and engaged listening, I am happy to offer an array of solutions in a team-based approach. My goal is to empower individuals to embrace their unique gifts and help them become the best version of themselves.
I am passionate about providing empathetic and holistic mental healthcare, centered on each person’s specific needs. Through medication management, cognitive-behavioral techniques, motivational interviewing, and engaged listening, I am happy to offer an array of solutions in a team-based approach. My goal is to empower individuals to embrace their unique gifts and help them become the best version of themselves.
![Photo of Megan Langworthy, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c2d6e6b3-682a-4ab1-b8e9-e1dc89e107b4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Megan Langworthy
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97214 (Online Only)
You have worked through a crisis, maybe even a few, and continue to not feel like you are able to function at the level you had hoped. Medication may be helping, but your goal was never a partial remission from symptoms and you are burnt out on not performing at your peak. You may not even believe anymore that full recovery is possible, struggle with motivation, and your moods may be compounded by insomnia, weight gain, gut issues or chronic pain. Perhaps just when you figure out how to manage one symptom, you tip out of balance again.
You have worked through a crisis, maybe even a few, and continue to not feel like you are able to function at the level you had hoped. Medication may be helping, but your goal was never a partial remission from symptoms and you are burnt out on not performing at your peak. You may not even believe anymore that full recovery is possible, struggle with motivation, and your moods may be compounded by insomnia, weight gain, gut issues or chronic pain. Perhaps just when you figure out how to manage one symptom, you tip out of balance again.
![Photo of Tiffany McClean, DNP, PMHNP, LPC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7d228ad7-2b3c-4b7d-9766-f9cb76e7e50c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tiffany McClean
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97201 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I am board certified in psychiatry and a proud therapist with the American Alpine Association's Climbing Grief Fund and the American Avalanche Association Resilience Project. I earned a B.S. in biology from Virginia Tech and a masters in counseling at George Washington University. I worked as an LPC in eating disorders, addictions, and general psychiatry for 7 years before completing my Doctor of Nursing Practice. My doctoral project focused on cognitive behavioral therapy for eating disorders and the relationship between exercise, anxiety/depression, and cardiovascular health. I am also a former paramedic.
I am board certified in psychiatry and a proud therapist with the American Alpine Association's Climbing Grief Fund and the American Avalanche Association Resilience Project. I earned a B.S. in biology from Virginia Tech and a masters in counseling at George Washington University. I worked as an LPC in eating disorders, addictions, and general psychiatry for 7 years before completing my Doctor of Nursing Practice. My doctoral project focused on cognitive behavioral therapy for eating disorders and the relationship between exercise, anxiety/depression, and cardiovascular health. I am also a former paramedic.
See more therapy options for Portland
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Portland, OR
400+
Average cost per session
$250
Psychiatrists in Portland, OR who prioritize treating:
95% | Depression |
95% | Anxiety |
81% | Medication Management |
74% | Trauma and PTSD |
74% | Bipolar Disorder |
73% | ADHD |
65% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
9 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
75% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
74% | Aetna |
69% | Regence |
How Psychiatrists in Portland, OR see their clients
60% | In Person and Online | |
40% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
73% | Female | |
26% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Portland?
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.