Psychiatrists in San Pedro, CA
![Photo of Jordan Blaine, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e0a5bcbc-1bb7-45e9-aaec-36a2794acb2e/1/320x400.png)
Jordan Blaine
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
San Pedro, CA 90731 (Online Only)
ACCEPTING 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.
ACCEPTING 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.
![Photo of Bianca Best, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/61ce03e8-cede-468b-8f56-cb55d11142ff/1/320x400.jpeg)
Bianca Best
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
San Pedro, CA 90731 (Online Only)
Hello, I'm Bianca, a Board-certified PMHNP dedicated to supporting your emotional and psychological well-being. I'm here to offer a safe, non-judgmental space where we can work together to navigate any challenges you're facing and promote a healthier, happier you. My approach to providing care is centered around creating a compassionate, empathetic, and supportive environment for my patients. I tailor my therapeutic methods to each individual's unique needs, combining various evidence-based practices to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Hello, I'm Bianca, a Board-certified PMHNP dedicated to supporting your emotional and psychological well-being. I'm here to offer a safe, non-judgmental space where we can work together to navigate any challenges you're facing and promote a healthier, happier you. My approach to providing care is centered around creating a compassionate, empathetic, and supportive environment for my patients. I tailor my therapeutic methods to each individual's unique needs, combining various evidence-based practices to ensure the best possible outcomes.
![Photo of Bianca Best, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ec69af76-c735-41ae-81ca-e67a7352edc0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Bianca Best
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
San Pedro, CA 90731 (Online Only)
Hello, I'm Bianca, a Board-certified PMHNP dedicated to supporting your emotional and psychological well-being. I'm here to offer a safe, non-judgmental space where we can work together to navigate any challenges you're facing and promote a healthier, happier you. My approach to providing care is centered around creating a compassionate, empathetic, and supportive environment for my patients. I tailor my therapeutic methods to each individual's unique needs, combining various evidence-based practices to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Hello, I'm Bianca, a Board-certified PMHNP dedicated to supporting your emotional and psychological well-being. I'm here to offer a safe, non-judgmental space where we can work together to navigate any challenges you're facing and promote a healthier, happier you. My approach to providing care is centered around creating a compassionate, empathetic, and supportive environment for my patients. I tailor my therapeutic methods to each individual's unique needs, combining various evidence-based practices to ensure the best possible outcomes.
![Photo of Mojan Saberi, PMHNP, MSN, RN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b095cafa-1044-45b6-ac24-ec564d348579/1/320x400.jpeg)
Mojan Saberi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MSN, RN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Pedro, CA 90731
Are you stuck in what feels like an endless cycle of symptom management and negative self-talk? Do you find yourself feeling like every visit just ends with a new med and you feeling unheard? If you're looking for an experienced professional who is compassionate and is here to understand your unique needs, I am here to help. I have a wealth of knowledge and experience working in the mental health fields of crisis stabilization and outpatient care.
Are you stuck in what feels like an endless cycle of symptom management and negative self-talk? Do you find yourself feeling like every visit just ends with a new med and you feeling unheard? If you're looking for an experienced professional who is compassionate and is here to understand your unique needs, I am here to help. I have a wealth of knowledge and experience working in the mental health fields of crisis stabilization and outpatient care.
![Photo of Alexandra Presler, MD, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/795abefe-1d4d-4a03-8301-72965aea284d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Pacific Mind Health treats mental health disorders using a variety of treatments including medications, Psychotherapy, Telemedicine, Spravato, and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). We strive to help create a treatment plan which will help guide you on a path to wellness. Our goal is to provide thorough diagnostic evaluations which will inform treatment choices and increase the likelihood the treatment will be successful. Please use this link for a free informational TMS session www.pacificmindhealth.com/tmsinfo. To request an appointment, please fill out this form: www.pacificmindhealth.com/newclient.
Pacific Mind Health treats mental health disorders using a variety of treatments including medications, Psychotherapy, Telemedicine, Spravato, and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). We strive to help create a treatment plan which will help guide you on a path to wellness. Our goal is to provide thorough diagnostic evaluations which will inform treatment choices and increase the likelihood the treatment will be successful. Please use this link for a free informational TMS session www.pacificmindhealth.com/tmsinfo. To request an appointment, please fill out this form: www.pacificmindhealth.com/newclient.
![Photo of Mae Caragay, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/85abde17-633f-4ce7-965e-44e27163a8b8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Mae Caragay
Physician Assistant, PA-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Pedro, CA 90731 (Online Only)
Accepting New Patients - I am a board-certified Psychiatric Physician Associate (PA) with extensive training in Family Practice, Psychiatry, and Addiction Medicine. My journey has taken me from rural to urban communities, equipping me with a diverse skill set to better serve my patients. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and empathy, I strive to provide the highest quality of care.
Accepting New Patients - I am a board-certified Psychiatric Physician Associate (PA) with extensive training in Family Practice, Psychiatry, and Addiction Medicine. My journey has taken me from rural to urban communities, equipping me with a diverse skill set to better serve my patients. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and empathy, I strive to provide the highest quality of care.
![Photo of Mottsin Thomas, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bbe5a8c3-931e-4da7-b541-bc36af4a9752/2/320x400.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 Assal Tavakoli Parsa, PA-C, MPAS, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/770418c6-2e8f-4257-8cc2-1fc4aae4691d/3/320x400.jpeg)
Assal Tavakoli Parsa
Physician Assistant, PA-C, MPAS
Verified Verified
San Pedro, CA 90731 (Online Only)
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS - Pacific Mind Health approaches mental health using a variety of evidence-based treatments including medication, Psychotherapy, Telemedicine, Spravato, and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). We are excited to offer Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) - a revolutionary 3-minute procedure with equal or better efficacy to standard 40+ minute TMS protocols. We provide a thorough diagnostic evaluation to create a personalized treatment plan that will help guide you towards wellness. Please use this link for a free informational TMS session https://www.pacificmindhealth.com/tmsinfo.html
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS - Pacific Mind Health approaches mental health using a variety of evidence-based treatments including medication, Psychotherapy, Telemedicine, Spravato, and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). We are excited to offer Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) - a revolutionary 3-minute procedure with equal or better efficacy to standard 40+ minute TMS protocols. We provide a thorough diagnostic evaluation to create a personalized treatment plan that will help guide you towards wellness. Please use this link for a free informational TMS session https://www.pacificmindhealth.com/tmsinfo.html
![Photo of Martina Nankivell, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/80bbaae6-a50b-4449-9720-0c090ed1ff1a/3/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting New Patients - Martina is a highly qualified physician assistant with an impressive academic and clinical background. She earned her Master of Medical Science degree from Nova Southeastern University and holds board certifications in both general medicine and psychiatry. Additionally, Martina possesses a Certificate of Added Qualifications in psychiatry, reflecting her commitment to excellence in patient care.
Accepting New Patients - Martina is a highly qualified physician assistant with an impressive academic and clinical background. She earned her Master of Medical Science degree from Nova Southeastern University and holds board certifications in both general medicine and psychiatry. Additionally, Martina possesses a Certificate of Added Qualifications in psychiatry, reflecting her commitment to excellence in patient care.
![Photo of Simon Ordonez, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/30fe6ff0-2d12-4f3c-994b-abd28e1feb36/2/320x400.jpeg)
Simon Ordonez
Physician Assistant, PA-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Pedro, CA 90731 (Online Only)
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS - Pacific Mind Health treats mental health disorders using a variety of treatments including medications, Psychotherapy, Telemedicine, Spravato, and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). We strive to help create a treatment plan which will help guide you on a path to wellness. Our goal is to provide thorough diagnostic evaluations which will inform treatment choices and increase the likelihood the treatment will be successful. Please use this link for a free informational TMS session https://www.pacificmindhealth.com/tmsinfo.html
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS - Pacific Mind Health treats mental health disorders using a variety of treatments including medications, Psychotherapy, Telemedicine, Spravato, and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). We strive to help create a treatment plan which will help guide you on a path to wellness. Our goal is to provide thorough diagnostic evaluations which will inform treatment choices and increase the likelihood the treatment will be successful. Please use this link for a free informational TMS session https://www.pacificmindhealth.com/tmsinfo.html
![Photo of Abidemi Oladele - Abidemi Oladele - Anew Era TMS & Psychiatry, MSN, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/edb14d34-f5dd-4ab5-9e12-95c79acb7388/1/320x400.jpeg)
Abidemi Oladele - Anew Era TMS & Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
San Pedro, CA 90731
Abi Oladele is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She has worked as a nurse for about 10 years in different settings including Critical care, Surgical services, Medical Surgical and Psychiatry. She is passionate about improving patient outcomes in the mental health population by providing comprehensive and individualized mental health care to her patients. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas Health Science Houston and a master’s degree from Northern Kentucky University. Abi enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and doing DIY projects.
Abi Oladele is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She has worked as a nurse for about 10 years in different settings including Critical care, Surgical services, Medical Surgical and Psychiatry. She is passionate about improving patient outcomes in the mental health population by providing comprehensive and individualized mental health care to her patients. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas Health Science Houston and a master’s degree from Northern Kentucky University. Abi enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and doing DIY projects.
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![Photo of Joshua Flatow - Pacific Mind Health, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46d851a5-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS - Pacific Mind Health approaches mental health using a variety of evidence-based treatments including medication, Psychotherapy, Telemedicine, Spravato, and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). We are excited to offer Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) - a revolutionary 3-minute procedure with equal or better efficacy to standard 40+ minute TMS protocols. We provide a thorough diagnostic evaluation to create a personalized treatment plan that will help guide you towards wellness. Please use this link for a free informational TMS session https://www.pacificmindhealth.com/tmsinfo.html
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS - Pacific Mind Health approaches mental health using a variety of evidence-based treatments including medication, Psychotherapy, Telemedicine, Spravato, and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). We are excited to offer Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) - a revolutionary 3-minute procedure with equal or better efficacy to standard 40+ minute TMS protocols. We provide a thorough diagnostic evaluation to create a personalized treatment plan that will help guide you towards wellness. Please use this link for a free informational TMS session https://www.pacificmindhealth.com/tmsinfo.html
![Photo of Alejandro Perez - Dr Perez @ Evolve Psychiatry, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/259dfdfd-7693-4c6e-8677-f667f1b28882/1/320x400.png)
Struggling with poor concentration, restless sleep, or irrational fears? Feeling hypersensitive or overwhelmed by a need for control? Tired of the relentless cycle of self-doubt, fatigue, and panic attacks? Which emotions stem from genetics and which are rooted in circumstances? How can you even begin to accurately express yourself? How much change is even possible? What if medications change you for the worse? These uncertainties can leave us in a never ending struggle that keeps us from achieving our true potential. If you’re finally ready to find out answers, then you need Evolve Psychiatry to navigate you out of this maze.
Struggling with poor concentration, restless sleep, or irrational fears? Feeling hypersensitive or overwhelmed by a need for control? Tired of the relentless cycle of self-doubt, fatigue, and panic attacks? Which emotions stem from genetics and which are rooted in circumstances? How can you even begin to accurately express yourself? How much change is even possible? What if medications change you for the worse? These uncertainties can leave us in a never ending struggle that keeps us from achieving our true potential. If you’re finally ready to find out answers, then you need Evolve Psychiatry to navigate you out of this maze.
![Photo of Joshua Flatow, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5c88a075-6538-4434-8ccf-2c8adc72b22c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Pacific Mind Health approaches mental health using a variety of evidence-based treatments including medication, psychotherapy, telemedicine, Spravato and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). We are excited to offer Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) - a revolutionary 3-minute procedure with equal or better efficacy to standard 40+ minute TMS protocols. Our mental health treatment center in Long Beach provides a thorough diagnostic evaluation to create a personalized treatment plan that will help guide you towards wellness.
Pacific Mind Health approaches mental health using a variety of evidence-based treatments including medication, psychotherapy, telemedicine, Spravato and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). We are excited to offer Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) - a revolutionary 3-minute procedure with equal or better efficacy to standard 40+ minute TMS protocols. Our mental health treatment center in Long Beach provides a thorough diagnostic evaluation to create a personalized treatment plan that will help guide you towards wellness.
![Photo of Riz Ahmad, MD , Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/df7ee67f-5b35-43c1-be25-616a0a3a0234/2/320x400.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 Mottsin Thomas - Bonmente, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/453d935d-f6fc-441a-b166-0651675cfeb0/1/320x400.png)
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 Gol Ara, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4e09b14b-4ff9-4a03-b88f-d38906318dfc/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Ara completed her fellowship training in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry (CLP) at UCLA. CLP is a subspecialty of psychiatry that focuses on treating mental health issues in patients with complex medical conditions. Before her fellowship training, she completed her psychiatry residency at the University of New Mexico and earned her M.D. degree from Tehran University.
Dr. Ara completed her fellowship training in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry (CLP) at UCLA. CLP is a subspecialty of psychiatry that focuses on treating mental health issues in patients with complex medical conditions. Before her fellowship training, she completed her psychiatry residency at the University of New Mexico and earned her M.D. degree from Tehran University.
![Photo of Mottsin Thomas - Bonmente, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b42753ad-1c0b-449b-9572-3600397f4571/1/320x400.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 Stephany Lavigne - Stephany Lavigne - Anew Era TMS & Psychiatry, DNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f147f82e-0c4b-472a-8f15-32e08d614ec3/2/320x400.jpeg)
Stephany Lavigne - Anew Era TMS & Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP
Verified Verified
San Pedro, CA 90731
Dr. Stephany Lavigne, a distinguished Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice with honors from the University of South Alabama. With over a decade of experience, she has excelled in forensic psychiatry at Metropolitan State Hospital, caring for patients under penal codes and conservatorship. Dr. Lavigne has also demonstrated her commitment in diverse outpatient settings, providing quality mental health care.
Dr. Stephany Lavigne, a distinguished Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice with honors from the University of South Alabama. With over a decade of experience, she has excelled in forensic psychiatry at Metropolitan State Hospital, caring for patients under penal codes and conservatorship. Dr. Lavigne has also demonstrated her commitment in diverse outpatient settings, providing quality mental health care.
![Photo of Sarah Raike, PA-C , Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a8e38ebd-6949-4ae7-a141-02d01b9b0020/1/320x400.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!
See more therapy options for San Pedro
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in San Pedro, CA
20+
Average cost per session
$120
Psychiatrists in San Pedro, CA who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
95% | Bipolar Disorder |
85% | Medication Management |
85% | Stress |
80% | ADHD |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in San Pedro, CA see their clients
60% | Online Only | |
40% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
58% | Female | |
42% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in San Pedro?
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.