Psychiatrists in Ladera Ranch, CA
![Photo of Riz Ahmad, MD , Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/791bb442-74f9-44a9-9069-3cb49b817176/1/320x400.jpeg)
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
![Photo of Kevin M Kinback - Advanced TMS Center, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4cbb601a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
At Advanced TMS Center we typically have adult & child psychiatrists, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, clinical psychologists, & Family Therapists, some wtth over 20 years experience. We see patients ages 5 and up. Our large, first class office in Ladera Ranch offers the best possible patient care. We are in-network with nearly every insurance company. We have many office staff to answer your phone cals in person to address all of your concerns. We do "traditional" medication management, ADD testing, and Spravato (ketamine). We also offer Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for depression, anxiety & OCD.
At Advanced TMS Center we typically have adult & child psychiatrists, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, clinical psychologists, & Family Therapists, some wtth over 20 years experience. We see patients ages 5 and up. Our large, first class office in Ladera Ranch offers the best possible patient care. We are in-network with nearly every insurance company. We have many office staff to answer your phone cals in person to address all of your concerns. We do "traditional" medication management, ADD testing, and Spravato (ketamine). We also offer Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for depression, anxiety & OCD.
![Photo of Robert Masoner, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5cf93e12-3638-4c65-8591-524d9fc4d5c6/2/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome and thank you for you interest in seeking out care. I have eight years of experience in primary care as well as the experience that I have in Psychiatry. I enjoy integrating my expertise in mental health along with my understanding of physical health in a comprehensive manner. I am open to multiple modalities of treatment but I also recognize that there is no "one size fits all" approach to medicine. I enjoy empowering patients in their care as much as is possible and safe. My ideal patient is therefore someone who is open and honest about their symptoms. I accept insurance and am in the process of signing with more plans.
Welcome and thank you for you interest in seeking out care. I have eight years of experience in primary care as well as the experience that I have in Psychiatry. I enjoy integrating my expertise in mental health along with my understanding of physical health in a comprehensive manner. I am open to multiple modalities of treatment but I also recognize that there is no "one size fits all" approach to medicine. I enjoy empowering patients in their care as much as is possible and safe. My ideal patient is therefore someone who is open and honest about their symptoms. I accept insurance and am in the process of signing with more plans.
![Photo of Stefani LaFrenierre, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f3db1ae0-7084-456a-8ab6-9e0f9af8dc89/1/320x400.jpeg)
I offer personalized mental health treatment and utilize an integrative and evidence-based approach for the treatment of mental health and addiction conditions. I am double board-certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. I focus on building long-lasting changes and resiliency so you can achieve a balanced and fulfilling life. I bring a cautious and conservative approach to medication while considering all aspects of your health in treatment planning. I am therapeutically-oriented, and see Adults.
I offer personalized mental health treatment and utilize an integrative and evidence-based approach for the treatment of mental health and addiction conditions. I am double board-certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. I focus on building long-lasting changes and resiliency so you can achieve a balanced and fulfilling life. I bring a cautious and conservative approach to medication while considering all aspects of your health in treatment planning. I am therapeutically-oriented, and see Adults.
![Photo of Dr. Mark Chofla - Dr Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f956af53-585d-49f8-b120-d2265f9a7360/1/320x400.png)
Dr Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Ladera Ranch, CA 92694 (Online Only)
Dr. Mark Chofla is a board-certified psychiatrist and physician who completed his specialty residency training at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California at Davis, Dr. Chofla earned his medical degree from Midwestern University: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Dr. Mark Chofla is a board-certified psychiatrist and physician who completed his specialty residency training at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California at Davis, Dr. Chofla earned his medical degree from Midwestern University: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine.
![Photo of Summer Brown, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c6be9e82-8688-4624-81eb-d085e4a244ce/1/320x400.jpeg)
Summer Brown
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ladera Ranch, CA 92694
In my practice, I embrace the full spectrum of adult life, from my youngest client at 18 to my oldest at 103. This wide range reflects my commitment to providing dedicated mental health care to all adults, whether you're facing conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar, ADHD, or seeking overall mental wellness. My approach is centered on understanding and addressing your unique needs with personalized medication management and supportive therapy. Committed to navigating life’s challenges with you, I offer same-day appointments, ensuring a treatment plan that respects and responds to the diverse experiences of all ages.
In my practice, I embrace the full spectrum of adult life, from my youngest client at 18 to my oldest at 103. This wide range reflects my commitment to providing dedicated mental health care to all adults, whether you're facing conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar, ADHD, or seeking overall mental wellness. My approach is centered on understanding and addressing your unique needs with personalized medication management and supportive therapy. Committed to navigating life’s challenges with you, I offer same-day appointments, ensuring a treatment plan that respects and responds to the diverse experiences of all ages.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
![Photo of Oyebola Oyelade, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8c292031-2890-4612-9fdb-52839dc0aad0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Oyebola Oyelade
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Laguna Woods, CA 92653 (Online Only)
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and I have many years of experience in mental health management. I aim to support both the mental and physical health of my clients. I meet my patients where they are. I utilize many approaches in my treatment plans, including psychotherapy, psychopharmacology, innovative, individualized care, motivational interviews, goal setting, supportive, strength-based, person-centered, compassion-focused, evidence-based practices, and patient education.
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and I have many years of experience in mental health management. I aim to support both the mental and physical health of my clients. I meet my patients where they are. I utilize many approaches in my treatment plans, including psychotherapy, psychopharmacology, innovative, individualized care, motivational interviews, goal setting, supportive, strength-based, person-centered, compassion-focused, evidence-based practices, and patient education.
![Photo of Bernadette Harned, RN, MSN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/471e8588-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Bernadette Harned
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, RN, MSN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Not accepting new clients
"I am passionate about helping people feel better about themselves and the world around them. I am honored to be part of each person's individual journey to mind and body wellness."
"I am passionate about helping people feel better about themselves and the world around them. I am honored to be part of each person's individual journey to mind and body wellness."
![Photo of Shala Shardil, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8234da9e-6ee3-4765-8bde-38dc51d54b08/1/320x400.jpeg)
Shala Shardil
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Hi! I'm Shala, a board certified mental health nurse practitioner supporting adolescents, teens, and adults in overcoming anxiety, depression, and PTSD. I use psychotherapy, medication management, and Neurofeedback in my practice. Neurofeedback calms the brain, making psychotherapy more effective. I am also a member of the Benzodiazepine Information and Coalition (BIC). For those who need to taper off meds, I use a holistic method which includes psychotherapy, nutrition, and sleep hygiene in addition to gentle tapering from Benzos and other psychotropics based on well known methods like the Ashton Manual and Dr. Horowitz guidelines.
Hi! I'm Shala, a board certified mental health nurse practitioner supporting adolescents, teens, and adults in overcoming anxiety, depression, and PTSD. I use psychotherapy, medication management, and Neurofeedback in my practice. Neurofeedback calms the brain, making psychotherapy more effective. I am also a member of the Benzodiazepine Information and Coalition (BIC). For those who need to taper off meds, I use a holistic method which includes psychotherapy, nutrition, and sleep hygiene in addition to gentle tapering from Benzos and other psychotropics based on well known methods like the Ashton Manual and Dr. Horowitz guidelines.
![Photo of Riz Ahmad, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fc59bf5c-af30-4f9d-aea4-a3382aec006e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Bonmente knows asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
Bonmente knows asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
![Photo of Veronica Valentincic, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/10ea8a4d-a741-4c62-b8e1-7b3cb8231912/1/320x400.jpeg)
Veronica Valentincic
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Mission Viejo, CA 92691 (Online Only)
My role is to help you develop a clearer understanding of strengths and opportunities for growth. I pursued a career in mental health to provide caring, compassionate, and thoughtful care. I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who has worked in a variety of levels of care from crisis intervention to residential to private practice. I have 5 years of experience as a mental health provider, offering medication management and therapy. I treat a variety of clients ranging in age and diagnoses.
My role is to help you develop a clearer understanding of strengths and opportunities for growth. I pursued a career in mental health to provide caring, compassionate, and thoughtful care. I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who has worked in a variety of levels of care from crisis intervention to residential to private practice. I have 5 years of experience as a mental health provider, offering medication management and therapy. I treat a variety of clients ranging in age and diagnoses.
![Photo of Michelle Zamorano, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a16552db-8baf-483c-b469-af2208d8eeac/1/320x400.jpeg)
I enjoy working with clients and collaborating to set goals for their mental health. Then help them work towards achieving those goals. I came to Mindful Health Solutions because they offer interventional treatments such as Esketamine and TMS. I love being able to help patients navigate alternative treatment options that can provide some relief when other treatments have failed.
I enjoy working with clients and collaborating to set goals for their mental health. Then help them work towards achieving those goals. I came to Mindful Health Solutions because they offer interventional treatments such as Esketamine and TMS. I love being able to help patients navigate alternative treatment options that can provide some relief when other treatments have failed.
![Photo of Thomas Mottsin, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46ab9090-335e-4eee-be8c-a509bc9ae9c2/2/320x400.jpeg)
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS-Bonmente knows asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS-Bonmente knows asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
![Photo of Summer Brown - Gerontologi: Mental Wellness for Seniors, PMHNP, CDP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9cf02299-ffab-46a3-b184-fe461590d7f5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Gerontologi: Mental Wellness for Seniors
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, CDP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
We warmly welcome adults who are navigating the complex journey of aging, encountering challenges such as cognitive changes or feelings of depression or anxiety. Whether you or your loved one are grappling with dementia or transitioning to a new living environment, we are here to provide heartfelt support & guidance. Our goal is to work closely with you to enhance your quality of life & foster nurturing relationships with your loved one. We are committed to offering a compassionate, collaborative approach that integrates family members, caregivers, & medical teams. Together, we can strive towards achieving the best possible outcome.
We warmly welcome adults who are navigating the complex journey of aging, encountering challenges such as cognitive changes or feelings of depression or anxiety. Whether you or your loved one are grappling with dementia or transitioning to a new living environment, we are here to provide heartfelt support & guidance. Our goal is to work closely with you to enhance your quality of life & foster nurturing relationships with your loved one. We are committed to offering a compassionate, collaborative approach that integrates family members, caregivers, & medical teams. Together, we can strive towards achieving the best possible outcome.
![Photo of Ann Verma - Plant Based Psychiatry, BA, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c0e99a58-863e-4d38-967e-e4234cad7149/2/320x400.jpeg)
No Insurance Accepted! No In Person Session. My personalized programs address psychiatric conditions such as ADHD, PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, Autism, ODD, Conduct disorder, Learning disorders, and many others. Patients in my care seek me out to reduce the amount of psychiatric medication they are on or start and continue with non medication options throughout their healing journey. My services provide hope of reducing your symptoms with or without medications which may be causing side effects. This personalized program allows us to get to the root causes of your issues and start a new together towards healthybrains,behavior,emotion.
No Insurance Accepted! No In Person Session. My personalized programs address psychiatric conditions such as ADHD, PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, Autism, ODD, Conduct disorder, Learning disorders, and many others. Patients in my care seek me out to reduce the amount of psychiatric medication they are on or start and continue with non medication options throughout their healing journey. My services provide hope of reducing your symptoms with or without medications which may be causing side effects. This personalized program allows us to get to the root causes of your issues and start a new together towards healthybrains,behavior,emotion.
![Photo of Hadi Estakhri, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b8f70bba-b202-4dcd-9afb-e9b7adecdebb/3/320x400.jpeg)
Hadi Estakhri, MD — or Dr. E as his patients know him — is a double board-certified, Harvard-trained psychiatrist practicing at Allied Psychiatry and Mental Health in Newport Beach, California. He offers customized, patient-focused treatments to address the unique needs and circumstances of each patient. With more than two decades of professional experience, he has vast proficiency in the mental health field. His expertise is in treating a wide range of psychiatric and addictive disorders in both adult and adolescents.
Hadi Estakhri, MD — or Dr. E as his patients know him — is a double board-certified, Harvard-trained psychiatrist practicing at Allied Psychiatry and Mental Health in Newport Beach, California. He offers customized, patient-focused treatments to address the unique needs and circumstances of each patient. With more than two decades of professional experience, he has vast proficiency in the mental health field. His expertise is in treating a wide range of psychiatric and addictive disorders in both adult and adolescents.
![Photo of Jaclyn Nobakht, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ff41666d-71f0-4770-9e4c-a08c7d053230/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with over 6 years of mental health experience working in partial hospitalization & intensive outpatient programming for adults, adolescents, and maternal patients, also working in the hospital setting providing mental health consultation & crisis intervention. I entered into psychiatry with the desire to provide effective treatment, education, & options for mental health & healing that include nutrition, therapy, and medication intervention. Nutritional psychiatry is a passion of mine, as I firmly believe that our overall health and well-being is a key element to mental wellness.
I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with over 6 years of mental health experience working in partial hospitalization & intensive outpatient programming for adults, adolescents, and maternal patients, also working in the hospital setting providing mental health consultation & crisis intervention. I entered into psychiatry with the desire to provide effective treatment, education, & options for mental health & healing that include nutrition, therapy, and medication intervention. Nutritional psychiatry is a passion of mine, as I firmly believe that our overall health and well-being is a key element to mental wellness.
![Photo of Alex Sahba - Psychiatric Evaluations - Dr. Alex Sahba, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9b925c89-e0e3-47e7-a740-f4a41f4ca767/1/320x400.jpeg)
I'm Dr. Alex Sahba, board certified in general psychiatry/forensic psychiatry and trained at UCLA. As a recognized leader in the fields of psychiatry and qualified medical evaluations (QMEs), I am called upon to provide excellent service in various settings, including medical, legal, and academics. I conduct various types of evaluations, including: Legal/Forensics, Risk Assessment (Violence/Sexual), Drug/Alcohol Evals, Cognitive Evals, Competency Evals, Diagnostic Clarification, Fitness For Duty Evals., Pre-employment Evals., Immigration-related Evals., and Workers’ Comp. (QME/AME).
I'm Dr. Alex Sahba, board certified in general psychiatry/forensic psychiatry and trained at UCLA. As a recognized leader in the fields of psychiatry and qualified medical evaluations (QMEs), I am called upon to provide excellent service in various settings, including medical, legal, and academics. I conduct various types of evaluations, including: Legal/Forensics, Risk Assessment (Violence/Sexual), Drug/Alcohol Evals, Cognitive Evals, Competency Evals, Diagnostic Clarification, Fitness For Duty Evals., Pre-employment Evals., Immigration-related Evals., and Workers’ Comp. (QME/AME).
![Photo of Alex Sahba - Psychiatric Evaluations - Dr. Alex Sahba, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1297c52c-f425-4eac-8dda-55893de8a188/1/320x400.jpeg)
I'm Dr. Alex Sahba, board certified in general psychiatry/forensic psychiatry and trained at UCLA. As a recognized leader in the fields of psychiatry and qualified medical evaluations (QMEs), I am called upon to provide excellent service in various settings, including medical, legal, and academics. I conduct various types of evaluations, including: Legal/Forensics, Risk Assessment (Violence/Sexual), Drug/Alcohol Evals, Cognitive Evals, Competency Evals, Diagnostic Clarification, Fitness For Duty Evals., Pre-employment Evals., Immigration-related Evals., and Workers’ Comp. (QME/AME).
I'm Dr. Alex Sahba, board certified in general psychiatry/forensic psychiatry and trained at UCLA. As a recognized leader in the fields of psychiatry and qualified medical evaluations (QMEs), I am called upon to provide excellent service in various settings, including medical, legal, and academics. I conduct various types of evaluations, including: Legal/Forensics, Risk Assessment (Violence/Sexual), Drug/Alcohol Evals, Cognitive Evals, Competency Evals, Diagnostic Clarification, Fitness For Duty Evals., Pre-employment Evals., Immigration-related Evals., and Workers’ Comp. (QME/AME).
![Photo of Dr. Alex Sahba - Psychiatric Evaluations - Dr. Alex Sahba, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c7fdf000-ad18-4e00-a6e2-759e9b4a8683/1/320x400.jpeg)
I'm Dr. Alex Sahba, board certified in general psychiatry/forensic psychiatry and trained at UCLA. As a recognized leader in the fields of psychiatry and qualified medical evaluations (QMEs), I am called upon to provide excellent service in various settings, including medical, legal, and academics. I conduct various types of evaluations, including: Legal/Forensics, Risk Assessment (Violence/Sexual), Drug/Alcohol Evals, Cognitive Evals, Competency Evals, Diagnostic Clarification, Fitness For Duty Evals., Pre-employment Evals., Immigration-related Evals., and Workers’ Comp. (QME/AME).
I'm Dr. Alex Sahba, board certified in general psychiatry/forensic psychiatry and trained at UCLA. As a recognized leader in the fields of psychiatry and qualified medical evaluations (QMEs), I am called upon to provide excellent service in various settings, including medical, legal, and academics. I conduct various types of evaluations, including: Legal/Forensics, Risk Assessment (Violence/Sexual), Drug/Alcohol Evals, Cognitive Evals, Competency Evals, Diagnostic Clarification, Fitness For Duty Evals., Pre-employment Evals., Immigration-related Evals., and Workers’ Comp. (QME/AME).
See more therapy options for Ladera Ranch
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Ladera Ranch, CA
< 10
Psychiatrists in Ladera Ranch, CA who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
83% | Anxiety |
83% | ADHD |
83% | Sleep or Insomnia |
83% | Medication Management |
67% | Trauma and PTSD |
67% | Bipolar Disorder |
Average years in practice
11 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
100% | Medicare |
How Psychiatrists in Ladera Ranch, CA see their clients
67% | In Person and Online | |
33% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
60% | Male | |
40% | Female |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Ladera Ranch?
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.