Psychiatrists in West Milford, NJ
![Photo of Alicia Morris, APN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/84fb3c22-da8f-4e56-ad50-53c9c167f2a3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Alicia Morris
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Milford, NJ 07421 (Online Only)
Thank you for visiting my page! I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (across the life span, which means I help people of all ages) with a desire to help others that are faced with mental health concerns. My background includes working with various conditions including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and psychotic disorders. My experience also includes inpatient stabilization and outpatient continued care.
Thank you for visiting my page! I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (across the life span, which means I help people of all ages) with a desire to help others that are faced with mental health concerns. My background includes working with various conditions including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and psychotic disorders. My experience also includes inpatient stabilization and outpatient continued care.
![Photo of Julia Nuzzo, APRN-CN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c9e708ba-2237-4058-aeec-0cc8a2352810/1/320x400.jpeg)
Julia Nuzzo
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN-CN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Milford, NJ 07421 (Online Only)
Thank you for visiting my page. I am a Master’s educated, board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Advanced Practice Nurse with a holistic approach to all aspects of patient care. I have an extensive background in the critical care setting, helping to stabilize acutely ill patients with psychiatric and medical conditions. My passion to help patients achieve full wellness is complimented by holistic care.
Thank you for visiting my page. I am a Master’s educated, board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Advanced Practice Nurse with a holistic approach to all aspects of patient care. I have an extensive background in the critical care setting, helping to stabilize acutely ill patients with psychiatric and medical conditions. My passion to help patients achieve full wellness is complimented by holistic care.
![Photo of Maryann Ryan, APRN, NPP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50448ed3-f93e-45fe-8d7e-b0826a756567/2/320x400.jpeg)
Maryann Ryan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, NPP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
West Milford, NJ 07480
My primary goal in providing mental healthcare is to create a welcoming and supportive environment where every individual feels valued, heard, and acknowledged. As a dual board-certified Nurse Practitioner in both psychiatry and family medicine, I am capable of providing a comprehensive range of services, with a specific emphasis on medication management. We offer interpreter services for most languages and American Sign Language (ASL). In recognizing the importance of flexibility and patient choice, we provide the option for in-office or video consultations.
My primary goal in providing mental healthcare is to create a welcoming and supportive environment where every individual feels valued, heard, and acknowledged. As a dual board-certified Nurse Practitioner in both psychiatry and family medicine, I am capable of providing a comprehensive range of services, with a specific emphasis on medication management. We offer interpreter services for most languages and American Sign Language (ASL). In recognizing the importance of flexibility and patient choice, we provide the option for in-office or video consultations.
![Photo of Melissa Scollan-Koliopoulos - Nu Imagery Healthcare LLC, EdD, DNP, PMHNP, FNP, CDCES, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a5015e7a-7d05-4dd0-bb02-9f84806e115c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Nu Imagery Healthcare LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, EdD, DNP, PMHNP, FNP, CDCES
Verified Verified
West Milford, NJ 07421 (Online Only)
We understand how struggling with body image, weight, metabolic issues and chronic illness affect mental health and day-to-day functioning. We combine pharmacology and psychotherapeutic interventions to help you improve your health. We can offer weight loss interventions and help you improve your metabolic function. We are ready to address your diet, physical activity, sleep, and coping patterns to make life changing solutions to your problems for you and your entire family, We specialize in family and pediatric and adolescent health.
We understand how struggling with body image, weight, metabolic issues and chronic illness affect mental health and day-to-day functioning. We combine pharmacology and psychotherapeutic interventions to help you improve your health. We can offer weight loss interventions and help you improve your metabolic function. We are ready to address your diet, physical activity, sleep, and coping patterns to make life changing solutions to your problems for you and your entire family, We specialize in family and pediatric and adolescent health.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
![Photo of Dr. Melissa Scollan-Koliopoulos - Nu Imagery Healthcare, LLC., EdD, DNP, PMHNP, FNP, CDCES, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/031a2340-a288-42bc-b306-cdde584e8a5a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Nu Imagery Healthcare, LLC.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, EdD, DNP, PMHNP, FNP, CDCES
Verified Verified
Haskell, NJ 07420
We believe that medical and psychological problems are intertwined and can be addressed in one session. We provide integrated and balanced healthcare to address primary care issues, especially weight loss & obesity, sleep, and diabetes while addressing psychiatric mental health issues. We help you cope with school/ work stress. We provide psychiatric and prescription treatment of obesity & binge eating with weight loss plans to keep you on track. We deliver psychotherapeutic techniques to help you reduce stress and cope with challenges. Our treatment modality may improve your quality of life and reduce stress from work and school.
We believe that medical and psychological problems are intertwined and can be addressed in one session. We provide integrated and balanced healthcare to address primary care issues, especially weight loss & obesity, sleep, and diabetes while addressing psychiatric mental health issues. We help you cope with school/ work stress. We provide psychiatric and prescription treatment of obesity & binge eating with weight loss plans to keep you on track. We deliver psychotherapeutic techniques to help you reduce stress and cope with challenges. Our treatment modality may improve your quality of life and reduce stress from work and school.
![Photo of Ashley Anderson - Next Opening: One Week, DNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/68ae4132-7555-4d30-923a-9634ab60e19b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ashley Anderson - Next Opening: One Week
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hewitt, NJ 07421 (Online Only)
Hello! I am Dr. Ashley Anderson, DNP, APRN. I believe in person-centered care with evidence-based treatment approaches and I strongly feel that building a connection with patients is a vital aspect of providing care. I use evidence-based practices with a focus on person-centered care and optimal clinical outcomes targeting quality of life, maximizing wellness, and recovery. I take pride in supporting my patients through difficult mental health symptoms, and I bring a knowledgeable and compassionate perspective to patient care. I like when my patients ask questions, and I'm always happy to address their concerns!
Hello! I am Dr. Ashley Anderson, DNP, APRN. I believe in person-centered care with evidence-based treatment approaches and I strongly feel that building a connection with patients is a vital aspect of providing care. I use evidence-based practices with a focus on person-centered care and optimal clinical outcomes targeting quality of life, maximizing wellness, and recovery. I take pride in supporting my patients through difficult mental health symptoms, and I bring a knowledgeable and compassionate perspective to patient care. I like when my patients ask questions, and I'm always happy to address their concerns!
![Photo of Margaret King - Margaret King, APN, C, LLC, APN, C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3037670d-f268-423f-bf51-018dd78a161c/1/320x400.png)
Margaret King, APN, C, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APN, C
Verified Verified
Kinnelon, NJ 07405 (Online Only)
I have had the privilege of working with children, adolescents, and young adults for the past 30 years. I have specialized expertise in diagnosing and treating Anxiety, Depression, Mood Disorders, ADHD, Autism, and Trauma. I perform comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, prescribe medication, collaborate with therapists and do consultations with schools. Talking with family is key in my evaluations and treatment. There is a shortage and need for mental health services in our youth. I'm here to let you know, there is HOPE!
I have had the privilege of working with children, adolescents, and young adults for the past 30 years. I have specialized expertise in diagnosing and treating Anxiety, Depression, Mood Disorders, ADHD, Autism, and Trauma. I perform comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, prescribe medication, collaborate with therapists and do consultations with schools. Talking with family is key in my evaluations and treatment. There is a shortage and need for mental health services in our youth. I'm here to let you know, there is HOPE!
![Photo of Melissa Scollan-Koliopoulos - Nu Imagery Healthcare LLC, EdD, DNP, PMHNP, FNP, CDCES, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5b3018d7-5c94-4682-bc36-c780621f65c4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Nu Imagery Healthcare LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, EdD, DNP, PMHNP, FNP, CDCES
Verified Verified
Haskell, NJ 07420
We have specialists in pediatric and adolescent mental health, diabetes care, medical metabolic and weight management. We ensure that you understand how your own neuroendocrine system is influencing your symptoms through psycho-education, psychotherapy, and pharmacologic treatment options. Melissa Scollan-Koliopoulos, EDD, DNP, PMHNP and Michelle Reeves, DNP, PMHNP are certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners providing psychotherapy, diagnosis, and medication management. Ann Pinon, MSN, FNP & Donna Naturale, DNP, ANP, CDCES are nurse practitioners focusing on primary mental health care and obesity & diabetes.
We have specialists in pediatric and adolescent mental health, diabetes care, medical metabolic and weight management. We ensure that you understand how your own neuroendocrine system is influencing your symptoms through psycho-education, psychotherapy, and pharmacologic treatment options. Melissa Scollan-Koliopoulos, EDD, DNP, PMHNP and Michelle Reeves, DNP, PMHNP are certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners providing psychotherapy, diagnosis, and medication management. Ann Pinon, MSN, FNP & Donna Naturale, DNP, ANP, CDCES are nurse practitioners focusing on primary mental health care and obesity & diabetes.
![Photo of Marina Atesle, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f1c2fc92-ad55-4195-bf67-3018811e1425/2/320x400.jpeg)
As a certified functional medicine practitioner with a deep passion for wellness, I am committed to providing a personalized approach to your mental health care. I will carefully listen to your concerns and create a customized treatment plan that fits your specific needs. This individualized strategy is aimed at addressing not just symptoms, but the underlying causes of your mental health challenges, ensuring a more holistic and effective path to well-being.
As a certified functional medicine practitioner with a deep passion for wellness, I am committed to providing a personalized approach to your mental health care. I will carefully listen to your concerns and create a customized treatment plan that fits your specific needs. This individualized strategy is aimed at addressing not just symptoms, but the underlying causes of your mental health challenges, ensuring a more holistic and effective path to well-being.
![Photo of Mary FitzGerald Switala, DNP, APN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5d0b012e-dfd2-4025-88cb-2617e6e3e95e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Mary FitzGerald Switala
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APN
Verified Verified
Vernon, NJ 07462
Waitlist for new clients
I focus on using a holistic and integrative approach to diagnosing and treating mental health conditions and work with clients to identify, understand, and solve issues. I believe treatment must be highly individualized, compassionate and that it is a collaboration between the client and me. Together we can determine what is the right treatment for you.
I focus on using a holistic and integrative approach to diagnosing and treating mental health conditions and work with clients to identify, understand, and solve issues. I believe treatment must be highly individualized, compassionate and that it is a collaboration between the client and me. Together we can determine what is the right treatment for you.
![Photo of Anil Thomas, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c701fbd0-287d-4017-b117-0b26917eb267/1/320x400.png)
Dr. Thomas collaborates with clinicians like psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists who may have clients struggling with addiction. He can help with "low dose initiation," pain and addiction, methadone to buprenorphine conversions, and medication assisted treatment (MAT).
Dr. Thomas collaborates with clinicians like psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists who may have clients struggling with addiction. He can help with "low dose initiation," pain and addiction, methadone to buprenorphine conversions, and medication assisted treatment (MAT).
Online Psychiatrists
![Photo of Henry Ibitokun, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/672eb504-a559-44ef-9d8b-186495963a99/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am currently accepting new patients, and an ideal client is a patient seeking psychiatric care and mental health services who is willing to be dedicated, devoted, and involved in their treatment plan and overall success. I am a board-certified Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, Family Nurse practitioner, and Adult and Gerontology Nurse practitioner, focusing on providing evidence-based, patient-centered, and culturally appropriate care to all patients.
I am currently accepting new patients, and an ideal client is a patient seeking psychiatric care and mental health services who is willing to be dedicated, devoted, and involved in their treatment plan and overall success. I am a board-certified Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, Family Nurse practitioner, and Adult and Gerontology Nurse practitioner, focusing on providing evidence-based, patient-centered, and culturally appropriate care to all patients.
![Photo of Tulika Srivastava, MD , Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/03a25d6b-c1c7-4cd0-b3e6-cdf95c8cd654/3/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome to the practice of Dr. Tulika Srivastava, a compassionate and dedicated child psychiatrist, board-certified in both child and adolescent and adult psychiatry . My practice is a place of understanding and healing where the mental well being of children, adolescents and adults is the top priority. Recognizing the importance of early intervention in shaping a healthier future , I employ evidence based approaches tailored to each young patient’s needs. My comprehensive background in adult psychiatry allows me to extend quality care to adult patients too. I look forward to my patients having a healthier , more balanced future .
Welcome to the practice of Dr. Tulika Srivastava, a compassionate and dedicated child psychiatrist, board-certified in both child and adolescent and adult psychiatry . My practice is a place of understanding and healing where the mental well being of children, adolescents and adults is the top priority. Recognizing the importance of early intervention in shaping a healthier future , I employ evidence based approaches tailored to each young patient’s needs. My comprehensive background in adult psychiatry allows me to extend quality care to adult patients too. I look forward to my patients having a healthier , more balanced future .
![Photo of Sonali R Mahajan, MD, FAPA, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6a3beda9-c364-4951-a84d-8377e7d34ecd/3/320x400.jpeg)
At an early age, I began to enjoy working with children and adolescents, and that passion led me to becoming a board-certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. I have worked with clients from many different background experiences, cultures, and family systems. My work centers around helping children and adolescents with anxiety disorders, mood disorders, ADHD, other behavior disorders, psychotic disorders, school and peer issues, and family conflict. At this time, I'm only providing treatment for children and adolescents who are less than 18 years old.
At an early age, I began to enjoy working with children and adolescents, and that passion led me to becoming a board-certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. I have worked with clients from many different background experiences, cultures, and family systems. My work centers around helping children and adolescents with anxiety disorders, mood disorders, ADHD, other behavior disorders, psychotic disorders, school and peer issues, and family conflict. At this time, I'm only providing treatment for children and adolescents who are less than 18 years old.
![Photo of Dr. Allen Masry, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bf3f7fa-26ef-4c7a-8630-ee7cdf8c6838/2/320x400.png)
I am Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and have been practicing since 2005. I completed my residency from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts and my Fellowship in Addictions from the Robert Johnson Wood Foundation. In 2014, I was featured in SJ Magazine as one of New Jersey’s top psychiatrists. I have experience working with adults as well as adolescents suffering from both psychiatric diagnosis and substance use disorders and have extensive experience working in both out-patient and in-patient settings.
I am Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and have been practicing since 2005. I completed my residency from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts and my Fellowship in Addictions from the Robert Johnson Wood Foundation. In 2014, I was featured in SJ Magazine as one of New Jersey’s top psychiatrists. I have experience working with adults as well as adolescents suffering from both psychiatric diagnosis and substance use disorders and have extensive experience working in both out-patient and in-patient settings.
![Photo of Bianca K. Robinson, PMHNP , MSN , APN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f4203da1-aa16-4416-8042-37fbffc70070/2/320x400.jpeg)
Bianca K. Robinson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP , MSN , APN
Verified Verified
Bridgewater, NJ 08807 (Online Only)
I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I received my Masters degree as a PMHNP-BC from Rutgers University in 2018. Since working under the umbrella of mental health since I was an RN (Hampton University graduate) having overall experience for 15yrs including 5 years and current as an APN, I believe with a pinch of mustard seed faith, time, patience and effort, the road to improving mental illness becomes less cluttered and more clear.
I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I received my Masters degree as a PMHNP-BC from Rutgers University in 2018. Since working under the umbrella of mental health since I was an RN (Hampton University graduate) having overall experience for 15yrs including 5 years and current as an APN, I believe with a pinch of mustard seed faith, time, patience and effort, the road to improving mental illness becomes less cluttered and more clear.
![Photo of Michael Lienhard, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/32a8450d-ceb3-4ede-a78c-b589e0dca73c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Mental illness refers to a variety of health conditions that can affect a person’s thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and perceptions. While mental health concerns can come-and-go, they become significantly problematic when they cause persistent stress, interfere with relationships, and affect daily functioning. With the appropriate treatment, the majority of individuals with mental illness continue to function in their daily lives.
Mental illness refers to a variety of health conditions that can affect a person’s thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and perceptions. While mental health concerns can come-and-go, they become significantly problematic when they cause persistent stress, interfere with relationships, and affect daily functioning. With the appropriate treatment, the majority of individuals with mental illness continue to function in their daily lives.
![Photo of Letisha Hogans Evolve N Change, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/07aba0b0-5d5c-425a-881a-f2e7faba6495/1/320x400.jpeg)
Letisha Hogans Evolve N Change
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Laurel Springs, NJ 08021
Threat Assessments. Accepting New Clients. We will work with you to help you develop the strategies you need to get back on the path that leads to happiness, joy and success. Together, we will work to address the issues you are facing and come through on the other side with a new way of thinking, and confidently take on a new direction in life. We will work closely together to analyze what struggles you are facing and their underlying causes and try to change the behaviors and thought patterns that are keeping you from being the person you want to be.
Threat Assessments. Accepting New Clients. We will work with you to help you develop the strategies you need to get back on the path that leads to happiness, joy and success. Together, we will work to address the issues you are facing and come through on the other side with a new way of thinking, and confidently take on a new direction in life. We will work closely together to analyze what struggles you are facing and their underlying causes and try to change the behaviors and thought patterns that are keeping you from being the person you want to be.
![Photo of Deanna Maiorino, MSN, PMHNP, -BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/641c2b48-cc82-4ea3-8718-77296f965976/1/320x400.jpeg)
Deanna Maiorino
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
Montclair, NJ 07042 (Online Only)
Hello, I look forward to meeting you! My name is Deanna and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner In the state of New Jersey. I specialize in ADHD, Anxiety, Binge Eating, Burnout, College & Graduate Student Mental Health, Loss/Grief/Bereavement, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Relationship Issues, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Anger Management, Bipolar, Depression, Religion & Spirituality, Stress Management and Women's Issues.
Hello, I look forward to meeting you! My name is Deanna and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner In the state of New Jersey. I specialize in ADHD, Anxiety, Binge Eating, Burnout, College & Graduate Student Mental Health, Loss/Grief/Bereavement, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Relationship Issues, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Anger Management, Bipolar, Depression, Religion & Spirituality, Stress Management and Women's Issues.
![Photo of Ayeesha Adolphus - Merciful Minds, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/84f71a41-6908-4601-a661-c03ad53554c3/1/320x400.png)
The mission of Merciful Minds is to enhance mental health awareness, promote individual empowerment, and increase access to treatment and services for persons living with mental illness. We recognize, respect, and respond to every individual with human dignity. We meet people where they are. To break the mental health stigma and provide patients of all ages and diversities with exceptional, empathetic, and evidence-based care.
The mission of Merciful Minds is to enhance mental health awareness, promote individual empowerment, and increase access to treatment and services for persons living with mental illness. We recognize, respect, and respond to every individual with human dignity. We meet people where they are. To break the mental health stigma and provide patients of all ages and diversities with exceptional, empathetic, and evidence-based care.
See more therapy options for West Milford
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in West Milford, NJ
< 10
Psychiatrists in West Milford, NJ who prioritize treating:
100% | Anxiety |
100% | Medication Management |
100% | Stress |
75% | Depression |
75% | ADHD |
75% | Coping Skills |
75% | Self Esteem |
Average years in practice
23 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
100% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in West Milford, NJ see their clients
75% | Online Only | |
25% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
100% | Female |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in West Milford?
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.