Psychiatrists in Plymouth Meeting, PA
![Photo of Evan J Thomas, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b3c13e65-9e53-4890-9316-453ab5b06aa9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Life is often difficult. Sometimes these difficulties can be seen, understood and worked on towards a constructive and rewarding conclusion. Sometimes they are obscure, complicated, and entangled leaving a person to feel lost, abandoned, overwhelmed, helpless and powerless. Relationships, work challenges, personal self understanding, inner thoughts, feelings, goals, dreams and fears are all situations where these difficulties can play out. Talk therapy works as the therapist and the patient engage in active listening which is often difficult to do in non-professional social situations.
Life is often difficult. Sometimes these difficulties can be seen, understood and worked on towards a constructive and rewarding conclusion. Sometimes they are obscure, complicated, and entangled leaving a person to feel lost, abandoned, overwhelmed, helpless and powerless. Relationships, work challenges, personal self understanding, inner thoughts, feelings, goals, dreams and fears are all situations where these difficulties can play out. Talk therapy works as the therapist and the patient engage in active listening which is often difficult to do in non-professional social situations.
![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 Dr. Denise Chase, PhD, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/24a13c3b-7fc3-40d5-b273-805215096e53/1/320x400.png)
Dr. Denise Chase
Psychiatric Nurse, PhD, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462 (Online Only)
With an extensive background in nursing and psychiatric care, I am a seasoned Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive mental health services. My journey began with a solid foundation in nursing education at Gwynedd Mercy University, where I developed and revised curricula for various nurse practitioner programs, ensuring that future healthcare providers are well-equipped to meet the needs of their patients. My commitment to excellence in mental health care is reflected in my work as a consultant for various organizations, where I've played a key role in it
With an extensive background in nursing and psychiatric care, I am a seasoned Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive mental health services. My journey began with a solid foundation in nursing education at Gwynedd Mercy University, where I developed and revised curricula for various nurse practitioner programs, ensuring that future healthcare providers are well-equipped to meet the needs of their patients. My commitment to excellence in mental health care is reflected in my work as a consultant for various organizations, where I've played a key role in it
![Photo of Kimberly Joffe, CRNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5521816f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kimberly Joffe, CRNP is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and part of Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates, which treats children, adolescents and adults for in-office and Virtual Telehealth Psychiatry. Ms. Joffe is trained in all areas of psychiatry including Attention Deficit Disorders, Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorders, and Anxiety Disorders. Ms. Joffe is available for Psychiatric evaluations and medication management for adults 18 years of age and up. She is board certified to prescribe psychiatric medications. She is also a Clinical Instructor for The University of Pennsylvania’s School of Nursing.
Kimberly Joffe, CRNP is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and part of Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates, which treats children, adolescents and adults for in-office and Virtual Telehealth Psychiatry. Ms. Joffe is trained in all areas of psychiatry including Attention Deficit Disorders, Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorders, and Anxiety Disorders. Ms. Joffe is available for Psychiatric evaluations and medication management for adults 18 years of age and up. She is board certified to prescribe psychiatric medications. She is also a Clinical Instructor for The University of Pennsylvania’s School of Nursing.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
![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 Kristen Bransby (Pediatric And Adolescents), DNP, CPNP-PC, CRNP, PMHS, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c9908cf4-dc04-43a4-8cce-c723dc8ecbda/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kristen Bransby (Pediatric And Adolescents)
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, CPNP-PC, CRNP, PMHS
Verified Verified
Blue Bell, PA 19422
Dr. Kristen A. Bransby provides mental health services to pediatric and adolescent patients up to 21 years of age (no adults). By training and certification she is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Mental Health Specialist. In addition, she completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice and focuses on always providing evidence-based medicine. Kristen is an Associate Teacher Professor at Penn State University’s Graduate School teaching nurse practitioner and doctoral students. Kristen believes in ongoing collaboration with patients and families to monitor patient progress and maintain a state of mental health equilibrium.
Dr. Kristen A. Bransby provides mental health services to pediatric and adolescent patients up to 21 years of age (no adults). By training and certification she is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Mental Health Specialist. In addition, she completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice and focuses on always providing evidence-based medicine. Kristen is an Associate Teacher Professor at Penn State University’s Graduate School teaching nurse practitioner and doctoral students. Kristen believes in ongoing collaboration with patients and families to monitor patient progress and maintain a state of mental health equilibrium.
![Photo of Dr. Chenhang Zou, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b5012211-a1a7-405f-a083-9863ee03b030/1/320x400.jpeg)
Embark on your healing journey with Dr. Zou, a Board-certified psychiatrist who blends the precision of medicine with the art of psychotherapy. Trained at Emory and UAlabama, Dr. Zou is expert at integrating medication management and psychotherapy, including CBT. But her approach is not just about effective treatment; it's about empowering you with self-knowledge and tools for sustainable mental well-being. With Dr. Zou, you can explore a personalized, empathetic approach that resonates uniquely with you.
Embark on your healing journey with Dr. Zou, a Board-certified psychiatrist who blends the precision of medicine with the art of psychotherapy. Trained at Emory and UAlabama, Dr. Zou is expert at integrating medication management and psychotherapy, including CBT. But her approach is not just about effective treatment; it's about empowering you with self-knowledge and tools for sustainable mental well-being. With Dr. Zou, you can explore a personalized, empathetic approach that resonates uniquely with you.
![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.
![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 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 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 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 James Yi, MD, PhD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47b7dee4-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. James Yi provides comprehensive and individualized care for his patients while exercising the highest ethical standard. He is Board Certified in both Adult Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Yi completed an Adult Psychiatry Residency at The Johns Hopkins Hospital and a Fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). He has presented both nationally and internationally and has over a dozen peer-reviewed publications. He was Attending Psychiatry at CHOP and Adjunct Assistant Professor at University of Pennsylvania.
Dr. James Yi provides comprehensive and individualized care for his patients while exercising the highest ethical standard. He is Board Certified in both Adult Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Yi completed an Adult Psychiatry Residency at The Johns Hopkins Hospital and a Fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). He has presented both nationally and internationally and has over a dozen peer-reviewed publications. He was Attending Psychiatry at CHOP and Adjunct Assistant Professor at University of Pennsylvania.
![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 Nancy DeAngelis, PMHNP, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c824b642-8058-461f-9b68-c550e963e546/2/320x400.jpeg)
Nancy DeAngelis
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MSN
Verified Verified
Blue Bell, PA 19422 (Online Only)
She offers individuals medication management services that complement practices and strategies worked on during sessions with therapists from J. Snyder Therapeutic Services. This approach helps clients achieve overall mental and physical wellness.
She offers individuals medication management services that complement practices and strategies worked on during sessions with therapists from J. Snyder Therapeutic Services. This approach helps clients achieve overall mental and physical wellness.
![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 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 Amber Nelson, CRNP, APN, FNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9972eeab-91eb-469d-972c-ba073c1686ca/1/320x400.jpeg)
Amber Nelson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, APN, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
Conshohocken, PA 19428 (Online Only)
Currently accepting new patients in PA, NJ, FL, & MI- Telehealth Only. Please send us an email! I am a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner through AANP, and I graduated from Frontier Nursing University with my MSN & Drexel University for my BSN. I provide mental health care & wellness to clients. I have practiced in various mental health areas with 10+ years of experience providing care to children through geriatrics. I’ve always had a passion for the mental health specialty in caring for clients and providing positive client outcomes for themselves as well as their families. I make a great effort to provide safe client care.
Currently accepting new patients in PA, NJ, FL, & MI- Telehealth Only. Please send us an email! I am a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner through AANP, and I graduated from Frontier Nursing University with my MSN & Drexel University for my BSN. I provide mental health care & wellness to clients. I have practiced in various mental health areas with 10+ years of experience providing care to children through geriatrics. I’ve always had a passion for the mental health specialty in caring for clients and providing positive client outcomes for themselves as well as their families. I make a great effort to provide safe client care.
![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.
See more therapy options for Plymouth Meeting
Nearby Searches for Plymouth Meeting
- Ambler
- Blue Bell
- Bridgeport
- Bryn Mawr
- Conshohocken
- Gladwyne
- Haverford
- King Of Prussia
- Narberth
- Norristown
- Villanova
- Wayne
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Plymouth Meeting, PA
< 10
Psychiatrists in Plymouth Meeting, PA who prioritize treating:
80% | Depression |
80% | Anxiety |
80% | ADHD |
80% | Grief |
80% | Bipolar Disorder |
80% | Medication Management |
60% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
33 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
100% | MultiPlan |
How Psychiatrists in Plymouth Meeting, PA see their clients
80% | In Person and Online | |
20% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
75% | Female | |
25% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Plymouth Meeting?
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.