Psychiatrists in Lake County, OH
![Photo of April DeBiasi, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/55d28c67-965d-4d8a-a8c2-fc8e9093dd23/1/320x400.jpeg)
April DeBiasi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Painesville, OH 44077 (Online Only)
April DeBiasi is a nurse practitioner dually board certified in psychiatric and mental health as well as Adult-Geriatric primary care nurse practitioner. She is board certified through the American Nursing Credentialing Center and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She has experience working in acute inpatient hospital and outpatient private practice settings.She sees adults ages 18 to 100 and she specializes in anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders, depressive disorder, dementia, OCD, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, and insomnia.
April DeBiasi is a nurse practitioner dually board certified in psychiatric and mental health as well as Adult-Geriatric primary care nurse practitioner. She is board certified through the American Nursing Credentialing Center and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She has experience working in acute inpatient hospital and outpatient private practice settings.She sees adults ages 18 to 100 and she specializes in anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders, depressive disorder, dementia, OCD, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, and insomnia.
![Photo of Kimberly Anne Sanders, APRN-BC, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/574d80d5-ed2a-421a-9c73-6b3af573fd54/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kim Sanders is a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. She received her Bachelors of Arts from Kent State University in psychology, her Masters of Education in counseling from the University of Cincinnati. She worked at a counselor for 2 years then worked as part of the crisis team in Cleveland, Ohio. She then graduated from Lakeland community College with her Associates in nursing. She practiced as a nurse for 8 years before receiving her Masters of Nursing from Kent State University.
Kim Sanders is a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. She received her Bachelors of Arts from Kent State University in psychology, her Masters of Education in counseling from the University of Cincinnati. She worked at a counselor for 2 years then worked as part of the crisis team in Cleveland, Ohio. She then graduated from Lakeland community College with her Associates in nursing. She practiced as a nurse for 8 years before receiving her Masters of Nursing from Kent State University.
![Photo of Enestine Tasong, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fe0423fb-86cc-424e-aa27-2190ca1d756e/1/320x400.png)
Dr. Ernestine Tasong is a dual board-certified family nurse practitioner (FNP), psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP), and certified DOT provider. She has over 20 years of excellent, high-quality healthcare experience. She has worked in multiple settings, including long-term care, home care, primary care, psychiatric care clinics, insurance, urgent care, hospice, and an inpatient behavioral hospital.
Dr. Ernestine Tasong is a dual board-certified family nurse practitioner (FNP), psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP), and certified DOT provider. She has over 20 years of excellent, high-quality healthcare experience. She has worked in multiple settings, including long-term care, home care, primary care, psychiatric care clinics, insurance, urgent care, hospice, and an inpatient behavioral hospital.
![Photo of Anna Gray, MSHS, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b81cf748-2636-4b0b-afad-335fe64f504a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Anna Gray is a certified Physician Assistant specializing in adult psychiatry. She is a graduate of Cleveland State University, where she earned her Master of Science in Health Sciences. As an advanced practice provider, she can diagnose psychiatric disorders, prescribe medications, and provide medication counseling. She utilizes a collaborative approach to patient care and believes in empowering patients by helping them to better understand and participate in their own medical care.
Anna Gray is a certified Physician Assistant specializing in adult psychiatry. She is a graduate of Cleveland State University, where she earned her Master of Science in Health Sciences. As an advanced practice provider, she can diagnose psychiatric disorders, prescribe medications, and provide medication counseling. She utilizes a collaborative approach to patient care and believes in empowering patients by helping them to better understand and participate in their own medical care.
![Photo of Jessica Huffman, APRN (C, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1488e476-27cd-460c-ba51-e8a06d13e74e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jessica Huffman is a dual certified nurse practitioner. Initially, Jessica graduated from Wright State University and worked years as an intensive care nurse. In 2014, she graduated from Kent State with a post graduate degree as an adult- geriatric primary care CNP working inpatient at University Hospitals. Later, Jessica, returned to schooling to specialize in mental health and addiction. Upholding two graduate degrees has allowed Jessica to provide integrative and holistic care. She hold a national certification with both the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Jessica Huffman is a dual certified nurse practitioner. Initially, Jessica graduated from Wright State University and worked years as an intensive care nurse. In 2014, she graduated from Kent State with a post graduate degree as an adult- geriatric primary care CNP working inpatient at University Hospitals. Later, Jessica, returned to schooling to specialize in mental health and addiction. Upholding two graduate degrees has allowed Jessica to provide integrative and holistic care. She hold a national certification with both the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and American Nurses Credentialing Center.
![Photo of Jeff Iannone, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cc6fba90-0880-4fa1-b09e-af5943de92d3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jeff Iannone is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Ohio who has been practicing since 2021. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing from Kent State University. Jeff is highly motivated to provide the best possible outcomes to patients through the use of current Evidence Based Practice and critical thinking. He strives for an individual-centered, recovery-oriented, collaborative therapeutic relationship to help individuals reach their full potential.
Jeff Iannone is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Ohio who has been practicing since 2021. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing from Kent State University. Jeff is highly motivated to provide the best possible outcomes to patients through the use of current Evidence Based Practice and critical thinking. He strives for an individual-centered, recovery-oriented, collaborative therapeutic relationship to help individuals reach their full potential.
![Photo of Nicole Denise Nickens, MSN, APRN, A-GNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c61744a2-7f99-4a6b-b599-da5baf79f4ea/1/320x400.jpeg)
Nicole Denise Nickens
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, A-GNP-C
Verified Verified
Willoughby, OH 44094
Are you suffering from an addiction and/or mental illness and need help? Do you need assistance losing weight? Are you currently looking for a psychiatric provider to refill your medication since your previous provider retired or relocated? Are you tired of waiting hours, weeks, or months to see your provider? Are you tired of going to several specialist for your mental health needs? Well look no further! Mrs. Nicole D. Dunson is here waiting for you! Call NOW! Same week availability.
Are you suffering from an addiction and/or mental illness and need help? Do you need assistance losing weight? Are you currently looking for a psychiatric provider to refill your medication since your previous provider retired or relocated? Are you tired of waiting hours, weeks, or months to see your provider? Are you tired of going to several specialist for your mental health needs? Well look no further! Mrs. Nicole D. Dunson is here waiting for you! Call NOW! Same week availability.
![Photo of Christopher Smith, APN, NP, RXN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b672ec3f-2b9c-41dd-8882-bafbb637f1ae/1/320x400.jpeg)
Christopher Smith
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APN, NP, RXN
Verified Verified
Mentor, OH 44060 (Online Only)
I am a dual licensed and board certified Nurse Practitioner in both Psychiatric Mental Health (PMHNP) and Family Medicine (FNP). Prior to my work in psychiatry, I spent over 10 years working in a mix of emergency medicine, trauma care, urgent care and covering for primary care providers. I understand what it means to work in high stress, high demand environments. I believe in addressing mental health with the same level of focus and detail that the most complex physical health conditions require.
I am a dual licensed and board certified Nurse Practitioner in both Psychiatric Mental Health (PMHNP) and Family Medicine (FNP). Prior to my work in psychiatry, I spent over 10 years working in a mix of emergency medicine, trauma care, urgent care and covering for primary care providers. I understand what it means to work in high stress, high demand environments. I believe in addressing mental health with the same level of focus and detail that the most complex physical health conditions require.
![Photo of Deirdre D Raimey, DNP, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ede9a05c-cc2b-4763-9050-4c42422a0a8d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Deirdre D Raimey
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Painesville, OH 44077 (Online Only)
Adulting is tough, but it doesn’t have to be. Sometimes therapy doesn’t work fast enough. How do you manage symptoms in the meantime? Is medicine right for you? Where do you start? My name is Deirdre Raimey. For the past 8 years I have provided outpatient behavioral healthcare to adults across the state of Ohio. My areas of expertise include: Generalized Anxiety, Major Depression, PTSD, and so much more.
Adulting is tough, but it doesn’t have to be. Sometimes therapy doesn’t work fast enough. How do you manage symptoms in the meantime? Is medicine right for you? Where do you start? My name is Deirdre Raimey. For the past 8 years I have provided outpatient behavioral healthcare to adults across the state of Ohio. My areas of expertise include: Generalized Anxiety, Major Depression, PTSD, and so much more.
![Photo of Danny Miller, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b8bf325a-d14d-46ec-879c-1fa3357edfcc/1/320x400.png)
Danny Miller
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Willowick, OH 44095 (Online Only)
Mental health problems don’t define who you are. They are something you experience. You walk in the rain and you feel the rain, but you are not the rain (Matt Haig). Danny is, above all, fully engaged in optimizing your well-being. He believes it is crucial to be totally engaged in patient interactions to really connect with you and provide the best care possible. When you see Danny for medication management, you have his undivided attention. As a patient-centered prescriber, he emphasizes practical, positive medical outcomes.
Mental health problems don’t define who you are. They are something you experience. You walk in the rain and you feel the rain, but you are not the rain (Matt Haig). Danny is, above all, fully engaged in optimizing your well-being. He believes it is crucial to be totally engaged in patient interactions to really connect with you and provide the best care possible. When you see Danny for medication management, you have his undivided attention. As a patient-centered prescriber, he emphasizes practical, positive medical outcomes.
![Photo of Deirdre D Raimey, DNP, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/69361e31-7713-4f57-b8a6-3dfcde56afcb/1/320x400.jpeg)
Deirdre D Raimey
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Painesville, OH 44077 (Online Only)
Greetings. My name is Deirdre Raimey. I have been a board certified family nurse practitioner for the past 14 years, and a family systems psychiatric nurse practitioner for the past 8 years. I received all of my nursing education at Case Western Reserve University. For the past 8 years I have provided outpatient behavioral healthcare to adults in the Greater Cleveland area.
Greetings. My name is Deirdre Raimey. I have been a board certified family nurse practitioner for the past 14 years, and a family systems psychiatric nurse practitioner for the past 8 years. I received all of my nursing education at Case Western Reserve University. For the past 8 years I have provided outpatient behavioral healthcare to adults in the Greater Cleveland area.
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![Photo of David Borden Feldman, MD, DFAPA, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/04ee3efc-b5e0-47e1-a6cb-84777175bb24/1/320x400.jpeg)
Being human entails struggle. Even if circumstances go well, depression, anxiety, conflict and other things may keep us from being what we might be. A discouraging world challenges our sense of meaning in life. The evidence shows depth therapies sustain benefit over time more than other superficial approaches. Depth psychotherapy offers an opportunity for meaningful change to occur. Depth work utilizes dreams, fantasy, metaphor and other means over time to access unconscious, unrecognized aspects of ourselves, permitting our becoming more complete individuals.
Being human entails struggle. Even if circumstances go well, depression, anxiety, conflict and other things may keep us from being what we might be. A discouraging world challenges our sense of meaning in life. The evidence shows depth therapies sustain benefit over time more than other superficial approaches. Depth psychotherapy offers an opportunity for meaningful change to occur. Depth work utilizes dreams, fantasy, metaphor and other means over time to access unconscious, unrecognized aspects of ourselves, permitting our becoming more complete individuals.
![Photo of Christopher James, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/77b277f9-546e-487d-b414-9698248443fb/1/320x400.png)
Christopher James received his DO from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, his master's degree in Public Health from Temple University and his bachelor's degree from Rutgers University. He completed his Child and Adolescent fellowship at Northwestern University/Children's Memorial Hospital and his Adult Psychiatric residency at University of Maryland/Sheppard Pratt. He has over 15 years of experience and specializes in the evaluation and pharmacological treatment of psychiatric disorders in children, adolescents and adults.
Christopher James received his DO from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, his master's degree in Public Health from Temple University and his bachelor's degree from Rutgers University. He completed his Child and Adolescent fellowship at Northwestern University/Children's Memorial Hospital and his Adult Psychiatric residency at University of Maryland/Sheppard Pratt. He has over 15 years of experience and specializes in the evaluation and pharmacological treatment of psychiatric disorders in children, adolescents and adults.
![Photo of Kelly Brown, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/097921dc-523b-4b5e-a096-66310437a062/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kelly Brown, PMHNP Kelly Brown is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Ohio who has been practicing since 2021. Kelly offers compassionate care while helping a patient achieve optimal mental health to help them lead fulfilling lives. In her spare time, Kelly loves spending time with friends and family, reading, binging Netflix, bowling, and learning to speak Spanish.
Kelly Brown, PMHNP Kelly Brown is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Ohio who has been practicing since 2021. Kelly offers compassionate care while helping a patient achieve optimal mental health to help them lead fulfilling lives. In her spare time, Kelly loves spending time with friends and family, reading, binging Netflix, bowling, and learning to speak Spanish.
![Photo of Danny Miller, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9f51b0b3-2da2-4476-92d1-8dfba8692040/1/320x400.png)
Danny Miller
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Madison, OH 44057 (Online Only)
Mental health problems don’t define who you are. They are something you experience. You walk in the rain and you feel the rain, but you are not the rain (Matt Haig). Danny is, above all, fully engaged in optimizing your well-being. He believes it is crucial to be totally engaged in patient interactions to really connect with you and provide the best care possible. When you see Danny for medication management, you have his undivided attention. As a patient-centered prescriber, he emphasizes practical, positive medical outcomes.
Mental health problems don’t define who you are. They are something you experience. You walk in the rain and you feel the rain, but you are not the rain (Matt Haig). Danny is, above all, fully engaged in optimizing your well-being. He believes it is crucial to be totally engaged in patient interactions to really connect with you and provide the best care possible. When you see Danny for medication management, you have his undivided attention. As a patient-centered prescriber, he emphasizes practical, positive medical outcomes.
![Photo of Danny Miller, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/357e1f04-9070-466d-bcb3-67ccf8c94bdb/1/320x400.png)
Danny Miller
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Mentor, OH 44060 (Online Only)
Mental health problems don’t define who you are. They are something you experience. You walk in the rain and you feel the rain, but you are not the rain (Matt Haig). Danny is, above all, fully engaged in optimizing your well-being. He believes it is crucial to be totally engaged in patient interactions to really connect with you and provide the best care possible. When you see Danny for medication management, you have his undivided attention. As a patient-centered prescriber, he emphasizes practical, positive medical outcomes.
Mental health problems don’t define who you are. They are something you experience. You walk in the rain and you feel the rain, but you are not the rain (Matt Haig). Danny is, above all, fully engaged in optimizing your well-being. He believes it is crucial to be totally engaged in patient interactions to really connect with you and provide the best care possible. When you see Danny for medication management, you have his undivided attention. As a patient-centered prescriber, he emphasizes practical, positive medical outcomes.
![Photo of Danny Miller, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/857b5dcb-8785-4856-af91-3d0bdaee03a2/1/320x400.png)
Danny Miller
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Willoughby Hills, OH 44094 (Online Only)
Mental health problems don’t define who you are. They are something you experience. You walk in the rain and you feel the rain, but you are not the rain (Matt Haig). Danny is, above all, fully engaged in optimizing your well-being. He believes it is crucial to be totally engaged in patient interactions to really connect with you and provide the best care possible. When you see Danny for medication management, you have his undivided attention. As a patient-centered prescriber, he emphasizes practical, positive medical outcomes.
Mental health problems don’t define who you are. They are something you experience. You walk in the rain and you feel the rain, but you are not the rain (Matt Haig). Danny is, above all, fully engaged in optimizing your well-being. He believes it is crucial to be totally engaged in patient interactions to really connect with you and provide the best care possible. When you see Danny for medication management, you have his undivided attention. As a patient-centered prescriber, he emphasizes practical, positive medical outcomes.
![Photo of Danny Miller, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/35227f36-0e8b-40dc-a4dd-1028e1cd9285/1/320x400.png)
Danny Miller
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Perry, OH 44081 (Online Only)
Mental health problems don’t define who you are. They are something you experience. You walk in the rain and you feel the rain, but you are not the rain (Matt Haig). Danny is, above all, fully engaged in optimizing your well-being. He believes it is crucial to be totally engaged in patient interactions to really connect with you and provide the best care possible. When you see Danny for medication management, you have his undivided attention. As a patient-centered prescriber, he emphasizes practical, positive medical outcomes.
Mental health problems don’t define who you are. They are something you experience. You walk in the rain and you feel the rain, but you are not the rain (Matt Haig). Danny is, above all, fully engaged in optimizing your well-being. He believes it is crucial to be totally engaged in patient interactions to really connect with you and provide the best care possible. When you see Danny for medication management, you have his undivided attention. As a patient-centered prescriber, he emphasizes practical, positive medical outcomes.
![Photo of Dr. Andrea Papa-Molter, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ceb29ed5-abf5-4fd5-8b21-5de575846f97/2/320x400.png)
I am double board-certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. I believe in using both medication when indicated as well as therapy. I was trained in CBT and was given the Excellence in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy during my residency program. I use supportive therapy with each client I see. During my residency I served as Chief Resident and was awarded the Overall Excellence in Psychiatry Award as well as the Clinical Excellence Award.
I am double board-certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. I believe in using both medication when indicated as well as therapy. I was trained in CBT and was given the Excellence in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy during my residency program. I use supportive therapy with each client I see. During my residency I served as Chief Resident and was awarded the Overall Excellence in Psychiatry Award as well as the Clinical Excellence Award.
![Photo of Edena Walden, MSN, PMHNP, APN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50db8465-f7db-4bf5-9a88-8db9d41cacae/2/320x400.png)
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.
See more therapy options for Lake County
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Lake County, OH
20+
Average cost per session
$120
Psychiatrists in Lake County, OH who prioritize treating:
96% | Depression |
93% | Anxiety |
81% | Trauma and PTSD |
78% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
74% | Bipolar Disorder |
74% | Medication Management |
56% | ADHD |
Average years in practice
9 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
96% | Cigna and Evernorth |
87% | Elevance |
How Psychiatrists in Lake County, OH see their clients
60% | In Person and Online | |
40% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
60% | Female | |
40% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Lake County?
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.