Psychiatrists in Glen Oaks, NY
![Photo of Lauren M Devins, NPP, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/820e5d36-69be-4c55-b800-1e5e5708dc04/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lauren M Devins
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NPP, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Glen Oaks, NY 11004 (Online Only)
I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner who is dedicated to helping people who struggle with mental health concerns and aims to find a way to help them live a full and balanced life. As a nurse practitioner, I believe that addressing mental health concerns is just as important as addressing physical concerns by providing patients with health and wellness education. I also provide evaluations for medication management in conjunction with cognitive behavioral therapy techniques and supportive therapy.
I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner who is dedicated to helping people who struggle with mental health concerns and aims to find a way to help them live a full and balanced life. As a nurse practitioner, I believe that addressing mental health concerns is just as important as addressing physical concerns by providing patients with health and wellness education. I also provide evaluations for medication management in conjunction with cognitive behavioral therapy techniques and supportive therapy.
![Photo of Agam Dhawan, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9e0a3772-fe2f-4d00-b0cf-e4f12f58d231/1/320x400.jpeg)
You're a young male (or parent of one) struggling with Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, or Gaming Addiction. You may be: feeling sad/down most days, not enjoying life & hobbies, avoiding friends/family, stopping showering/cleaning, worrying all the time, having panic attacks, feeling your heart pounding, always expecting the worst, feeling others are judging you, constantly distracted at school or work, missing deadlines/appointments, losing wallet/keys or people thinking you're lazy. I see clients in New York, New Jersey, Indiana and Michigan through tele-psychiatry.
You're a young male (or parent of one) struggling with Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, or Gaming Addiction. You may be: feeling sad/down most days, not enjoying life & hobbies, avoiding friends/family, stopping showering/cleaning, worrying all the time, having panic attacks, feeling your heart pounding, always expecting the worst, feeling others are judging you, constantly distracted at school or work, missing deadlines/appointments, losing wallet/keys or people thinking you're lazy. I see clients in New York, New Jersey, Indiana and Michigan through tele-psychiatry.
![Photo of Jeffrey Goltz, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d6508c29-036b-4316-8afb-cab273e56e0d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Goltz is a double board certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist working at Zucker Hillside Hospital in Queens, NY and specializes in treating children, adolescents, and young adults. He is the unit chief of the inpatient adolescent psychiatric unit there, giving him extensive experience managing youth with a broad range of mental illnesses requiring intensive treatment and expertise in treating youth and families in crisis.
Dr. Goltz is a double board certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist working at Zucker Hillside Hospital in Queens, NY and specializes in treating children, adolescents, and young adults. He is the unit chief of the inpatient adolescent psychiatric unit there, giving him extensive experience managing youth with a broad range of mental illnesses requiring intensive treatment and expertise in treating youth and families in crisis.
![Photo of Neil Leibowitz, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ed006aa2-fd28-49f0-a286-abd0a5dab298/1/320x400.png)
Neil Leibowitz, MD, JD is a board-certified psychiatrist and attorney. Neil Has more than 20 years of medical, digital health, product development, and clinical leadership experience. He is particularly focused on the intersection of digital health and traditional care. Formerly the Chief Medical Officer for Beacon Health Options (Anthem), he oversaw Beacon’s medical functions, the development of clinical strategies and programs, and the product team.
Neil Leibowitz, MD, JD is a board-certified psychiatrist and attorney. Neil Has more than 20 years of medical, digital health, product development, and clinical leadership experience. He is particularly focused on the intersection of digital health and traditional care. Formerly the Chief Medical Officer for Beacon Health Options (Anthem), he oversaw Beacon’s medical functions, the development of clinical strategies and programs, and the product team.
![Photo of Lauren Hanna, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6fac8370-28df-43a2-a549-4e4c8795f4be/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am psychodynamically oriented, providing holistic care (including psychotherapy). I view our relationship as one of equals in which we work together to understand you better. I incorporate creativity and draw wisdom from spiritual practices to cope with stress. I incorporate cultural humility into care (concerns related to race, ethnicity, and gender).
I am psychodynamically oriented, providing holistic care (including psychotherapy). I view our relationship as one of equals in which we work together to understand you better. I incorporate creativity and draw wisdom from spiritual practices to cope with stress. I incorporate cultural humility into care (concerns related to race, ethnicity, and gender).
![Photo of Dilip Mohan Velu - Dilip Mohan Velu M.D., MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a18996b4-32df-4560-83f7-dab3ada96896/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dilip Mohan Velu M.D.
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Glen Oaks, NY 11004 (Online Only)
Dr. Velu is a double board certified Child & Adolescent / Adult Psychiatrist in New York City. He is currently an Attending Physician at NYC Health + Hospitals and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
Dr. Velu is a double board certified Child & Adolescent / Adult Psychiatrist in New York City. He is currently an Attending Physician at NYC Health + Hospitals and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
![Photo of Ardouin Coriolan, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9c60666f-1fb6-4bca-8b1b-5248bc9a3d4e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ardouin Coriolan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
Glen Oaks, NY 11004 (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.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
![Photo of Scott Krakower, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/147d44f5-3eba-4a36-b1a9-4c7ded529d9b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Krakower is an Associate Professor in Psychiatry at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. He is a child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist and formerly served as Unit Chief of Psychiatry at Northwell Health / Zucker Hillside Hospital. He is internationally recognized for his work with patients suffering from trauma, anxiety, video gaming, head injuries, coronavirus recovery, and addiction. He has provided expert opinion for hundreds of studies worldwide. He is recognized as a top physician by SuperDoctors and was a group recipient of the the Catchers in the Rye Humanitarian Award.
Dr. Krakower is an Associate Professor in Psychiatry at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. He is a child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist and formerly served as Unit Chief of Psychiatry at Northwell Health / Zucker Hillside Hospital. He is internationally recognized for his work with patients suffering from trauma, anxiety, video gaming, head injuries, coronavirus recovery, and addiction. He has provided expert opinion for hundreds of studies worldwide. He is recognized as a top physician by SuperDoctors and was a group recipient of the the Catchers in the Rye Humanitarian Award.
![Photo of Keri Karman - Empire Psychiatry, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cf7afaf9-ccfb-4e2f-9fce-6f0aba9ae930/1/320x400.jpeg)
Empire Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Floral Park, NY 11001 (Online Only)
Psychiatric practice specializing in medication management for the treatment of ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Insomnia, OCD, Panic Disorder, PTSD, and Schizophrenia. Insurances Accepted, and now offering Tele-psychiatry in the New York, Brooklyn, Queens, and Long Island areas.
Psychiatric practice specializing in medication management for the treatment of ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Insomnia, OCD, Panic Disorder, PTSD, and Schizophrenia. Insurances Accepted, and now offering Tele-psychiatry in the New York, Brooklyn, Queens, and Long Island areas.
![Photo of Magalie Payen, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d1c66f3f-0b2a-4db0-a5ed-69ad35ded05e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Magalie Payen
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Queens Village, NY 11427 (Online Only)
Are you struggling with feeling sad, anxious or feeling stuck, not coping after the loss of a loved one, a pet or a relationship, adjusting to new diagnosis, or a life transition? You are certainly not alone, now might be the time to seek help
Are you struggling with feeling sad, anxious or feeling stuck, not coping after the loss of a loved one, a pet or a relationship, adjusting to new diagnosis, or a life transition? You are certainly not alone, now might be the time to seek help
![Photo of LaRisa Graham - Hello Psychiatry LLC, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c462d31d-b361-494b-a4bb-d0d2e51ddf90/1/320x400.png)
Hello Psychiatry LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Bayside, NY 11364 (Online Only)
Feeling alone in your struggles with depression, anxiety, or bipolar? You're not. At Hello Psychiatry, we understand the invisible weight you carry. Our board-certified psychiatric provider, Dr. Reese, is here to listen without judgment and guide you toward a brighter future.
Feeling alone in your struggles with depression, anxiety, or bipolar? You're not. At Hello Psychiatry, we understand the invisible weight you carry. Our board-certified psychiatric provider, Dr. Reese, is here to listen without judgment and guide you toward a brighter future.
![Photo of Lisa Singer, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5968fd3b-b75d-4765-b7cc-e9eaca2c939a/2/320x400.png)
Lisa Singer
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Bayside, NY 11364 (Online Only)
Young adults, adolescents, and children, may face a variety of mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, behavioral issues, trauma, and adjustment difficulties. They seek a safe, supportive environment to express themselves, develop emotional regulation and coping skills, and succeed academically and socially. Their aspiration is to overcome these challenges, feel understood, and lead fulfilling lives, excelling in their academic and extracurricular pursuits.
Young adults, adolescents, and children, may face a variety of mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, behavioral issues, trauma, and adjustment difficulties. They seek a safe, supportive environment to express themselves, develop emotional regulation and coping skills, and succeed academically and socially. Their aspiration is to overcome these challenges, feel understood, and lead fulfilling lives, excelling in their academic and extracurricular pursuits.
![Photo of Hong Kim - One Mind Psychiatry NP PLLC, PMHNP, NP-P, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6e87b09e-e7e8-440a-bb81-4c027c4af9c0/2/320x400.jpeg)
One Mind Psychiatry NP PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, NP-P
Verified Verified
Manhasset, NY 11030 (Online Only)
I am a board-certified psychiatric NP, trained at New York University. I specialize in adults, children, adolescents, and geriatrics. My virtual and in-person practices are friendly and confidential spaces where I provide a thorough psychiatric evaluation and personalized medication management. My approach is to always see things from the client’s perspective. My mission is to support my clients while they create more meaningful progress in life. I use my expertise to help them find harmony between mind and body. I think mental health care can be a spiritual, and yet a scientific way for the client to look into their soul.
I am a board-certified psychiatric NP, trained at New York University. I specialize in adults, children, adolescents, and geriatrics. My virtual and in-person practices are friendly and confidential spaces where I provide a thorough psychiatric evaluation and personalized medication management. My approach is to always see things from the client’s perspective. My mission is to support my clients while they create more meaningful progress in life. I use my expertise to help them find harmony between mind and body. I think mental health care can be a spiritual, and yet a scientific way for the client to look into their soul.
![Photo of Gina Lee, PNP-BC, ANP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e3161ecf-b229-4995-8c68-4c2264e6ed67/4/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatric Mental Health and Adult Health Care in New York State, and now presiding at SilverLife NP Care. I have been trained and specialized in QEEG, Neurofeedback, Medication Management, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Trans-cranial Magnetic Stimulate Therapy. Having believed that brain health is connected to state of total physical, mental, and social well-being, I will develop and customize a unique treatment plan for each individual recovery/remission, and provide the best quality care to all my clients.
I am a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatric Mental Health and Adult Health Care in New York State, and now presiding at SilverLife NP Care. I have been trained and specialized in QEEG, Neurofeedback, Medication Management, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Trans-cranial Magnetic Stimulate Therapy. Having believed that brain health is connected to state of total physical, mental, and social well-being, I will develop and customize a unique treatment plan for each individual recovery/remission, and provide the best quality care to all my clients.
![Photo of Ayshea Monique Beswick, MSN, RN, PMHNP, -BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3aaf1385-e8b0-451c-aa9d-52ffcbcd5527/3/320x400.jpeg)
Ayshea Monique Beswick
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, RN, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
Great Neck, NY 11020
Every patient has diverse needs and is individual's and approach to treatment will be tailored to everyone's needs. A collaborative approach which may include both therapy and/or medication management. I encourage an honest, trustworthy relationship that will be beneficial in your journey to finding balance. I congratulate you on taking the steps towards finding a mental health partner, because together we will develop a treatment plan that is best suited for you and your current situation.
Every patient has diverse needs and is individual's and approach to treatment will be tailored to everyone's needs. A collaborative approach which may include both therapy and/or medication management. I encourage an honest, trustworthy relationship that will be beneficial in your journey to finding balance. I congratulate you on taking the steps towards finding a mental health partner, because together we will develop a treatment plan that is best suited for you and your current situation.
![Photo of Yu Yang, MD, PhD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40832a9f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a board-certified general psychiatrist from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. I completed my psychiatric residency training at the prestigious Icahn School Medicine at Mount Sinai and psychoanalytic fellowship at New York University School of Medicine. I'm presently serving as an attending psychiatrist in the state hospital psychiatric center. I have extensive and rich psychiatric experiences from practicing in the private clinic, to hospital inpatient, outpatient, and emergency room settings. I also conducted medical research regarding immunology psychiatry with over 40 medical publications on PubMed.
I am a board-certified general psychiatrist from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. I completed my psychiatric residency training at the prestigious Icahn School Medicine at Mount Sinai and psychoanalytic fellowship at New York University School of Medicine. I'm presently serving as an attending psychiatrist in the state hospital psychiatric center. I have extensive and rich psychiatric experiences from practicing in the private clinic, to hospital inpatient, outpatient, and emergency room settings. I also conducted medical research regarding immunology psychiatry with over 40 medical publications on PubMed.
![Photo of Aimee Bensimhon, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ecccaa9f-e81f-47e5-8eba-358e3405d5db/2/320x400.png)
Aimee Bensimhon
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Great Neck Plaza, NY 11021 (Online Only)
Aimee is passionate about helping her patients thrive and strive for mental wellness while achieving their personal goals. She adopts a genuine and nonjudgmental approach to her practice to foster a safe and comfortable therapeutic space. She uses a person-centered approach while incorporating a good balance between psychotherapy, exploring lifestyle enhancements, and recommending medication.
Aimee is passionate about helping her patients thrive and strive for mental wellness while achieving their personal goals. She adopts a genuine and nonjudgmental approach to her practice to foster a safe and comfortable therapeutic space. She uses a person-centered approach while incorporating a good balance between psychotherapy, exploring lifestyle enhancements, and recommending medication.
![Photo of Grace Nnamani, PMHNP, BC, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c209ae25-272c-408c-bd3d-698e435b3fc8/3/320x400.jpeg)
Grace Nnamani
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC, FNP
Verified Verified
Queens Village, NY 11428 (Online Only)
Hello, my name is Grace. I am a passionate Board Certified Psychiatric and Family Nurse Practitioner with over 18 years of Clinical experience. I utilize active listening and thoughtful questioning and empathy in my interactions.
Hello, my name is Grace. I am a passionate Board Certified Psychiatric and Family Nurse Practitioner with over 18 years of Clinical experience. I utilize active listening and thoughtful questioning and empathy in my interactions.
![Photo of Ahron L Friedberg - Ahron Friedberg, MD, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f7c14b5-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
My therapeutic approach is to combine best clinical psychotherapy and psychopharmacology practices informed by contemporary neuroscience. Rather than focusing on diagnosis and disease, I am oriented toward maximizing health and wellness. I try to help a person full his or her potential in work and relationships, while achieving realistic goals and higher aims. If you'd like to set up a consultation, please call me directly at 212 737 5099.
My therapeutic approach is to combine best clinical psychotherapy and psychopharmacology practices informed by contemporary neuroscience. Rather than focusing on diagnosis and disease, I am oriented toward maximizing health and wellness. I try to help a person full his or her potential in work and relationships, while achieving realistic goals and higher aims. If you'd like to set up a consultation, please call me directly at 212 737 5099.
![Photo of Bolanle Bello - Devine Neuropsychiatric Services NP of psych, DNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0295b118-0133-4d2d-99bc-588deb491be4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Devine Neuropsychiatric Services NP of psych
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP
Verified Verified
Garden City Park, NY 11040
Dr. Bello is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with over ten years of experience in Adult, Child, and Adolescent mental health issues and extensive psychopharmacology experience. I am committed to providing compassionate, confidential, culturally sensitive, and evidence-based mental health care customized to meet your individual needs. School: Stony Brook University School of Nursing (BSN, MSN), New York. Chamberlain University (Doctor of Nursing Practice) Illinois. Please call today for an appointment.
Dr. Bello is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with over ten years of experience in Adult, Child, and Adolescent mental health issues and extensive psychopharmacology experience. I am committed to providing compassionate, confidential, culturally sensitive, and evidence-based mental health care customized to meet your individual needs. School: Stony Brook University School of Nursing (BSN, MSN), New York. Chamberlain University (Doctor of Nursing Practice) Illinois. Please call today for an appointment.
See more therapy options for Glen Oaks
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Glen Oaks, NY
< 10
Psychiatrists in Glen Oaks, NY who prioritize treating:
86% | Depression |
86% | Anxiety |
57% | Trauma and PTSD |
57% | Bipolar Disorder |
43% | ADHD |
43% | Life Coaching |
43% | Medication Management |
Average years in practice
11 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
67% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
How Psychiatrists in Glen Oaks, NY see their clients
71% | Online Only | |
29% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
66% | Male | |
34% | Female |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Glen Oaks?
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.