Psychiatrists in Forest Lake, MN
![Photo of Rhett Christensen, DNP, APRN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/23fb7e08-14dc-47e1-8cc8-6a94511484dd/2/320x400.jpeg)
Rhett Christensen
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Forest Lake, MN 55025
My practice philosophy is to prevent and reduce suffering as much as possible by partnering with clients to reach their fullest potential through the holistic lens of mind, body, and spirit. Wellness is a journey that we can practice and walk each day. I come from a family with strong military service history, and while I wasn't privileged to be able to serve in the military, I have a particular interest in helping veterans, those who serve, and their loved ones.
My practice philosophy is to prevent and reduce suffering as much as possible by partnering with clients to reach their fullest potential through the holistic lens of mind, body, and spirit. Wellness is a journey that we can practice and walk each day. I come from a family with strong military service history, and while I wasn't privileged to be able to serve in the military, I have a particular interest in helping veterans, those who serve, and their loved ones.
![Photo of Naomi Koenig - Selah Wellness Clinic LLC, DNP, FNP-C, PMHNP-B, SANE, ART, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e91fe838-14ae-476a-ba75-cd2334208a6a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Selah Wellness Clinic LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, FNP-C, PMHNP-B, SANE, ART
Verified Verified
Forest Lake, MN 55025
We work with you on your health. We are here to help you, walk with you on your journey and help you to feel better.
We work with you on your health. We are here to help you, walk with you on your journey and help you to feel better.
![Photo of Chinwe Eke, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c0a890b3-967f-4ce1-92c5-193777e75b54/1/320x400.jpeg)
Chinwe Eke is a Nurse Practitioner in Minnesota who has been practicing since 2022. Chinwe offers her clients the ability to provide accurate, effective, and quality care, managing varieties of mental health and emotional challenges affecting individuals and families, plus medication management. Outside of work, Chinwe enjoys reading, music, and sports.
Chinwe Eke is a Nurse Practitioner in Minnesota who has been practicing since 2022. Chinwe offers her clients the ability to provide accurate, effective, and quality care, managing varieties of mental health and emotional challenges affecting individuals and families, plus medication management. Outside of work, Chinwe enjoys reading, music, and sports.
Online Psychiatrists
![Photo of Jill S Hansen, MN, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/80f92a95-69fa-4e6b-9a9b-a64ce682eb61/1/320x400.jpeg)
Have you been struggling? Whether you've been dealing with a return of a familiar challenge or you have had symptoms you've never experienced, you would just like to feel better, right? I am glad you are here. Patients find me exceptionally empathic and earnest. And to discussions I bring extensive knowledge of psychiatric illnesses, medications and various other evidence-informed treatments. You will gain clarity and a path to feeling better.
Have you been struggling? Whether you've been dealing with a return of a familiar challenge or you have had symptoms you've never experienced, you would just like to feel better, right? I am glad you are here. Patients find me exceptionally empathic and earnest. And to discussions I bring extensive knowledge of psychiatric illnesses, medications and various other evidence-informed treatments. You will gain clarity and a path to feeling better.
![Photo of Haley Carlock, DNP, PMHNP, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e6f92b03-9e5b-4093-94ee-ad2f602f3fb8/4/320x400.jpeg)
Haley Carlock
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, APRN
Verified Verified
Plymouth, MN 55446 (Online Only)
Dr. Carlock is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who provides psychiatric evaluations and medication management for adolescents and adults with a special interest in treating individuals experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and/or trauma. In addition to prescribing medication, Dr. Carlock utilizes skills learned from the Center for Mind-Body Medicine to help individuals treat their mental health symptoms in a more holistic way. She completed the Professional Training Program in Mind-Body Medicine, the Advanced Mind-Body Medicine Professional Training Program, and other online webinars.
Dr. Carlock is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who provides psychiatric evaluations and medication management for adolescents and adults with a special interest in treating individuals experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and/or trauma. In addition to prescribing medication, Dr. Carlock utilizes skills learned from the Center for Mind-Body Medicine to help individuals treat their mental health symptoms in a more holistic way. She completed the Professional Training Program in Mind-Body Medicine, the Advanced Mind-Body Medicine Professional Training Program, and other online webinars.
![Photo of Oreoluwa Oye, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b9732a4b-7fda-43bd-86da-4f7abbbedcec/1/320x400.png)
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Practitioner. I obtained a Masters of Science in Nursing from the University of Tennessee Knoxville-Health Sciences in 2016. With seven years of experience in interdisciplinary care settings, I specialize in working with highly complex patient populations. My commitment lies in delivering personalized patient care, integrating a holistic approach that addresses both medical and social factors affecting wellbeing. Alongside my clinical practice, I am dedicated to educating doctoral student candidates and newly graduated psychiatric nurse practitioners.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Practitioner. I obtained a Masters of Science in Nursing from the University of Tennessee Knoxville-Health Sciences in 2016. With seven years of experience in interdisciplinary care settings, I specialize in working with highly complex patient populations. My commitment lies in delivering personalized patient care, integrating a holistic approach that addresses both medical and social factors affecting wellbeing. Alongside my clinical practice, I am dedicated to educating doctoral student candidates and newly graduated psychiatric nurse practitioners.
![Photo of Michael O'Sullivan, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50de4d06-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
At Innovative Psychological Consultants we know there are always ways to feel better. People can't control their genetics and body chemistry on their own. Issues like depression, anxiety, bipolar, ADHD and others all have a basis in physiology and brain chemistry. With the right diagnosis, we can find the right tools to bring your chemistry into alignment and give you the relief you are seeking. Mental health issues are not a personal weakness and nothing to be ashamed of; or suffer with. Let's work together to find a solution.
At Innovative Psychological Consultants we know there are always ways to feel better. People can't control their genetics and body chemistry on their own. Issues like depression, anxiety, bipolar, ADHD and others all have a basis in physiology and brain chemistry. With the right diagnosis, we can find the right tools to bring your chemistry into alignment and give you the relief you are seeking. Mental health issues are not a personal weakness and nothing to be ashamed of; or suffer with. Let's work together to find a solution.
![Photo of Aicha Katty - InnerClarity Psychiatry & Wellness, LLC, DNP, APRN, PMHNP, FNP, PHN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4feef183-0cc9-4ae8-9907-baf8af4e50de/1/320x400.jpeg)
InnerClarity Psychiatry & Wellness, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP, FNP, PHN
Verified Verified
Lakeville, MN 55044 (Online Only)
Hello! I am currently accepting new patients! I'm Aicha, a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, dedicated to offering comprehensive and culturally congruent care to support individuals on their path to personal growth. I help young adults, women, and mothers struggling with depression, anxiety, and burnout improve their mood, reduce anxiety, feel energized, and engage more effectively in their personal and professional relationships through holistic treatment modalities.
Hello! I am currently accepting new patients! I'm Aicha, a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, dedicated to offering comprehensive and culturally congruent care to support individuals on their path to personal growth. I help young adults, women, and mothers struggling with depression, anxiety, and burnout improve their mood, reduce anxiety, feel energized, and engage more effectively in their personal and professional relationships through holistic treatment modalities.
![Photo of Afolake Adewumi, MPH, MSN, APRN, CNP, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2653ae33-0c77-4c51-8ca8-6a319604cd91/2/320x400.jpeg)
Afolake Adewumi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MPH, MSN, APRN, CNP, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Lakeville, MN 55044
Afolake is a board certified, advanced practice provider who is passionate about providing safe, and holistic care to clients across the lifespan. Afolake provides psychiatric diagnostic evaluation and on-going psychiatric care for patients of all ages. With her experience working in various care settings (inpatient, transitional, and outpatient populations) and a background in health and wellness coaching, Afolake, listens to help identify and prioritize the unique needs of each client.
Afolake is a board certified, advanced practice provider who is passionate about providing safe, and holistic care to clients across the lifespan. Afolake provides psychiatric diagnostic evaluation and on-going psychiatric care for patients of all ages. With her experience working in various care settings (inpatient, transitional, and outpatient populations) and a background in health and wellness coaching, Afolake, listens to help identify and prioritize the unique needs of each client.
![Photo of Joan Gibson, MS, APRN, PMHCNS, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3df2f1eb-e352-489f-94b1-28f61f6364f2/1/320x400.jpeg)
Joan Gibson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MS, APRN, PMHCNS
Verified Verified
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
We work hard at ensuring people get quality mental health care from their first visit forward and are here to support individuals throughout their journey. We provide care for patients who have a variety of psychiatric conditions. Specializing in ADHD, Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, Schizophrenia and comorbid medical/psychiatric conditions. We treat each person with compassion, we speak kindly to others, listen carefully without judgement, we are empathetic to other people's needs and have a desire to help people. The most rewarding part our job is seeing patients who feel and function better.
We work hard at ensuring people get quality mental health care from their first visit forward and are here to support individuals throughout their journey. We provide care for patients who have a variety of psychiatric conditions. Specializing in ADHD, Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, Schizophrenia and comorbid medical/psychiatric conditions. We treat each person with compassion, we speak kindly to others, listen carefully without judgement, we are empathetic to other people's needs and have a desire to help people. The most rewarding part our job is seeing patients who feel and function better.
![Photo of Bruno Perossa, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5ef31d26-00c1-4395-a912-483f3b60a7b3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Currently accepting new patients. The Physician's Psychiatrist. Frustrated that you or your child is not getting optimal mental health treatment or direct care with your doctor? Burned out and struggling, looking for discreet medication management and therapy? I am a Mayo Clinic trained, child/adolescent and adult psychiatrist providing tailored care for individuals struggling with an array of challenges from depression, anxiety, bipolar, ADHD, trauma through an integrative lens offering medication management. Email to set up a 15 minute chat instead of calling. I am out of network with insurance.
Currently accepting new patients. The Physician's Psychiatrist. Frustrated that you or your child is not getting optimal mental health treatment or direct care with your doctor? Burned out and struggling, looking for discreet medication management and therapy? I am a Mayo Clinic trained, child/adolescent and adult psychiatrist providing tailored care for individuals struggling with an array of challenges from depression, anxiety, bipolar, ADHD, trauma through an integrative lens offering medication management. Email to set up a 15 minute chat instead of calling. I am out of network with insurance.
![Photo of Elvis T Starllone, PMHNP, CNP, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5148a60f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Elvis T Starllone
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, CNP, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Woodbury, MN 55125
Hello all, whether you are new to mental health or have been searching for the right provider for a while, you are at the right place. It is my honor to meet you and work together to formulate an integrative and holistic plan that will promote wellness and a better outlook. My traits are team work, professionalism, customer service and flexibility. I see persons ages 6 to 80. I am particularly interested in substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD, sleep issues and psychotic issues. As a veteran myself, I connect well with veterans, and members of the LGBTQ, refugees and immigrants are all welcomed.
Hello all, whether you are new to mental health or have been searching for the right provider for a while, you are at the right place. It is my honor to meet you and work together to formulate an integrative and holistic plan that will promote wellness and a better outlook. My traits are team work, professionalism, customer service and flexibility. I see persons ages 6 to 80. I am particularly interested in substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD, sleep issues and psychotic issues. As a veteran myself, I connect well with veterans, and members of the LGBTQ, refugees and immigrants are all welcomed.
![Photo of Laurel Edinburgh, MSN, CPNP, PMHS, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/435d4dee-b8de-49a0-9cc3-b75fffefcdef/2/320x400.jpeg)
Laurel Edinburgh
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, CPNP, PMHS
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55403
I treat children, adolescents, and young adults with ADHD, Depression and Anxiety. I have a subspecialty interest in adolescent health and am an expert on how families can foster resiliency for their children and adolescents. I use a collaborative approach in my practice. I enjoy working closely with parents to help them support their child's recovery.
I treat children, adolescents, and young adults with ADHD, Depression and Anxiety. I have a subspecialty interest in adolescent health and am an expert on how families can foster resiliency for their children and adolescents. I use a collaborative approach in my practice. I enjoy working closely with parents to help them support their child's recovery.
![Photo of Alfredo Massa, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cf8b30d0-88e6-41b9-9a76-1e5f39edbe08/2/320x400.jpeg)
Navigating the mental health system can be very difficult. I believe that building a trusting relationship with your provider can help you move forward and improve your quality of life. My education and very close experiences with mental health and addiction(s) in people close to me, have helped me understand better what you might be going through. Easier said than done but the more you try the more successful you will be.
Navigating the mental health system can be very difficult. I believe that building a trusting relationship with your provider can help you move forward and improve your quality of life. My education and very close experiences with mental health and addiction(s) in people close to me, have helped me understand better what you might be going through. Easier said than done but the more you try the more successful you will be.
![Photo of Michelle Trevino - AIM Psychiatric Mental Health Services LLC , PMHNPBC, MSN, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47226726-9fde-43d0-91bb-d72519d4a4fd/1/320x400.png)
AIM Psychiatric Mental Health Services LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNPBC, MSN, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bloomington, MN 55437 (Online Only)
Do you sometimes think "is this feeling normal"? Do you wonder why it is so difficult to concentrate, or why you are so easily distracted? Do you struggle with the motivation to "get up and go" each morning and find yourself irritable or tearful for no apparent reason? Having trouble sleeping because you can't seem to "shut off" your brain? Feeling anxious or on edge? Or is your child struggling in school due to lack of focus, concentration or impulsiveness? Is your child displaying disobedience at home and school? Is your teen more moody than the average teen? You don't need to navigate these challenges alone. We want to help!
Do you sometimes think "is this feeling normal"? Do you wonder why it is so difficult to concentrate, or why you are so easily distracted? Do you struggle with the motivation to "get up and go" each morning and find yourself irritable or tearful for no apparent reason? Having trouble sleeping because you can't seem to "shut off" your brain? Feeling anxious or on edge? Or is your child struggling in school due to lack of focus, concentration or impulsiveness? Is your child displaying disobedience at home and school? Is your teen more moody than the average teen? You don't need to navigate these challenges alone. We want to help!
![Photo of Titilope Omisakin - Dr. T, DNP, CNP, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/be6f59d3-3c33-47a2-8859-2ca64d51da51/1/320x400.jpeg)
Titilope Omisakin - Dr. T
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, CNP, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55442
I enjoy working with clients across the life-span. I possess a wealth of knowledge having worked with clients in adult psychiatry, dual diagnosis, and child and adolescent psychiatry. My expertise covers a range of diagnoses, including Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, OCD, Psychotic Disorders, and ASD. I adopt a patient-centered approach, aiming to empower clients to lead their best lives by employing a biopsychosocial framework. I firmly believe in the inherent hope within every individual and collaborates closely with my clients to cultivate insight toward achieving their goals
I enjoy working with clients across the life-span. I possess a wealth of knowledge having worked with clients in adult psychiatry, dual diagnosis, and child and adolescent psychiatry. My expertise covers a range of diagnoses, including Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, OCD, Psychotic Disorders, and ASD. I adopt a patient-centered approach, aiming to empower clients to lead their best lives by employing a biopsychosocial framework. I firmly believe in the inherent hope within every individual and collaborates closely with my clients to cultivate insight toward achieving their goals
![Photo of Phoebe Nyabando, Nyaband, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9dac71b9-7f86-4fde-8259-e6a42ad048cb/1/320x400.jpeg)
Phoebe Nyabando is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Minnesota who has been practicing since 2021. She has a Master of Science Degree with a major in Mental Health. Prior to that she was a registered nurse for 8 years with most of her time in inpatient psychiatry. Phoebe has experience in treating patients with psychiatric disorders across the lifespan. She has eight years of experience working as a nurse, with most of her time in inpatient psychiatry and mental health. Phoebe's treatment model is a holistic approach and patient-centered care.
Phoebe Nyabando is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Minnesota who has been practicing since 2021. She has a Master of Science Degree with a major in Mental Health. Prior to that she was a registered nurse for 8 years with most of her time in inpatient psychiatry. Phoebe has experience in treating patients with psychiatric disorders across the lifespan. She has eight years of experience working as a nurse, with most of her time in inpatient psychiatry and mental health. Phoebe's treatment model is a holistic approach and patient-centered care.
![Photo of Krista Smith, RN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8b069e3e-ec3c-4b0c-bada-c1a2a65a19b1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Krista Smith is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Minnesota who has been practicing since 2015. She holds undergrad and graduate degrees in Nursing from The College of St. Scholastica. Krista provides a nonjudgmental approach to patient centered care and tries to avoid the "one size fits all" approach to patient care. Outside of work, Krista really loves to travel and explore new places. Hiking is one of her favorite activities, especially when the weather is nice.
Krista Smith is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Minnesota who has been practicing since 2015. She holds undergrad and graduate degrees in Nursing from The College of St. Scholastica. Krista provides a nonjudgmental approach to patient centered care and tries to avoid the "one size fits all" approach to patient care. Outside of work, Krista really loves to travel and explore new places. Hiking is one of her favorite activities, especially when the weather is nice.
![Photo of Nicole Burkette Ikebata, MD, MPH, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4da5317d-1389-4717-b8c5-502e45063f69/1/320x400.jpeg)
At Maple Psychiatry, I help children, adolescents and young adults who are struggling with self acceptance, worry, irritability, sadness and difficulty in relationships who crave change for themselves. If you are creative and open to trying new things in order to change and grow, we will work great together!
At Maple Psychiatry, I help children, adolescents and young adults who are struggling with self acceptance, worry, irritability, sadness and difficulty in relationships who crave change for themselves. If you are creative and open to trying new things in order to change and grow, we will work great together!
![Photo of Amy Tornio, MSN, CNP, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8146da03-508f-4b5f-86c6-9532028b75b9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Amy Tornio
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, CNP, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
Edina, MN 55439 (Online Only)
Looking for a clinician who is warm, funny (ok, hilarious), experienced, & will be completely real with you? Considering psychiatric medication for the first time? Have complex physical and mental health symptoms that require specialty expertise? Oh, and did you forget to mention that you also want someone who takes your insurance plan and can quickly get you in for a first appointment? Well... today is your lucky day! I'm Amy, and I'm so glad our paths are crossing right now. As a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with years of experience treating a broad range of psychiatric disorders, I think I may be able to help.
Looking for a clinician who is warm, funny (ok, hilarious), experienced, & will be completely real with you? Considering psychiatric medication for the first time? Have complex physical and mental health symptoms that require specialty expertise? Oh, and did you forget to mention that you also want someone who takes your insurance plan and can quickly get you in for a first appointment? Well... today is your lucky day! I'm Amy, and I'm so glad our paths are crossing right now. As a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with years of experience treating a broad range of psychiatric disorders, I think I may be able to help.
See more therapy options for Forest Lake
Nearby Searches for Forest Lake
- Andover
- Anoka
- Blaine
- Brooklyn Park
- Cambridge
- Champlin
- Coon Rapids
- Fridley
- Maple Grove
- Roseville
- Saint Paul
- Woodbury
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Forest Lake, MN
< 10
Psychiatrists in Forest Lake, MN who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | ADHD |
100% | Trauma and PTSD |
100% | Bipolar Disorder |
100% | Medication Management |
67% | Psychosis |
Average years in practice
1 Year
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in Forest Lake, MN see their clients
100% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
50% | Female | |
50% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Forest Lake?
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.