Psychiatrists in Washington County, RI
![Photo of Nicole Sanchez, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5dc046ba-1309-4789-8dc8-8ec02512b64a/1/320x400.png)
Nicole Sanchez
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
North Kingstown, RI 02852
Hello, my name is Nicole Sanchez. I became a nurse practitioner because I genuinely love to help people. I was born on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico and raised in Providence, Rhode Island. I started my journey to become a registered nurse because I felt a calling to help people in need and when they are at their worst. I graduated from National University College in Arecibo, Puerto Rico with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing in 2011. I am fluent in Spanish and English. I have worked as an inpatient psychiatric nurse for over 6 years.
Hello, my name is Nicole Sanchez. I became a nurse practitioner because I genuinely love to help people. I was born on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico and raised in Providence, Rhode Island. I started my journey to become a registered nurse because I felt a calling to help people in need and when they are at their worst. I graduated from National University College in Arecibo, Puerto Rico with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing in 2011. I am fluent in Spanish and English. I have worked as an inpatient psychiatric nurse for over 6 years.
![Photo of Samantha Shawn-Marsh, DNP, MSN, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/edfc43ad-09fa-4587-b240-726d6eb503d2/1/320x400.jpeg)
Samantha Shawn-Marsh
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, MSN, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
Westerly, RI 02891
Dr. Samantha Shawn-Marsh is a Doctoral and Board Certified Child and Adult Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who works with children and adults providing psychiatric evaluations and medication management to those experiencing bipolar disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders. She is the founder and owner of Remedy Wellness Center, Inc. and welcomes new patients at this time.
Dr. Samantha Shawn-Marsh is a Doctoral and Board Certified Child and Adult Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who works with children and adults providing psychiatric evaluations and medication management to those experiencing bipolar disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders. She is the founder and owner of Remedy Wellness Center, Inc. and welcomes new patients at this time.
![Photo of Anthony Gallo, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/54b03736-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am proud to say that I am a general psychiatrist with extensive experience in the treatment of psychiatric illness, including mood disorder, anxiety, ADHD, and cognitive disorders.
I am proud to say that I am a general psychiatrist with extensive experience in the treatment of psychiatric illness, including mood disorder, anxiety, ADHD, and cognitive disorders.
![Photo of Jennifer Ugbah - Evolve Psychiatry, APRN, CNS, RN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a5f67be8-c5a0-4539-aeaf-b3d9ecb0b620/3/320x400.jpeg)
Evolve Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, CNS, RN
Verified Verified
Westerly, RI 02891 (Online Only)
Currently accepting new patients. Immediate availability for new appointments. Jennifer Ugbah MSN, PMHNP, CNS, APRN, RN, is a dual board certified bilingual psychiatric nurse practitioner with over 10 years of experience in the field of mental health. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Rhode Island and went on to earn a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in child and adolescent psychiatric-mental health from The University of Rhode Island. In addition, she also obtained her nurse practitioner certification for patients across the lifespan from the University of Saint Joseph.
Currently accepting new patients. Immediate availability for new appointments. Jennifer Ugbah MSN, PMHNP, CNS, APRN, RN, is a dual board certified bilingual psychiatric nurse practitioner with over 10 years of experience in the field of mental health. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Rhode Island and went on to earn a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in child and adolescent psychiatric-mental health from The University of Rhode Island. In addition, she also obtained her nurse practitioner certification for patients across the lifespan from the University of Saint Joseph.
![Photo of Kate J Reilly, APRN, PMHNP, MSN, RN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8cad4c59-1cc3-4668-9e3b-8eb88293db71/2/320x400.png)
Kate J Reilly
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, MSN, RN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Narragansett, RI 02882
My goal is to create a safe space for clients to work through life's stressors with mood disorders, anxiety, panic, depression, low self-esteem, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and past traumas.
My goal is to create a safe space for clients to work through life's stressors with mood disorders, anxiety, panic, depression, low self-esteem, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and past traumas.
![Photo of Sana Kalra - ME Psychotherapy, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cb265e8a-cf15-4645-aa14-a9a592ae5171/1/320x400.png)
ME Psychotherapy
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Narragansett, RI 02882
I specialize in serving clients who are navigating a range of challenges, from managing stress, anxiety, and depression to coping with life transitions, trauma, ADHD, and other disorders. Their needs are multifaceted; they require a safe space to express themselves openly without judgment and seek guidance in developing a regimen that may include medications, coping strategies, and effective management of their condition. Their journey may involve the need for medications alongside psychotherapy. I can assist them in managing this aspect of care with comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and ongoing treatment monitoring.
I specialize in serving clients who are navigating a range of challenges, from managing stress, anxiety, and depression to coping with life transitions, trauma, ADHD, and other disorders. Their needs are multifaceted; they require a safe space to express themselves openly without judgment and seek guidance in developing a regimen that may include medications, coping strategies, and effective management of their condition. Their journey may involve the need for medications alongside psychotherapy. I can assist them in managing this aspect of care with comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and ongoing treatment monitoring.
![Photo of Riviane Lafleur, RN, BSN, MSN, FNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/741f814b-77b4-4c63-b036-90a48253fa4d/2/320x400.png)
Riviane Lafleur
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, RN, BSN, MSN, FNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kingston, RI 02881 (Online Only)
Please note: Hello! Thank you for visiting my page. I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over eight years of experience in mental health. I have cared for and treated client's with various mental health struggles across different age groups and practice settings, from hospitals to outpatient clinics, and crisis stabilization units. I specialize in treating PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
Please note: Hello! Thank you for visiting my page. I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over eight years of experience in mental health. I have cared for and treated client's with various mental health struggles across different age groups and practice settings, from hospitals to outpatient clinics, and crisis stabilization units. I specialize in treating PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
![Photo of Kendra Palumbo, MSN, PMHNP-, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/89dab7e5-dc15-4baa-a4ce-460c74616ccc/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kendra Palumbo is a Nurse Practitioner in Rhode Island who has been practicing since 2024. As a health care professional, Kendra understands how difficult accessing quality health care can be. Her aim as a provider is to provide an open and welcoming environment to all clients. Kendra is here to provide clients with a thorough psychiatric assessment while working alongside the client and/or their families to formulate a treatment plan that best fits their needs. When treating different psychiatric disorders, she utilizes different medications to target each clients specific needs.
Kendra Palumbo is a Nurse Practitioner in Rhode Island who has been practicing since 2024. As a health care professional, Kendra understands how difficult accessing quality health care can be. Her aim as a provider is to provide an open and welcoming environment to all clients. Kendra is here to provide clients with a thorough psychiatric assessment while working alongside the client and/or their families to formulate a treatment plan that best fits their needs. When treating different psychiatric disorders, she utilizes different medications to target each clients specific needs.
Mike has 30+ years working in Psych and 7+ years of prescribing experience and services adolescence from 5-17 years old. He takes a holistic approach to treatment and he understand that one's mental health affects the entire family unit and not just you alone. He has decades of experience working at Bradley Children's Hospital, The Brown Center for Children and Families, and is knowledgeable of community resources available to you. He understands the importance of therapy, medication, and good behavior modification skills.
Mike has 30+ years working in Psych and 7+ years of prescribing experience and services adolescence from 5-17 years old. He takes a holistic approach to treatment and he understand that one's mental health affects the entire family unit and not just you alone. He has decades of experience working at Bradley Children's Hospital, The Brown Center for Children and Families, and is knowledgeable of community resources available to you. He understands the importance of therapy, medication, and good behavior modification skills.
![Photo of Christopher A. Hicks, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/921e2906-82af-4731-b2a6-3f0eb917be78/1/320x400.jpeg)
Christopher A. Hicks is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with more than 9 years of direct clinical experience providing patient care across the life span. He specializes in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of a variety of psychiatric disorders including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, substance use disorders, PTSD, and ADHD, with expertise in psychopharmacological and neuromodulation treatment modalities as well as individual psychotherapy.
Christopher A. Hicks is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with more than 9 years of direct clinical experience providing patient care across the life span. He specializes in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of a variety of psychiatric disorders including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, substance use disorders, PTSD, and ADHD, with expertise in psychopharmacological and neuromodulation treatment modalities as well as individual psychotherapy.
![Photo of Jeanne Marie Knight, APRN, FNP, PMHNP , Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8d7cc212-6ac2-4eef-a12f-f13819bdac8b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jeanne Marie Knight
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, FNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Wakefield, RI 02879
I enjoy treating all clients with complex mental health issues. There is no ideal client as one comes from all different backgrounds, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds. I have learned to respect clients individually as they all have their own individual experiences that have caused them trauma, anxiety, depression, and possibly fears of specific situations or encounters. This affects their lives every day and my role is to understand them on all levels and imagine what it is like to be in that situation. I also have my own personal experience with anxiety and this allows me to have compassion in a humble manner.
I enjoy treating all clients with complex mental health issues. There is no ideal client as one comes from all different backgrounds, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds. I have learned to respect clients individually as they all have their own individual experiences that have caused them trauma, anxiety, depression, and possibly fears of specific situations or encounters. This affects their lives every day and my role is to understand them on all levels and imagine what it is like to be in that situation. I also have my own personal experience with anxiety and this allows me to have compassion in a humble manner.
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![Photo of Nicole Traub, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a4444c57-7248-4e0c-ac92-a18980b353f6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hello! My name is Niki Traub, I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner providing services to adolescents and adults. My background includes working with clients facing a variety of challenges including: depression, anxiety, ADHD, eating disorders, LGBTQIA+ related issues, OCD, PTSD, and sleep disorders. I provide compassionate and judgement-free care as well as a thorough psychiatric evaluation that considers your goals, current symptoms, prior experiences, medical history, lifestyle and health habits.
Hello! My name is Niki Traub, I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner providing services to adolescents and adults. My background includes working with clients facing a variety of challenges including: depression, anxiety, ADHD, eating disorders, LGBTQIA+ related issues, OCD, PTSD, and sleep disorders. I provide compassionate and judgement-free care as well as a thorough psychiatric evaluation that considers your goals, current symptoms, prior experiences, medical history, lifestyle and health habits.
![Photo of Nicole Miele, BA, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b714734f-7a68-449a-b21d-29f0b69accf0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Nicole Miele
Psychiatric Nurse, BA, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
North Kingstown, RI 02852 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My practice specializes in the treatment of women's mental health. I provide therapy and medication management services for perinatal depression, anxiety, and OCD. I also greatly enjoy working with women who are interested in utilizing integrative medicine approaches to treat symptoms of PMDD and perimenopause.
My practice specializes in the treatment of women's mental health. I provide therapy and medication management services for perinatal depression, anxiety, and OCD. I also greatly enjoy working with women who are interested in utilizing integrative medicine approaches to treat symptoms of PMDD and perimenopause.
![Photo of Alexander Scagnelli - Alexander Scagnelli MD PC, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46c5d732-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
We are a mental health office that provides medication management to children, adolescents and adults for a variety of diagnoses including ADHD, GAD, MDD, PTSD, and OCD. We also offer Psychological Testing. Our staff consists of Dr. Alexander Scagnelli MD, Anna Flaherty, RNP, Susan Perry, RNP, Brett Michelson, RNP, and Allison Silvers, LMHC, Psy.D. To book a new client appointment please call 401-821-4100.
We are a mental health office that provides medication management to children, adolescents and adults for a variety of diagnoses including ADHD, GAD, MDD, PTSD, and OCD. We also offer Psychological Testing. Our staff consists of Dr. Alexander Scagnelli MD, Anna Flaherty, RNP, Susan Perry, RNP, Brett Michelson, RNP, and Allison Silvers, LMHC, Psy.D. To book a new client appointment please call 401-821-4100.
![Photo of Sarah Xavier, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40c3515e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Xavier is a Yale trained psychiatrist with advanced training in Child, Adolescent, Adult and Forensic Psychiatry. She has been a physician for over twenty years. She has worked extensively with clients in a variety of settings (hospital/office) and roles (medical director/consultant) in order to bring an extensive toolkit of treatment options into her private practice. Dr. Xavier develops compassionate, comprehensive, goal oriented treatment plans that are tailored to one's ability and motivation level.
Dr. Xavier is a Yale trained psychiatrist with advanced training in Child, Adolescent, Adult and Forensic Psychiatry. She has been a physician for over twenty years. She has worked extensively with clients in a variety of settings (hospital/office) and roles (medical director/consultant) in order to bring an extensive toolkit of treatment options into her private practice. Dr. Xavier develops compassionate, comprehensive, goal oriented treatment plans that are tailored to one's ability and motivation level.
![Photo of Laura Davidson, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0e740dcb-d887-42d4-bbd8-02fbfae1e5cc/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Laura Davidson is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Rhode Island who has been practicing since 2011. She earned a Bachelor’s of Nursing at University of Arizona, a Master’s of Nursing with PMHNP at Arizona State University, and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice at Arizona State University. Behavioral health medications work best when combined with self-kindness, adequate sleep, and setting aside a little special time just for you. In Dr. Davidson’s experience, people seem to struggle the most with self-kindness. When we are struggling with low mood and anxiety, our inner critic becomes louder and meaner.
Dr. Laura Davidson is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Rhode Island who has been practicing since 2011. She earned a Bachelor’s of Nursing at University of Arizona, a Master’s of Nursing with PMHNP at Arizona State University, and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice at Arizona State University. Behavioral health medications work best when combined with self-kindness, adequate sleep, and setting aside a little special time just for you. In Dr. Davidson’s experience, people seem to struggle the most with self-kindness. When we are struggling with low mood and anxiety, our inner critic becomes louder and meaner.
![Photo of Mary M. Santa Teresa, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/530efc80-0678-4cc1-a8e3-4893549db5a3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Mary M. Santa Teresa is a Psychiatrist in Rhode Island who has been practicing since 2003. She earned degrees at the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center, Mt. Sinai Medical Center/North General Hospital, and The Cambridge Hospital/Harvard Medical School. Dr. Santa Teresa would like to help you be the best you can be, try your best and master your coping skills. With a psychopharmacologic assessment and treatment plan, you and Dr. Santa Teresa can discover how symptoms develop and set goals so that you can take charge of your life and be healthy.
Dr. Mary M. Santa Teresa is a Psychiatrist in Rhode Island who has been practicing since 2003. She earned degrees at the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center, Mt. Sinai Medical Center/North General Hospital, and The Cambridge Hospital/Harvard Medical School. Dr. Santa Teresa would like to help you be the best you can be, try your best and master your coping skills. With a psychopharmacologic assessment and treatment plan, you and Dr. Santa Teresa can discover how symptoms develop and set goals so that you can take charge of your life and be healthy.
![Photo of Joseph Allaire, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d4a23583-1848-4938-95b7-ee3e6fdf2af4/3/320x400.jpeg)
Joseph Allaire
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Charlestown, RI 02813 (Online Only)
Now Accepting New Patients! I'm a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with years of experience working in Psychiatry and Critical Care. I have experience treating various Psychiatric conditions and enjoy working with people in all life stages.
Now Accepting New Patients! I'm a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with years of experience working in Psychiatry and Critical Care. I have experience treating various Psychiatric conditions and enjoy working with people in all life stages.
![Photo of Michael Trazi, PMHCS, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f33f25bf-56d9-4234-b6f2-8ad21b95ee3a/1/320x400.png)
Michael Trazi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHCS, BC
Verified Verified
Kingston, RI 02881 (Online Only)
Mike has 30+ years working in Psych and 7+ years of prescribing experience and services adolescence from 5-17 years old. He takes a holistic approach to treatment and he understand that one's mental health affects the entire family unit and not just you alone. He has decades of experience working at Bradley Children's Hospital, The Brown Center for Children and Families, and is knowledgeable of community resources available to you. He understands the importance of therapy, medication, and good behavior modification skills.
Mike has 30+ years working in Psych and 7+ years of prescribing experience and services adolescence from 5-17 years old. He takes a holistic approach to treatment and he understand that one's mental health affects the entire family unit and not just you alone. He has decades of experience working at Bradley Children's Hospital, The Brown Center for Children and Families, and is knowledgeable of community resources available to you. He understands the importance of therapy, medication, and good behavior modification skills.
![Photo of Gloria M Mazza - North Road Psychiatry, APRN, PMHNP, AGNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/734498d8-0f24-4a27-8e4a-80f85c4b58f3/1/320x400.jpeg)
North Road Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, AGNP
Verified Verified
West Kingston, RI 02892
North Road Psychiatry is a small private practice focusing on working with young adults through elders to feel and function better in their lives and relationships. I look forward to learning about my patients, working together to find the best diagnosis and choosing treatment tools like medications, therapy and lifestyle changes that are best tailored to them.
North Road Psychiatry is a small private practice focusing on working with young adults through elders to feel and function better in their lives and relationships. I look forward to learning about my patients, working together to find the best diagnosis and choosing treatment tools like medications, therapy and lifestyle changes that are best tailored to them.
See more therapy options for Washington County
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Washington County, RI
20+
Average cost per session
$212
Psychiatrists in Washington County, RI who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
92% | Medication Management |
88% | Trauma and PTSD |
83% | ADHD |
79% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
71% | Bipolar Disorder |
Average years in practice
11 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
84% | Aetna |
74% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
68% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in Washington County, RI see their clients
75% | In Person and Online | |
25% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
70% | Female | |
30% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Washington County?
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.