Psychiatrists in Cascade County, MT
![Photo of Shannon Davis, PMHNPBC, FNP-C, AGACNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d1649aa5-94b2-4da2-8459-f98fc97eb641/3/320x400.jpeg)
Shannon Davis
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNPBC, FNP-C, AGACNP
Verified Verified
Great Falls, MT 59401
I moved to Alaska In July 2021 from Tennessee . I had been providing telehealth for two years in Alaska. I decided to move my family to open a practice to be more active in the community. I am a daughter and wife of a Veteran. I have a passion for mental health, addiction, and alternative treatments. My special interest is ADHD because I was diagnosed with this late in life and had another provider wrongly diagnosis me with PTSD. I also specialize in anxiety and bipolar along with other diagnoses. Ketamine and TMS along with other alternative treatments are a passion of mine.
I moved to Alaska In July 2021 from Tennessee . I had been providing telehealth for two years in Alaska. I decided to move my family to open a practice to be more active in the community. I am a daughter and wife of a Veteran. I have a passion for mental health, addiction, and alternative treatments. My special interest is ADHD because I was diagnosed with this late in life and had another provider wrongly diagnosis me with PTSD. I also specialize in anxiety and bipolar along with other diagnoses. Ketamine and TMS along with other alternative treatments are a passion of mine.
![Photo of Steven K Elrod, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/76b4da07-098d-4e82-bf38-2275713b9650/1/320x400.jpeg)
Steven K Elrod
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Great Falls, MT 59405 (Online Only)
Do you or your family need Medication or Therapy for Anxiety, Depression, Anger, PTSD? A psychiatric evaluation and research-proven treatment could put you back on the path to recovery. Let's do this together.
Do you or your family need Medication or Therapy for Anxiety, Depression, Anger, PTSD? A psychiatric evaluation and research-proven treatment could put you back on the path to recovery. Let's do this together.
![Photo of Jennifer Buscher, DNP, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/df5e134e-2dcd-458d-a7b5-d8d864d976d4/1/320x400.png)
Jennifer Buscher
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
Great Falls, MT 59404
Now accepting new patients! As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner on the Luvita Team, I am dedicated to making a difference in Wyoming communities. With extensive medical education and experience, combined with my role as a mother and leader, I bring a unique perspective to my work. My passion lies in providing trauma-informed care, effective leadership, and nurturing resilient communities.
Now accepting new patients! As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner on the Luvita Team, I am dedicated to making a difference in Wyoming communities. With extensive medical education and experience, combined with my role as a mother and leader, I bring a unique perspective to my work. My passion lies in providing trauma-informed care, effective leadership, and nurturing resilient communities.
![Photo of Rachael Patterson, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e64c80ad-f19d-48ec-83ed-a2e76156c250/3/320x400.jpeg)
Rachael Patterson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Great Falls, MT 59401 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Rachael is board certified as a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner through ANCC. As a veteran herself, Rachael loves to work with the military and has extensive experience treating PTSD, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and other general mental health conditions. Rachael is passionate about ensuring individualized care, such as incorporating holistic treatment when desired. She is currently seeing patients virtually who are located in Florida, Montana, Minnesota, Colorado, Kentucky, North Carolina, Washington, and Utah. Multiple insurances and cash pay accepted!
Rachael is board certified as a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner through ANCC. As a veteran herself, Rachael loves to work with the military and has extensive experience treating PTSD, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and other general mental health conditions. Rachael is passionate about ensuring individualized care, such as incorporating holistic treatment when desired. She is currently seeing patients virtually who are located in Florida, Montana, Minnesota, Colorado, Kentucky, North Carolina, Washington, and Utah. Multiple insurances and cash pay accepted!
![Photo of Cheyenne Feltz, DNP, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/675e687c-06af-48d3-be35-ecb4520a003e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Cheyenne Feltz
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Great Falls, MT 59401
Currently accepting new patients! It is my goal as a mental health provider to provide an accessible and welcoming environment for each individual that comes into my office. I provide in-person and telehealth options to assure that everyone has a comfortable way to access care. I have experience assisting adolescent, teenage, and adult patients in their treatment of Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Psychosis, Schizophrenia, Addiction, Insomnia, Obsessive Compulsive Disorders, Eating Disorders, and many other conditions.
Currently accepting new patients! It is my goal as a mental health provider to provide an accessible and welcoming environment for each individual that comes into my office. I provide in-person and telehealth options to assure that everyone has a comfortable way to access care. I have experience assisting adolescent, teenage, and adult patients in their treatment of Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Psychosis, Schizophrenia, Addiction, Insomnia, Obsessive Compulsive Disorders, Eating Disorders, and many other conditions.
![Photo of Aline Paredes - VirtualPsychiatricCare.com, PMHNP, APRN, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fc6e79b6-059c-4f7a-8609-0584dddb6590/2/320x400.jpeg)
VirtualPsychiatricCare.com
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, APRN, MSN
Verified Verified
Great Falls, MT 59405 (Online Only)
Accepting new patients via telehealth visits in Montana state for psychiatric evaluations and medication management. We treat anyone suffering with depression, anxiety, or any mental health issue adversely affecting optimal functioning at work, deterring their best social self, or preventing being fully present for loved ones. Our clients are looking to be properly diagnosed and treated using the safest prescribing principles. Make your appointment on our website today. Evening and weekend hours available. Affordable rates-Initial Psychiatric Eval $199, Follow-ups $99, Counseling $89-$129. Also accepting some insurances.
Accepting new patients via telehealth visits in Montana state for psychiatric evaluations and medication management. We treat anyone suffering with depression, anxiety, or any mental health issue adversely affecting optimal functioning at work, deterring their best social self, or preventing being fully present for loved ones. Our clients are looking to be properly diagnosed and treated using the safest prescribing principles. Make your appointment on our website today. Evening and weekend hours available. Affordable rates-Initial Psychiatric Eval $199, Follow-ups $99, Counseling $89-$129. Also accepting some insurances.
![Photo of Jen Buscher, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7d9453fc-b9cc-4d59-b136-5411461f0213/1/320x400.png)
Jen Buscher
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Great Falls, MT 59404
Now accepting new patients! As a PMHNP proudly serving with Luvita, I am dedicated to fostering mental wellness within Montana communities. With a robust foundation in medical education & enriched by my experiences as a mother & a leader, I bring a distinct & empathetic perspective to my practice. Specializing in pediatric & perinatal psychiatry, I extend my support to children, adolescents, & women grappling with a spectrum of mental health challenges, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, PTSD, postpartum depression, ADHD, & bipolar disorder.
Now accepting new patients! As a PMHNP proudly serving with Luvita, I am dedicated to fostering mental wellness within Montana communities. With a robust foundation in medical education & enriched by my experiences as a mother & a leader, I bring a distinct & empathetic perspective to my practice. Specializing in pediatric & perinatal psychiatry, I extend my support to children, adolescents, & women grappling with a spectrum of mental health challenges, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, PTSD, postpartum depression, ADHD, & bipolar disorder.
![Photo of Nick Taylor, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1a536cf2-9e20-4dd9-ac4b-1835cb11a778/1/320x400.jpeg)
Nick Taylor
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Great Falls, MT 59403 (Online Only)
My approach is rooted in a commitment to swift, impactful results. Drawing from my extensive emergency medical background, I believe mental health treatment should be as prompt and effective as any other medical intervention. I am resolute in my stance that individuals grappling with severe depression, anxiety, or any mental health challenge shouldn't endure prolonged waits for relief. I specialize in treating patients with severe mental illness who have often exhausted numerous medication options. My unique skill set and training position me to address cases where others may have faltered.
My approach is rooted in a commitment to swift, impactful results. Drawing from my extensive emergency medical background, I believe mental health treatment should be as prompt and effective as any other medical intervention. I am resolute in my stance that individuals grappling with severe depression, anxiety, or any mental health challenge shouldn't endure prolonged waits for relief. I specialize in treating patients with severe mental illness who have often exhausted numerous medication options. My unique skill set and training position me to address cases where others may have faltered.
![Photo of Steven John Meek, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8be6e42f-4ca1-4212-a27f-f07ae0d92499/2/320x400.jpeg)
Steven John Meek
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Great Falls, MT 59404 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I have a passion for designing specialized treatment plans tailored to analyzing and caring for the root elements of mental health. My solution-based focus and patient orientated treatment style has attained consistent results. I apply an array of treatment modalities supporting the biological, psychological, and social dynamics of mental health.
I have a passion for designing specialized treatment plans tailored to analyzing and caring for the root elements of mental health. My solution-based focus and patient orientated treatment style has attained consistent results. I apply an array of treatment modalities supporting the biological, psychological, and social dynamics of mental health.
![Photo of Marcus Robinson, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/57960e78-5b4e-45c4-94a3-71ce3ae41a81/1/320x400.png)
Marcus Robinson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Great Falls, MT 59405
Now accepting new patients with same week appointments! Have you been struggling with depression, grief, anxiety, ADHD, issues with body image, severe mood fluctuations or perceptual disturbances and find that life has been increasingly difficult to cope with? Have you tried to seek advice from family members, friends and spiritual counselors, to no avail? You can overcome these struggles, with the right tools and I am here to help, using an unbiased approach. I draw from a few traditional therapeutic techniques, in combination with medication management, to create a treatment plan to meet your unique needs.
Now accepting new patients with same week appointments! Have you been struggling with depression, grief, anxiety, ADHD, issues with body image, severe mood fluctuations or perceptual disturbances and find that life has been increasingly difficult to cope with? Have you tried to seek advice from family members, friends and spiritual counselors, to no avail? You can overcome these struggles, with the right tools and I am here to help, using an unbiased approach. I draw from a few traditional therapeutic techniques, in combination with medication management, to create a treatment plan to meet your unique needs.
Online Psychiatrists
![Photo of Kate Schiel, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/77aeeba7-e1b3-4670-9803-b93dbc460279/2/320x400.jpeg)
Now accepting new clients! Has your therapist or physician suggested medication to relieve you or your child’s symptoms? Do you have questions about medication you are currently taking and whether adjustments can be made for better results and fewer side effects? Are you looking for someone who will listen to your unique experience to find the correct diagnosis and help manage your symptoms?
Now accepting new clients! Has your therapist or physician suggested medication to relieve you or your child’s symptoms? Do you have questions about medication you are currently taking and whether adjustments can be made for better results and fewer side effects? Are you looking for someone who will listen to your unique experience to find the correct diagnosis and help manage your symptoms?
![Photo of Holly L Gomez Levine - At Your Service Psychiatry PLLC, PMHNP, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c681fc53-e30b-4beb-8150-8f2f6e71c5b6/1/320x400.jpeg)
At Your Service Psychiatry PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Helena, MT 59601
Online Telepsychiatry Practice. No need to call or email an office. To see availability and schedule, go to AtYourServicePsychiatry.com. Prescription medications are sent to your local pharmacy after the visit. You finally decided to reach out for help, but it takes months to get in. I established this online telepsychiatry practice with the busy person in mind. In our psychiatric mental health practice, we care for people with ADHD, depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, bipolar, and more. We strive to offer compassionate and convenient psychiatric care.
Online Telepsychiatry Practice. No need to call or email an office. To see availability and schedule, go to AtYourServicePsychiatry.com. Prescription medications are sent to your local pharmacy after the visit. You finally decided to reach out for help, but it takes months to get in. I established this online telepsychiatry practice with the busy person in mind. In our psychiatric mental health practice, we care for people with ADHD, depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, bipolar, and more. We strive to offer compassionate and convenient psychiatric care.
![Photo of Jennifer Foresman, DNP, CRNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/68ad76ca-2ca6-48e2-a415-1309e3608a20/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jennifer Foresman
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, CRNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Helena, MT 59601 (Online Only)
Do you feel like you’ve tried everything to overcome your mental illness? Are you suffering from persistent feelings of sadness, chaotic mood swings, or debilitating anxiety? You might not remember a time when you didn’t feel this way. You are desperate for relief but beginning to wonder if there is hope of feeling better. Clients come to me looking for a provider with the experience and knowledge to manage challenging chronic symptoms, because mental health treatment does not need to be a constant unconquerable quest.
Do you feel like you’ve tried everything to overcome your mental illness? Are you suffering from persistent feelings of sadness, chaotic mood swings, or debilitating anxiety? You might not remember a time when you didn’t feel this way. You are desperate for relief but beginning to wonder if there is hope of feeling better. Clients come to me looking for a provider with the experience and knowledge to manage challenging chronic symptoms, because mental health treatment does not need to be a constant unconquerable quest.
![Photo of Kristel Kishbaugh - Mental Health Connections, LLC, DNP, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/82e438b0-5979-4b16-9744-ba83cfe85ed2/1/320x400.jpeg)
Mental Health Connections, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Montana City, MT 59634
Good health includes both physical and mental health which is why I believe a holistic perspective is key. I became an RN in 2008 and later, in 2016, I completed a Masters in Nursing with an Emphasis in Leadership later graduating with a Doctorate of Nursing Practice specializing in Psychiatric Mental Health in 2022.
Good health includes both physical and mental health which is why I believe a holistic perspective is key. I became an RN in 2008 and later, in 2016, I completed a Masters in Nursing with an Emphasis in Leadership later graduating with a Doctorate of Nursing Practice specializing in Psychiatric Mental Health in 2022.
![Photo of Jiff (Jennifer) McAnally, DNP, APRN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/967f376b-54a4-4a20-8022-ea0ed6da351e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jiff (Jennifer) McAnally
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Helena, MT 59601 (Online Only)
Jiff is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Montana State University and focused her research on treating Adverse Childhood Experiences. She has worked and trained at Montana State Hospital, the VA, and many regional hospitals and outpatient facilities where she has served all ages and complexities. She authors continuing education courses for nurses and instructs undergraduate and graduate nursing courses. Jiff grew up in the small-town, farming, ranching, and rodeo ways of life in Montana. She operates from the values of community learned here.
Jiff is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Montana State University and focused her research on treating Adverse Childhood Experiences. She has worked and trained at Montana State Hospital, the VA, and many regional hospitals and outpatient facilities where she has served all ages and complexities. She authors continuing education courses for nurses and instructs undergraduate and graduate nursing courses. Jiff grew up in the small-town, farming, ranching, and rodeo ways of life in Montana. She operates from the values of community learned here.
![Photo of Michelle Herron, DNP, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/18da724b-2c54-4a2a-b00a-2d36a638b699/2/320x400.jpeg)
Michelle Herron
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Helena, MT 59601
Michelle Herron grew up in Helena, Montana. She has been specializing in psychiatric care for 13 years. Michelle graduated with her Doctor of Nursing Practice from Montana State University in 2022; she is passionate about providing inclusive psychiatric services to Montanans. Michelle believes that the provider and client work together to find an individualized treatment that promotes health, healing, and hope.
Michelle Herron grew up in Helena, Montana. She has been specializing in psychiatric care for 13 years. Michelle graduated with her Doctor of Nursing Practice from Montana State University in 2022; she is passionate about providing inclusive psychiatric services to Montanans. Michelle believes that the provider and client work together to find an individualized treatment that promotes health, healing, and hope.
![Photo of Doug Mitchell, ARNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c610dfd-a961-48e2-b0e9-7b45fa67bf73/3/320x400.jpeg)
Doug Mitchell
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, ARNP-BC
Not Verified Not Verified
Helena, MT 59601 (Online Only)
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS IN NY, FL, MT & CA. I'm Dr. Mitchell, PMHNP- BC, DNP & retired USAF Veteran. As a Psychiatric provider, my aim is to identify, address and modify conditions, limiting patterns and behaviors that diminish function and suppress growth. My philosophy is Bio-Psycho-Social; I acknowledge the whole dynamic being and maintain the explicit intent of fostering personal accountability, growth and development. I approach each therapeutic encounter as a unique opportunity to facilitate the process of expanding awareness and elevating consciousness. We believe illuminating barriers is the first step toward eliminating them.
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS IN NY, FL, MT & CA. I'm Dr. Mitchell, PMHNP- BC, DNP & retired USAF Veteran. As a Psychiatric provider, my aim is to identify, address and modify conditions, limiting patterns and behaviors that diminish function and suppress growth. My philosophy is Bio-Psycho-Social; I acknowledge the whole dynamic being and maintain the explicit intent of fostering personal accountability, growth and development. I approach each therapeutic encounter as a unique opportunity to facilitate the process of expanding awareness and elevating consciousness. We believe illuminating barriers is the first step toward eliminating them.
![Photo of Christina Louise Borst, DNP, PMHNP, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/227453e1-bd33-4933-9a96-938e5bdb9b4a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Christina Louise Borst
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, APRN
Verified Verified
Choteau, MT 59422 (Online Only)
Front Range Family Psychiatry cares for the mental health for the whole family. Children through adults are seen in rural Choteau, Montana. We offer local psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, medication management and some therapy in a discrete location. All major insurances are accepted. There are now three Psych NPs to provide services.
Front Range Family Psychiatry cares for the mental health for the whole family. Children through adults are seen in rural Choteau, Montana. We offer local psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, medication management and some therapy in a discrete location. All major insurances are accepted. There are now three Psych NPs to provide services.
![Photo of Carly Sell, DNP, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c3fb51bb-1e77-46ff-ac2a-18b1ba56ddea/2/320x400.jpeg)
Carly Sell
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Helena, MT 59601
Carly Sell, a Montana native, has worked as a psychiatric nurse for the past 15 years. Carly graduated in 2007 from Carroll College with her bachelor’s degree in nursing and from Montana State University in 2022 with her Doctor of Nursing Practice. Carly has always been passionate about improving overall mental health and well-being throughout Montana through suicide prevention, mental health awareness education, and trauma-informed care.
Carly Sell, a Montana native, has worked as a psychiatric nurse for the past 15 years. Carly graduated in 2007 from Carroll College with her bachelor’s degree in nursing and from Montana State University in 2022 with her Doctor of Nursing Practice. Carly has always been passionate about improving overall mental health and well-being throughout Montana through suicide prevention, mental health awareness education, and trauma-informed care.
![Photo of Richard Mitchell, DO, MS, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c0dffc9d-a2ad-4c2c-a56a-4bcb3b15db48/1/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting new telepsychiatry clients in Montana! Dr. Mitchell utilizes a BioPsychoSocial approach and provides psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and laboratory monitoring as needed.
Accepting new telepsychiatry clients in Montana! Dr. Mitchell utilizes a BioPsychoSocial approach and provides psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and laboratory monitoring as needed.
See more therapy options for Cascade County
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Cascade County, MT
10+
Average cost per session
$150
Psychiatrists in Cascade County, MT who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | Trauma and PTSD |
100% | Medication Management |
90% | ADHD |
90% | Bipolar Disorder |
80% | Suicidal Ideation |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
88% | Aetna |
88% | Cigna and Evernorth |
75% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in Cascade County, MT see their clients
50% | In Person and Online | |
50% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
50% | Female | |
50% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Cascade 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.