Psychiatrists in West Pittsburg, PA
![Photo of W Randolph Richardson - Richardson Psychiatric Associates, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43b58b9e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Life can get difficult at times and seeking help for yourself or a loved one can ease the stress of the situation. Whether it's difficulty at work or school, a relationship issue, a chronic psychiatric illness, or just a transitional phase to work through, we can help! At Richardson Psychiatric, you will find supportive listeners who will help with developing skills to deal with stress that accompanies all of life's challenges. We know choosing the right place and the right person to help you is very important and believe we can offer you the best care possible.
Life can get difficult at times and seeking help for yourself or a loved one can ease the stress of the situation. Whether it's difficulty at work or school, a relationship issue, a chronic psychiatric illness, or just a transitional phase to work through, we can help! At Richardson Psychiatric, you will find supportive listeners who will help with developing skills to deal with stress that accompanies all of life's challenges. We know choosing the right place and the right person to help you is very important and believe we can offer you the best care possible.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
![Photo of Kathryn Molczan, CRNP, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dc230b6f-48f5-4a67-a279-eac1cb39c3dc/1/320x400.png)
Kathryn Molczan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
New Castle, PA 16101 (Online Only)
Are you so anxious that you worry about your worry? You may be fed up with the constant anxious thoughts bombarding your mind, feeling tired, agitated, and overwhelmed. You might not remember a time when you didn’t feel this way. But there is one thing you know without question, you are ready for an end to the racing thoughts. You’re ready to experience calm and peace. You are ready to enjoy moments without fear. Most of all, you are ready to live life confidently.
Are you so anxious that you worry about your worry? You may be fed up with the constant anxious thoughts bombarding your mind, feeling tired, agitated, and overwhelmed. You might not remember a time when you didn’t feel this way. But there is one thing you know without question, you are ready for an end to the racing thoughts. You’re ready to experience calm and peace. You are ready to enjoy moments without fear. Most of all, you are ready to live life confidently.
Online Psychiatrists
![Photo of Tracy Proctor, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4394573a-5e5d-4ecb-b995-b34e7a83e569/1/320x400.jpeg)
Tracy Proctor
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15232 (Online Only)
Tracy is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with years of experience providing care to adolescents and adults. She manages and treats a wide range of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, ADHD, ODD, adjustment disorder, and insomnia. She is devoted to providing quality, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health services. As a PMHNP, Tracy's role includes educator, advocate, therapist, and medication manager.
Tracy is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with years of experience providing care to adolescents and adults. She manages and treats a wide range of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, ADHD, ODD, adjustment disorder, and insomnia. She is devoted to providing quality, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health services. As a PMHNP, Tracy's role includes educator, advocate, therapist, and medication manager.
![Photo of Peter D Murray, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5243d222-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Peter D Murray
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cranberry Township, PA 16066 (Online Only)
I spent two decades as a psychiatrist in a psychiatric emergency room, and my heart always went out to all of the people who I saw who I thought were misdiagnosed and improperly treated. I hope to help change that now that I have moved into providing individual treatment. I am not a psychiatrist who just wants to see you just to repeatedly write unending prescriptions, either. More than anything, I want to just UNDERSTAND who you are and what you need. If we can achieve THAT, then I promise that I will do my best to help you get the BEST treatment for your condition and your situation.
I spent two decades as a psychiatrist in a psychiatric emergency room, and my heart always went out to all of the people who I saw who I thought were misdiagnosed and improperly treated. I hope to help change that now that I have moved into providing individual treatment. I am not a psychiatrist who just wants to see you just to repeatedly write unending prescriptions, either. More than anything, I want to just UNDERSTAND who you are and what you need. If we can achieve THAT, then I promise that I will do my best to help you get the BEST treatment for your condition and your situation.
![Photo of Jill S McCARTNEY - Awaken Telepsychiatry, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/437da472-8d02-4521-a4b7-423584a9386a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Awaken Telepsychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Sharon, PA 16146 (Online Only)
At Awaken Telepsychiatry, mental wellness is a personal journey, and we’re here to help you navigate that journey with compassion, support, and personalized care. Our telepsychiatry services provide an integrative approach to mental health care that nurtures the entire person. We embrace holistic wellness at our core. We take a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating alternative therapies into your treatment plan. We aim to help you achieve balance and well-being that encompasses your mind, body, and soul. We recognize that mental health issues are overwhelming and isolating.
At Awaken Telepsychiatry, mental wellness is a personal journey, and we’re here to help you navigate that journey with compassion, support, and personalized care. Our telepsychiatry services provide an integrative approach to mental health care that nurtures the entire person. We embrace holistic wellness at our core. We take a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating alternative therapies into your treatment plan. We aim to help you achieve balance and well-being that encompasses your mind, body, and soul. We recognize that mental health issues are overwhelming and isolating.
![Photo of Jayne Dalessio - Mental Health Psychiatry, PMHNP-, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f3f8b998-fae7-4bea-91d3-87e4b26c658d/2/320x400.png)
Jayne Dalessio - Mental Health Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-, BC
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15205
Jayne obtained her MSN from Drexel University, studying in the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program. She has a wealth of knowledge, having practiced in the mental health field since graduating from Penn State main campus in 2000 with a degree in psychology. Jayne has worked in various settings such as residential facilities for clients with autism, intellectual disabilities and started working as a nurse in 2009 at Western Psychiatric Hospital on the dual diagnosis unit after graduating from Heritage Valley Sewickley School of Nursing.
Jayne obtained her MSN from Drexel University, studying in the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program. She has a wealth of knowledge, having practiced in the mental health field since graduating from Penn State main campus in 2000 with a degree in psychology. Jayne has worked in various settings such as residential facilities for clients with autism, intellectual disabilities and started working as a nurse in 2009 at Western Psychiatric Hospital on the dual diagnosis unit after graduating from Heritage Valley Sewickley School of Nursing.
![Photo of Edena Walden, MSN, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a50484fd-e8ef-4826-a746-d81411cc01fd/1/320x400.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.
![Photo of Melissa Lopez-Larson, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/838bf499-da33-437d-b9ae-d1563932da69/1/320x400.jpeg)
Don't wait 2 weeks, appointments available! Dr. Lopez-Larson is a board certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist and received her MD from the University of Cincinnati School of Medicine. She performed her adult and child psychiatry training at Harvard Medical School training sites including Massachusetts General Hospital/McLean Hospital and Cambridge Hospital, respectively. She has been practicing for over 15 years in a variety of settings including academic research, inpatient, residential and outpatient psychiatric services.
Don't wait 2 weeks, appointments available! Dr. Lopez-Larson is a board certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist and received her MD from the University of Cincinnati School of Medicine. She performed her adult and child psychiatry training at Harvard Medical School training sites including Massachusetts General Hospital/McLean Hospital and Cambridge Hospital, respectively. She has been practicing for over 15 years in a variety of settings including academic research, inpatient, residential and outpatient psychiatric services.
![Photo of Burt Singerman, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b97bc003-e30d-473c-8fd0-7ad8c01e7f74/1/320x400.png)
I greatly enjoy the development of mutual trust in a partnership between a psychiatrist and patient. Without this, progress rarely occurs. I have extensive training in multiple psychotherapeutic techniques and have taught hundreds of psychiatric residents, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and medical students as the past chair of three academic psychiatry departments.
I greatly enjoy the development of mutual trust in a partnership between a psychiatrist and patient. Without this, progress rarely occurs. I have extensive training in multiple psychotherapeutic techniques and have taught hundreds of psychiatric residents, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and medical students as the past chair of three academic psychiatry departments.
![Photo of Theresa Webster, CRNP, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6b034fc9-b5ec-4312-8b48-a761f46032be/1/320x400.jpeg)
Theresa Webster
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15241 (Online Only)
Are you tired of your addiction defining you? You may be unsure of the way forward, feeling anxious, fearful, angry, and hopelessness. You might not know how your addiction overcame you. But one thing is for sure: you’re ready for some relief. You’re ready to stop numbing your pain but instead break through it. You are ready to know happiness. Most of all , you are ready to live your life in recovery, without the chains of dependence. Clients come to me looking for a provider who understands there is not one pathway to addiction, because recovery is not one size fits all.
Are you tired of your addiction defining you? You may be unsure of the way forward, feeling anxious, fearful, angry, and hopelessness. You might not know how your addiction overcame you. But one thing is for sure: you’re ready for some relief. You’re ready to stop numbing your pain but instead break through it. You are ready to know happiness. Most of all , you are ready to live your life in recovery, without the chains of dependence. Clients come to me looking for a provider who understands there is not one pathway to addiction, because recovery is not one size fits all.
![Photo of Jacob McBride, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/69914969-a58b-4552-89f3-27eca9e4a305/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a board certified general adult psychiatrist, currently seeing patients both in person. I work with clients to build a plan to diagnose and treat psychiatric conditions.
I am a board certified general adult psychiatrist, currently seeing patients both in person. I work with clients to build a plan to diagnose and treat psychiatric conditions.
![Photo of Uchenna Joseph Ekeabu, DBA, MBA, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b5501e2d-e1eb-419d-9871-e6272b1a2fd2/1/320x400.jpeg)
Uchenna Joseph Ekeabu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DBA, MBA, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Erie, PA 16502 (Online Only)
Central to my professional ethos is the belief in holistic and patient-centered care, recognizing the multifaceted nature of individuals and their unique healthcare needs. By approaching patients with cultural sensitivity and an empathetic demeanor, I aim to foster a therapeutic environment that empowers patients to actively participate in their care decisions. As the cornerstone of my practice, each patient is regarded as a vital partner in their treatment journey. I will invest ample time to comprehend their individual circumstances, listen attentively to their concerns, and collaborate closely to develop tailored treatment plans.
Central to my professional ethos is the belief in holistic and patient-centered care, recognizing the multifaceted nature of individuals and their unique healthcare needs. By approaching patients with cultural sensitivity and an empathetic demeanor, I aim to foster a therapeutic environment that empowers patients to actively participate in their care decisions. As the cornerstone of my practice, each patient is regarded as a vital partner in their treatment journey. I will invest ample time to comprehend their individual circumstances, listen attentively to their concerns, and collaborate closely to develop tailored treatment plans.
![Photo of Geena Edmonds, MSPAS, PA-C, CAQ-PSY, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b7fe6f2c-3628-410f-b578-fc4556dd0f4c/1/320x400.png)
I am a licensed, board-certified physician assistant practicing in psychiatry. I thoroughly enjoy working with clients of all backgrounds and needs. My ideal client is someone who wants to feel their best! My specialty focuses on depression, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, autism, trauma, and bipolar disorders. I have experience working with children (ages 7+), teenagers & adults for their mental health journey.
I am a licensed, board-certified physician assistant practicing in psychiatry. I thoroughly enjoy working with clients of all backgrounds and needs. My ideal client is someone who wants to feel their best! My specialty focuses on depression, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, autism, trauma, and bipolar disorders. I have experience working with children (ages 7+), teenagers & adults for their mental health journey.
Chris Snyder, CRNP, has immense knowledge and extreme passion in the field of psychiatry. He is now accepting new clients both virtually and at our Murrysville location. Inquire today about seeing Christopher to address your mental health concerns in a private, nonjudgmental, individualized approach.
Chris Snyder, CRNP, has immense knowledge and extreme passion in the field of psychiatry. He is now accepting new clients both virtually and at our Murrysville location. Inquire today about seeing Christopher to address your mental health concerns in a private, nonjudgmental, individualized approach.
![Photo of Brendan Donahue, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/58c9e763-bae8-4a4a-a728-2ffa7b3b6de4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Brendan Donahue
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Erie, PA 16501 (Online Only)
I am a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) with experience treating a wide range of mental health concerns, using a combination of medication management and holistic, therapeutic approaches. I have worked in different areas, such as in-patient hospital settings, outpatient clinics, and telehealth environments, and I am honored to utilize this experience to help others to achieve their mental health goals.
I am a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) with experience treating a wide range of mental health concerns, using a combination of medication management and holistic, therapeutic approaches. I have worked in different areas, such as in-patient hospital settings, outpatient clinics, and telehealth environments, and I am honored to utilize this experience to help others to achieve their mental health goals.
![Photo of Shiela Hopkins, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b9ee43e2-7113-4453-b479-afa85aa36b69/1/320x400.jpeg)
Shiela Hopkins
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15232 (Online Only)
Shiela is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMMHNP-BC) who manages and treats a wide range of mental health concerns that include: depression, anxiety, ADHD, sleep/insomnia, and other concerns not listed. Shiela is passionate about providing quality, compassionate and comprehensive mental health services to adolescents and adults. As a PMHNP, Shiela's role includes providing education, advocating for mental health, providing therapy, and managing medication.
Shiela is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMMHNP-BC) who manages and treats a wide range of mental health concerns that include: depression, anxiety, ADHD, sleep/insomnia, and other concerns not listed. Shiela is passionate about providing quality, compassionate and comprehensive mental health services to adolescents and adults. As a PMHNP, Shiela's role includes providing education, advocating for mental health, providing therapy, and managing medication.
![Photo of Michael Werb - Cognitive Behavior Institute, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ec6855fc-86df-4772-bb01-747f9fdd9ca4/1/320x400.png)
Cognitive Behavior Institute
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15229 (Online Only)
Welcome to Cognitive Behavior Institute! We are committed to providing the best care possible through established treatment methods. These treatment methods are proven to be effective for a wide range of mental health diagnoses and psychological distresses. Cognitive Behavior Institute (CBI) is proud to employ adept licensed clinicians, board-certified psychiatrists, and compassionate administrative staff with diverse experience in their respective fields.
Welcome to Cognitive Behavior Institute! We are committed to providing the best care possible through established treatment methods. These treatment methods are proven to be effective for a wide range of mental health diagnoses and psychological distresses. Cognitive Behavior Institute (CBI) is proud to employ adept licensed clinicians, board-certified psychiatrists, and compassionate administrative staff with diverse experience in their respective fields.
![Photo of Amy Stewart, PMHNP, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3117c676-1b5b-49f7-ad4e-e3f33c16686f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Amy Stewart
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MSN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Scottdale, PA 15683
Life can be overwhelming. Even positive changes can cause anxiety, stress and isolation. I offer a safe, non-judgmental place to explore your feelings authentically. You and I will work as a collaborative team to address matters such as anxiety, depression, relationship or parenting issues, gender dysphoria, sexuality, self-esteem, and major life changes and stressors. Additionally, I am able to prescribe and manage medications, if needed, without the need to go to a second provider. If you are taking or require controlled medications, you must attend your intake and 1 annual appointment in-person.
Life can be overwhelming. Even positive changes can cause anxiety, stress and isolation. I offer a safe, non-judgmental place to explore your feelings authentically. You and I will work as a collaborative team to address matters such as anxiety, depression, relationship or parenting issues, gender dysphoria, sexuality, self-esteem, and major life changes and stressors. Additionally, I am able to prescribe and manage medications, if needed, without the need to go to a second provider. If you are taking or require controlled medications, you must attend your intake and 1 annual appointment in-person.
![Photo of Leona Nobles-Harrington, MSN, APN, FNP-C, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b5d2771c-2f03-43d5-8a94-8b5731c48b18/1/320x400.jpeg)
Leona Nobles-Harrington
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APN, FNP-C, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Erie, PA 16501 (Online Only)
I am Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner. I conduct psychiatric evaluations, medication management, brief supportive therapy, medication-assisted weight loss, active wellness support and GeneSight pharmacogenomic testing. I attended Widener University for Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing, Walden University for Master of Science in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner, and Wilkes University for Post-Masters Certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
I am Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner. I conduct psychiatric evaluations, medication management, brief supportive therapy, medication-assisted weight loss, active wellness support and GeneSight pharmacogenomic testing. I attended Widener University for Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing, Walden University for Master of Science in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner, and Wilkes University for Post-Masters Certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
![Photo of Carrie Kalmar, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e401b134-503c-4b65-8a75-1884a3024e9c/1/320x400.jpeg)
As a PMHNP at New Directions, I am driven by compassion and dedicated to empowering individuals on their journey towards mental well-being. With specialized training and expertise in psychiatry, I have developed a comprehensive understanding of holistic mental health care options to address a wide range of psychiatric concerns. My primary goal is to create a warm and non-judgmental space where clients feel understood, heard and safe working together to find a treatment approach that best supports their unique needs.
As a PMHNP at New Directions, I am driven by compassion and dedicated to empowering individuals on their journey towards mental well-being. With specialized training and expertise in psychiatry, I have developed a comprehensive understanding of holistic mental health care options to address a wide range of psychiatric concerns. My primary goal is to create a warm and non-judgmental space where clients feel understood, heard and safe working together to find a treatment approach that best supports their unique needs.
See more therapy options for West Pittsburg
Nearby Searches for West Pittsburg
See More PsychiatristsHow does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in West Pittsburg, PA
< 10
Psychiatrists in West Pittsburg, PA who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | Child |
100% | ADHD |
100% | Eating Disorders |
100% | Geriatric and Seniors |
100% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
33 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
100% | Medicare |
How Psychiatrists in West Pittsburg, PA see their clients
100% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
100% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in West Pittsburg?
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.