Psychiatrists in Asheville, NC
![Photo of Ijaz Rasul - TelePsychiatrist_Piedmont Behavioral Services, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4a87da1f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
TelePsychiatrist_Piedmont Behavioral Services
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28801
Our clinic provides Child, Adult Psychiatry, Therapy and Substance abuse services including Suboxone Treatment via video across North Carolina. Our Board Certified Psychiatrists and Therapists are available to help everyday and we can offer same day appointments. Telepsychiatry or Telemedicine uses video link (via computer or smartphone) to offer appointments from home or outside clinic. It offers the option to see a psychiatrist any time as long as you have access to your smart phone or computer. Please use our website or below link to make an appointment. https://piedmontbs.com/telepsychiatry/
Our clinic provides Child, Adult Psychiatry, Therapy and Substance abuse services including Suboxone Treatment via video across North Carolina. Our Board Certified Psychiatrists and Therapists are available to help everyday and we can offer same day appointments. Telepsychiatry or Telemedicine uses video link (via computer or smartphone) to offer appointments from home or outside clinic. It offers the option to see a psychiatrist any time as long as you have access to your smart phone or computer. Please use our website or below link to make an appointment. https://piedmontbs.com/telepsychiatry/
![Photo of Dr. Bess Matlock, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6f128573-028b-4c1b-9544-d567d30f3780/1/320x400.png)
I am a board-certified psychiatrist treating children, adolescents, adults and perinatal clients with a holistic and integrative approach. I provide compassionate patient-centered care, listen deeply, and collaborate with clients to develop personalized treatment plans. As a physician and psychotherapist, I can help address the complex relationship between physical and psychological health. I specialize in teens, psychodynamic psychotherapy, integrative medicine, trauma, LGBTQIA+, women's mental health and perinatal psychiatry.
I am a board-certified psychiatrist treating children, adolescents, adults and perinatal clients with a holistic and integrative approach. I provide compassionate patient-centered care, listen deeply, and collaborate with clients to develop personalized treatment plans. As a physician and psychotherapist, I can help address the complex relationship between physical and psychological health. I specialize in teens, psychodynamic psychotherapy, integrative medicine, trauma, LGBTQIA+, women's mental health and perinatal psychiatry.
![Photo of Dr. Mona Venzon Rice, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5b6ed062-1df9-4a43-a54a-1811bd6a96a6/2/320x400.jpeg)
Your child is having a hard time learning or has significant behavioral issues. Perhaps excessive worry, obsessive fixations, past trauma or deep sadness prevent her from making friends, going to school or enjoying life. Or his moods & thoughts can be strange & disruptive. Or their social & emotional development appear off. You're very concerned but not sure where to start or what to do. You have tried to understand & adjust your parenting to attempt to help. Or you may have taken him to therapist/s or doctor/s & tried various treatments, but he continues to struggle & something is still missing.
Your child is having a hard time learning or has significant behavioral issues. Perhaps excessive worry, obsessive fixations, past trauma or deep sadness prevent her from making friends, going to school or enjoying life. Or his moods & thoughts can be strange & disruptive. Or their social & emotional development appear off. You're very concerned but not sure where to start or what to do. You have tried to understand & adjust your parenting to attempt to help. Or you may have taken him to therapist/s or doctor/s & tried various treatments, but he continues to struggle & something is still missing.
![Photo of Thabit Al-Khateeb, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fb058a66-b8ed-44ab-b948-db0d7a673f8f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Concierge Medicine and Psychiatry is a concierge psychiatric practice offering integrative treatment modalities, Ketamine treatment, psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, and individualized, private psychiatric care in office or home-based settings. Our outpatient Psychiatry practice has recently added Dr. Al-Khateeb, and we are now accepting new patients for a limited time. Dr. Al-Khateeb is a board certified general adult psychiatrist, providing medication management as well as psychotherapy in office based or telemedicine formats.
Concierge Medicine and Psychiatry is a concierge psychiatric practice offering integrative treatment modalities, Ketamine treatment, psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, and individualized, private psychiatric care in office or home-based settings. Our outpatient Psychiatry practice has recently added Dr. Al-Khateeb, and we are now accepting new patients for a limited time. Dr. Al-Khateeb is a board certified general adult psychiatrist, providing medication management as well as psychotherapy in office based or telemedicine formats.
![Photo of Alexis B Ressler, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/52c3facc-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Alexis B Ressler
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28801 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I am an experienced Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with the privilege of practicing for a decade in Vermont. I relocated to Western North Carolina in 2019. I have devoted myself to outpatient psychiatric and neurological practice specializing in treating adults with mood and anxiety disorders in a cognitive behavioral therapy setting as well as dementia care for patients and their families. My role is primarily medication management. Also, I am a veteran Army officer who has experience providing psychiatric care to active duty serice members. My practice is 100% telehealth.
I am an experienced Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with the privilege of practicing for a decade in Vermont. I relocated to Western North Carolina in 2019. I have devoted myself to outpatient psychiatric and neurological practice specializing in treating adults with mood and anxiety disorders in a cognitive behavioral therapy setting as well as dementia care for patients and their families. My role is primarily medication management. Also, I am a veteran Army officer who has experience providing psychiatric care to active duty serice members. My practice is 100% telehealth.
![Photo of Tabatha Jones - Daya Mental Health and Wellness, PLLC, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4a2401ff-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Daya Mental Health and Wellness, PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28801
Accepting New Clients! Please fill out our new patient forms on our website at www.dayamentlahealth.com to become a client. Our practice contains Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants and Therapists who provide comprehensive treatment plans for individuals age 18+ for a wide range of mental health needs. Our specialties include substance use, depression, anxiety, bipolar, self esteem concerns, obsessive compulsive disorders, eating disorders and post traumatic stress. We are providers of MAT: Suboxone, Sublocade and Vivitrol and we also provide ketamine assisted psychotherapy.
Accepting New Clients! Please fill out our new patient forms on our website at www.dayamentlahealth.com to become a client. Our practice contains Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants and Therapists who provide comprehensive treatment plans for individuals age 18+ for a wide range of mental health needs. Our specialties include substance use, depression, anxiety, bipolar, self esteem concerns, obsessive compulsive disorders, eating disorders and post traumatic stress. We are providers of MAT: Suboxone, Sublocade and Vivitrol and we also provide ketamine assisted psychotherapy.
![Photo of Maria MacDougall, MSN, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48ef795a-0806-4d54-9f2d-82770fa15e3b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Maria MacDougall
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28801
Maria MacDougall is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner providing psychiatric evaluation and medication management services. After working at a psychiatric facility as an inpatient nurse, she entered and graduated from the nurse practitioner program at Anderson University. She is currently accepting new patients at Amica Mental Health, a practice based in Asheville that serves Western North Carolina. She specializes in medication management for adults.
Maria MacDougall is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner providing psychiatric evaluation and medication management services. After working at a psychiatric facility as an inpatient nurse, she entered and graduated from the nurse practitioner program at Anderson University. She is currently accepting new patients at Amica Mental Health, a practice based in Asheville that serves Western North Carolina. She specializes in medication management for adults.
![Photo of Lynn A. Dana (Formerly Howard), CAQ-PSY, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ef09c1ea-43b9-4d7a-83b1-27a767e03fe9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Lynn A. Dana (Formerly Howard)
Physician Assistant, CAQ-PSY
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28803
Feeling scattered, anxious, or just not like yourself? You’re not alone, even if it feels that way. I offer support through medication management, supportive talk therapy, and integrative recommendations. I specialize in helping women and the elderly, ages 18 and up, blending spiritual guidance with professional care to support your mental health.
Feeling scattered, anxious, or just not like yourself? You’re not alone, even if it feels that way. I offer support through medication management, supportive talk therapy, and integrative recommendations. I specialize in helping women and the elderly, ages 18 and up, blending spiritual guidance with professional care to support your mental health.
![Photo of Julie Ann Chilton - Dr Julie Chilton, MD, PLLC, MD, DFAACAP, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/453c1880-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr Julie Chilton, MD, PLLC
Psychiatrist, MD, DFAACAP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28814 (Online Only)
I am a board-certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist in private practice in Asheville, NC and on faculty at the Yale Child Study Center in New Haven, CT. I provide therapy as well as medication management, when necessary. The primary modalities I use with clients are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. One of my biggest passions is providing excellent resources to supplement therapy, so clients feel well-versed in their treatment and realize they are not the only ones going through these struggles. Mental health issues are common and treatable and there should be no shame in getting help!
I am a board-certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist in private practice in Asheville, NC and on faculty at the Yale Child Study Center in New Haven, CT. I provide therapy as well as medication management, when necessary. The primary modalities I use with clients are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. One of my biggest passions is providing excellent resources to supplement therapy, so clients feel well-versed in their treatment and realize they are not the only ones going through these struggles. Mental health issues are common and treatable and there should be no shame in getting help!
![Photo of Dr. Roy C Dodd - Range Mental Health , DMSc, PA-C, CAQ-Psy, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a1dd22c5-501d-41de-93a3-81bc2e9f3698/2/320x400.jpeg)
Depression, Anxiety, Panic disorder, Bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia Spectrum, ADHD, Postpartum Depression/Anxiety, OCD, PTSD, Autism, Eating disorders, Insomnia, Addiction, and Personality disorders. If you are in the Asheville area, please see me in person at Psychiatric Associates and Addiction Medicine!
Depression, Anxiety, Panic disorder, Bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia Spectrum, ADHD, Postpartum Depression/Anxiety, OCD, PTSD, Autism, Eating disorders, Insomnia, Addiction, and Personality disorders. If you are in the Asheville area, please see me in person at Psychiatric Associates and Addiction Medicine!
![Photo of Heather Strauss, MPAS, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/93bfec1b-704f-4fe4-8586-87932dcfc7df/1/320x400.jpeg)
Heather Strauss
Physician Assistant, MPAS, PA-C
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28803 (Online Only)
Now accepting new patients throughout North Carolina & Florida: Contact us for same day or next day appointments! - - - Heather is a physician associate (PA) with over a decade of clinical experience. In her practice, she is dedicated to practicing shared decision-making, putting you in control of your mental health journey while providing guidance based on years of expertise. She is an advocate for evidence-based medicine, ensuring that your treatment plan is rooted in the latest research and tailored to your unique needs.
Now accepting new patients throughout North Carolina & Florida: Contact us for same day or next day appointments! - - - Heather is a physician associate (PA) with over a decade of clinical experience. In her practice, she is dedicated to practicing shared decision-making, putting you in control of your mental health journey while providing guidance based on years of expertise. She is an advocate for evidence-based medicine, ensuring that your treatment plan is rooted in the latest research and tailored to your unique needs.
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![Photo of Malia Scott, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3af8040c-a6fa-4d1b-93b5-bf08259c0467/1/320x400.jpeg)
Malia enjoys helping the psychiatric needs of patients of all ages but has a particular affinity for treating pediatric patients.
Malia enjoys helping the psychiatric needs of patients of all ages but has a particular affinity for treating pediatric patients.
![Photo of Michael Wilson, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f96dca90-36ec-4ac3-8e19-e36fa2bed4cc/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of young individuals. Utilizing evidence-based therapies and a collaborative approach, I work closely with families to empower them with the tools and strategies necessary for fostering resilience and promoting positive outcomes in their child's emotional and psychological development.
I am committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of young individuals. Utilizing evidence-based therapies and a collaborative approach, I work closely with families to empower them with the tools and strategies necessary for fostering resilience and promoting positive outcomes in their child's emotional and psychological development.
![Photo of Dr. Ami Pearse, DNP, APRN, PMHNPBC, FNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/67600a21-4586-4bd0-815a-d11ce3763b23/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Ami Pearse
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNPBC, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28803
“As the influence behind Peace of Mind Center, PLLC, I bring a wealth of experience and expertise honed over a diverse career in healthcare. From a solid foundation built on 20 years of critical care nursing, I’ve more than 30 years of dedicated service allowing me to possess a unique perspective that informs my approach to psychiatry. My journey as a psychiatric provider has been shaped by profound understandings of the human experience, from the ICU and ER settings to complexities of mental health. This background equips me with invaluable insights into the interconnectedness of physical and mental wellness to offer holistic care.
“As the influence behind Peace of Mind Center, PLLC, I bring a wealth of experience and expertise honed over a diverse career in healthcare. From a solid foundation built on 20 years of critical care nursing, I’ve more than 30 years of dedicated service allowing me to possess a unique perspective that informs my approach to psychiatry. My journey as a psychiatric provider has been shaped by profound understandings of the human experience, from the ICU and ER settings to complexities of mental health. This background equips me with invaluable insights into the interconnectedness of physical and mental wellness to offer holistic care.
![Photo of John Charles Webb, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/20b8f4b4-bbe7-4d3e-9f42-b25b3c3ffaf6/2/320x400.jpeg)
John Charles Webb
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28801 (Online Only)
Anxiety, depression, and attention problems all can interfere with our ability to function at home, school, or work, not to mention how they diminish our ability to enjoy life to its fullest. Children, teenagers, and adults can struggle with these issues, families experience significant stress trying to cope, and relationships can falter. Do not lose hope - help is available. With the proper combination of medication management and supportive counseling, significant improvements can be achieved in how we feel, think, and behave such as mood regulation, attention/concentration, sleep, behavior, and decreased anxiety.
Anxiety, depression, and attention problems all can interfere with our ability to function at home, school, or work, not to mention how they diminish our ability to enjoy life to its fullest. Children, teenagers, and adults can struggle with these issues, families experience significant stress trying to cope, and relationships can falter. Do not lose hope - help is available. With the proper combination of medication management and supportive counseling, significant improvements can be achieved in how we feel, think, and behave such as mood regulation, attention/concentration, sleep, behavior, and decreased anxiety.
![Photo of Lisa J Ryan, MSN, APRN, PMH NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f766177b-891f-45d3-9be7-e8f2079e82e8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Lisa J Ryan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMH NP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28801
As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, my primary focus is to provide you with my full presence and deep care. This goal, along with the provision of state-of-the-art psycho-pharmacology offered in an atmosphere of acceptance and compassion, are best achieved, I believe, by working as a team. As we get to know each other, my desire is to hear you deeply–your past experience, your concerns, worries…and your joys and successes. It is within this alliance that, together, we will discover the best paths forward for you, be they a change in medication, lifestyle, the addition of psychotherapy, meditation or whatever else may be beneficial.
As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, my primary focus is to provide you with my full presence and deep care. This goal, along with the provision of state-of-the-art psycho-pharmacology offered in an atmosphere of acceptance and compassion, are best achieved, I believe, by working as a team. As we get to know each other, my desire is to hear you deeply–your past experience, your concerns, worries…and your joys and successes. It is within this alliance that, together, we will discover the best paths forward for you, be they a change in medication, lifestyle, the addition of psychotherapy, meditation or whatever else may be beneficial.
![Photo of Jason Fredericks, PA-C, MPH, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4cabac00-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I have been practicing psychiatry and psychotherapy for the past 6 years in WNC. My promise to you is to remain dedicated to your health and helping you achieve lasting change as we work together. I feel strongly that an individualized approach is key in the management of all clients. While many people may present with similar symptoms, the causes and context of these can vary greatly from person to person. The decision to prescribe medications, develop a therapy plan, or an amalgamation of both is made with careful consideration of the situation and your needs and wishes. I enjoy working together to find a plan that works for you.
I have been practicing psychiatry and psychotherapy for the past 6 years in WNC. My promise to you is to remain dedicated to your health and helping you achieve lasting change as we work together. I feel strongly that an individualized approach is key in the management of all clients. While many people may present with similar symptoms, the causes and context of these can vary greatly from person to person. The decision to prescribe medications, develop a therapy plan, or an amalgamation of both is made with careful consideration of the situation and your needs and wishes. I enjoy working together to find a plan that works for you.
![Photo of Sandy Howard - Mountain Mental Health and Wellness, PLLC, NP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/11d2b77e-5cac-4b6c-b9ef-eb5c160ed079/1/320x400.jpeg)
Mountain Mental Health and Wellness, PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP-BC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28803
Not accepting new clients
I'm a nurse practitioner, psychiatric specialist with more than 20 years of experience, providing compassionate mental health care for residents of NC. At your first appointment we will explore your life's journey and evaluate any previous treatment response, then medication is prescribed or adjusted, and a plan of action is made through collaboration. My philosophy for prescribing medication incorporates evidence-based science and wellness. We keep in touch in between appointments with a medical app giving you the best opportunity for successful and sustained wellness.
I'm a nurse practitioner, psychiatric specialist with more than 20 years of experience, providing compassionate mental health care for residents of NC. At your first appointment we will explore your life's journey and evaluate any previous treatment response, then medication is prescribed or adjusted, and a plan of action is made through collaboration. My philosophy for prescribing medication incorporates evidence-based science and wellness. We keep in touch in between appointments with a medical app giving you the best opportunity for successful and sustained wellness.
![Photo of Kendra Frazier, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/12f967ad-94ac-43e1-afc4-efb55871e537/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kendra is a native of the western North Carolina area. She is board-certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from the American Nursing Credentialing Center. She earned both her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing from East Carolina University.
Kendra is a native of the western North Carolina area. She is board-certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from the American Nursing Credentialing Center. She earned both her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing from East Carolina University.
![Photo of Brittany Vasquez, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/767a4e66-5839-4905-b0dc-e478ece34d4b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hi there! My name is Dr. Brittany Vasquez and I am dual board certified as an adult and child and adolescent psychiatrist. I specialize in the treatment of young adults (<35 yo), teens, and children who may need help with depression, anxiety, ADHD, adjustment, trauma (childhood), autism spectrum disorder, and emerging longer term mood and psychotic disorders. Originally from Appalachia and having returned home, I am excited to be starting private practice at the established and historic Carolina Mountain Psychiatry.
Hi there! My name is Dr. Brittany Vasquez and I am dual board certified as an adult and child and adolescent psychiatrist. I specialize in the treatment of young adults (<35 yo), teens, and children who may need help with depression, anxiety, ADHD, adjustment, trauma (childhood), autism spectrum disorder, and emerging longer term mood and psychotic disorders. Originally from Appalachia and having returned home, I am excited to be starting private practice at the established and historic Carolina Mountain Psychiatry.
See more therapy options for Asheville
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Asheville, NC
50+
Average cost per session
$187
Psychiatrists in Asheville, NC who prioritize treating:
86% | Depression |
84% | Anxiety |
78% | ADHD |
76% | Trauma and PTSD |
70% | Bipolar Disorder |
64% | Medication Management |
62% | Sleep or Insomnia |
Average years in practice
12 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
89% | Aetna |
78% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
78% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in Asheville, NC see their clients
70% | In Person and Online | |
30% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
72% | Female | |
28% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Asheville?
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.