Psychiatrists in Central Islip, NY
![Photo of Randall Solomon - Island Psychiatry, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d1e3ff58-bad2-46fd-9c5c-7a34275dbb17/2/320x400.jpeg)
We are a collaborative treatment team of mental health professionals from different disciplines under one roof. This is actualized using a true biopsychosocial approach leading to a comprehensive mental health treatment plan beyond psychopharmacology and psychotherapy. We are using the research on neuroplasticity to drive improved brain functioning with such techniques as: Genetic testing, brain stimulation, therapy, medication, behavioral interventions, acupuncture and cognitive testing.
We are a collaborative treatment team of mental health professionals from different disciplines under one roof. This is actualized using a true biopsychosocial approach leading to a comprehensive mental health treatment plan beyond psychopharmacology and psychotherapy. We are using the research on neuroplasticity to drive improved brain functioning with such techniques as: Genetic testing, brain stimulation, therapy, medication, behavioral interventions, acupuncture and cognitive testing.
![Photo of Susan Walton, MS, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f01eebd5-4d07-4927-ac05-7e6d8843700f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Susan Walton
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MS, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Central Islip, NY 11749
Going off to college and need help with treatment of ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD or other problem? Having trouble getting through your days? Attention problems, mood instability and intrusive thoughts can make it hard to move forward and accomplish your goals at work or home. I am a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) treating children, adolescents and adults. My experience includes working at a major psychiatric center, outpatient and in emergency settings. I can explain things in a way you can understand take time for questions. I offer a whole body approach, choosing medications thoughtfully.
Going off to college and need help with treatment of ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD or other problem? Having trouble getting through your days? Attention problems, mood instability and intrusive thoughts can make it hard to move forward and accomplish your goals at work or home. I am a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) treating children, adolescents and adults. My experience includes working at a major psychiatric center, outpatient and in emergency settings. I can explain things in a way you can understand take time for questions. I offer a whole body approach, choosing medications thoughtfully.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
![Photo of Dr. Ronil Shah, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/38787ef3-8fec-4f4a-b89f-e3be43e68adb/1/320x400.jpeg)
Why choose Dr. Ronil Shah? Because his top-notch expertise combines with compassionate, personalized care. Treatment with Dr. Shah is a two-way collaboration. Working together, you will design a mental wellness strategy that’s tailored just for you. His philosophy? Your path to wellness should be as unique as you are, shaped by empathy and expertise, and empowered by evidence-based insights and tools.
Why choose Dr. Ronil Shah? Because his top-notch expertise combines with compassionate, personalized care. Treatment with Dr. Shah is a two-way collaboration. Working together, you will design a mental wellness strategy that’s tailored just for you. His philosophy? Your path to wellness should be as unique as you are, shaped by empathy and expertise, and empowered by evidence-based insights and tools.
![Photo of Adewunmi Bankole At Core Psychiatry, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/326aa20e-2b5e-47d0-8bfb-7ccdfab8438c/2/320x400.png)
Adewunmi Bankole At Core Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Brentwood, NY 11717 (Online Only)
Book an appointment on our website at corepsychiatry.org! Dr. Adewunmi Bankole, PMHNP-BC is a doctoral prepared Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with vast experience in psychiatry treating adults, children, adolescent and geriatric population. Dr. Bankole believes that care should be patient focus and holistic with best evidence-based practice.
Book an appointment on our website at corepsychiatry.org! Dr. Adewunmi Bankole, PMHNP-BC is a doctoral prepared Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with vast experience in psychiatry treating adults, children, adolescent and geriatric population. Dr. Bankole believes that care should be patient focus and holistic with best evidence-based practice.
![Photo of Meredith Senter, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8e65a85a-3884-479c-a554-00660562b240/1/320x400.png)
Dr. Senter studied psychology at Brown University. She attended medical school at Rutgers - New Jersey Medical School, where she was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society and the Gold Humanism Honor Society. She subsequently completed her residency in psychiatry at Columbia University and the New York State Psychiatric Institute, where she served as a chief resident and worked with the Obsessive Compulsive Disorder research group. Dr. Senter has experience working as an attending psychiatrist in emergency room and outpatient community mental health settings.
Dr. Senter studied psychology at Brown University. She attended medical school at Rutgers - New Jersey Medical School, where she was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society and the Gold Humanism Honor Society. She subsequently completed her residency in psychiatry at Columbia University and the New York State Psychiatric Institute, where she served as a chief resident and worked with the Obsessive Compulsive Disorder research group. Dr. Senter has experience working as an attending psychiatrist in emergency room and outpatient community mental health settings.
![Photo of Ardouin Coriolan, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0fe232c2-9029-4180-8669-0d87e42b847b/1/320x400.png)
Ardouin Coriolan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
Brentwood, NY 11717 (Online Only)
As a dedicated board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner licensed in New York, I render hope for individuals battling mental illness and substance abuse. With a profound commitment to healing, I offer teletherapy services, leveraging technology to reach those in need regardless of location. Armed with a wealth of expertise and compassion, I provide personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs and circumstances. Some common issues potential clients seeking treatment from me usually consist of : substance abuse, depression, anxiety, poor self-esteem, and low motivation.
As a dedicated board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner licensed in New York, I render hope for individuals battling mental illness and substance abuse. With a profound commitment to healing, I offer teletherapy services, leveraging technology to reach those in need regardless of location. Armed with a wealth of expertise and compassion, I provide personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs and circumstances. Some common issues potential clients seeking treatment from me usually consist of : substance abuse, depression, anxiety, poor self-esteem, and low motivation.
![Photo of Christina Stern, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/495c8303-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner that is passionate about my work. I spend time listening to my patients and understanding what their needs are. I have experience working with diverse populations in multiple settings including inpatient and outpatient environments. I have worked with adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients. I offer a psychotherapeutic approach by offering medication management as well as psychotherapy.
I am a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner that is passionate about my work. I spend time listening to my patients and understanding what their needs are. I have experience working with diverse populations in multiple settings including inpatient and outpatient environments. I have worked with adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients. I offer a psychotherapeutic approach by offering medication management as well as psychotherapy.
![Photo of Phanessa Jean, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a7184245-3e4b-4862-8cb4-a9dd0d79332e/1/320x400.jpeg)
If you are someone who would like to better manage your psychiatric symptoms and return to living a more fulfilled life, then look no further! I am here to help you!
If you are someone who would like to better manage your psychiatric symptoms and return to living a more fulfilled life, then look no further! I am here to help you!
New York Integrated Psychiatry, PLLC
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Stony Brook, NY 11790 (Online Only)
NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS. Virtual appointments only at this time. Dr. Stacy Eagle is a medical doctor who is triple-board certified in adult, child and adolescent and consult liaison psychiatry. She received her medical degree from New York Medical College in Westchester, NY in 2008. Dr. Eagle completed a four-year psychiatric residency at Mount Sinai West in New York City. She then went on to complete a two-year child fellowship at Montefiore Medical Center Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx and a one-year consult liaison fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center/Weill Cornell in Manhattan.
NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS. Virtual appointments only at this time. Dr. Stacy Eagle is a medical doctor who is triple-board certified in adult, child and adolescent and consult liaison psychiatry. She received her medical degree from New York Medical College in Westchester, NY in 2008. Dr. Eagle completed a four-year psychiatric residency at Mount Sinai West in New York City. She then went on to complete a two-year child fellowship at Montefiore Medical Center Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx and a one-year consult liaison fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center/Weill Cornell in Manhattan.
![Photo of Darlene C Steigman, RN, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/547fc0c0-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Darlene C Steigman
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, RN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Port Jefferson, NY 11777
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS FOR MEDICATION MANAGEMENT AND SUPPORTIVE THERAPY . Offering both in person and tele-health appointments. I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. After graduating with my BS in nursing in 1986, I have worked as a psychiatric RN for over 30 years and have extensive experience in psychiatric symptom management and recovery in both the inpatient and outpatient setting. Now in private practice, I welcome new referrals and can provide timely appointments.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS FOR MEDICATION MANAGEMENT AND SUPPORTIVE THERAPY . Offering both in person and tele-health appointments. I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. After graduating with my BS in nursing in 1986, I have worked as a psychiatric RN for over 30 years and have extensive experience in psychiatric symptom management and recovery in both the inpatient and outpatient setting. Now in private practice, I welcome new referrals and can provide timely appointments.
![Photo of Tanya Sydnor Holmes, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/34ee833f-f4d8-494e-92f2-a13b0b1badcc/1/320x400.jpeg)
Tanya Sydnor Holmes
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Patchogue, NY 11772 (Online Only)
Everyone worries but do you worry about everything? Do you forget what you were worrying about, and then worry about that? Do you lay in bed at night trying to go to sleep, but you can't because you are worrying about what happened during the day? I can help you with that. Have you been extremely sad for a while, and nothing seems to help? Are you always late to work, or meetings? Do you lose track of time and end up handing in your projects late even though you intended to finish early? These are just some of the things I can help you with.
Everyone worries but do you worry about everything? Do you forget what you were worrying about, and then worry about that? Do you lay in bed at night trying to go to sleep, but you can't because you are worrying about what happened during the day? I can help you with that. Have you been extremely sad for a while, and nothing seems to help? Are you always late to work, or meetings? Do you lose track of time and end up handing in your projects late even though you intended to finish early? These are just some of the things I can help you with.
![Photo of Allen Masry - Harmony Bay, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f4a68a62-670b-4870-ade6-6e2e3744a298/1/320x400.png)
Harmony Bay is a psychiatry and therapy office that provides primary mental health treatment programs for psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and ADHD. We offer a clean, bright environment with a calming and positive tone. We offer programs and services for both therapy and psychiatry including individual therapy, group therapy, couples therapy, and medication management.
Harmony Bay is a psychiatry and therapy office that provides primary mental health treatment programs for psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and ADHD. We offer a clean, bright environment with a calming and positive tone. We offer programs and services for both therapy and psychiatry including individual therapy, group therapy, couples therapy, and medication management.
![Photo of Dr. Michelle Curro - Stat Psychiatry PC, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1c816d0b-fe8d-4eef-978b-b2bb0a035b0e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Stat Psych is Long Island's premier outpatient psychiatric group. In our community, the demand for mental health treatment is so great that it has become common to have to wait several months for an initial appointment with an outpatient psychiatrist. At Stat Psych, we prioritize efficient treatment and take pride in offering flexible scheduling options. We perform comprehensive evaluations, provide appropriate referrals to therapy and prescribe medication when appropriate.
Stat Psych is Long Island's premier outpatient psychiatric group. In our community, the demand for mental health treatment is so great that it has become common to have to wait several months for an initial appointment with an outpatient psychiatrist. At Stat Psych, we prioritize efficient treatment and take pride in offering flexible scheduling options. We perform comprehensive evaluations, provide appropriate referrals to therapy and prescribe medication when appropriate.
![Photo of Michael Joseph Wisher, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fcd1c55d-70b7-4ce2-a763-ee0871172e99/2/320x400.jpeg)
Mr. Wisher is a nurse practitioner in both Psychiatry and Medicine. He has worked in both disciplines for over twenty years. Michael has experience in Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy. Mr. Wisher is an active member of the Neuroscience Education Institute, with certification in the Master Psychopharmacology program also membership in Psychopharmacology Institute and The Psychiatry Education Forum Academy. The complexity of psychiatric illness has evolved since the days of a relative deficiency in a single neurotransmitters to the current theory of faulty wiring neuro- circuits, that act like information highway.
Mr. Wisher is a nurse practitioner in both Psychiatry and Medicine. He has worked in both disciplines for over twenty years. Michael has experience in Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy. Mr. Wisher is an active member of the Neuroscience Education Institute, with certification in the Master Psychopharmacology program also membership in Psychopharmacology Institute and The Psychiatry Education Forum Academy. The complexity of psychiatric illness has evolved since the days of a relative deficiency in a single neurotransmitters to the current theory of faulty wiring neuro- circuits, that act like information highway.
![Photo of Elisa Mattei, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f535984d-b0f1-4cab-896d-4584c73be875/1/320x400.jpeg)
Elisa Mattei
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Stony Brook, NY 11790 (Online Only)
I specialize in depression, anxiety and insomnia. For ages 17-60. I do not offer ADHD screenings or Disability.
I specialize in depression, anxiety and insomnia. For ages 17-60. I do not offer ADHD screenings or Disability.
![Photo of Alexis Sciarrino, NPP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/99164edb-e058-46e2-b225-db44f4474991/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hello! I am a New York born and bred compassionate, Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. You will find that my goal in our sessions is to help you live a more fulfilling life. My approach to treatment is dynamic, holistic and individualistic. You will find in our sessions a compassionate, and safe therapeutic environment that fosters both healing and change. I look forward to meeting you!
Hello! I am a New York born and bred compassionate, Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. You will find that my goal in our sessions is to help you live a more fulfilling life. My approach to treatment is dynamic, holistic and individualistic. You will find in our sessions a compassionate, and safe therapeutic environment that fosters both healing and change. I look forward to meeting you!
![Photo of Jean Norvy - Norvy Mindful Care PC dba NOVA Wellness Psychiatry, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1539f562-d06f-4435-a8b5-fc6a4060aa84/2/320x400.jpeg)
Norvy Mindful Care PC dba NOVA Wellness Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Smithtown, NY 11745
Maybe you want to finally change yourself for the better, but don’t know where to start! At Norvy Mindful Care, we have the formula to make you grow into the new services you! You maybe be suffering from depression, anxiety, or COVID-19 related mental health symptoms or Your doctor may be out of town and you need your psych meds refilled or You may not be able to quit that substance use alone—we have the seed for you! At Norvy Mindful Care, we use a holistic partnership approach in the development of your plan of care—so choose us as we will always choose the best seed for you to grow into the new you!
Maybe you want to finally change yourself for the better, but don’t know where to start! At Norvy Mindful Care, we have the formula to make you grow into the new services you! You maybe be suffering from depression, anxiety, or COVID-19 related mental health symptoms or Your doctor may be out of town and you need your psych meds refilled or You may not be able to quit that substance use alone—we have the seed for you! At Norvy Mindful Care, we use a holistic partnership approach in the development of your plan of care—so choose us as we will always choose the best seed for you to grow into the new you!
![Photo of Lucian Manu, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8329d23f-9cad-4eff-82a6-d9fab30c5894/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lucian Manu, M.D. is a board-certified psychiatrist and Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine. He is the Director of Neuromodulation in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, and the Founding Director of the Stony Brook Treatment Resistant Depression Program - a research and clinical service program for individuals suffering from complicated and difficult-to-treat mood disorders. Dr. Manu has published in peer reviewed journals such as the Brain Stimulation Journal, NPJ Schizophrenia, and Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment.
Lucian Manu, M.D. is a board-certified psychiatrist and Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine. He is the Director of Neuromodulation in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, and the Founding Director of the Stony Brook Treatment Resistant Depression Program - a research and clinical service program for individuals suffering from complicated and difficult-to-treat mood disorders. Dr. Manu has published in peer reviewed journals such as the Brain Stimulation Journal, NPJ Schizophrenia, and Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment.
Psychiatric & Psychotherapy Services
Psychiatric Nurse, RN, MS, NP
Verified Verified
Commack, NY 11725
"The mission of my practice is to provide Person-Centered Care" and empower my clients with the knowledge and skills to achieve "their" desirable goals. I've had the satisfaction of seeing my clients achieve success and their lives changed through the shared partnership and treatment planning with me. Unlike the traditional mental health practitioner who focuses only on the problems or deficits, and dominates the treatment of decision making; I focus on my client's strengths, skill acquisition, quality-of-life, and choices. I like to talk to my clients. My clients feel they are heard and understood.
"The mission of my practice is to provide Person-Centered Care" and empower my clients with the knowledge and skills to achieve "their" desirable goals. I've had the satisfaction of seeing my clients achieve success and their lives changed through the shared partnership and treatment planning with me. Unlike the traditional mental health practitioner who focuses only on the problems or deficits, and dominates the treatment of decision making; I focus on my client's strengths, skill acquisition, quality-of-life, and choices. I like to talk to my clients. My clients feel they are heard and understood.
![Photo of Gundu Reddy - Telepsychiatry Services in Suffolk, MD, MBBS, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ffec11ac-97e1-47fe-86ec-5316209cba9f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Telepsychiatry Services in Suffolk
Psychiatrist, MD, MBBS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Medford, NY 11763 (Online Only)
I am a board certified Psychiatrist practicing in Long Island, NY. I provide both office visits and telepsychiatry visits ( please visit my website at gaba.healthcare). I have trained in psychodynamic psychotherapy, Cognitive behavioral therapy, family and marital therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as well as medication management. Whatever your reasons for seeing a psychiatrist? whether you are suffering from schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, OCD, attention problems, dysphoria or just wanting to perform better at work, I strongly believe that everyone has the potential to feel and be better, and everyone deserves optimal care.
I am a board certified Psychiatrist practicing in Long Island, NY. I provide both office visits and telepsychiatry visits ( please visit my website at gaba.healthcare). I have trained in psychodynamic psychotherapy, Cognitive behavioral therapy, family and marital therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as well as medication management. Whatever your reasons for seeing a psychiatrist? whether you are suffering from schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, OCD, attention problems, dysphoria or just wanting to perform better at work, I strongly believe that everyone has the potential to feel and be better, and everyone deserves optimal care.
See more therapy options for Central Islip
Nearby Searches for Central Islip
- Bohemia
- Brentwood
- Coram
- East Patchogue
- Hauppauge
- Holbrook
- Medford
- Patchogue
- Port Jefferson Station
- Sayville
- Smithtown
- Stony Brook
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Central Islip, NY
< 10
Psychiatrists in Central Islip, NY who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | Child |
100% | ADHD |
100% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
100% | Bipolar Disorder |
100% | Transgender |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Gender breakdown
50% | Female | |
50% | Male |
How Psychiatrists in Central Islip, NY see their clients
100% | In Person and Online |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Central Islip?
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.