Psychiatrists in Decatur, GA
![Photo of Dr. Glory Dioh-Esona - FirstStop Medical Clinic, LLC, DNP, PMHNP-B, FNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f9184093-ca9c-4880-a331-bcfae5ae9456/1/320x400.jpeg)
FirstStop Medical Clinic, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP-B, FNP-C
Verified Verified
Decatur, GA 30032 (Online Only)
Hi! I am a Doctorally trained Nurse Practitioner based in Georgia. I'm dual board-certified in Psychiatry and Family medicine. I have a combined healthcare career of over 20 years. I work with individuals with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, psychosis, and stress. I help older adults with new-onset forgetfulness, as well as young adults struggling with life stressors, responsibilities, and hopelessness, to navigate these obstacles and become the best version of themselves.
Hi! I am a Doctorally trained Nurse Practitioner based in Georgia. I'm dual board-certified in Psychiatry and Family medicine. I have a combined healthcare career of over 20 years. I work with individuals with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, psychosis, and stress. I help older adults with new-onset forgetfulness, as well as young adults struggling with life stressors, responsibilities, and hopelessness, to navigate these obstacles and become the best version of themselves.
![Photo of Amanda Green, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/81f40ebd-edb2-4611-91a3-7c85429f4f8c/1/320x400.jpeg)
As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, it’s my goal to advocate for patients who struggle to be heard or respected, and to manage their treatment with compassion, understanding, and attention to holistic care. Nursing is all about the relationship you establish with your patients, and understanding them from their perspective. I believe mental health care should be a collaborative effort between the individual and their provider, with the ultimate goal of achieving total body wellness.
As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, it’s my goal to advocate for patients who struggle to be heard or respected, and to manage their treatment with compassion, understanding, and attention to holistic care. Nursing is all about the relationship you establish with your patients, and understanding them from their perspective. I believe mental health care should be a collaborative effort between the individual and their provider, with the ultimate goal of achieving total body wellness.
![Photo of Lavern Novia Palmer - Ornaldo Swift Healthcare, AGPCNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/23863ab5-2861-480c-95ea-6f8227c51712/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ornaldo Swift Healthcare
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, AGPCNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Decatur, GA 30035
I am a dedicated professional with more than two decades of clinical experience practicing across various cultures. I am board certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health and Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner. Our practice, Ornaldo Swift Healthcare, specializes in treating teenagers, adults, the elderly and the underserved population, providing evidenced based psychiatric evaluations, medication management and therapeutic counselling. We treat a wide range of psychiatric illnesses . We treat everyone with compassion and care is individualized
I am a dedicated professional with more than two decades of clinical experience practicing across various cultures. I am board certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health and Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner. Our practice, Ornaldo Swift Healthcare, specializes in treating teenagers, adults, the elderly and the underserved population, providing evidenced based psychiatric evaluations, medication management and therapeutic counselling. We treat a wide range of psychiatric illnesses . We treat everyone with compassion and care is individualized
![Photo of Dr. Judith Ngulefac - Mindbodysoul Mental Health & Family practice, DNP, PMHNPBC, FNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7c6fa073-9ec0-43da-986a-dcaa3e5ccd21/2/320x400.jpeg)
Mindbodysoul Mental Health & Family practice
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNPBC, FNP-C
Verified Verified
Decatur, GA 30030
Everyone’s journey is different. We work with everyone for a customized treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs. Some struggles are harder to overcome than others and require the assistance of a highly trained and compassionate mental health provider. The first step to lasting recovery from alcohol and drug addiction or abuse is getting personalized substance use disorder treatment. Proper treatment for substance use disorder should address both the physical and medical ramifications of your addiction, as well as the lasting behavioral, psychological and lifestyle damage caused by prolonged and untreated substance
Everyone’s journey is different. We work with everyone for a customized treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs. Some struggles are harder to overcome than others and require the assistance of a highly trained and compassionate mental health provider. The first step to lasting recovery from alcohol and drug addiction or abuse is getting personalized substance use disorder treatment. Proper treatment for substance use disorder should address both the physical and medical ramifications of your addiction, as well as the lasting behavioral, psychological and lifestyle damage caused by prolonged and untreated substance
![Photo of Marva Sylvia Calder, MSN, PMHNP, -BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ce05b425-a3c8-4e21-a530-33319afaf684/2/320x400.jpeg)
Marva Sylvia Calder
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
Decatur, GA 30033 (Online Only)
When it comes to treating mental health conditions, I offer telemedicine visits as a service. Marva is a psychiatric evaluation and medication management specialist who works with a variety of clients. She employs evidence-based practice regimens in her work, with a particular emphasis on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of psychological disorders. According to Marva, a nonjudgmental, collaborative relationship is at the heart of a truly therapeutic interaction and is the most important factor in bringing about lasting positive change. She works with clients to help them become more involved in their own care.
When it comes to treating mental health conditions, I offer telemedicine visits as a service. Marva is a psychiatric evaluation and medication management specialist who works with a variety of clients. She employs evidence-based practice regimens in her work, with a particular emphasis on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of psychological disorders. According to Marva, a nonjudgmental, collaborative relationship is at the heart of a truly therapeutic interaction and is the most important factor in bringing about lasting positive change. She works with clients to help them become more involved in their own care.
![Photo of Katherine Gill, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/30f3296b-795b-425a-b72b-98e76ab28916/1/320x400.png)
Katherine Gill is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 30+ years of registered nurse experience and an expansive nursing background in psychiatry, public and school health. Katherine has practiced in a wide variety of settings caring for pediatric, adult, and geriatric patients. She uses a patient centered health care model encouraging patients to take part in their plan of care. Katherine has extensive experience in caring for children and adolescents and uses a compassionate, and holistic approach in patient care to obtain optimal mental wellness.
Katherine Gill is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 30+ years of registered nurse experience and an expansive nursing background in psychiatry, public and school health. Katherine has practiced in a wide variety of settings caring for pediatric, adult, and geriatric patients. She uses a patient centered health care model encouraging patients to take part in their plan of care. Katherine has extensive experience in caring for children and adolescents and uses a compassionate, and holistic approach in patient care to obtain optimal mental wellness.
![Photo of Corey Allen Beck, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5487a271-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I believe that a combination of skilled psychotherapy and proper medication management helps people recover faster. My goal is to get you back to living your life to its fullest as quickly as possible.
I believe that a combination of skilled psychotherapy and proper medication management helps people recover faster. My goal is to get you back to living your life to its fullest as quickly as possible.
![Photo of Amitha L Dhingra, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2aa33bc0-ee63-480a-ab43-68bbc3fa7037/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Dhingra is board certified in General Psychiatry. She completed her residency in adult psychiatry at the Emory University School of Medicine, and was chosen to serve as the Chief Resident for Emory University Hospital in her final year of adult psychiatry. Dr. Dhingra completed an additional year of training in Geriatric Psychiatry, graduating in 2020.
Dr. Dhingra is board certified in General Psychiatry. She completed her residency in adult psychiatry at the Emory University School of Medicine, and was chosen to serve as the Chief Resident for Emory University Hospital in her final year of adult psychiatry. Dr. Dhingra completed an additional year of training in Geriatric Psychiatry, graduating in 2020.
![Photo of Patrice Barnhill Adams, CPNP, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c900e238-7fae-4070-986d-2447b45c06d8/1/320x400.png)
Patrice Barnhill Adams
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CPNP, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Decatur, GA 30030
Patrice Barnhill is a board-certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who joined the Georgia Behavioral Health Professionals group in April 2018, and is currently seeing patients at our Decatur and Stockbridge locations. Prior to starting with GBHP, Patrice worked in a pediatric primary care setting, where she cared for patients with acute and chronic health conditions, as well as provided preventative care, mental health and developmental screenings. She has always been the most passionate in her care of children, adolescents and young adults with mental health concerns.
Patrice Barnhill is a board-certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who joined the Georgia Behavioral Health Professionals group in April 2018, and is currently seeing patients at our Decatur and Stockbridge locations. Prior to starting with GBHP, Patrice worked in a pediatric primary care setting, where she cared for patients with acute and chronic health conditions, as well as provided preventative care, mental health and developmental screenings. She has always been the most passionate in her care of children, adolescents and young adults with mental health concerns.
![Photo of David Sogbamu, APRN, PMHNP, -BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4e34c75e-6b20-4e8d-a6dd-30671f3739d5/1/320x400.jpeg)
David Sogbamu, APRN, PMHNP–BC, stands at the forefront of psychiatric and Mental Health care, bringing a wealth of expertise and a compassionate approach to his practice. As a board-certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a focus on the entire lifespan, David has dedicated his career to the comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health conditions. With specialized training covering a diverse range of issues, David is adept at addressing the unique
David Sogbamu, APRN, PMHNP–BC, stands at the forefront of psychiatric and Mental Health care, bringing a wealth of expertise and a compassionate approach to his practice. As a board-certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a focus on the entire lifespan, David has dedicated his career to the comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health conditions. With specialized training covering a diverse range of issues, David is adept at addressing the unique
![Photo of Jessica Kettell, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/35bb1bb5-8e7c-4ae1-8d77-451941ff64bf/2/320x400.png)
Whatever problems you are facing right now, let’s tackle them together. You are not alone. I am here to help you restore your mental health through individualized and integrative solutions and empower you to live your life to your fullest potential. You deserve to be happy and enjoy your life! My lifelong dream has been to make mental health care more accessible to individuals and to reduce the stigma associated with mental health treatment. Just as it is normal to seek treatment for diabetes, it should be natural to seek treatment for anxiety, low mood or poor focus. I specialize in treating depression and anxiety in all ages.
Whatever problems you are facing right now, let’s tackle them together. You are not alone. I am here to help you restore your mental health through individualized and integrative solutions and empower you to live your life to your fullest potential. You deserve to be happy and enjoy your life! My lifelong dream has been to make mental health care more accessible to individuals and to reduce the stigma associated with mental health treatment. Just as it is normal to seek treatment for diabetes, it should be natural to seek treatment for anxiety, low mood or poor focus. I specialize in treating depression and anxiety in all ages.
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![Photo of Dr. Judith Ngulefac, DNP, APRN, PMHNPBC, FNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/87ac3c37-12ad-4370-8bc2-c261ef4aecff/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Judith Ngulefac
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNPBC, FNP-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Decatur, GA 30030
Dr. Judith Ngulefac, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C, DOT-CME is an experienced doctoral-prepared board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner and family nurse practitioner with over 14 years of experience in diverse health care settings providing high-quality care to clients. Dr. Ngulefac believes that your mental health is as important as your physical health and requires the same attention. She provides an initial psychiatric evaluation that will enable her to diagnose & develop an individualized treatment plan with routine follow-up visits to monitor symptoms and medication effectiveness.
Dr. Judith Ngulefac, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C, DOT-CME is an experienced doctoral-prepared board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner and family nurse practitioner with over 14 years of experience in diverse health care settings providing high-quality care to clients. Dr. Ngulefac believes that your mental health is as important as your physical health and requires the same attention. She provides an initial psychiatric evaluation that will enable her to diagnose & develop an individualized treatment plan with routine follow-up visits to monitor symptoms and medication effectiveness.
![Photo of Daphne Wacasey, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0540d644-e593-4851-9cae-badf157e39c0/1/320x400.jpeg)
I worked eight years as an Adult Nurse Practitioner in several settings before expanding my specialty to Psychiatry/Mental Health. It was the best career decision I could have made. I started practicing in Psychiatry seven years ago in a correctional setting treating adolescents and adults. It was there that I recognized the significance of early mental health promotion, screening and treatment. For the past four years I’ve worked in a private practice with a diverse patient population across the lifespan. My main role is assessing, diagnosing, education and medication management but I occasionally incorporate therapy.
I worked eight years as an Adult Nurse Practitioner in several settings before expanding my specialty to Psychiatry/Mental Health. It was the best career decision I could have made. I started practicing in Psychiatry seven years ago in a correctional setting treating adolescents and adults. It was there that I recognized the significance of early mental health promotion, screening and treatment. For the past four years I’ve worked in a private practice with a diverse patient population across the lifespan. My main role is assessing, diagnosing, education and medication management but I occasionally incorporate therapy.
![Photo of Nafiha Islam, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/80e0a9b3-5a3f-46ba-a67e-c598fe36c6ae/1/320x400.jpeg)
Nafiha Islam, MD Nafiha Islam is a Psychiatrist in Georgia who has been practicing since 2018. Nafiha strives to establish a partnership with her patients based on trust and dependability. She listens to their concerns and works together with them to find a solution. In her spare time, Nafiha enjoys learning about other cultures especially through traveling and trying various cuisines.
Nafiha Islam, MD Nafiha Islam is a Psychiatrist in Georgia who has been practicing since 2018. Nafiha strives to establish a partnership with her patients based on trust and dependability. She listens to their concerns and works together with them to find a solution. In her spare time, Nafiha enjoys learning about other cultures especially through traveling and trying various cuisines.
![Photo of Michael S Conley - Michael S Conley, MD PC, MD, FAPA, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f7c1d1db-4c24-4f4f-bbce-45b2c02af785/3/320x400.jpeg)
For me, the most satisfying part of practicing psychiatry is that each day I have the opportunity to interact with patients and help them improve their mental health and lives. Over my 23 years of private practice in Atlanta, I have seen firsthand that good psychiatric care, often in conjunction with targeted psychotherapy, can be transformative to a patient's health and well being. I enjoy getting to know my patients personally, because each individual has unique biology, life circumstances, and goals for themselves.
For me, the most satisfying part of practicing psychiatry is that each day I have the opportunity to interact with patients and help them improve their mental health and lives. Over my 23 years of private practice in Atlanta, I have seen firsthand that good psychiatric care, often in conjunction with targeted psychotherapy, can be transformative to a patient's health and well being. I enjoy getting to know my patients personally, because each individual has unique biology, life circumstances, and goals for themselves.
![Photo of Adaorah Abor, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f639d77a-665c-43c7-84b6-2fd78f1a096d/1/320x400.jpeg)
As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, I bring empathy, an easygoing communication style, and a sweet sense of humor, making it easy to communicate with my patients and family members. Having worked both in crisis management centers, drug Rehabs, Adult psych hospitals and children’s psych hospitals, I decided to go back to school for my Master’s in Nursing 4 years ago to expand my knowledge and use my wealth of experience in good use. As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, my goal is to educate and empower patients and family members.
As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, I bring empathy, an easygoing communication style, and a sweet sense of humor, making it easy to communicate with my patients and family members. Having worked both in crisis management centers, drug Rehabs, Adult psych hospitals and children’s psych hospitals, I decided to go back to school for my Master’s in Nursing 4 years ago to expand my knowledge and use my wealth of experience in good use. As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, my goal is to educate and empower patients and family members.
![Photo of Rebecca Pihera - Psych Care ATL, APRN-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d9bc0bf6-f413-4025-874d-fa1df562b825/1/320x400.png)
Psych Care ATL
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN-BC
Verified Verified
Decatur, GA 30030 (Online Only)
Psych Care ATL is a small practice with a big heart. Woman-owned and founded in 2022 with a desire to offer holistic, customized mental health services where you feel seen and supported.
Psych Care ATL is a small practice with a big heart. Woman-owned and founded in 2022 with a desire to offer holistic, customized mental health services where you feel seen and supported.
![Photo of Dr. Nathan Skoller, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f6c34757-7360-43b9-a8a5-ca3c229ef4ef/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Skoller is an Emory-trained board certified psychiatrist taking new patients in the Atlanta and adjacent areas. He has broad knowledge and experience treating various mental health conditions and see's patients both in-person and via telemedicine. Dr. Skoller offers Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Ketamine treatment services, available to patients either in-clinic or conveniently in your own home. Dr. Skoller is also board certified in internal medicine, offering a uniquely thorough approach to treating his patient's mental health concerns. He is a member of Melody Medical Group. www.MelodyMedicalGroup.com
Dr. Skoller is an Emory-trained board certified psychiatrist taking new patients in the Atlanta and adjacent areas. He has broad knowledge and experience treating various mental health conditions and see's patients both in-person and via telemedicine. Dr. Skoller offers Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Ketamine treatment services, available to patients either in-clinic or conveniently in your own home. Dr. Skoller is also board certified in internal medicine, offering a uniquely thorough approach to treating his patient's mental health concerns. He is a member of Melody Medical Group. www.MelodyMedicalGroup.com
![Photo of Judith Fuajong Ngulefac - MindBodySoul Medical Weight Loss , DNP, PMHNPBC, FNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9b35fa18-fac9-48f6-9479-339c88278e87/1/320x400.jpeg)
MindBodySoul Medical Weight Loss
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNPBC, FNP-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Decatur, GA 30030
Being overweight is without a doubt a big health issue. It influences you physically, mentally, and even socially. The excess weight makes you apply more effort in doing basic things like rising from your bed or bending down to pick up things. You find yourself out of breath when you go up the stairs to the second flooring of your house. You start to feel some pains and pains in your neck and back. Your excess weight can also influence your mental health. You know the negative health effects of being overweight and these thoughts often cross your mind and leave you nervous and uneasy.
Being overweight is without a doubt a big health issue. It influences you physically, mentally, and even socially. The excess weight makes you apply more effort in doing basic things like rising from your bed or bending down to pick up things. You find yourself out of breath when you go up the stairs to the second flooring of your house. You start to feel some pains and pains in your neck and back. Your excess weight can also influence your mental health. You know the negative health effects of being overweight and these thoughts often cross your mind and leave you nervous and uneasy.
![Photo of Tina Williams, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0cdf5f1d-2b1e-4091-a990-572f978ad87b/1/320x400.png)
I boast a very diverse work history, passion for people and integrative approach to caring for the whole patient across the lifespan. Since 2005, I have worked in a variety of settings from the emergency department and Pediatrics to Family and Women’s health as well as inpatient and outpatient Psychiatry. I am experienced in treating a variety of psychiatric conditions such as Disorders of Mood and Anxiety, Children and Adolescents, Schizophrenia, Dual-Diagnosis as well as Women’s Health, including during pregnancy.
I boast a very diverse work history, passion for people and integrative approach to caring for the whole patient across the lifespan. Since 2005, I have worked in a variety of settings from the emergency department and Pediatrics to Family and Women’s health as well as inpatient and outpatient Psychiatry. I am experienced in treating a variety of psychiatric conditions such as Disorders of Mood and Anxiety, Children and Adolescents, Schizophrenia, Dual-Diagnosis as well as Women’s Health, including during pregnancy.
See more therapy options for Decatur
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Decatur, GA
40+
Average cost per session
$212
Psychiatrists in Decatur, GA who prioritize treating:
93% | Depression |
93% | Anxiety |
82% | Trauma and PTSD |
82% | Bipolar Disorder |
75% | Medication Management |
70% | ADHD |
59% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
11 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
97% | Aetna |
83% | Cigna and Evernorth |
83% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in Decatur, GA see their clients
80% | In Person and Online | |
20% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
79% | Female | |
21% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Decatur?
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.