Psychiatrists in Osceola County, MI
![Photo of Alicia J. Lane, FNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b962e03a-90b1-43fa-9424-c86f66c625ae/1/320x400.jpeg)
Alicia J. Lane
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
Reed City, MI 49677 (Online Only)
Hello! I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with experience working-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with experience working with patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings. My experience includes treating patients with substance abuse/addiction, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and PTSD. I use the most current DSM diagnostic guidelines and evidence-based treatment to help my patients get back to feeling their best. I believe that mental health is just as important as physical health, and my goal is to remove the stigma of mental illness and teach others to make their mental health a priority.
Hello! I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with experience working-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with experience working with patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings. My experience includes treating patients with substance abuse/addiction, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and PTSD. I use the most current DSM diagnostic guidelines and evidence-based treatment to help my patients get back to feeling their best. I believe that mental health is just as important as physical health, and my goal is to remove the stigma of mental illness and teach others to make their mental health a priority.
Online Psychiatrists
![Photo of Marianty Mavros, MSN, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ea890e4c-f62f-4c38-b369-be9e22399124/2/320x400.jpeg)
Marianty Mavros
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Muskegon, MI 49441 (Online Only)
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I specialize in anxiety, depression, mood disorders and ADHD in adult and pediatric patients. I provide medication management, therapy recommendations, and my goal is to help my patients live a more balanced, peaceful life.
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I specialize in anxiety, depression, mood disorders and ADHD in adult and pediatric patients. I provide medication management, therapy recommendations, and my goal is to help my patients live a more balanced, peaceful life.
![Photo of William R Lynch, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4936adf7-56fb-4b7c-836e-b46512b22e49/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am particularly interested in working with people who are motivated to optimize their ongoing development and maximize their functioning and joy in life. I dedicate my time to doing this for myself and my clientele.
I am particularly interested in working with people who are motivated to optimize their ongoing development and maximize their functioning and joy in life. I dedicate my time to doing this for myself and my clientele.
![Photo of Stephanie Shafer - Neurobehavioral Health and Wellness, ANP-BC, PMHNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6d18fc86-2289-4a77-9412-c17dc05727d3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Neurobehavioral Health and Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, ANP-BC, PMHNP-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Okemos, MI 48864
The Center for Neurobehavioral Health and Wellness offers comprehensive integrative psychiatry services. We focus on integrative strategies to reach optimal mental health and overall wellness. While we do prescribe medication, greater emphasis is placed on other factors known to contribute to improved wellbeing; such as prescription grade vitamin and supplement replacement, expansive psychotherapy, energy work, 13-week comprehensive wellness program, personality work, etc. These programs strive to provide a more comprehensive model of treatment than is available through traditional psychiatry services.
The Center for Neurobehavioral Health and Wellness offers comprehensive integrative psychiatry services. We focus on integrative strategies to reach optimal mental health and overall wellness. While we do prescribe medication, greater emphasis is placed on other factors known to contribute to improved wellbeing; such as prescription grade vitamin and supplement replacement, expansive psychotherapy, energy work, 13-week comprehensive wellness program, personality work, etc. These programs strive to provide a more comprehensive model of treatment than is available through traditional psychiatry services.
![Photo of Anne Tadeo - State Street Behavioral Services, MD, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8a578269-4c5d-44ab-8503-3f59a41b19dd/3/320x400.jpeg)
State Street Behavioral Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MD
Verified Verified
Saginaw, MI 48603 (Online Only)
Anne Tadeo, MD, is board-certified psychiatrist. "I earned my medical degree from University of Santo Tomas and completed my residency at Henry Ford Health System in Detroit. My philosophy is simple, patient-centered treatment approach . It is important that my patient's concerns be the focus of every visit and decision making is based on informed consent . This means that it is a collaboration. Patient's rights go with patient responsibilities. And the patient's family and support system are encouraged to be involved. Patient's voice being heard means patient's needs are being understood . Expected outcome are needs being
Anne Tadeo, MD, is board-certified psychiatrist. "I earned my medical degree from University of Santo Tomas and completed my residency at Henry Ford Health System in Detroit. My philosophy is simple, patient-centered treatment approach . It is important that my patient's concerns be the focus of every visit and decision making is based on informed consent . This means that it is a collaboration. Patient's rights go with patient responsibilities. And the patient's family and support system are encouraged to be involved. Patient's voice being heard means patient's needs are being understood . Expected outcome are needs being
![Photo of Amy Fox, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/932492e3-b7a9-401f-9574-a0db314de94a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Amy Fox
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Traverse City, MI 49684
I strongly believe in treating you as a whole person and taking a comprehensive approach to help you achieve your personal treatment goals. My goal is to truly understand what matters to you and assist you in reaching a state of well-being and wholeness. I place great importance on addressing all aspects of your well-being, including your mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual needs, to promote maximum healing. I am committed to empowering you to grow and thrive, using a strength-based approach. I see our relationship as a collaborative partnership, where we work together to achieve your goals.
I strongly believe in treating you as a whole person and taking a comprehensive approach to help you achieve your personal treatment goals. My goal is to truly understand what matters to you and assist you in reaching a state of well-being and wholeness. I place great importance on addressing all aspects of your well-being, including your mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual needs, to promote maximum healing. I am committed to empowering you to grow and thrive, using a strength-based approach. I see our relationship as a collaborative partnership, where we work together to achieve your goals.
![Photo of Kelly Ryan, APRNCNP, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4cb93e91-2d13-4bbe-b465-d6e5c58e26e1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kelly Ryan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRNCNP, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Traverse City, MI 49684
Kelly takes a comprehensive approach to the diagnosis and treatment of adults with medication management in the outpatient setting. She examines root causes, co-existing medical conditions and medications, as well as each individual’s social, emotional and environmental circumstances, to develop an individualized psychiatric-mental health treatment approach that considers the whole person. She is dual board certified in Psychiatric Mental Health by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and Family Practice by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.
Kelly takes a comprehensive approach to the diagnosis and treatment of adults with medication management in the outpatient setting. She examines root causes, co-existing medical conditions and medications, as well as each individual’s social, emotional and environmental circumstances, to develop an individualized psychiatric-mental health treatment approach that considers the whole person. She is dual board certified in Psychiatric Mental Health by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and Family Practice by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.
![Photo of Eucheria Mbata, DNP, FNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4fe18665-82d3-45ee-a219-7505f278084e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Eucheria Mbata
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, FNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lansing, MI 48933
As an integrative and functional medicine Psychiatry Nurse Practitioner, I provide a holistic treatment approach for individuals seeking relief from mental distress. Medicine can be a helpful tool, but some people don't like to be on medication, while others want to be on the minimum amount possible; I will work with you to find that inner peace and freedom you desire. When needed, I prescribe psychiatric medication as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, including exercise, meditation, vitamins, and nutritional supplements
As an integrative and functional medicine Psychiatry Nurse Practitioner, I provide a holistic treatment approach for individuals seeking relief from mental distress. Medicine can be a helpful tool, but some people don't like to be on medication, while others want to be on the minimum amount possible; I will work with you to find that inner peace and freedom you desire. When needed, I prescribe psychiatric medication as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, including exercise, meditation, vitamins, and nutritional supplements
Kathleen Frybarger
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Okemos, MI 48864
I have been providing behavioral health services for more than 30 years in a variety of roles and settings. For the last five years, I have been a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner assisting individuals and families to have their best lives possible through the evaluation and medication management of psychiatric diagnoses. As a member of the New Oakland Family Centers team, I provide levels of outpatient care to fit each individual's need. 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.
I have been providing behavioral health services for more than 30 years in a variety of roles and settings. For the last five years, I have been a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner assisting individuals and families to have their best lives possible through the evaluation and medication management of psychiatric diagnoses. As a member of the New Oakland Family Centers team, I provide levels of outpatient care to fit each individual's need. 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.
![Photo of Jen Gonzalez, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/64147bfa-9490-4a6d-9e95-fb11f675d110/5/320x400.jpeg)
I believe in a holistic approach to mental health. Our mind and body are connected to make up who we are. Getting better is often hard work that requires commitment and patience. There will be times you may want to give up but know that I will be with you every step of the way. I listen with an open mind and will always work within your comfort level. My goal is to help you get well with as little medication as possible.
I believe in a holistic approach to mental health. Our mind and body are connected to make up who we are. Getting better is often hard work that requires commitment and patience. There will be times you may want to give up but know that I will be with you every step of the way. I listen with an open mind and will always work within your comfort level. My goal is to help you get well with as little medication as possible.
![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 Dr. Daniel Grasso, DNP, BA, APRN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a7f1b85f-4dff-4a6a-9b4f-a150702f7795/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Daniel Grasso
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, BA, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Flushing, MI 48433
To schedule an appointment, visit: form.jotform.com/223343903192048 and choose the Flushing location and enter my name in the "specific provider" section. Life can sometimes throw a curveball at us, and we can experience different reactions to those stressors. These can range from a short bout of depression or anxiety, to long-standing difficulties. The perseverance and coping that we are capable of is amazing! At times, however, we may need some support. It is my goal to be a partner in your mental health care.
To schedule an appointment, visit: form.jotform.com/223343903192048 and choose the Flushing location and enter my name in the "specific provider" section. Life can sometimes throw a curveball at us, and we can experience different reactions to those stressors. These can range from a short bout of depression or anxiety, to long-standing difficulties. The perseverance and coping that we are capable of is amazing! At times, however, we may need some support. It is my goal to be a partner in your mental health care.
![Photo of Deanna Reed, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/462f2bdd-8050-4aee-ac0e-22c97c7e1b62/2/320x400.jpeg)
Deanna is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She holds a Master of Science of Nursing from Walden University and Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Michigan-Flint. Deanna has worked in the Lansing area. Deanna is passionate about providing quality, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health services to patients from 18 to 65+. Deanna has worked with the mental health community for the past 15 years, with the local community mental health and inpatient psychiatric setting. She holds an interest in treating all mental illnesses and promoting overall well-being.
Deanna is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She holds a Master of Science of Nursing from Walden University and Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Michigan-Flint. Deanna has worked in the Lansing area. Deanna is passionate about providing quality, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health services to patients from 18 to 65+. Deanna has worked with the mental health community for the past 15 years, with the local community mental health and inpatient psychiatric setting. She holds an interest in treating all mental illnesses and promoting overall well-being.
![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 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.
Denise Skonieczny
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49525 (Online Only)
Denise is a Licensed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Grand Valley State University, her associate degree in Nursing from Grand Rapids Community College, her master’s degree in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2005 and her post-master’s certificate as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from the University of Cincinnati in 2017.
Denise is a Licensed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Grand Valley State University, her associate degree in Nursing from Grand Rapids Community College, her master’s degree in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2005 and her post-master’s certificate as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from the University of Cincinnati in 2017.
![Photo of Jemila Ali, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d2829e33-2ce2-45fb-9a83-b981c9aa55b6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting anyone age 6 years old and older. Mental Health is a passion for her, Jemila is here to listen and collaborate with you to find a treatment plan that fits you best. Jemila has worked with ages 6 and up and diverse backgrounds. She sees patients with all mental health diagnosis; mood disorders, eating disorders, trauma and stress related disorders, and dissociative disorders.
Accepting anyone age 6 years old and older. Mental Health is a passion for her, Jemila is here to listen and collaborate with you to find a treatment plan that fits you best. Jemila has worked with ages 6 and up and diverse backgrounds. She sees patients with all mental health diagnosis; mood disorders, eating disorders, trauma and stress related disorders, and dissociative disorders.
![Photo of Krista Askins Bedells, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d64a3eb1-c330-4671-84f6-12a65ad60ba7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Krista Askins Bedells
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Okemos, MI 48864 (Online Only)
Krista is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) specializing in anxiety and depression. Krista works with adults 18 years of age and older. She provides holistic care with a patient centered approach that includes medication management and supportive therapy. Her practice is mainly virtual. Krista has over 13 years working as a nurse in hospital settings, urgent care, private practice, and community mental health agencies. Krista has been a PMHNP-BC since 2018.
Krista is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) specializing in anxiety and depression. Krista works with adults 18 years of age and older. She provides holistic care with a patient centered approach that includes medication management and supportive therapy. Her practice is mainly virtual. Krista has over 13 years working as a nurse in hospital settings, urgent care, private practice, and community mental health agencies. Krista has been a PMHNP-BC since 2018.
![Photo of Angela Braun - Arbor Video Psych and ADHD, PAC, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d1f39498-6abb-4400-8d80-5441ab0fb703/1/320x400.png)
New patient openings within a week. See openings and book an online appointment at AnnArborPsych.com. FOCUS: ADHD, Anxiety, Mood, PTSD. While I employ research based diagnostic and treatment modalities, my training goes far beyond this to encompass expertise both on the medical side and psychiatric side. I have additional trainings, including with Dr. Akash Kumar MD known for his multi layered diagnostic approach to assess nutritional, medical, psychiatric, and cognitive dimensions. Because of my background, I am uniquely able to look at the oft missed root causes of subtle medical conditions that contribute to emotional difficulty.
New patient openings within a week. See openings and book an online appointment at AnnArborPsych.com. FOCUS: ADHD, Anxiety, Mood, PTSD. While I employ research based diagnostic and treatment modalities, my training goes far beyond this to encompass expertise both on the medical side and psychiatric side. I have additional trainings, including with Dr. Akash Kumar MD known for his multi layered diagnostic approach to assess nutritional, medical, psychiatric, and cognitive dimensions. Because of my background, I am uniquely able to look at the oft missed root causes of subtle medical conditions that contribute to emotional difficulty.
![Photo of Laura Bennington, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b2989e8d-bbd6-4302-8d89-c637c38bafc7/2/320x400.jpeg)
Laura M. Bennington is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Michigan who has been practicing since 2007. She has a Bachelor's degree from Mercy college of Detroit, a Master's degree in from Wayne State University and a post graduate certificate from Rush University. Laura uses an evidenced based philosophy to treat each individual, making a plan of care based on unique needs. She believes in the development of therapeutic relationship and building a collaborative approach to client care. Outside of work, Laura's family feeds her soul, she loves to hang out, eat out, goof around and be together.
Laura M. Bennington is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Michigan who has been practicing since 2007. She has a Bachelor's degree from Mercy college of Detroit, a Master's degree in from Wayne State University and a post graduate certificate from Rush University. Laura uses an evidenced based philosophy to treat each individual, making a plan of care based on unique needs. She believes in the development of therapeutic relationship and building a collaborative approach to client care. Outside of work, Laura's family feeds her soul, she loves to hang out, eat out, goof around and be together.
See more therapy options for Osceola County
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Osceola County, MI
< 10
Psychiatrists in Osceola County, MI who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | Addiction |
100% | ADHD |
100% | Chronic Pain |
100% | Geriatric and Seniors |
100% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in Osceola County, MI see their clients
100% | Online Only |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Osceola County?
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.