Psychiatrists in Montauk, NY

Photo of Megan Langworthy, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Megan Langworthy
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Montauk, NY 11954  (Online Only)
You have worked through a crisis, maybe even a few, and continue to not feel like you are able to function at the level you had hoped. Medication may be helping, but your goal was never a partial remission from symptoms and you are burnt out on not performing at your peak. You may not even believe anymore that full recovery is possible, struggle with motivation, and your moods may be compounded by insomnia, weight gain, gut issues or chronic pain. Perhaps just when you figure out how to manage one symptom, you tip out of balance again.
You have worked through a crisis, maybe even a few, and continue to not feel like you are able to function at the level you had hoped. Medication may be helping, but your goal was never a partial remission from symptoms and you are burnt out on not performing at your peak. You may not even believe anymore that full recovery is possible, struggle with motivation, and your moods may be compounded by insomnia, weight gain, gut issues or chronic pain. Perhaps just when you figure out how to manage one symptom, you tip out of balance again.
(503) 563-8979 View (503) 563-8979

More Psychiatrists Nearby

Photo of Jessica M Carbajal Caceda, MD, Psychiatrist
Jessica M Carbajal Caceda
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Amagansett, NY 11930
Navigating healthcare systems can be challenging and frustrating. I believe that a direct, open and compassionate approach brings the ideal environment for children to overcome depression, anxiety and other challenges that live throws. After many years working in academia and private practice I found that in conjunction of medications and/or therapy, active participation of families is crucial for my patients to improve. Medications and therapy are great modern tools to improve mental illness, but not enough. Active and open communication with patients and families often makes the difference between a successful and failed treatment
Navigating healthcare systems can be challenging and frustrating. I believe that a direct, open and compassionate approach brings the ideal environment for children to overcome depression, anxiety and other challenges that live throws. After many years working in academia and private practice I found that in conjunction of medications and/or therapy, active participation of families is crucial for my patients to improve. Medications and therapy are great modern tools to improve mental illness, but not enough. Active and open communication with patients and families often makes the difference between a successful and failed treatment
(631) 336-2256 View (631) 336-2256

Online Psychiatrists

Photo of Robert Terrelonge - Carbon Minds Mental Health & Wellness, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Carbon Minds Mental Health & Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Jamaica, NY 11413
Robert Terrelonge, APRN, PMHNP is a licensed Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in private practice in New York. He provides treatment for children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. As a Nurse Practitioner, Mr. Terrelonge sees patients independently and offers many of the same services as a Psychiatrist, yet combines both medical and nursing perspectives. He currently serves Patients in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Long Island and uses both office visits and tele-psychiatry to provide easy, affordable and convenient psychotherapy and psychopharmacology.
Robert Terrelonge, APRN, PMHNP is a licensed Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in private practice in New York. He provides treatment for children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. As a Nurse Practitioner, Mr. Terrelonge sees patients independently and offers many of the same services as a Psychiatrist, yet combines both medical and nursing perspectives. He currently serves Patients in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Long Island and uses both office visits and tele-psychiatry to provide easy, affordable and convenient psychotherapy and psychopharmacology.
(929) 429-4683 View (929) 429-4683
Photo of Hong Kim - One Mind Psychiatry NP PLLC, PMHNP, NP-P, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
One Mind Psychiatry NP PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, NP-P, BC
Verified Verified
Stony Brook, NY 11794  (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.
(201) 969-5923 View (201) 969-5923
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.
(631) 250-5405 View (631) 250-5405
Photo of Erastus Shannon - Amirome Health, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Amirome Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Hempstead, NY 11552  (Online Only)
Hello I am a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who is here to help you be the best and most productive individual you can be. I use a client centered approach to come up with collaborative solutions. I have experience treating adult individuals struggling with anxiety and depression.
Hello I am a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who is here to help you be the best and most productive individual you can be. I use a client centered approach to come up with collaborative solutions. I have experience treating adult individuals struggling with anxiety and depression.
(518) 400-3123 View (518) 400-3123
Photo of Meredith Hobart, MSN,  NP,  PMHNP, -BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Meredith Hobart
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, NP, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
Whitestone, NY 11357
I am an Adult Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in precision psychiatry. I received my graduate degree from Yale University School of Nursing in 2006. In addition to being a Nurse Practitioner, I have been a psychiatric RN for many years. Prior to entering Yale, I worked for 7 years on a major Harvard Medical School psychiatric teaching unit. I am a conservative prescriber and believe in using the smallest possible dosages of medication to treat a client's symptoms. I do very thorough initial evaluations with my clients and work with them closely until they are stable on their medications.
I am an Adult Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in precision psychiatry. I received my graduate degree from Yale University School of Nursing in 2006. In addition to being a Nurse Practitioner, I have been a psychiatric RN for many years. Prior to entering Yale, I worked for 7 years on a major Harvard Medical School psychiatric teaching unit. I am a conservative prescriber and believe in using the smallest possible dosages of medication to treat a client's symptoms. I do very thorough initial evaluations with my clients and work with them closely until they are stable on their medications.
(646) 693-6978 View (646) 693-6978
Photo of Dr. Anne Phan-Huy, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Anne Phan-Huy
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Huntington Station, NY 11746
Dr. Phan-Huy's philosophy of care is all about you. Your beliefs, your experiences, your goals. By partnering with Dr. Phan-Huy, you will be empowered with the tools necessary to achieve fulfilment. That’s because – with Board certification in psychiatry and specialty training from the University of Michigan – Dr. Phan-Huy is a beacon of clarity in the complex world of mental health.
Dr. Phan-Huy's philosophy of care is all about you. Your beliefs, your experiences, your goals. By partnering with Dr. Phan-Huy, you will be empowered with the tools necessary to achieve fulfilment. That’s because – with Board certification in psychiatry and specialty training from the University of Michigan – Dr. Phan-Huy is a beacon of clarity in the complex world of mental health.
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Photo of Maureen B Doyle, PhD, PMHCNS-, CARN, CNE, Psychiatric Nurse
Maureen B Doyle
Psychiatric Nurse, PhD, PMHCNS-, CARN, CNE
Verified Verified
Valhalla, NY 10595  (Online Only)
I am currently accepting new clients. MY FORTE IS TALK THERAPY. I DO NOT PRESCRIBE! Hope for relief from pain and dreams of becoming one's best self require an empathic foundation of trust. Imagine that you are harnessing your intuitive power to change. If you would welcome a companion-guide on such a journey, contact me, I'll do my best to help. Extensive experience as an Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse in both direct clinical practice and teaching in academic and clinical settings, provides a secure base of wisdom and evidence that informs my practice.
I am currently accepting new clients. MY FORTE IS TALK THERAPY. I DO NOT PRESCRIBE! Hope for relief from pain and dreams of becoming one's best self require an empathic foundation of trust. Imagine that you are harnessing your intuitive power to change. If you would welcome a companion-guide on such a journey, contact me, I'll do my best to help. Extensive experience as an Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse in both direct clinical practice and teaching in academic and clinical settings, provides a secure base of wisdom and evidence that informs my practice.
(914) 229-9268 View (914) 229-9268
Photo of Larissa Yossefi, PMHNP, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Larissa Yossefi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MSN
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Albertson, NY 11507
Specializing in trauma therapy, utilizing CBT, EMDR, and the polyvagal systemic approach, this method focuses on leveraging strengths and identifying areas for improvement. Emphasis is placed on health during life transitions such as pregnancy, childbirth, and school changes. The therapeutic partnership is grounded in respect, trust, and self-reflection, aiming to develop skills for navigating challenges, understanding the past, and moving forward.
Specializing in trauma therapy, utilizing CBT, EMDR, and the polyvagal systemic approach, this method focuses on leveraging strengths and identifying areas for improvement. Emphasis is placed on health during life transitions such as pregnancy, childbirth, and school changes. The therapeutic partnership is grounded in respect, trust, and self-reflection, aiming to develop skills for navigating challenges, understanding the past, and moving forward.
(516) 715-3176 View (516) 715-3176
Photo of Edena Walden, MSN, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Edena Walden
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Garden City Park, NY 11040
Ideally my patient is as invested in their care as I am. They could have a variety of diagnoses but the thing they have in common is they are willing to give the process time, are open to new ideas, and know there is no magic pill to fix all their problems. My patients want to get to the best version of themselves and are willing to try therapy as well as medications to help them reach that goal. My patient wants an empathetic, listening provider who can guide their care based on the evidence, but tailored to their individual needs.
Ideally my patient is as invested in their care as I am. They could have a variety of diagnoses but the thing they have in common is they are willing to give the process time, are open to new ideas, and know there is no magic pill to fix all their problems. My patients want to get to the best version of themselves and are willing to try therapy as well as medications to help them reach that goal. My patient wants an empathetic, listening provider who can guide their care based on the evidence, but tailored to their individual needs.
(929) 416-5900 View (929) 416-5900
Photo of Virginia Connolly, RNMSNP-, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Virginia Connolly
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, RNMSNP-
Verified Verified
Yorktown Heights, NY 10598
Ginger Connolly graduated from Columbia University 22 years ago, obtaining her Nurse Practitioner degree. This was preceded by 20 years of inpatient treatment with both children and adults. She specializes in ADHD, General Anxiety Disorders, Major Depression, PTSD and Obsessive compulsive disorders. More attention is increasingly given to Social anxiety disorder which has increased in prevalence with the advent of the pandemic isolation. Age groups seen are from age 5 thru age 55. Child treatment is accompanied by parent training if needed, if Oppositional Defiant Disorder is noted in particular.
Ginger Connolly graduated from Columbia University 22 years ago, obtaining her Nurse Practitioner degree. This was preceded by 20 years of inpatient treatment with both children and adults. She specializes in ADHD, General Anxiety Disorders, Major Depression, PTSD and Obsessive compulsive disorders. More attention is increasingly given to Social anxiety disorder which has increased in prevalence with the advent of the pandemic isolation. Age groups seen are from age 5 thru age 55. Child treatment is accompanied by parent training if needed, if Oppositional Defiant Disorder is noted in particular.
(914) 530-6233 View (914) 530-6233
Photo of Matthew Bach - Empower Psychiatric, PMHNP, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Empower Psychiatric
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MSN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Hempstead, NY 11552
I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMH-NP) who is focused on patient-centered mental health treatment. I do not subscribe to the “pill for every ill” mantra championed by much of the psychiatric world. Early on in my career it became evident to me that treatment needs to be individualized to meet the needs of each person. It is important to me that patients feel empowered and heard after each session.
I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMH-NP) who is focused on patient-centered mental health treatment. I do not subscribe to the “pill for every ill” mantra championed by much of the psychiatric world. Early on in my career it became evident to me that treatment needs to be individualized to meet the needs of each person. It is important to me that patients feel empowered and heard after each session.
(929) 339-0914 View (929) 339-0914
Photo of Allen Masry - Harmony Bay, MD, Psychiatrist
Harmony Bay
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Garden City Park, NY 11040
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.
(929) 416-0392 View (929) 416-0392
Photo of Veronica Ogula, PMHNP, DNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Veronica Ogula
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, DNP, BC
Verified Verified
Valley Stream, NY 11581  (Online Only)
"I am a board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 10 years of inpatient and out-patient mental healthcare experience. I have extensive experience in diagnosing and managing mental health conditions, including psychiatric medications and individual therapy".
"I am a board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 10 years of inpatient and out-patient mental healthcare experience. I have extensive experience in diagnosing and managing mental health conditions, including psychiatric medications and individual therapy".
(917) 382-8689 View (917) 382-8689
Photo of Candice Miller, NPP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Candice Miller
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NPP, BC
Verified Verified
Rockville Centre, NY 11570
I am a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner and I have been very fortunate to have been trained by experts in the field on how to optimally diagnose and treat individuals with OCD and related disorders as well as comorbid diagnoses. I am a professional member of the IOCDF as well as the TLC Foundation for BFRBs. Although I do specialize in OCD, I also do accept, and treat, adult patients across the entire diagnostic spectrum.
I am a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner and I have been very fortunate to have been trained by experts in the field on how to optimally diagnose and treat individuals with OCD and related disorders as well as comorbid diagnoses. I am a professional member of the IOCDF as well as the TLC Foundation for BFRBs. Although I do specialize in OCD, I also do accept, and treat, adult patients across the entire diagnostic spectrum.
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Photo of Maryellen D'Ambrosio, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse
Maryellen D'Ambrosio
Psychiatric Nurse, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
Yorktown Heights, NY 10598
Maryellen D'Ambrosio is a New York State licensed Psychiatric & Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and is Board Certified by the American Nurses Credentialling Center. She has been practicing Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, since 2004, and has provided treatment in both inpatient and outpatient settings. She graduated, Summa Cum Laude, from Pace University - Leinhard School of Nursing with a Master of Science Degree. Her advanced education included specialized training (ages 3-17), with more explicit preparation and clinical instruction, in the area of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.
Maryellen D'Ambrosio is a New York State licensed Psychiatric & Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and is Board Certified by the American Nurses Credentialling Center. She has been practicing Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, since 2004, and has provided treatment in both inpatient and outpatient settings. She graduated, Summa Cum Laude, from Pace University - Leinhard School of Nursing with a Master of Science Degree. Her advanced education included specialized training (ages 3-17), with more explicit preparation and clinical instruction, in the area of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.
(914) 743-3618 View (914) 743-3618
Photo of Olawande Awopetu, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Olawande Awopetu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
New Rochelle, NY 10805  (Online Only)
Hello, I am Olawande Awopetu, an ANCC board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. I am honored to serve as a psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner dedicated to enhancing and safeguarding your mental well-being. With my extensive background in the field, I specialize in delivering empathetic and comprehensive care for a range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, substance use disorder, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, and schizophrenia.
Hello, I am Olawande Awopetu, an ANCC board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. I am honored to serve as a psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner dedicated to enhancing and safeguarding your mental well-being. With my extensive background in the field, I specialize in delivering empathetic and comprehensive care for a range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, substance use disorder, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, and schizophrenia.
(914) 647-6794 View (914) 647-6794
Photo of Tanya Sydnor Holmes, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Tanya Sydnor Holmes
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
North Babylon, NY 11703  (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.
(631) 735-6598 View (631) 735-6598
Photo of Ingrid Luna - Ingrid Luna NP in Psychiatry, PLLC., MS, PMHNP-, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Ingrid Luna NP in Psychiatry, PLLC.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MS, PMHNP-, BC
Verified Verified
West Islip, NY 11795
Are you experiencing symptoms that may be causing unwanted stressors in your daily life? Let's have a conversation about it! I am here to help you. As a holistic and client-centered practitioner, we will build a therapeutic relationship and discuss medication management and treatment options. I am experienced in treating anxiety, depression, attention deficit disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and mood disorders. Together we will develop an individualized treatment plan to assist you to obtain your goals and restore your optimal level of functioning.
Are you experiencing symptoms that may be causing unwanted stressors in your daily life? Let's have a conversation about it! I am here to help you. As a holistic and client-centered practitioner, we will build a therapeutic relationship and discuss medication management and treatment options. I am experienced in treating anxiety, depression, attention deficit disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and mood disorders. Together we will develop an individualized treatment plan to assist you to obtain your goals and restore your optimal level of functioning.
(631) 817-4733 View (631) 817-4733

See more therapy options for Montauk

How does your Psychiatrist compare?

Number of Psychiatrists in Montauk, NY

< 10

Psychiatrists in Montauk, NY who prioritize treating:

100% Depression
100% Anxiety
100% Trauma and PTSD
100% Bipolar Disorder
100% Coping Skills
100% Sexual Abuse
100% Medication Management

Average years in practice

4 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

100% Aetna
100% BlueCross and BlueShield
100% First Choice Health | FCH

How Psychiatrists in Montauk, NY see their clients

100% Online Only

Gender breakdown

100% Female
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses

How can I find a psychiatrist in Montauk?

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.