Psychiatrists in Lewis And Clark County, MT
![Photo of Michael German, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ba9eb408-517b-4e91-9925-37ffce0d434c/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 4 years of evaluating, diagnosing and treating many mental health disorders for children, adolescents and adults. I have experience working in the outpatient setting, telehealth appointments, inpatient unit and adolescent residential homes. In addition to my experience as a prescriber, I have over 15 years of nursing experience in multiple medical fields.
I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 4 years of evaluating, diagnosing and treating many mental health disorders for children, adolescents and adults. I have experience working in the outpatient setting, telehealth appointments, inpatient unit and adolescent residential homes. In addition to my experience as a prescriber, I have over 15 years of nursing experience in multiple medical fields.
![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 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 Heidi Geil - Optimize Psychiatry, LLC, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2eb16e29-3e50-4a25-b383-af0a782b0565/2/320x400.jpeg)
Optimize Psychiatry, LLC
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Helena, MT 59601
Not accepting new clients
Optimize Psychiatry offers a modern & natural approach to psychiatry that is Personalized, Holistic, Functional & Scientifically Informed. We take a root-cause analytic approach to each client's unique biochemistry, genetics & psychological factors and work to align physiology, neurology, and psychodynamics by incorporating insights from various disciplines within and outside of medicine. Our goal is always to help you retrieve or discover your Optimized Self through insight and future-driven change designed to improve your health across life domains and aligned with your deepest values. (More details at optimizepsychiatry.com)
Optimize Psychiatry offers a modern & natural approach to psychiatry that is Personalized, Holistic, Functional & Scientifically Informed. We take a root-cause analytic approach to each client's unique biochemistry, genetics & psychological factors and work to align physiology, neurology, and psychodynamics by incorporating insights from various disciplines within and outside of medicine. Our goal is always to help you retrieve or discover your Optimized Self through insight and future-driven change designed to improve your health across life domains and aligned with your deepest values. (More details at optimizepsychiatry.com)
![Photo of Jennifer Buscher, DNP, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/df5e134e-2dcd-458d-a7b5-d8d864d976d4/1/320x400.png)
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 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 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 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 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 Nicole Davis - Bellathia Psychiatry, LLC, APRN, PMHNP, PMHC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/045ee628-4b98-4a76-a577-7f9add2a6d5c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Bellathia Psychiatry, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, PMHC
Verified Verified
Helena, MT 59601
***Accepting NEW PATIENTS in Montana*****SCHEDULE DIRECTLY at www.bellathiapsychiatry.com****** I can provide psychiatric services including diagnostic evaluation, medication management, laboratory monitoring, follow up care, and referrals as needed. You are important and so is your self care! I'm here to help. I have several years of diverse experience in education and nursing. My goal is to help you understand why you are feeling this way and how we can work together towards meeting your needs.
***Accepting NEW PATIENTS in Montana*****SCHEDULE DIRECTLY at www.bellathiapsychiatry.com****** I can provide psychiatric services including diagnostic evaluation, medication management, laboratory monitoring, follow up care, and referrals as needed. You are important and so is your self care! I'm here to help. I have several years of diverse experience in education and nursing. My goal is to help you understand why you are feeling this way and how we can work together towards meeting your needs.
Online Psychiatrists
![Photo of Erin Amato - Montana Psychiatry & Brain Health Center, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/59d27485-5d29-4574-96d6-254ab9faf1e9/1/320x400.png)
We are dedicated to serving the mental health needs of pediatric and adult patients in our region. We aim to provide compassionate, thoughtful and comprehensive care by using an integrative approach that focuses on biological, psychological, and social factors that are unique to each patient. We provide Medication Management, TMS Therapy, IV Ketamine and Spravato, Psychological Testing, and Therapy services across the state of Montana. Whatever your mental health needs are, our team at Montana Psychiatry will provide exemplary care to put you on the path to healing and enriched living.
We are dedicated to serving the mental health needs of pediatric and adult patients in our region. We aim to provide compassionate, thoughtful and comprehensive care by using an integrative approach that focuses on biological, psychological, and social factors that are unique to each patient. We provide Medication Management, TMS Therapy, IV Ketamine and Spravato, Psychological Testing, and Therapy services across the state of Montana. Whatever your mental health needs are, our team at Montana Psychiatry will provide exemplary care to put you on the path to healing and enriched living.
![Photo of Brandy Colvin, PMHNP, FNP, RN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c919f0c1-24bf-4558-9280-d7a8a9c79e04/1/320x400.jpeg)
Brandy Colvin
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP, RN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bozeman, MT 59718
You are not alone. Depression, anxiety, ADHD, and other mental health concerns can make us feel stuck, but there is hope. How can I help with your mental health goals? In-Person visits in Bozeman and online visits for all Montana residents.
You are not alone. Depression, anxiety, ADHD, and other mental health concerns can make us feel stuck, but there is hope. How can I help with your mental health goals? In-Person visits in Bozeman and online visits for all Montana residents.
![Photo of Shannon Scally - SPMH & Scally Health and Wellness PLLC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2c80b0f7-0ca8-4c3c-ba76-d1edbbc75e9f/1/320x400.png)
SPMH & Scally Health and Wellness PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Verified Verified
Missoula, MT 59804
As board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners, we work to engage in a unique therapeutic relationship. Our focus is to perform a thorough assessment, diagnosis and evaluation to provide medication management, psychoeducation, and psychotherapy using a collaborative approach. Overall, we welcome you to come as you are, together, we can reach your mental health goals. Mental health care is an essential piece of overall health.
As board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners, we work to engage in a unique therapeutic relationship. Our focus is to perform a thorough assessment, diagnosis and evaluation to provide medication management, psychoeducation, and psychotherapy using a collaborative approach. Overall, we welcome you to come as you are, together, we can reach your mental health goals. Mental health care is an essential piece of overall health.
![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 Nicole Davis Aprn, PMHNP, PMH-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d5cb0ce4-860b-4ce4-885b-9dc206d4961f/1/320x400.jpeg)
***Accepting new patients in Montana****SCHEDULE TODAY DIRECTLY ONLINE at www.bellathiapsychiatry.com***** I can provide psychiatric services including diagnostic evaluation, medication management, laboratory monitoring, follow up care, and referrals as needed. You are important and so is your self care! I'm here to help. I have several years of diverse experience in education and nursing. My goal is to help you understand why you are feeling this way and how we can work together towards meeting your needs.
***Accepting new patients in Montana****SCHEDULE TODAY DIRECTLY ONLINE at www.bellathiapsychiatry.com***** I can provide psychiatric services including diagnostic evaluation, medication management, laboratory monitoring, follow up care, and referrals as needed. You are important and so is your self care! I'm here to help. I have several years of diverse experience in education and nursing. My goal is to help you understand why you are feeling this way and how we can work together towards meeting your needs.
![Photo of Allison Sears, BSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/36c59d65-6688-4f0b-87f7-a65b194dc6f3/2/320x400.jpeg)
Allison Sears
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, BSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bozeman, MT 59715 (Online Only)
Allison is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC). She obtained her master’s degree from Gonzaga University. During her eight years of acute-care experience, she participated in forming the Psychiatric Stabilization Unit at Billings Clinic and worked on the in-patient units providing therapeutic care to patients across the lifespan. She has broad experience in crisis intervention and trauma-informed care. Allison now enjoys working out-patient to help clients manage their symptoms and enjoy their ideal quality of life. She is passionate about providing quality, compassionate, and holistic services.
Allison is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC). She obtained her master’s degree from Gonzaga University. During her eight years of acute-care experience, she participated in forming the Psychiatric Stabilization Unit at Billings Clinic and worked on the in-patient units providing therapeutic care to patients across the lifespan. She has broad experience in crisis intervention and trauma-informed care. Allison now enjoys working out-patient to help clients manage their symptoms and enjoy their ideal quality of life. She is passionate about providing quality, compassionate, and holistic services.
![Photo of Alison Hall, PA-C, MHS, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a40d14ce-9a1e-4fdc-9832-2df4d9212119/1/320x400.jpeg)
Alison Hall, PA-C, MHS, is a licensed Physician Assistant with over twenty-four years of clinical experience as a Primary Care/Internal Medicine practitioner. She graduated from Quinnipiac University in Connecticut with a Masters in Health Science and Physician Studies in 1999. After using alternative medicine practices to heal herself from several autoimmune conditions, Alison began using these same practices to facilitate her clients to heal. She has studied Internal Family Systems, holotropic breathing and mindfulness, believing that these practices are a part of physical, emotional and psychological well-being.
Alison Hall, PA-C, MHS, is a licensed Physician Assistant with over twenty-four years of clinical experience as a Primary Care/Internal Medicine practitioner. She graduated from Quinnipiac University in Connecticut with a Masters in Health Science and Physician Studies in 1999. After using alternative medicine practices to heal herself from several autoimmune conditions, Alison began using these same practices to facilitate her clients to heal. She has studied Internal Family Systems, holotropic breathing and mindfulness, believing that these practices are a part of physical, emotional and psychological well-being.
![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.
![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
Missoula, MT 59801 (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 Melany Gardner, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/74b09fa5-f6ce-4d5a-be83-62fee0da257c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Melany Gardner
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Bozeman, MT 59718 (Online Only)
Sometimes we struggle to be our best selves. Our personal relationships suffer and we struggle to function well at our jobs. It is natural to dismiss symptoms as situational, and to believe that you can overcome the impact of your circumstances. Sometimes the brain needs a little help to re-establish healthy pathways. As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, it is my job to get to know you and work with you to identify and treat the symptoms that negatively impact your life.
Sometimes we struggle to be our best selves. Our personal relationships suffer and we struggle to function well at our jobs. It is natural to dismiss symptoms as situational, and to believe that you can overcome the impact of your circumstances. Sometimes the brain needs a little help to re-establish healthy pathways. As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, it is my job to get to know you and work with you to identify and treat the symptoms that negatively impact your life.
See more therapy options for Lewis And Clark County
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Lewis And Clark County, MT
10+
Average cost per session
$312
Psychiatrists in Lewis And Clark County, MT who prioritize treating:
100% | Anxiety |
91% | Depression |
91% | ADHD |
91% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
91% | Trauma and PTSD |
91% | Bipolar Disorder |
91% | Sleep or Insomnia |
Average years in practice
11 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
88% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
88% | Medicaid |
88% | Allegiance |
How Psychiatrists in Lewis And Clark County, MT see their clients
64% | In Person and Online | |
36% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
89% | Female | |
11% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Lewis And Clark 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.