Psychiatrists in Bridgeport, PA
![Photo of Nicole Wilson-Carr, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f3366875-0678-42ca-9971-fa95170e7fbc/2/320x400.jpeg)
Nicole is a dual certified as a family nurse practitioner and psychiatric nurse practitioner. She received her bachelor's degree from Binghamton University and her master's degree from Maryville University. Nicole offers medication management and basic psychotherapy. She provides patient centered care combined with evidence based and collaborative pharmacological treatment. Her areas of special interest include Depression, Anxiety disorders, Sleep Disorders and Life transitions. She believes in shared decision making when it comes to patient care and makes sure each clients feel comfortable and listened to at each office visit.
Nicole is a dual certified as a family nurse practitioner and psychiatric nurse practitioner. She received her bachelor's degree from Binghamton University and her master's degree from Maryville University. Nicole offers medication management and basic psychotherapy. She provides patient centered care combined with evidence based and collaborative pharmacological treatment. Her areas of special interest include Depression, Anxiety disorders, Sleep Disorders and Life transitions. She believes in shared decision making when it comes to patient care and makes sure each clients feel comfortable and listened to at each office visit.
![Photo of David Monheit, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/57b87059-fa5a-4bc1-80ac-48537b271a90/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Monheit has been practicing psychiatry for over 30 years. He is board certified in adult psychiatry. While his primary responsibility diagnosis and medication management, he has completed psychoanalytic training and has many years of experience in eastern philosophy and practices. He has taught at the medical school and postgraduate levels. Dr. Monheit treats a variety of mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, schizophrenia, bipolar and schizoaffective disorders amongst others.
Dr. Monheit has been practicing psychiatry for over 30 years. He is board certified in adult psychiatry. While his primary responsibility diagnosis and medication management, he has completed psychoanalytic training and has many years of experience in eastern philosophy and practices. He has taught at the medical school and postgraduate levels. Dr. Monheit treats a variety of mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, schizophrenia, bipolar and schizoaffective disorders amongst others.
![Photo of Maria Francisco-Solon, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d5a91b89-7919-4eb2-9b0c-cf946cddeb96/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Francisco-Solon is a Board Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist who worked at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia for 14 years in many different capacities. She spent most of her time in the outpatient faculty practice, wherein she assumed clinical and leadership role as Interim Medical Director. She provided clinical supervision for the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry fellows, as well as teaching and supervising medical students and rotating residents from the Adult Psychiatry program at the University of Pennsylvania.
Dr. Francisco-Solon is a Board Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist who worked at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia for 14 years in many different capacities. She spent most of her time in the outpatient faculty practice, wherein she assumed clinical and leadership role as Interim Medical Director. She provided clinical supervision for the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry fellows, as well as teaching and supervising medical students and rotating residents from the Adult Psychiatry program at the University of Pennsylvania.
![Photo of Jutta Vogt, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4dbec509-d1de-4704-9497-3751d7976f1d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Vogt is a board certified child/adolescent and adult psychiatrist who has been in practice for over 20 years. She graduated medical school from Albert Ludwigs University in Freiburg, Germany and completed her adult psychiatry residency training and child psychiatry fellowship at Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA in 2001. Dr. Vogt specializes in medication management of many psychiatric illnesses including but not limited to depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder.
Dr. Vogt is a board certified child/adolescent and adult psychiatrist who has been in practice for over 20 years. She graduated medical school from Albert Ludwigs University in Freiburg, Germany and completed her adult psychiatry residency training and child psychiatry fellowship at Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA in 2001. Dr. Vogt specializes in medication management of many psychiatric illnesses including but not limited to depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder.
![Photo of Michael Pertschuk, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7e2678bf-5d20-4039-8257-787a17be88de/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have worked in outpatient, residential and inpatient settings treating eating disorders, mood disorders and ADHD. My research interests include body image issues and medical complications of mental health problems, especially eating disorders. I am a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Drexel University, Philadelphia. My medical degree is from the University of Pennsylvania and I have a Masters Degree in psychology also from Penn. I am married with grown children and live with my wife and several cats.
I have worked in outpatient, residential and inpatient settings treating eating disorders, mood disorders and ADHD. My research interests include body image issues and medical complications of mental health problems, especially eating disorders. I am a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Drexel University, Philadelphia. My medical degree is from the University of Pennsylvania and I have a Masters Degree in psychology also from Penn. I am married with grown children and live with my wife and several cats.
![Photo of Rachel Dillinger, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/21b919eb-51ee-4e3c-89c8-217096d94e11/1/320x400.png)
Rachel completed medical school at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University and psychiatric residency at the University of Maryland/Sheppard Pratt program, where she served as a chief resident for inpatient psychiatry, the Sheppard Pratt hospital, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. She works with patients to understand their mental health goals and determine the best strategy to meet them, including therapy, lifestyle changes, and medication.
Rachel completed medical school at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University and psychiatric residency at the University of Maryland/Sheppard Pratt program, where she served as a chief resident for inpatient psychiatry, the Sheppard Pratt hospital, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. She works with patients to understand their mental health goals and determine the best strategy to meet them, including therapy, lifestyle changes, and medication.
![Photo of Kirah Iovanna, MSN, PMHNP-, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/139d44a7-1ed7-482b-8e13-6bb12db05c29/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kirah Iovanna is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Pennsylvania who has been practicing since 2021. She has a Master of Science in Nursing from DeSales University. Kirah is experienced in counseling, psychotherapy, and practice trauma informed care. She has experience in diagnosing and treating depression, anxiety, mood disorders, insomnia, trauma and grief, and PTSD. Outside of work, Kirah enjoys hiking, swimming, gardening, reading, and visiting parks with her two dogs.
Kirah Iovanna is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Pennsylvania who has been practicing since 2021. She has a Master of Science in Nursing from DeSales University. Kirah is experienced in counseling, psychotherapy, and practice trauma informed care. She has experience in diagnosing and treating depression, anxiety, mood disorders, insomnia, trauma and grief, and PTSD. Outside of work, Kirah enjoys hiking, swimming, gardening, reading, and visiting parks with her two dogs.
![Photo of O'Nisha Lawrence, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bfed96f0-8ef0-47af-8131-786a22dd17ec/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. O'Nisha Lawrence is a Board-Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist in Pennsylvania who has been practicing since 2014. She earned her medical degree at the University of Connecticut and completed her psychiatric residency and fellowship training at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. Dr. Lawrence specializes in the evaluation and treatment of depression, anxiety, and ADHD. She utilizes a combination of psychotherapy and medication management.
Dr. O'Nisha Lawrence is a Board-Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist in Pennsylvania who has been practicing since 2014. She earned her medical degree at the University of Connecticut and completed her psychiatric residency and fellowship training at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. Dr. Lawrence specializes in the evaluation and treatment of depression, anxiety, and ADHD. She utilizes a combination of psychotherapy and medication management.
![Photo of Susan Gilman, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/52072df3-d9c5-4e5b-9b56-a1d05c568549/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Gilman is a board certiï¬ed psychiatrist and lifetime Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. She has over 38 years of experience in adult, geriatric and consultation-liaison psychiatry. She graduated from Albert Einstein College of Medicine and completed her psychiatry training at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (TJUH); and she has also postgraduate training at the Philadelphia Association of Psychoanalysis. She has been a medical director of several institutions including Fairmont Institute, Kirkbride Institute and Roxborough Memorial Hospital.
Dr. Gilman is a board certiï¬ed psychiatrist and lifetime Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. She has over 38 years of experience in adult, geriatric and consultation-liaison psychiatry. She graduated from Albert Einstein College of Medicine and completed her psychiatry training at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (TJUH); and she has also postgraduate training at the Philadelphia Association of Psychoanalysis. She has been a medical director of several institutions including Fairmont Institute, Kirkbride Institute and Roxborough Memorial Hospital.
![Photo of Denise Miller, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bcf5b536-45b8-4ce3-8d1f-98ea3802f88f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Denise Miller, PMHNP Denise Miller is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Pennsylvania who has been practicing since 2021. Denise offers patient centered care, providing supportive therapy, psychoeducation, and medication management. Outside of work, Denise volunteers at nursing homes and other public events with her therapy dog, fosters puppies for several rescues, and enjoys outdoor activities with family such as hiking and camping.
Denise Miller, PMHNP Denise Miller is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Pennsylvania who has been practicing since 2021. Denise offers patient centered care, providing supportive therapy, psychoeducation, and medication management. Outside of work, Denise volunteers at nursing homes and other public events with her therapy dog, fosters puppies for several rescues, and enjoys outdoor activities with family such as hiking and camping.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
![Photo of Anna Esser, MSN, PMHNP-, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d2ff50fd-7464-499c-abe9-181f8f9cfbab/1/320x400.jpeg)
Anna Esser is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Pennsylvania. Anna received her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing, in 2017 and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Temple University, School of Nursing, in 2011. She is board-certified as a Family Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner through the American Nurses Credentialing Center and engages in continuing education through organizations such as APNA, ANA, and NEI. Anna has been a nurse since 2011 and has been practicing as a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner since 2018.
Anna Esser is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Pennsylvania. Anna received her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing, in 2017 and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Temple University, School of Nursing, in 2011. She is board-certified as a Family Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner through the American Nurses Credentialing Center and engages in continuing education through organizations such as APNA, ANA, and NEI. Anna has been a nurse since 2011 and has been practicing as a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner since 2018.
![Photo of Vincent Di Antonio, CRNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/afa6a6fa-7594-403f-a0aa-5a440e7ce896/1/320x400.jpeg)
Vince Di Antonio, CRNP, PMHNP-BC, is a Board Certified psychiatric nurse practitioner at Alpine Psychiatry in King of Prussia (KOP), Pennsylvania. Vince is a firm believer in the mind-body connection and is passionate about providing patient-centered, whole-person, and comprehensive mental health care to all patients 12 years and up at Alpine Psychiatry. He offers both in-person and telemedicine appointments. Vince treats all psychiatric disorders, including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and schizophrenia.
Vince Di Antonio, CRNP, PMHNP-BC, is a Board Certified psychiatric nurse practitioner at Alpine Psychiatry in King of Prussia (KOP), Pennsylvania. Vince is a firm believer in the mind-body connection and is passionate about providing patient-centered, whole-person, and comprehensive mental health care to all patients 12 years and up at Alpine Psychiatry. He offers both in-person and telemedicine appointments. Vince treats all psychiatric disorders, including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and schizophrenia.
Hugh Brenner
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, CNS, CRNP
Verified Verified
King Of Prussia, PA 19406
Everyone is different, I don't judge. Sometimes people are doing well and just need a new prescriber or an ear to listen. Some want a mind, body, spirit overhaul. Some want to remember to breath, stop mood swings, rediscover their true self, stop hallucinating, reduce stress, find meaning, not harm them self, over come spiritual blocks, be less aggressive, more sexy, or less passive. Clients who want deep change are most likely to benefit if they are willing to look deeply and honestly into their own mind, behavior, body and soul. Change is hard work. Treatments can help remove obstacles but how you walk through life is up to you.
Everyone is different, I don't judge. Sometimes people are doing well and just need a new prescriber or an ear to listen. Some want a mind, body, spirit overhaul. Some want to remember to breath, stop mood swings, rediscover their true self, stop hallucinating, reduce stress, find meaning, not harm them self, over come spiritual blocks, be less aggressive, more sexy, or less passive. Clients who want deep change are most likely to benefit if they are willing to look deeply and honestly into their own mind, behavior, body and soul. Change is hard work. Treatments can help remove obstacles but how you walk through life is up to you.
![Photo of Sheila Jourdain, CRNP, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/588a97a2-e011-4081-bc68-001ea74e682b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sheila Jourdain
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
King Of Prussia, PA 19406 (Online Only)
NOW offering TMS Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. Fully Virtual for "All of Pennsylvania" I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who provides a holistic approach in the treatment of mental challenges and conditions. I specialize in the treatment of adults in providing motivational talk psychotherapy, medication management, consulting, and alternative treatments when applicable. I am eager and excited to assist patients in achieving their individual goals for their mental health. I like to work alongside my patients as a guide to help them decide the best treatment options for their diagnosis.
NOW offering TMS Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. Fully Virtual for "All of Pennsylvania" I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who provides a holistic approach in the treatment of mental challenges and conditions. I specialize in the treatment of adults in providing motivational talk psychotherapy, medication management, consulting, and alternative treatments when applicable. I am eager and excited to assist patients in achieving their individual goals for their mental health. I like to work alongside my patients as a guide to help them decide the best treatment options for their diagnosis.
![Photo of Faith Obi - Healthstead Psychiatry LLC, CRNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3acc8888-404e-484a-9cdf-d50ce4211a65/2/320x400.jpeg)
Healthstead Psychiatry LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
King Of Prussia, PA 19406
Welcome to Healthstead Psychiatry LLC, where we redefine mental health care as a holistic journey toward healing and empowerment. As a beacon of compassion and expertise, our clinic is poised to meet the diverse mental health needs of individuals navigating every stage of life. Our clinic is dedicated to addressing a spectrum of mental health issues with a particular focus on adolescents, teens, and patients from diverse age groups, including children (<13), teenagers (13-17), young adults (18-24), adults (25-64), and seniors (65+).
Welcome to Healthstead Psychiatry LLC, where we redefine mental health care as a holistic journey toward healing and empowerment. As a beacon of compassion and expertise, our clinic is poised to meet the diverse mental health needs of individuals navigating every stage of life. Our clinic is dedicated to addressing a spectrum of mental health issues with a particular focus on adolescents, teens, and patients from diverse age groups, including children (<13), teenagers (13-17), young adults (18-24), adults (25-64), and seniors (65+).
![Photo of Dr. Roxanne Jeffries - Branch Behavioral Health Services, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e7931d85-2e43-4f8f-a659-44a70888f00d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Branch Behavioral Health Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Verified Verified
Norristown, PA 19401
Welcome to Branch Behavioral Health Services, where your well-being comes first. BBHS offers access to convenient tele psych online and phone visits with board-certified licensed providers. Our staff of dedicated Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, Psychotherapists, and counselors are here for you. Our providers are caring experts who treat an array of mental health issues. BBHS provides consultations, evaluations, and medication management from the comfort and privacy of your home. The evaluation is conducted similarly to a face-to-face office visit.
Welcome to Branch Behavioral Health Services, where your well-being comes first. BBHS offers access to convenient tele psych online and phone visits with board-certified licensed providers. Our staff of dedicated Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, Psychotherapists, and counselors are here for you. Our providers are caring experts who treat an array of mental health issues. BBHS provides consultations, evaluations, and medication management from the comfort and privacy of your home. The evaluation is conducted similarly to a face-to-face office visit.
![Photo of Francis Aledo, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9acfcefd-b133-47b3-b658-7e69cca38ff4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Aledo graduated from the University of Puerto Rico, School of Medicine. She did her psychiatry residency at Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, PA. She completed her Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at the Institute for Juvenile Research of the University of Illinois in Chicago. Dr. Aledo is Board Certified in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
Dr. Aledo graduated from the University of Puerto Rico, School of Medicine. She did her psychiatry residency at Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, PA. She completed her Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at the Institute for Juvenile Research of the University of Illinois in Chicago. Dr. Aledo is Board Certified in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
![Photo of Mutiat Ajibade - Essential Behavioral Health LLC , MSN, PMHNP, -BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8b502754-c779-4ff8-ac9d-60da2830d3bb/1/320x400.jpeg)
Essential Behavioral Health LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Conshohocken, PA 19428 (Online Only)
At Essential Behavioral Health LLC, your mental health is our top priority. We are committed to exercising the greatest standard of practice to meet the mental health of our clients’ needs. Empathetic psychiatric care in Pennsylvania from a private family owned psychiatric practice. Nurse Practitioner Mutiat. A has over a decade of experience and knowledge in mental health dealing with children, adolescent, adults and geriatric population.
At Essential Behavioral Health LLC, your mental health is our top priority. We are committed to exercising the greatest standard of practice to meet the mental health of our clients’ needs. Empathetic psychiatric care in Pennsylvania from a private family owned psychiatric practice. Nurse Practitioner Mutiat. A has over a decade of experience and knowledge in mental health dealing with children, adolescent, adults and geriatric population.
![Photo of Charles V. Giannasio, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c59b07a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
In my private practice, I help people to achieve abstinence and provide tools for them to begin and maintain recovery from their addictions. Treatment includes: relapse prevention, addiction focused psychotherapy, family interventions, medications as needed, referrals for other forms of treatment.
In my private practice, I help people to achieve abstinence and provide tools for them to begin and maintain recovery from their addictions. Treatment includes: relapse prevention, addiction focused psychotherapy, family interventions, medications as needed, referrals for other forms of treatment.
![Photo of Dara Abraham, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dfea8c34-842d-44ab-9774-75b357a32df7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Have you ever wondered why it takes you longer to complete tasks than others, why you constantly misplace your phone and keys, or why you cannot wind down and relax when you have free time? These are just a few adult ADHD symptoms that are not always recognized and, unfortunately, mislabeled as carelessness and laziness or misdiagnosed as anxiety. ADHD is a highly hereditary disorder that starts at birth and usually continues into adulthood. It is often co-morbid with many other psychiatric disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, mood disorders, eating disorders, and substance use disorders.
Have you ever wondered why it takes you longer to complete tasks than others, why you constantly misplace your phone and keys, or why you cannot wind down and relax when you have free time? These are just a few adult ADHD symptoms that are not always recognized and, unfortunately, mislabeled as carelessness and laziness or misdiagnosed as anxiety. ADHD is a highly hereditary disorder that starts at birth and usually continues into adulthood. It is often co-morbid with many other psychiatric disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, mood disorders, eating disorders, and substance use disorders.
See more therapy options for Bridgeport
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Bridgeport, PA
10+
Psychiatrists in Bridgeport, PA who prioritize treating:
80% | Depression |
80% | Anxiety |
80% | Bipolar Disorder |
80% | Medication Management |
70% | ADHD |
60% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
50% | Trauma and PTSD |
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
100% | ComPsych |
How Psychiatrists in Bridgeport, PA see their clients
100% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
80% | Female | |
20% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Bridgeport?
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.