Psychiatrists in Holland, MI
![Photo of Kelly Culmore, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4a2d3833-661f-4af2-9000-4d5a96736cf0/4/320x400.jpeg)
I am a dedicated and compassionate Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with a profound commitment to improving the mental health and well-being of my patients. With a strong background in nursing and specialized training in psychiatric care, I bring a holistic approach to diagnosing, treating, and managing mental health disorders across the lifespan. I offer evidence-based interventions, medication management, and psychotherapeutic support tailored to each individual's needs.
I am a dedicated and compassionate Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with a profound commitment to improving the mental health and well-being of my patients. With a strong background in nursing and specialized training in psychiatric care, I bring a holistic approach to diagnosing, treating, and managing mental health disorders across the lifespan. I offer evidence-based interventions, medication management, and psychotherapeutic support tailored to each individual's needs.
![Photo of Dr. Anne Phan-Huy, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f24740ac-2fe0-472d-995e-3f295fb346a0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Phan-Huy's philosophy of care is all about you. Your beliefs, your experiences, your goals. By partnering with Dr. Phan-Huy, you will be empowered with the tools necessary to achieve fulfilment. That’s because – with Board certification in psychiatry and specialty training from the University of Michigan – Dr. Phan-Huy is a beacon of clarity in the complex world of mental health.
Dr. Phan-Huy's philosophy of care is all about you. Your beliefs, your experiences, your goals. By partnering with Dr. Phan-Huy, you will be empowered with the tools necessary to achieve fulfilment. That’s because – with Board certification in psychiatry and specialty training from the University of Michigan – Dr. Phan-Huy is a beacon of clarity in the complex world of mental health.
![Photo of Dr. Ronil Shah, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/864162a0-3d74-491f-871e-a93714c56d5f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Why choose Dr. Ronil Shah? Because his top-notch expertise combines with compassionate, personalized care. Treatment with Dr. Shah is a two-way collaboration. Working together, you will design a mental wellness strategy that’s tailored just for you. His philosophy? Your path to wellness should be as unique as you are, shaped by empathy and expertise, and empowered by evidence-based insights and tools.
Why choose Dr. Ronil Shah? Because his top-notch expertise combines with compassionate, personalized care. Treatment with Dr. Shah is a two-way collaboration. Working together, you will design a mental wellness strategy that’s tailored just for you. His philosophy? Your path to wellness should be as unique as you are, shaped by empathy and expertise, and empowered by evidence-based insights and tools.
Online Psychiatrists
![Photo of Rebecca Greer, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6cbeb962-c595-4a58-ad71-3bfabe8a0828/2/320x400.jpeg)
Rebecca Greer
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
East Lansing, MI 48823 (Online Only)
Welcome! I'm Rebecca Greer. I am a doctoral prepared and board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) (ANCC) and family nurse practitioner (FNP) (AANP). I received my master's degree in nursing from the University of Detroit Mercy (UDM) in 2015, my doctor of nursing practice from UDM in 2020, and my post master's certificate/degree from the University of Michigan in 2021.
Welcome! I'm Rebecca Greer. I am a doctoral prepared and board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) (ANCC) and family nurse practitioner (FNP) (AANP). I received my master's degree in nursing from the University of Detroit Mercy (UDM) in 2015, my doctor of nursing practice from UDM in 2020, and my post master's certificate/degree from the University of Michigan in 2021.
![Photo of Kristie Ramirez - Best Fit Counseling & Psychiatry, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d6756270-b531-45b7-8f3d-da25bd2847b1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Best Fit Counseling & Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
We have immediate openings anywhere in Michigan for child, adolescent or adult psychiatric and counseling services at times that work for you. Dr Lemmen and I will provide comprehensive assessments to help you make informed decisions regarding your best treatment options. For many problems medication can be a very helpful tool. We specialize in finding the right medication(s) and we collaborate with our counseling specialists to help you to feel and function at your best. Our time is limited and we can't work with patients in counseling with other providers. The specialties listed are for our all of our clinicians.
We have immediate openings anywhere in Michigan for child, adolescent or adult psychiatric and counseling services at times that work for you. Dr Lemmen and I will provide comprehensive assessments to help you make informed decisions regarding your best treatment options. For many problems medication can be a very helpful tool. We specialize in finding the right medication(s) and we collaborate with our counseling specialists to help you to feel and function at your best. Our time is limited and we can't work with patients in counseling with other providers. The specialties listed are for our all of our clinicians.
![Photo of Marcia Kent, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/db4e9353-5b7d-4a71-84fd-a22fccb4176c/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a proponent of reality based therapy and specialize in work with people impacted by narcissistic abuse, childhood trauma and a wide range of symptoms that include anxiety, depression, PTSD, cPTSD, trauma, Interpersonal relationships issues, and self esteem. Clients find my authentic and engaging approaches to therapy an invitation to unpack and explore themselves in a safe place.
I am a proponent of reality based therapy and specialize in work with people impacted by narcissistic abuse, childhood trauma and a wide range of symptoms that include anxiety, depression, PTSD, cPTSD, trauma, Interpersonal relationships issues, and self esteem. Clients find my authentic and engaging approaches to therapy an invitation to unpack and explore themselves in a safe place.
![Photo of Jeffrey Veldman, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/df6df878-692a-4602-84e9-b99ffe00c243/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jeffrey Veldman is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Michigan who has been practicing since 2022. He offers an open and trusting environment, accompanied by a profound respect for each client’s personal beliefs and preferences. His approach is empathetic, goal-oriented and encouraging of the mind, body and spirit connection. He is ready to help and would be honored to be a part of your journey to healing and peace. Outside of work, Jeffrey enjoys flight and aviation, music, guitar, foreign excursions, and the outdoors.
Jeffrey Veldman is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Michigan who has been practicing since 2022. He offers an open and trusting environment, accompanied by a profound respect for each client’s personal beliefs and preferences. His approach is empathetic, goal-oriented and encouraging of the mind, body and spirit connection. He is ready to help and would be honored to be a part of your journey to healing and peace. Outside of work, Jeffrey enjoys flight and aviation, music, guitar, foreign excursions, and the outdoors.
![Photo of Lee Diener, DNP, PMHNP, AGPCNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49615d2c-e871-430b-8350-e205532ed486/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lee Diener
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, AGPCNP
Verified Verified
Grand Rapids, MI 49505 (Online Only)
I collaborate with teenagers, adults and older adults to work through a wide range of difficulties that are a part of the human experience: mood and anxiety related concerns, sleep difficulties, life transitions, identity questions, loss and grief, social anxiety, PTSD or traumatic events. I am in the credentialing process and as of 4/29/24 am in-network with Aetna, Cigna and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Virtual Network. I will update this weekly.
I collaborate with teenagers, adults and older adults to work through a wide range of difficulties that are a part of the human experience: mood and anxiety related concerns, sleep difficulties, life transitions, identity questions, loss and grief, social anxiety, PTSD or traumatic events. I am in the credentialing process and as of 4/29/24 am in-network with Aetna, Cigna and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Virtual Network. I will update this weekly.
![Photo of Julianne Bender, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a992374a-e71c-4dc0-9c10-d2eed6d82e7a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Julianne works with individuals who are looking to gain insight into themselves and improve their quality of life. She seeks to understand each individual holistically, including their backgrounds and the strengths they already possess to provide an individualized approach. Julianne believes that establishing a strong alliance with her clients is essential to getting the most out of therapy and creating lasting change. Through this alliance, she partners with her clients to explore and address thought and behavior patterns that serve as barriers to enjoying life fully.
Julianne works with individuals who are looking to gain insight into themselves and improve their quality of life. She seeks to understand each individual holistically, including their backgrounds and the strengths they already possess to provide an individualized approach. Julianne believes that establishing a strong alliance with her clients is essential to getting the most out of therapy and creating lasting change. Through this alliance, she partners with her clients to explore and address thought and behavior patterns that serve as barriers to enjoying life fully.
![Photo of Melissa Black, MSN, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/925c88a5-7b86-46ce-bca0-7e4b93bcdaff/2/320x400.jpeg)
Melissa has worked in the Greater Lansing community in mental health support for nearly 19 years. Her experience includes teaching yoga and meditation, supporting community members with access and inclusion, psychiatric nursing, and psychiatric nurse practitionership. She has a special interest in women and the LGBTQI+ community's equitable access to compassionate and informed healthcare, and the treatments of anxiety disorders, OCD, depression, bipolar disorder, and thought disorders.
Melissa has worked in the Greater Lansing community in mental health support for nearly 19 years. Her experience includes teaching yoga and meditation, supporting community members with access and inclusion, psychiatric nursing, and psychiatric nurse practitionership. She has a special interest in women and the LGBTQI+ community's equitable access to compassionate and informed healthcare, and the treatments of anxiety disorders, OCD, depression, bipolar disorder, and thought disorders.
![Photo of Matthew J. Radler, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f59275ce-6448-4948-830f-819d3912e383/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Matthew J. Radler is a Psychiatrist is Michigan who has been practicing since 2016. He obtained his Bachelor's of Science in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Michigan, went to Ross University School of Medicine, and completed his residency in General Adult Psychiatry at Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine. He is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Radler has practiced in both office and hospital-based settings. He has experience with depressive, anxiety, bipolar, schizophrenia/schizoaffective, and ADHD conditions.
Dr. Matthew J. Radler is a Psychiatrist is Michigan who has been practicing since 2016. He obtained his Bachelor's of Science in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Michigan, went to Ross University School of Medicine, and completed his residency in General Adult Psychiatry at Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine. He is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Radler has practiced in both office and hospital-based settings. He has experience with depressive, anxiety, bipolar, schizophrenia/schizoaffective, and ADHD conditions.
William S Davis
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Portage, MI 49024
For more than 30 years, New Oakland Family Centers has been Michigan’s most dedicated providers of quality, compassionate, innovative mental health care and services. Today, more than 30,000 people across our state receive more than 600,000 points of service from New Oakland every year . . . from the Detroit area to Ann Arbor, Flint, Grand Rapids, Lansing and Port Huron. To speak with a New Oakland team member about your needs and interests in our programs, call: (800) 395-3223 . . . any time of the day or night. Someone will be standing by to take your call and help you get started, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
For more than 30 years, New Oakland Family Centers has been Michigan’s most dedicated providers of quality, compassionate, innovative mental health care and services. Today, more than 30,000 people across our state receive more than 600,000 points of service from New Oakland every year . . . from the Detroit area to Ann Arbor, Flint, Grand Rapids, Lansing and Port Huron. To speak with a New Oakland team member about your needs and interests in our programs, call: (800) 395-3223 . . . any time of the day or night. Someone will be standing by to take your call and help you get started, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
![Photo of Joseph Ojibway, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c1a07f15-64ed-46c2-b6da-c616e25ac877/1/320x400.jpeg)
Joseph Ojibway
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Shepherd, MI 48883 (Online Only)
Hello, and thank you for considering me as a provider! I worked as a primary care provider for nearly a decade before obtaining my psychiatric training at Johns Hopkins University. While living in Nashville, TN, I had the privilege of serving a diverse patient population, mainly providing care to the Latino community as a fluent Spanish speaker. My growing family returned to Michigan in 2021 so our children could be raised around their Anishinaabe culture.
Hello, and thank you for considering me as a provider! I worked as a primary care provider for nearly a decade before obtaining my psychiatric training at Johns Hopkins University. While living in Nashville, TN, I had the privilege of serving a diverse patient population, mainly providing care to the Latino community as a fluent Spanish speaker. My growing family returned to Michigan in 2021 so our children could be raised around their Anishinaabe culture.
![Photo of Zulfiqar Ahmed - Healthy Minds Psychiatric & TMS Center , MD, MPH, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f37dd9c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Ahmed, a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology, brings many years of experience in treating a broad range of mental illnesses. He offers comprehensive care tailored to each individual’s needs, starting with an initial diagnostic interview followed by a personalized treatment plan. Treatment options may include medication management, psychotherapy, or a combination of both, TMS and Spravato depending on the patient's specific symptoms and requirements.
Dr. Ahmed, a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology, brings many years of experience in treating a broad range of mental illnesses. He offers comprehensive care tailored to each individual’s needs, starting with an initial diagnostic interview followed by a personalized treatment plan. Treatment options may include medication management, psychotherapy, or a combination of both, TMS and Spravato depending on the patient's specific symptoms and requirements.
![Photo of Karla Jordan, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/69ba1716-8b8e-4d52-a1c5-6a030c95830f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Karla Jordan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
East Lansing, MI 48823 (Online Only)
Hi ! I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who has over 7 years of clinical experience. I earned a Master’s in Nursing, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification from the University of St. Francis. My career background includes positions at various health centers and behavioral hospitals. I assist individuals with mental health disorders and help them feel their best.
Hi ! I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who has over 7 years of clinical experience. I earned a Master’s in Nursing, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification from the University of St. Francis. My career background includes positions at various health centers and behavioral hospitals. I assist individuals with mental health disorders and help them feel their best.
![Photo of Ronda Shorter, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/05511059-aa47-488c-906c-d0f63f7ec90f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ronda Shorter
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
As I matured, I puzzled over my grandmother's gratitude for waking up in her right mind. With 30 years of experience in nursing, focusing on women's health, school nursing, and finally psychiatry, I now grasp its significance. My preferred client is someone who feels overwhelmed by life's challenges, a mother exhausted by school calls, or a person hesitant about therapy due to cultural taboos. Those who seek to break generational cycles through learning and self-discovery are the individuals I aim to assist.
As I matured, I puzzled over my grandmother's gratitude for waking up in her right mind. With 30 years of experience in nursing, focusing on women's health, school nursing, and finally psychiatry, I now grasp its significance. My preferred client is someone who feels overwhelmed by life's challenges, a mother exhausted by school calls, or a person hesitant about therapy due to cultural taboos. Those who seek to break generational cycles through learning and self-discovery are the individuals I aim to assist.
![Photo of Andrea Skrocki, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/01588897-5ae7-4929-bc6c-246f0ee7af78/2/320x400.jpeg)
Andrea Skrocki
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
East Lansing, MI 48823 (Online Only)
Hi - my name is Andrea Skrocki and I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) newly practicing in Michigan. I have over 10 years of independent practice working in Montana and Colorado. I am thrilled to partner with Grow Therapy to offer my telepsychiatry services throughout Michigan. I strive to deliver high-quality evidence based telepsychiatry that utilizes the most recent advancement in psychiatry.
Hi - my name is Andrea Skrocki and I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) newly practicing in Michigan. I have over 10 years of independent practice working in Montana and Colorado. I am thrilled to partner with Grow Therapy to offer my telepsychiatry services throughout Michigan. I strive to deliver high-quality evidence based telepsychiatry that utilizes the most recent advancement in psychiatry.
![Photo of Rachel Prudhomme, DNP, PHNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/132d0d77-c7e1-4d13-9ff1-3ea4ada93c29/1/320x400.jpeg)
Rachel Prudhomme
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PHNP-BC
Verified Verified
Grand Rapids, MI 49525 (Online Only)
Rachel is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ferris State University in 2014 and her Doctorate in Nursing Practice from the University of Michigan-Flint in 2021. She is passionate about providing quality, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health services and expanding access to care. Rachel possesses strong clinical skills as well as a natural ability to build rapport with patients.
Rachel is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ferris State University in 2014 and her Doctorate in Nursing Practice from the University of Michigan-Flint in 2021. She is passionate about providing quality, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health services and expanding access to care. Rachel possesses strong clinical skills as well as a natural ability to build rapport with patients.
![Photo of Gladys Kuik, PMHNP, RN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50abc9fe-74bb-4ec4-8791-993e9422fdbd/1/320x400.jpeg)
Gladys Kuik is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Michigan who has been practicing since 2023. She obtained her Licensed Practical Nursing and Registered Nurse Diplomas from Hawkeye Community College, her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Allen College, and her Master of Science in Nursing as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from Indiana Wesleyan University. Gladys intends to see clients who have a variety of mental health issues including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and PTSD. Outside of work, Gladys enjoys watching action movies, especially in the theatres or with friends.
Gladys Kuik is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Michigan who has been practicing since 2023. She obtained her Licensed Practical Nursing and Registered Nurse Diplomas from Hawkeye Community College, her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Allen College, and her Master of Science in Nursing as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from Indiana Wesleyan University. Gladys intends to see clients who have a variety of mental health issues including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and PTSD. Outside of work, Gladys enjoys watching action movies, especially in the theatres or with friends.
![Photo of Don O Smith - A Better Tomorrow Counseling Services, LLC, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4781fd40-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
A Better Tomorrow Counseling Services, LLC
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Okemos, MI 48864 (Online Only)
I'm a board-certified adult and child psychiatrist specializing in the true integration of psychopharmacology with psychotherapy. I believe in active collaboration with patients to achieve treatment goals, while reducing the need for psychotropic medication when appropriate. I encourage patients, within an empathic and supportive environment, to gain a better understanding of themselves in order to facilitate positive change.
I'm a board-certified adult and child psychiatrist specializing in the true integration of psychopharmacology with psychotherapy. I believe in active collaboration with patients to achieve treatment goals, while reducing the need for psychotropic medication when appropriate. I encourage patients, within an empathic and supportive environment, to gain a better understanding of themselves in order to facilitate positive change.
See more therapy options for Holland
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Holland, MI
< 10
Psychiatrists in Holland, MI who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | Eating Disorders |
100% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
100% | Trauma and PTSD |
100% | Bipolar Disorder |
100% | Sleep or Insomnia |
Average years in practice
6 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
100% | Medicare |
How Psychiatrists in Holland, MI see their clients
67% | In Person and Online | |
33% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
67% | Female | |
33% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Holland?
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.