Psychiatrists in Affton, MO
![Photo of Courtney Wall - Provident Behavioral Health, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/317da505-1ff9-4c1b-9fde-d83c717c3a4c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Courtney Wall - Provident Behavioral Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Affton, MO 63123
The most gratifying thing about my work is being able to connect with great people who are going through challenging times and providing them with the assistance and individualized care they need to improve their overall quality of life. There is no better feeling than helping someone transition from a low point in their life to a newfound path of happiness. I’m a proud member of the Provident Behavioral Health team, an agency that offers not only psychiatric services but also counseling and crisis services. I currently offer telemental health appointments for Missouri residents, making services accessible and convenient for you.
The most gratifying thing about my work is being able to connect with great people who are going through challenging times and providing them with the assistance and individualized care they need to improve their overall quality of life. There is no better feeling than helping someone transition from a low point in their life to a newfound path of happiness. I’m a proud member of the Provident Behavioral Health team, an agency that offers not only psychiatric services but also counseling and crisis services. I currently offer telemental health appointments for Missouri residents, making services accessible and convenient for you.
![Photo of Jordan Calabrese, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/84b55b79-78e4-44c4-babb-f4de398f16dc/1/320x400.png)
Are you struggling with Substance Use (SUD) or Alcohol Use Disorders (AUD)? Sana Lake Recovery Center is the place for you. We offer a full system of care without the long wait to see licensed providers. Addiction treatment is not a one-size-fits-all solution, which is why we offer tailored treatment plans to meet your unique needs.
Are you struggling with Substance Use (SUD) or Alcohol Use Disorders (AUD)? Sana Lake Recovery Center is the place for you. We offer a full system of care without the long wait to see licensed providers. Addiction treatment is not a one-size-fits-all solution, which is why we offer tailored treatment plans to meet your unique needs.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
![Photo of James Mikolajczak, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c1d22cc-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I strongly believe a good psychotherapy experience is based on a good healthy connection between the patient and therapist. Within this relationship the two can both explore the internal and external world in which the patient lives. The internal world arises from both present and past experiences. An understanding of these worlds and the conflicts within these worlds, leads to an easing of the patient's symptoms and an improved resilience to handle life's events. Lasting results come gradually in psychotherapy. I offer meeting with a patient to listen and discuss one's history. I will provide my assessment of some of the important life experiences and make a recommendation of what treatment I might offer to relieve symptoms. As a physician, I offer medication management along with psychotherapy.
I treat children, adolescents, and adults in psychotherapy and medical psychotherapy.
I strongly believe a good psychotherapy experience is based on a good healthy connection between the patient and therapist. Within this relationship the two can both explore the internal and external world in which the patient lives. The internal world arises from both present and past experiences. An understanding of these worlds and the conflicts within these worlds, leads to an easing of the patient's symptoms and an improved resilience to handle life's events. Lasting results come gradually in psychotherapy. I offer meeting with a patient to listen and discuss one's history. I will provide my assessment of some of the important life experiences and make a recommendation of what treatment I might offer to relieve symptoms. As a physician, I offer medication management along with psychotherapy.
I treat children, adolescents, and adults in psychotherapy and medical psychotherapy.
![Photo of Rasha Elkady, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d62e1d0d-6e86-4f66-bdfa-107311ac1e07/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have been enjoying my work in psychiatry for the past 15 years and I wanted to provide a new and unique service to patients. I provide weekend and afternoon online appointments from the comfort of your own home. The importance of mental health cannot be stressed enough so why make it such a hassle to see a psychiatrist? At one simple click of a button, you can see a psychiatrist and receive a diagnosis tailored just for you. Times are changing, let’s make life easy.
I have been enjoying my work in psychiatry for the past 15 years and I wanted to provide a new and unique service to patients. I provide weekend and afternoon online appointments from the comfort of your own home. The importance of mental health cannot be stressed enough so why make it such a hassle to see a psychiatrist? At one simple click of a button, you can see a psychiatrist and receive a diagnosis tailored just for you. Times are changing, let’s make life easy.
![Photo of Courtney Haas - Aspire Wellness, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4dce8d98-29db-4f02-aeec-48af57f76af4/1/320x400.jpeg)
If you are looking for quality psychiatric medication management services, then Aspire Wellness is the right center for you! We are accepting new patients 18 years and older through telehealth. Our goal is to provide high quality healthcare services to improve overall wellbeing. Our team will support you along the way and work together to connect you with the treament and services you need.
If you are looking for quality psychiatric medication management services, then Aspire Wellness is the right center for you! We are accepting new patients 18 years and older through telehealth. Our goal is to provide high quality healthcare services to improve overall wellbeing. Our team will support you along the way and work together to connect you with the treament and services you need.
![Photo of Quentin Chambers - Alpha Allied Mental Health Services (AMS), PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ec18dbc-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Alpha Allied Mental Health Services (AMS)
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63108
I am a board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in the states of Iowa and Missouri. I have full practice authority in the state of Iowa, I am accepting new patients in Iowa and Missouri. I practice psychiatry by assessing biological, psychological and social aspects of each patient I care for, to deliver optimal mental health. I take insurance in Missouri and Iowa. I prescribe a full range of psychotropic medications for genuine mental health disorders. We now have an additional provider that is accepting new patients. Give us a call.
I am a board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in the states of Iowa and Missouri. I have full practice authority in the state of Iowa, I am accepting new patients in Iowa and Missouri. I practice psychiatry by assessing biological, psychological and social aspects of each patient I care for, to deliver optimal mental health. I take insurance in Missouri and Iowa. I prescribe a full range of psychotropic medications for genuine mental health disorders. We now have an additional provider that is accepting new patients. Give us a call.
![Photo of Tanja Johnson Pmhnp-Bc, DNP, FNP-C, ENP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/27c88ffa-e5c5-4a8b-b8ba-7c7fd7cb7645/1/320x400.jpeg)
Tanja Johnson Pmhnp-Bc
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, FNP-C, ENP-C
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63103
Waitlist for new clients
For me, there is no greater gift than to be able to serve others and assist them on their journey to greater mental and physical health. The impact when one is out of balance with the other is incredibly profound and affects not just the individual, but whole families. I cannot turn my back on the need I have seen for improved overall quality of life and how I might be able to help facilitate it. Through the collaborative efforts of Provident Behavioral Health’s team, providing services that include medication prescribing, counseling, and crisis intervention, together we can aid in the improvement of our community’s overall health.
For me, there is no greater gift than to be able to serve others and assist them on their journey to greater mental and physical health. The impact when one is out of balance with the other is incredibly profound and affects not just the individual, but whole families. I cannot turn my back on the need I have seen for improved overall quality of life and how I might be able to help facilitate it. Through the collaborative efforts of Provident Behavioral Health’s team, providing services that include medication prescribing, counseling, and crisis intervention, together we can aid in the improvement of our community’s overall health.
Melissa Fischer is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Missouri who has been practicing since 2013. Melissa offers very intense listening skills that assist her to create an accurate diagnosis leading to accurate treatment. She approaches clients as a team member, letting them know that their opinion matters. Melissa is not a dictator, but an active partner with the client. They are a team and will work it through together. Outside of work, Melissa enjoys playing piano and collecting postage stamps. Her greatest goal for treating family and clients is that she will positively touch lives.
Melissa Fischer is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Missouri who has been practicing since 2013. Melissa offers very intense listening skills that assist her to create an accurate diagnosis leading to accurate treatment. She approaches clients as a team member, letting them know that their opinion matters. Melissa is not a dictator, but an active partner with the client. They are a team and will work it through together. Outside of work, Melissa enjoys playing piano and collecting postage stamps. Her greatest goal for treating family and clients is that she will positively touch lives.
![Photo of Rebecca Palmer, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1ed8c221-354b-4ca9-801d-408a64d4d270/2/320x400.jpeg)
I truly believe patients should be treated based on their individual circumstances, as we all face different challenges and have unique needs. I feel that in order to achieve optimal mental health, patients should be included in determining goals for treatment and fully understand their treatment plan. I'll always take the time to talk through your symptoms and situation, discuss options, and ensure you understand the "why" and "what to expect" when any change to your treatment is made.
I truly believe patients should be treated based on their individual circumstances, as we all face different challenges and have unique needs. I feel that in order to achieve optimal mental health, patients should be included in determining goals for treatment and fully understand their treatment plan. I'll always take the time to talk through your symptoms and situation, discuss options, and ensure you understand the "why" and "what to expect" when any change to your treatment is made.
![Photo of Emily Mukherji, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45242933-0dc6-4977-8a4f-2aaa2cec5b71/1/320x400.jpeg)
Emily Mukherji is a Psychiatrist in Missouri who has been practicing since 2014. She completed medical school and psychiatry residency in Boston, MA. Emily likes to get to know her clients well and provide thoughtful psychopharmacological treatment for their psychiatric disorders. Outside of work, Emily loves reading, walking her dog, and spending time with her family.
Emily Mukherji is a Psychiatrist in Missouri who has been practicing since 2014. She completed medical school and psychiatry residency in Boston, MA. Emily likes to get to know her clients well and provide thoughtful psychopharmacological treatment for their psychiatric disorders. Outside of work, Emily loves reading, walking her dog, and spending time with her family.
![Photo of Nicole Parker, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bf63341c-2a6e-450a-982c-107d7ecf2bdf/2/320x400.jpeg)
Nicole Parker graduated with her Master's Degree in Nursing from Maryville University in 2020 and became a board-certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Prior to graduation she spent time working as an RN in a fast-paced Emergency Department and in acute inpatient behavioral units. She also spent time teaching the specialized focus of mental health clinical rotation to future registered nurses. Nicole's primary focus has been working with inner city children, adolescents and adults experiencing a variety of mental health disorders.
Nicole Parker graduated with her Master's Degree in Nursing from Maryville University in 2020 and became a board-certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Prior to graduation she spent time working as an RN in a fast-paced Emergency Department and in acute inpatient behavioral units. She also spent time teaching the specialized focus of mental health clinical rotation to future registered nurses. Nicole's primary focus has been working with inner city children, adolescents and adults experiencing a variety of mental health disorders.
![Photo of Chido Zvirawa, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/87111a86-1903-4678-be73-f2e0a12a34c8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Chido, is a dual nurse practitioner in Family and psychiatric mental health specializing in providing comprehensive mental health care to individuals, with a passion for promoting mental well-being. I am committed to helping you navigate life's challenges and achieve optimal mental health. Chido has been a nurse for 14 years and 6 years as a nurse practitioner for 6 years.
Chido, is a dual nurse practitioner in Family and psychiatric mental health specializing in providing comprehensive mental health care to individuals, with a passion for promoting mental well-being. I am committed to helping you navigate life's challenges and achieve optimal mental health. Chido has been a nurse for 14 years and 6 years as a nurse practitioner for 6 years.
![Photo of Susan Dawson, EdD , PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4d640a7f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Susan Dawson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, EdD , PMHNP
Not Verified Not Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63129
I am a licensed and board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, in practice for over 25yrs. I have served as a Professor, Dean and Director of nursing programs. My passion is in helping people in need of substantial management of mental health issues. Helping patients with addiction and adult psychiatry issues is essential for the success of those in these situations. I'm looking forward to serving patients who are ready to deal with their mental health issues, head on. If you need a provider who cares, believes in being honest and trustworthy consider care here is the place.
I am a licensed and board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, in practice for over 25yrs. I have served as a Professor, Dean and Director of nursing programs. My passion is in helping people in need of substantial management of mental health issues. Helping patients with addiction and adult psychiatry issues is essential for the success of those in these situations. I'm looking forward to serving patients who are ready to deal with their mental health issues, head on. If you need a provider who cares, believes in being honest and trustworthy consider care here is the place.
![Photo of J. J. Jones, DNP, PMHNP-C, ANP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f70c02db-3fb4-42a9-adf5-fdfb9ccd7d75/2/320x400.jpeg)
J. J. Jones
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP-C, ANP-BC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63101
Whether you're facing life transitions, relationship challenges, or simply seeking self-improvement, I'm here to provide unwavering support. Taking a holistic approach, we will partner together to nurture your inner self, fostering a renewed sense of balance and harmony.
Whether you're facing life transitions, relationship challenges, or simply seeking self-improvement, I'm here to provide unwavering support. Taking a holistic approach, we will partner together to nurture your inner self, fostering a renewed sense of balance and harmony.
![Photo of Brenda Bush - Innovative Mental Health Services, FNP-C, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/92780f72-0b75-4684-9c84-d2cb78e3d9ec/2/320x400.jpeg)
Innovative Mental Health Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP-C, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Oakville, MO 63129 (Online Only)
Brenda Bush is a dual Certified Nurse Practitioner in Family and Psychiatric Mental Health. Her focus is Psychiatric Mental Health and Primary Care Adult medicine. Brenda has been a nurse for 28 years and a Nurse Practitioner for 15 years. Her practitioner education is from Indiana Wesleyan University- Marion, Indiana and University of Missouri- St. Louis. She has a collaborative practice in St. Louis and surrounding cities in Mo. and is also licensed in Arizona, Kansas and Virgina. Her goal is to partner with you to create a treatment plan that improves your mental and physical health, enhancing your quality of life.
Brenda Bush is a dual Certified Nurse Practitioner in Family and Psychiatric Mental Health. Her focus is Psychiatric Mental Health and Primary Care Adult medicine. Brenda has been a nurse for 28 years and a Nurse Practitioner for 15 years. Her practitioner education is from Indiana Wesleyan University- Marion, Indiana and University of Missouri- St. Louis. She has a collaborative practice in St. Louis and surrounding cities in Mo. and is also licensed in Arizona, Kansas and Virgina. Her goal is to partner with you to create a treatment plan that improves your mental and physical health, enhancing your quality of life.
![Photo of Anna Tran, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d689405b-5981-499d-938a-979d93d49e64/1/320x400.jpeg)
Anna Tran is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Missouri who has been practicing since 2020. She has a Master of Science in Nursing, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from Maryville University with honors, a Bachelor Science in Nursing from Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College, and a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science from Saint Louis University. Anna’s inherent desire is to serve individuals by inspiring and assisting them in making lasting changes in their lives and personifying their purposes in the world.
Anna Tran is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Missouri who has been practicing since 2020. She has a Master of Science in Nursing, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from Maryville University with honors, a Bachelor Science in Nursing from Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College, and a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science from Saint Louis University. Anna’s inherent desire is to serve individuals by inspiring and assisting them in making lasting changes in their lives and personifying their purposes in the world.
![Photo of Ajit Trikha, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4690a46b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Helping You Get Healthy With over 25 years of psychiatric experience, I understand how to work with my patients to ensure they receive the best care possible. My thoughtful and personalized approach means I'm fully committed to the health and well-being of all my patients. Treatment for a complete spectrum of psychiatric and psychological disorders include Depressive and Bipolar disorders, Psychotic disorders, Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive disorders, Stress disorders, Addiction disorders, Personality disorders, Eating disorders, Dual diagnosis, Adult Hyperactivity Disorder, Grief, Bereavement, and Anger management. DATA-Certified Physician eligible to provide buprenorphine (Suboxone) treatment for opioid dependency.
Helping You Get Healthy With over 25 years of psychiatric experience, I understand how to work with my patients to ensure they receive the best care possible. My thoughtful and personalized approach means I'm fully committed to the health and well-being of all my patients. Treatment for a complete spectrum of psychiatric and psychological disorders include Depressive and Bipolar disorders, Psychotic disorders, Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive disorders, Stress disorders, Addiction disorders, Personality disorders, Eating disorders, Dual diagnosis, Adult Hyperactivity Disorder, Grief, Bereavement, and Anger management. DATA-Certified Physician eligible to provide buprenorphine (Suboxone) treatment for opioid dependency.
![Photo of Angela Jones, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9609ff81-e9a6-409a-8baf-4919c4edea4f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Angela Jones
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ballwin, MO 63011
I enjoy providing my patients with a therapeutic, non-judgmental environment in which they can feel heard and understood. One cannot heal in an environment where they continue to feel shame for symptoms or past experiences, so I do my best to put patients' minds at ease while we develop a strong therapeutic relationship.
I enjoy providing my patients with a therapeutic, non-judgmental environment in which they can feel heard and understood. One cannot heal in an environment where they continue to feel shame for symptoms or past experiences, so I do my best to put patients' minds at ease while we develop a strong therapeutic relationship.
![Photo of Cathy Bauer, MSN, RN, APRN-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e51a3a9-cfa2-4886-9291-7930f0982cd5/2/320x400.jpeg)
Cathy Bauer
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, RN, APRN-BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Clayton, MO 63105 (Online Only)
Veterans and/or seniors face many challenges such as anxiety, PTSD, depression, social isolation, and substance abuse concerns. Additionally, they face physical health problems including injuries, disabilities, and chronic pain. Access to services like VA healthcare and mental health support is often difficult. At Wellness Beyond the Chair, we are here to help with immediate availability options for care. Cathy provides empathetic and personalized care for every patient. At Wellness Beyond the Chair, you will have direct access to Cathy as your psychiatric provider.
Veterans and/or seniors face many challenges such as anxiety, PTSD, depression, social isolation, and substance abuse concerns. Additionally, they face physical health problems including injuries, disabilities, and chronic pain. Access to services like VA healthcare and mental health support is often difficult. At Wellness Beyond the Chair, we are here to help with immediate availability options for care. Cathy provides empathetic and personalized care for every patient. At Wellness Beyond the Chair, you will have direct access to Cathy as your psychiatric provider.
![Photo of Haley Koepp, CNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bcc683b1-4b07-4ea7-9fc6-f8c335a55636/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Haley Koepp is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Missouri who has been practicing since 2018. She holds a Bachelor's degree in pPychology from Webster University and a Bachelor's degree in nursing from Barnes-Jewish Goldfarb School of Nursing. She also holds a Master's degree in Nursing from Saint Louis University and obtained her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Purdue University Global. Dr. Koepp treats acute and chronic mental health disorders in both inpatient and outpatient settings and all ages of the lifespan.
Dr. Haley Koepp is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Missouri who has been practicing since 2018. She holds a Bachelor's degree in pPychology from Webster University and a Bachelor's degree in nursing from Barnes-Jewish Goldfarb School of Nursing. She also holds a Master's degree in Nursing from Saint Louis University and obtained her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Purdue University Global. Dr. Koepp treats acute and chronic mental health disorders in both inpatient and outpatient settings and all ages of the lifespan.
See more therapy options for Affton
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Affton, MO
< 10
Psychiatrists in Affton, MO who prioritize treating:
100% | Anxiety |
100% | Psychosis |
100% | Bipolar Disorder |
100% | Behavioral Issues |
100% | Emotional Disturbance |
100% | Medication Management |
100% | Stress |
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in Affton, MO see their clients
100% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
100% | Female |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Affton?
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.