Psychiatrists in Jacksonville, NC
![Photo of David Ahlberg, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/67cbfbb0-88fe-4164-bfe3-840d2fbaf3b7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Affiliated Medical Group, PLLC is a private practice Psychiatric Group serving all of North Carolina and Florida. We have many years of combined experience working with people in a variety of settings. We have expertise in the treatment of a wide variety of psychiatric challenges across the lifespan, and we are ready to meet your needs.
Affiliated Medical Group, PLLC is a private practice Psychiatric Group serving all of North Carolina and Florida. We have many years of combined experience working with people in a variety of settings. We have expertise in the treatment of a wide variety of psychiatric challenges across the lifespan, and we are ready to meet your needs.
![Photo of David Ahlberg - Affiliated Medical Group, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/aee9e783-bf1d-4385-afb9-ff9c00ea532b/1/320x400.png)
Affiliated Medical Group, PLLC is a private practice Psychiatric Group serving North Carolina and Florida. We have many years of combined experience working with people in a variety of settings. We have expertise in the treatment of a wide variety of psychiatric challenges across the lifespan, and we are ready to meet your needs.
Affiliated Medical Group, PLLC is a private practice Psychiatric Group serving North Carolina and Florida. We have many years of combined experience working with people in a variety of settings. We have expertise in the treatment of a wide variety of psychiatric challenges across the lifespan, and we are ready to meet your needs.
![Photo of Augusta Williams - Corehealthpsych, PMHNP_B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a72b7f8c-e6a7-4aa8-a9f7-5ca1533ee182/1/320x400.png)
We are a virtual psychiatric mental health practice. We at CoreHealthPsych believe that everyone in need should have access to quality care. We provide patients with the knowledge and tools they need to live their best lives. Our experience enables us to offer effective outpatient telehealth and individualized psychiatric care. We provide a safe and non-judgmental environment.
We are a virtual psychiatric mental health practice. We at CoreHealthPsych believe that everyone in need should have access to quality care. We provide patients with the knowledge and tools they need to live their best lives. Our experience enables us to offer effective outpatient telehealth and individualized psychiatric care. We provide a safe and non-judgmental environment.
![Photo of Stephanie Canal - Alchemy Healthy Minds and Wellness, CRNP, MSN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5616b670-1742-4bef-8db6-9fd579b86583/1/320x400.png)
Alchemy Healthy Minds and Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, MSN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Jacksonville, NC 28546
Welcome to Alchemy Healthy Minds and Wellness! We are a nurse practitioner, women, veteran, and mom owned private practice serving the mental health medication management needs of Jacksonville, NC and surrounding areas. With close to 30 years of nursing experience between our two psychiatric nurse practitioners we have a rich background of experience to guide you in meeting your individualized treatment goals. We currently offer services for patients ages 6-65 for medication management, genetic testing, and order appropriate laboratory monitoring.
Welcome to Alchemy Healthy Minds and Wellness! We are a nurse practitioner, women, veteran, and mom owned private practice serving the mental health medication management needs of Jacksonville, NC and surrounding areas. With close to 30 years of nursing experience between our two psychiatric nurse practitioners we have a rich background of experience to guide you in meeting your individualized treatment goals. We currently offer services for patients ages 6-65 for medication management, genetic testing, and order appropriate laboratory monitoring.
![Photo of Tanya Fowler, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/07d63cd3-2391-42fd-bc3f-331c4bfc56d6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting New Clients! I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 25 years of nursing experience across the lifespan. I started in a Surgical Trauma ICU helping patients and their families navigate through difficult traumatic experiences. I have always believed in the resiliency of the human spirit and have devoted my practice to providing care that is empathetic, evidenced-based, and unique to the individual. I try to provide a wholistic approach to treatment and advocate for optimizing brain health with medications, nutrition, exercise, supplements, and talk therapy.
Accepting New Clients! I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 25 years of nursing experience across the lifespan. I started in a Surgical Trauma ICU helping patients and their families navigate through difficult traumatic experiences. I have always believed in the resiliency of the human spirit and have devoted my practice to providing care that is empathetic, evidenced-based, and unique to the individual. I try to provide a wholistic approach to treatment and advocate for optimizing brain health with medications, nutrition, exercise, supplements, and talk therapy.
![Photo of Ashli Gibson, PMHNP, CNM, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/07bfac88-bd63-42eb-a56b-989ca3d89b38/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ashli Gibson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, CNM, MSN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Jacksonville, NC 28540
Ashli is a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in Perinatal and Reproductive Psychiatry. She has a background as a Certified Nurse-Midwife in which she developed expertise in prenatal care, birth, postpartum care, and gynecology over the span of six years. As a midwife, Ashli experienced firsthand how prevalent the adversities are that individuals face regarding reproductive challenges and transitions and how few mental health resources there are available to those who need them at such a vulnerable time. She offers medication management and support through a process that values empowerment and respect.
Ashli is a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in Perinatal and Reproductive Psychiatry. She has a background as a Certified Nurse-Midwife in which she developed expertise in prenatal care, birth, postpartum care, and gynecology over the span of six years. As a midwife, Ashli experienced firsthand how prevalent the adversities are that individuals face regarding reproductive challenges and transitions and how few mental health resources there are available to those who need them at such a vulnerable time. She offers medication management and support through a process that values empowerment and respect.
![Photo of Meghan Blankmann - CapeSide Psychiatry & CapeSide Addiction Care, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e79e3c83-edf3-44f6-b32d-6a0d2c6edbf1/1/320x400.png)
CapeSide Psychiatry & CapeSide Addiction Care
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Jacksonville, NC 28540
Capeside Psychiatry is committed to providing comprehensive mental health services to children, adolescents, and adults. We provide evaluations, psychological assessments, therapy, and medication management for a range of psychological and behavioral health disorders.
Capeside Psychiatry is committed to providing comprehensive mental health services to children, adolescents, and adults. We provide evaluations, psychological assessments, therapy, and medication management for a range of psychological and behavioral health disorders.
![Photo of Kizzy H Petersen - Carolina Behavioral Health and Wellness PLLC, FNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/13deaa0e-9b43-417e-bae2-a6b35aefb895/2/320x400.jpeg)
Carolina Behavioral Health and Wellness PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Jacksonville, NC 28540
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others and make healthy choices. Mental and physical health are equally important components of our overall health. For example, depression increases the risk for many types of physical health problems, particularly long-lasting conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. I believe mental health is a lifestyle and place emphasis on healthy habits, wellness and self-care to optimize the best version of ourselves.
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others and make healthy choices. Mental and physical health are equally important components of our overall health. For example, depression increases the risk for many types of physical health problems, particularly long-lasting conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. I believe mental health is a lifestyle and place emphasis on healthy habits, wellness and self-care to optimize the best version of ourselves.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
![Photo of Sheila Marano, MSN, FNP-C, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/20a8e1fa-f799-47d5-b030-f6d7c5b873d8/1/320x400.png)
Sheila Marano
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, FNP-C, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Camp Lejeune, NC 28542 (Online Only)
Appointments are Available! Call or TEXT Sheila to 919-535-9342 or go to the website and click on Request Services. The journey towards mental health and wellness is a marathon and not a race. As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, the foundation of my training is seeing and treating the person holistically. My goal is to partner with each individual client to foster the highest quality of life which is sustainable over time. Most clients benefit from a combination of medication and psychotherapy.
Appointments are Available! Call or TEXT Sheila to 919-535-9342 or go to the website and click on Request Services. The journey towards mental health and wellness is a marathon and not a race. As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, the foundation of my training is seeing and treating the person holistically. My goal is to partner with each individual client to foster the highest quality of life which is sustainable over time. Most clients benefit from a combination of medication and psychotherapy.
![Photo of Jordan Espersen, PMHNP-B, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3855ee05-d6ae-4f22-a20a-a140edbc42b0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jordan is a board certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She believes in patient-centered care, not only trusting her own knowledge but using the patient’s opinions and goals to mediate care in hopes to overall improve the individual’s daily life. She feels that involving the individual who seeks care with every decision will bring the individual closer to their goals, improve how they feel overall, and improve the outcome of care. She promotes healthy eating, exercise, and calming techniques such as meditation and yoga.
Jordan is a board certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She believes in patient-centered care, not only trusting her own knowledge but using the patient’s opinions and goals to mediate care in hopes to overall improve the individual’s daily life. She feels that involving the individual who seeks care with every decision will bring the individual closer to their goals, improve how they feel overall, and improve the outcome of care. She promotes healthy eating, exercise, and calming techniques such as meditation and yoga.
Online Psychiatrists
![Photo of Siera Kirkland, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dc234503-4b4b-47e3-b477-4cfab65f5a71/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Siera Kirkland is an adult general psychiatrist. She is a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Kirkland focuses on collaborative and evidence-based care. She believes it is imperative to form a therapeutic relationship with each individual and work together as a team to formulate the best treatment plan. Her passion is to educate, empower and support. She specializes in medication management and brief psychotherapy.
Dr. Siera Kirkland is an adult general psychiatrist. She is a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Kirkland focuses on collaborative and evidence-based care. She believes it is imperative to form a therapeutic relationship with each individual and work together as a team to formulate the best treatment plan. Her passion is to educate, empower and support. She specializes in medication management and brief psychotherapy.
![Photo of Tamiqua Jackson Luckey, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f4f541e5-5ee9-4811-99c3-84b360d2e8e6/1/320x400.png)
Tamiqua Jackson Luckey
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Fayetteville, NC 28301 (Online Only)
Tamiqua is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and a certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) who diagnoses, treats, and manages various mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar, trauma/PTSD, and many others. Her practice foundation is built upon compassion and empathy, focusing on the care of young and older adults.
Tamiqua is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and a certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) who diagnoses, treats, and manages various mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar, trauma/PTSD, and many others. Her practice foundation is built upon compassion and empathy, focusing on the care of young and older adults.
![Photo of Dr. Mohammad Abu-Salha, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/179710f9-ed5e-46dc-8e50-b460cb5e12eb/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Mohammad Abu-Salha is board-certified and works with patients of all ages. Dr. Abu-Salha obtained U.S. citizenship in 1998 after serving rural communities in North Carolina. He completed his residency at Eastern Virginia Medical School and was awarded the Resident Research Award. In 2006, Dr. Abu-Salha founded Johnston Psychiatric Associates with his wife, running the practice for 14 years.
Dr. Mohammad Abu-Salha is board-certified and works with patients of all ages. Dr. Abu-Salha obtained U.S. citizenship in 1998 after serving rural communities in North Carolina. He completed his residency at Eastern Virginia Medical School and was awarded the Resident Research Award. In 2006, Dr. Abu-Salha founded Johnston Psychiatric Associates with his wife, running the practice for 14 years.
![Photo of Stephanie Price, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/22bff30c-ae37-4510-b69b-66bbe8346568/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Stephanie Price is a board-certified psychiatrist. Her practice focuses on medication management and supportive therapy. She believes in a collaborative approach to treatment planning because shared decision-making helps provide the best outcome for patients. She went to college at the University of Rochester in Rochester, NY and received her degree in Microbiology. She completed her medical education at Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Spartanburg, SC, and completed her residency training at Creighton University School of Medicine-Valleywise Health in Phoenix, AZ.
Dr. Stephanie Price is a board-certified psychiatrist. Her practice focuses on medication management and supportive therapy. She believes in a collaborative approach to treatment planning because shared decision-making helps provide the best outcome for patients. She went to college at the University of Rochester in Rochester, NY and received her degree in Microbiology. She completed her medical education at Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Spartanburg, SC, and completed her residency training at Creighton University School of Medicine-Valleywise Health in Phoenix, AZ.
![Photo of Shameka Logan-Johnson - Heart & Mind Behavioral Services, RN, MSN, PMHNP, -BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f7a9ed04-6426-4641-ad0d-862025eebd6f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Heart & Mind Behavioral Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, RN, MSN, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Smithfield, NC 27577 (Online Only)
Now Accepting New Patients. Shameka Logan-Johnson, RN, BSN, MSN, PMHNP-BC is an undergraduate of Virginia Commonwealth University and a Post Graduate of Walden University where she earned a degree as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She is nationally certified through the American Nurse Credentialing Center of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Shameka brings experience in various mental health settings to include treating the mental health population in corrections, inpatient and outpatient settings.
Now Accepting New Patients. Shameka Logan-Johnson, RN, BSN, MSN, PMHNP-BC is an undergraduate of Virginia Commonwealth University and a Post Graduate of Walden University where she earned a degree as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She is nationally certified through the American Nurse Credentialing Center of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Shameka brings experience in various mental health settings to include treating the mental health population in corrections, inpatient and outpatient settings.
![Photo of Jon Garfin, MSN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4ae54495-f4de-4f96-9537-f288ac825f16/1/320x400.jpeg)
I believe our society and technology are evolving far faster than we are as humans. We are attempting to adapt to these demands and changes but unequipped with the guidance and tools necessary to adjust which causes anxiety and stress. The growing crisis in mental health is directly linked to maladaptive behavior and negative thought patterns as we try to adapt to an ever changing world. Changing our thoughts, changes our actions, and the results of our lives. We can live meaningfully when our values align with our thoughts and actions.
I believe our society and technology are evolving far faster than we are as humans. We are attempting to adapt to these demands and changes but unequipped with the guidance and tools necessary to adjust which causes anxiety and stress. The growing crisis in mental health is directly linked to maladaptive behavior and negative thought patterns as we try to adapt to an ever changing world. Changing our thoughts, changes our actions, and the results of our lives. We can live meaningfully when our values align with our thoughts and actions.
![Photo of Dr. Shawn Faust, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1259d1d2-b2c5-411c-b24a-64663f9e989a/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Shawn Faust
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27610
Dr. Shawn Faust, DNP, PMHNP-BC is a distinguished Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who brings a unique and patient-centric approach to the field of mental health. His philosophy centers around the belief that individuals are experts in their own experiences, and collaboration between the patient and their mental health provider is essential for effective and personalized treatment. He believes that informed patients are better equipped to navigate their unique mental health challenges. Thus, treatment with Dr. Faust often involves teaching patients about their diagnosis and discussing the pros and cons of various treatment options.
Dr. Shawn Faust, DNP, PMHNP-BC is a distinguished Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who brings a unique and patient-centric approach to the field of mental health. His philosophy centers around the belief that individuals are experts in their own experiences, and collaboration between the patient and their mental health provider is essential for effective and personalized treatment. He believes that informed patients are better equipped to navigate their unique mental health challenges. Thus, treatment with Dr. Faust often involves teaching patients about their diagnosis and discussing the pros and cons of various treatment options.
![Photo of Cristina Seicarescu, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6fd3f6d8-4166-407f-9a1f-a0e0a05bbceb/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Seicarescu is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. She received her medical degree from the Carol Davila University of Medicine in Romania and completed her psychiatry residency at Wayne State University in Detroit. Dr. Seicarescu's approach is collaborative, supportive, and patient-centered. Her practice focuses on medication management along with elements of therapy from different modalities, such as supportive and cognitive behavioral therapy that are patient-tailored.
Dr. Seicarescu is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. She received her medical degree from the Carol Davila University of Medicine in Romania and completed her psychiatry residency at Wayne State University in Detroit. Dr. Seicarescu's approach is collaborative, supportive, and patient-centered. Her practice focuses on medication management along with elements of therapy from different modalities, such as supportive and cognitive behavioral therapy that are patient-tailored.
![Photo of Shuntrickia Taylor, PMHNP, RN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/07864684-e5fe-4883-b276-f0b4f91cc116/1/320x400.jpeg)
Shuntrickia Taylor
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, RN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fayetteville, NC 28314 (Online Only)
Shuntrickia is committed to delivering comprehensive and compassionate care to individuals facing mental health challenges. With a patient-centered approach, Shuntrickia emphasizes collaborative care, actively involving patients in treatment planning and decision-making processes. Through empathetic listening and effective communication, she establishes a therapeutic alliance built on trust and mutual respect, fostering a supportive environment.
Shuntrickia is committed to delivering comprehensive and compassionate care to individuals facing mental health challenges. With a patient-centered approach, Shuntrickia emphasizes collaborative care, actively involving patients in treatment planning and decision-making processes. Through empathetic listening and effective communication, she establishes a therapeutic alliance built on trust and mutual respect, fostering a supportive environment.
![Photo of Shanika Bostic Smith, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d429a737-13ef-4c5d-b754-08a6cc3d5b9c/4/320x400.jpeg)
Shanika Bostic Smith
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27610 (Online Only)
Living with mental health challenges can be exhausting. Is your life driven by fear, uncertainties, sadness and worry? Are you feeling overwhelmed? Are you fighting a daily battle to stay afloat? Would you like to improve your mental clarity? I understand the complexities of mental health and the impact that it can have on an individual's life and overall health. I recognize that seeking mental health treatment can be a daunting experience. If you are going through a difficult time with conditions such as anxiety, depression, or mood/panic disorders then the correct diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve your life.
Living with mental health challenges can be exhausting. Is your life driven by fear, uncertainties, sadness and worry? Are you feeling overwhelmed? Are you fighting a daily battle to stay afloat? Would you like to improve your mental clarity? I understand the complexities of mental health and the impact that it can have on an individual's life and overall health. I recognize that seeking mental health treatment can be a daunting experience. If you are going through a difficult time with conditions such as anxiety, depression, or mood/panic disorders then the correct diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve your life.
See more therapy options for Jacksonville
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Jacksonville, NC
< 10
Psychiatrists in Jacksonville, NC who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
88% | Trauma and PTSD |
88% | Bipolar Disorder |
75% | ADHD |
75% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
63% | Behavioral Issues |
Average years in practice
5 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
86% | Aetna |
86% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
How Psychiatrists in Jacksonville, NC see their clients
88% | In Person and Online | |
12% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
72% | Female | |
28% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Jacksonville?
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.