Psychiatrists in Ocean, NJ
![Photo of Moshe Frances, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1aa66b1d-8f7f-45ea-9f2b-1f68bb51905b/1/320x400.jpeg)
My approach to treating clients emphasizes a compassionate-focused and individualized approach which infuses medication management and supportive therapy. I therefore created VIP Psychiatry, a concierge private practice that tailors treatment to the client and allows for flexible scheduling. I commend my clients for taking the first step by calling the office and admitting that help is needed. Exploring emotions and behaviors in an honest way can feel frighting but be very rewarding. When clients are ready to get the help they seek, I provide the support and techniques needed to help them overcome the issues they face.
My approach to treating clients emphasizes a compassionate-focused and individualized approach which infuses medication management and supportive therapy. I therefore created VIP Psychiatry, a concierge private practice that tailors treatment to the client and allows for flexible scheduling. I commend my clients for taking the first step by calling the office and admitting that help is needed. Exploring emotions and behaviors in an honest way can feel frighting but be very rewarding. When clients are ready to get the help they seek, I provide the support and techniques needed to help them overcome the issues they face.
![Photo of Joan D Palermo - Complete Integrative Healing, PMHNP-C, APN-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1538ccaf-5203-4a3c-b53d-91a29202f506/3/320x400.jpeg)
Complete Integrative Healing
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-C, APN-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ocean, NJ 07712
My job is to work with my clients and support them in their journey toward achieving positive mental health. i work with the whole person and look at their past and present experiences and how they have shaped their "today." We examine their needs, goals and aspirations for the future. It is extremely possible to find balance, health, stability and happiness in life but it will take hard work through trust, examination, transparency, therapy and time. "Life begins at the end of your comfort zone." Neil Donald Walsh. I truly believe when we are challenged and made to feel uncomfortable via self journey healing begins naturally.
My job is to work with my clients and support them in their journey toward achieving positive mental health. i work with the whole person and look at their past and present experiences and how they have shaped their "today." We examine their needs, goals and aspirations for the future. It is extremely possible to find balance, health, stability and happiness in life but it will take hard work through trust, examination, transparency, therapy and time. "Life begins at the end of your comfort zone." Neil Donald Walsh. I truly believe when we are challenged and made to feel uncomfortable via self journey healing begins naturally.
![Photo of Melanie E DeNardo, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/02415bb2-edfa-44db-b67d-903fac3d81d2/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner currently accepting new patients. My primary focus is on medication management for a wide range of psychiatric disorders in children, adolescents, and adults. I also provide Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) therapy to children struggling with OCD and anxiety. My journey in mental health care is deeply personal, as I am a parent to a daughter managing OCD and anxiety. This experience has strengthened my dedication to helping children and adolescents navigate through their mental health challenges.
I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner currently accepting new patients. My primary focus is on medication management for a wide range of psychiatric disorders in children, adolescents, and adults. I also provide Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) therapy to children struggling with OCD and anxiety. My journey in mental health care is deeply personal, as I am a parent to a daughter managing OCD and anxiety. This experience has strengthened my dedication to helping children and adolescents navigate through their mental health challenges.
![Photo of Miriam Tetelbom - Miriam Tetelbom MD LLC, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/154a874c-4050-4cdc-806b-6debbb0c31b2/1/320x400.jpeg)
During consultations, I focus on being supportive and understanding while at the same time being a very thorough professional. I have over thirty years of experience in various levels of care, assisting and guiding clients to adjust to new life situations. Taking the necessary time to listen to you helps me make the best evaluation and together we come up with a treatment plan. Before establishing my practice in the United States, I have also had a wide range of experience in Brazil, where for fifteen years, I worked as a clinical psychiatrist and taught medical students and psychiatry residents.I lecture in conferences as well.
During consultations, I focus on being supportive and understanding while at the same time being a very thorough professional. I have over thirty years of experience in various levels of care, assisting and guiding clients to adjust to new life situations. Taking the necessary time to listen to you helps me make the best evaluation and together we come up with a treatment plan. Before establishing my practice in the United States, I have also had a wide range of experience in Brazil, where for fifteen years, I worked as a clinical psychiatrist and taught medical students and psychiatry residents.I lecture in conferences as well.
![Photo of Jennifer O'Scanlon, BSN, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d4db6b5d-438b-497a-8719-a83a49cb2786/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jennifer O'Scanlon
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, BSN, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Ocean, NJ 07712
You have probably been going to therapy for some time now. You've made progress but there are still days when you feel anxious or depressed. This may be holding you back from meeting your goals and it's where I can help. I offer medication management at the lowest doses possible to help reduce your symptoms allowing you to fully engage in your therapy. With symptoms reduced you will be able to fully utilize all the skills you’ve learned, allowing you to heal and better handle life's stressors.
You have probably been going to therapy for some time now. You've made progress but there are still days when you feel anxious or depressed. This may be holding you back from meeting your goals and it's where I can help. I offer medication management at the lowest doses possible to help reduce your symptoms allowing you to fully engage in your therapy. With symptoms reduced you will be able to fully utilize all the skills you’ve learned, allowing you to heal and better handle life's stressors.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
![Photo of Ketnie V Aristide - Happy Hour Therapeutics, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2c8788cd-3c6a-4cc2-a6f6-c326f4acf858/2/320x400.jpeg)
Happy Hour Therapeutics
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Red Bank, NJ 07702 (Online Only)
Are you constantly feeling like you can’t catch a break with life’s challenges pulling you in all directions? Are the days increasingly longer and the nights shorter? Are you tossing and turning most nights and wake up exhausted. Are you getting more forgetful, finding it hard to concentrate, or get easily distracted ? Have you noticed a change in appetite with drastic weight fluctuations? Maybe you find yourself crying for no reason and lashing out on people that you love and care for dearly. Have you experienced Trauma that has left you feeling anxious and on edge? Well guess what, You do not have to face these challenges alone!
Are you constantly feeling like you can’t catch a break with life’s challenges pulling you in all directions? Are the days increasingly longer and the nights shorter? Are you tossing and turning most nights and wake up exhausted. Are you getting more forgetful, finding it hard to concentrate, or get easily distracted ? Have you noticed a change in appetite with drastic weight fluctuations? Maybe you find yourself crying for no reason and lashing out on people that you love and care for dearly. Have you experienced Trauma that has left you feeling anxious and on edge? Well guess what, You do not have to face these challenges alone!
![Photo of Nilda L Chapema, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d3428e8d-d8dd-4d38-ad17-09e8d81590d0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Nilda L Chapema
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Eatontown, NJ 07799 (Online Only)
As a dedicated and experienced Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatric Care, I am here to guide you on your journey towards optimal mental health and overall well-being. With a decade of hands-on clinical expertise, I am committed to elevating the standard of mental healthcare through compassionate engagement, preventive strategies, and tailored treatments. My patient-centric approach ensures that your unique needs are met with the utmost care and attention. Together, we can achieve consistently high-quality outcomes, empowering you to lead a fulfilling and balanced life. Let's work together to break the stigma surrounding mental heal
As a dedicated and experienced Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatric Care, I am here to guide you on your journey towards optimal mental health and overall well-being. With a decade of hands-on clinical expertise, I am committed to elevating the standard of mental healthcare through compassionate engagement, preventive strategies, and tailored treatments. My patient-centric approach ensures that your unique needs are met with the utmost care and attention. Together, we can achieve consistently high-quality outcomes, empowering you to lead a fulfilling and balanced life. Let's work together to break the stigma surrounding mental heal
![Photo of Laurie Greisch, DNP, FNP-C, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/88271b91-1ad6-4ed9-a050-972ee067920a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Laurie Greisch
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, FNP-C, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Red Bank, NJ 07701
Healing Minds Psychiatry and Mental Wellness LLC is an outpatient psychiatry practice. I offer comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and brief supportive therapy for a variety of mental health conditions. Telepsychiatry is also available.
Healing Minds Psychiatry and Mental Wellness LLC is an outpatient psychiatry practice. I offer comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and brief supportive therapy for a variety of mental health conditions. Telepsychiatry is also available.
![Photo of Nicole Palmieri, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cffc6974-07d2-442f-a287-79bea837e1d9/2/320x400.jpeg)
Nicole Palmieri
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Manasquan, NJ 08736
Behavioral Health services provided by a doctorate level Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner that is dedicated to providing quality care and treating the whole person, including the body, mind and spirit. With 10 years experience the the mental/behavioral health field, and great experience in evaluation, diagnosing, and medication management across the lifespan, I treat a wide range of behavioral, emotional, and substance use disorders, including opiate and alcohol use, anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, and mood disorders, amongst others.
Behavioral Health services provided by a doctorate level Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner that is dedicated to providing quality care and treating the whole person, including the body, mind and spirit. With 10 years experience the the mental/behavioral health field, and great experience in evaluation, diagnosing, and medication management across the lifespan, I treat a wide range of behavioral, emotional, and substance use disorders, including opiate and alcohol use, anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, and mood disorders, amongst others.
![Photo of Niru Shamsun Nahar, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c043968-3717-4a9c-a6f7-91779f29a61b/1/320x400.png)
I'm a board-certified psychiatrist, specializing in both General Psychiatry and Addiction. My training was accomplished at prestigious institutions such as Harlem Hospital/Columbia University and NYSPI/Columbia University. With over 19 years in the field, I've dedicated my practice to helping individuals navigate challenges like anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, OCD, and more.
I'm a board-certified psychiatrist, specializing in both General Psychiatry and Addiction. My training was accomplished at prestigious institutions such as Harlem Hospital/Columbia University and NYSPI/Columbia University. With over 19 years in the field, I've dedicated my practice to helping individuals navigate challenges like anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, OCD, and more.
![Photo of Abir Marcus, MD, FAPA, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3dd8ed3e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
At Brain Mind Harmony, Dr. Marcus and colleagues offer a comprehensive treatment addressing the whole person inside and outside. We combine the use of medications, bio identical hormones, nutritional supplements together with individual, family and group therapy. We will work with you in developing a treatment plan that best suit your needs, life style and preferences.Dr. Marcus is board certified in psychiatry, addiction psychiatry and addiction medicine. Our therapists are specialized in Christian counseling, life coaching, EMDR , family, couple and group therapy. Our services are billed as out of network .
At Brain Mind Harmony, Dr. Marcus and colleagues offer a comprehensive treatment addressing the whole person inside and outside. We combine the use of medications, bio identical hormones, nutritional supplements together with individual, family and group therapy. We will work with you in developing a treatment plan that best suit your needs, life style and preferences.Dr. Marcus is board certified in psychiatry, addiction psychiatry and addiction medicine. Our therapists are specialized in Christian counseling, life coaching, EMDR , family, couple and group therapy. Our services are billed as out of network .
![Photo of Joseph L Spitalieri, MSN, PMHNP, APN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/59c90210-fe43-4504-82a8-bb90c2ef4be4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Joseph L Spitalieri
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, APN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Eatontown, NJ 07724
As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, my ideal client would be someone who is actively seeking support for a complex mental health issue and is motivated to engage in the therapeutic process.
As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, my ideal client would be someone who is actively seeking support for a complex mental health issue and is motivated to engage in the therapeutic process.
![Photo of Racquel San Juan, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cbe1474b-231b-4342-9219-2ad1469afb61/1/320x400.png)
I'm dedicated to treating patients with compassion. I have a history of positive outcomes, and I am well respected in my field. Patients find that my approach to care is individualized and collaborative. I'm a board-certified psychiatrist passionate about helping patients with depression, anxiety, OCD, and other mental health diagnoses.
I'm dedicated to treating patients with compassion. I have a history of positive outcomes, and I am well respected in my field. Patients find that my approach to care is individualized and collaborative. I'm a board-certified psychiatrist passionate about helping patients with depression, anxiety, OCD, and other mental health diagnoses.
![Photo of Steven Dyckman, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ded58de-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
My practice is built around the dedication to diagnose, treat, and offer preventative alternatives to provide mental health, hope, and self-empowerment to each patient. I understand the complex relationship between emotional suffering, illness, and other medical disorders. I specialize in providing treatment for ADD / ADHD, OCD, ODD, and Mood Disorders for patients of all ages. I have completed a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and will partner with young patients and their parents to provide an effective strategy to restore balance and harmony for all. Consultations are conducted to establish rapport and create a safe and trustworthy environment.
My practice is built around the dedication to diagnose, treat, and offer preventative alternatives to provide mental health, hope, and self-empowerment to each patient. I understand the complex relationship between emotional suffering, illness, and other medical disorders. I specialize in providing treatment for ADD / ADHD, OCD, ODD, and Mood Disorders for patients of all ages. I have completed a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and will partner with young patients and their parents to provide an effective strategy to restore balance and harmony for all. Consultations are conducted to establish rapport and create a safe and trustworthy environment.
![Photo of Dr. Sarah Azarchi, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/93300869-2465-4f34-90e4-9f6f6b9181e2/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a NYU-trained board-certified psychiatrist & psychotherapist, licensed in New Jersey and New York. I believe in the power of the mind and its profound influence on overall wellbeing. I offer comprehensive treatment that integrates psychotherapy and medication management.
I am a NYU-trained board-certified psychiatrist & psychotherapist, licensed in New Jersey and New York. I believe in the power of the mind and its profound influence on overall wellbeing. I offer comprehensive treatment that integrates psychotherapy and medication management.
![Photo of Dr. Rosemary Mensah, DNP, APN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b43c468b-93f0-4f41-82d3-00253fd904ca/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Rosemary Mensah
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Tinton Falls, NJ 07712 (Online Only)
I am accepting new clients. As a dedicated Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, you can expect a warm, welcoming, and supportive environment dedicated to your mental well-being. I strive to create a space where you feel comfortable, heard, and understood. With a solid educational background and clinical experience, my primary focus is on the treatment of depression, anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, and various mental health challenges. I believe in building a solid therapeutic alliance based on trust, respect, and empathy. I aim to create a collaborative and culturally sensitive environment where we can establish treatment goals.
I am accepting new clients. As a dedicated Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, you can expect a warm, welcoming, and supportive environment dedicated to your mental well-being. I strive to create a space where you feel comfortable, heard, and understood. With a solid educational background and clinical experience, my primary focus is on the treatment of depression, anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, and various mental health challenges. I believe in building a solid therapeutic alliance based on trust, respect, and empathy. I aim to create a collaborative and culturally sensitive environment where we can establish treatment goals.
![Photo of Jennifer Levine, APRNC, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c17a21d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/6/320x400.jpeg)
I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner and have been in practice since 2004. I have expertise in understanding and treating a wide range of emotional problems. I received my masters degree from Rutgers university and I have years of postgraduate psychoanalytic training. My education and years of experience have enabled me to provide a therapeutic non judgmental environment.
I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner and have been in practice since 2004. I have expertise in understanding and treating a wide range of emotional problems. I received my masters degree from Rutgers university and I have years of postgraduate psychoanalytic training. My education and years of experience have enabled me to provide a therapeutic non judgmental environment.
![Photo of Shannon Parks - The Parks Center for Women's Wellness & Medicine, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a4a783ca-d9e6-41d3-8682-754599c9a9f2/3/320x400.jpeg)
The Parks Center for Women's Wellness & Medicine
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Tinton Falls, NJ 07701
The Parks Center for Women’s Wellness and Medicine treats women of all ages 18 years and older. We treat a broad range of mental heath issues including anxiety, depression, and bipolar illness in all phases of life. This includes, but is not limited too, comprehensive treatment of mood disorders during the reproductive years including mood disorders during the premenstrual period, pregnancy, postpartum and menopause. www.theparkscenter.com
The Parks Center for Women’s Wellness and Medicine treats women of all ages 18 years and older. We treat a broad range of mental heath issues including anxiety, depression, and bipolar illness in all phases of life. This includes, but is not limited too, comprehensive treatment of mood disorders during the reproductive years including mood disorders during the premenstrual period, pregnancy, postpartum and menopause. www.theparkscenter.com
![Photo of Jacqueline M Iannacone, MSN, PMHNP , CARN , Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d89bfa0e-cc23-455a-95d6-de7668b814bb/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jacqueline M Iannacone
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP , CARN
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Manasquan, NJ 08736
Behavioral Health services provided by a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner that is dedicated to providing quality care and treating the whole person, including the body, mind and spirit. With experience in evaluation and medication management across the lifespan, I treat a wide range of behavioral, emotional, and substance use disorders, including opiate and alcohol use, anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, and mood disorders.
Behavioral Health services provided by a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner that is dedicated to providing quality care and treating the whole person, including the body, mind and spirit. With experience in evaluation and medication management across the lifespan, I treat a wide range of behavioral, emotional, and substance use disorders, including opiate and alcohol use, anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, and mood disorders.
![Photo of JoAnne Piaggio, MSN, RN, PMHNP, B-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/be124e24-6c5c-463a-a2a6-c5edc0bfedf9/1/320x400.png)
I am excited to utilize my experience to assist you, my client, in achieving and maintaining your optimum mental health. Together, we can identify and overcome obstacles that are holding you back from living your best life.
I am excited to utilize my experience to assist you, my client, in achieving and maintaining your optimum mental health. Together, we can identify and overcome obstacles that are holding you back from living your best life.
See more therapy options for Ocean
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Ocean, NJ
< 10
Psychiatrists in Ocean, NJ who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | Bipolar Disorder |
100% | Medication Management |
80% | ADHD |
80% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
60% | Trauma and PTSD |
Average years in practice
6 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
67% | Aetna |
67% | Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield |
33% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
How Psychiatrists in Ocean, NJ see their clients
100% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
80% | Female | |
20% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Ocean?
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.