Psychiatrists in Irmo, SC
![Photo of Raynia McGee, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47690a11-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
As a psychiatrist, I realize the challenges of finding a provider who is caring, compassionate and comprehensive in their care. My clinical background is in providing quality care in way that shows you are valued and understood. I specialize in providing medication management for mental health issues in a professional, thoughtful and non-judgemental environment.
As a psychiatrist, I realize the challenges of finding a provider who is caring, compassionate and comprehensive in their care. My clinical background is in providing quality care in way that shows you are valued and understood. I specialize in providing medication management for mental health issues in a professional, thoughtful and non-judgemental environment.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
![Photo of Clarence Johnson, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f733c6ae-a292-4c89-a23c-26b8ee0fac1b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Clarence Johnson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Lexington, SC 29072 (Online Only)
www.reflectivemindsmw.com. Visit my website to request an appointment! Openings within the week! HI! Now treating ADHD! As a compassionate and highly-skilled psychiatric nurse practitioner, I am committed to providing exceptional care to individuals who are struggling with mental health issues. I have extensive training and experience in diagnosing and treating a wide range of mental health disorders, and I strive to empower my patients to achieve optimal mental wellness and improve their overall quality of life.
www.reflectivemindsmw.com. Visit my website to request an appointment! Openings within the week! HI! Now treating ADHD! As a compassionate and highly-skilled psychiatric nurse practitioner, I am committed to providing exceptional care to individuals who are struggling with mental health issues. I have extensive training and experience in diagnosing and treating a wide range of mental health disorders, and I strive to empower my patients to achieve optimal mental wellness and improve their overall quality of life.
![Photo of Kimberly Hammonds, ARNP, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c26f36b7-5586-45fd-bde3-67ceaac86fdb/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Kimberly Hammonds is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Missouri who has been practicing since 2019. She has a Doctor of Nursing Practice. Dr. Hammonds is trauma informed and provides patient centered care. Dr. Hammonds believes it's important to provide collaborative care, involving patients in their own care and treatment. She feels providing well-rounded care is essential to meeting the needs of each person. In her free time, Dr. Hammonds enjoys going to church, spending time with family, baking, cake decorating, and reading.
Dr. Kimberly Hammonds is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Missouri who has been practicing since 2019. She has a Doctor of Nursing Practice. Dr. Hammonds is trauma informed and provides patient centered care. Dr. Hammonds believes it's important to provide collaborative care, involving patients in their own care and treatment. She feels providing well-rounded care is essential to meeting the needs of each person. In her free time, Dr. Hammonds enjoys going to church, spending time with family, baking, cake decorating, and reading.
![Photo of Ashley Staten - Brightside Health, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/766f4037-9241-47b4-8872-d8b24e2f6f75/1/320x400.jpeg)
Brightside Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Lexington, SC 29072 (Online Only)
It gets much better from here. No matter what you're going through, our expert providers are here to help with online mental health care tailored to you. Brightside Health offers personalized psychiatry, proven therapy, or both to help you feel better. Get started right from home, with appointments in as little as 2 days.
It gets much better from here. No matter what you're going through, our expert providers are here to help with online mental health care tailored to you. Brightside Health offers personalized psychiatry, proven therapy, or both to help you feel better. Get started right from home, with appointments in as little as 2 days.
![Photo of Felicia Heyward, MSN, PMHNP-, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a3083038-95fa-4527-a3ad-2e0ebb9d64bf/1/320x400.jpeg)
Felicia Heyward
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP-
Verified Verified
West Columbia, SC 29169
Felicia Heyward is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in South Carolina who has been practicing since 2020. She has a Doctorate of Nursing Practice with a minor in Nursing Education. Outside of work, Felicia loves working in her yard, traveling, snorkeling, tennis, and cooking for family and friends.
Felicia Heyward is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in South Carolina who has been practicing since 2020. She has a Doctorate of Nursing Practice with a minor in Nursing Education. Outside of work, Felicia loves working in her yard, traveling, snorkeling, tennis, and cooking for family and friends.
![Photo of Jessica Stoelting, DNP, PMHNP, RN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8a77eb6b-5afd-48f9-b5a5-fef3aac54a77/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jessica Stoelting
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, RN
Verified Verified
Lexington, SC 29072 (Online Only)
I specialize in treating clients with high-stress lives, who need a provider to help them with their mental health concerns through diagnosis, medication management and interventions. I believe that clients should be fully participating in their treatment, making goals and reporting their progress in achieving those goals to me. I completed my doctoral work in stress management with a focus on mindfulness practices and meditation in older adults. My patients have been able to successfully implement these interventions to bring a new focus to their lives and help them through stressful moments.
I specialize in treating clients with high-stress lives, who need a provider to help them with their mental health concerns through diagnosis, medication management and interventions. I believe that clients should be fully participating in their treatment, making goals and reporting their progress in achieving those goals to me. I completed my doctoral work in stress management with a focus on mindfulness practices and meditation in older adults. My patients have been able to successfully implement these interventions to bring a new focus to their lives and help them through stressful moments.
![Photo of Lydia Weaver, ARNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8c580327-a5a5-45f8-aad9-2bf4d0b85e95/1/320x400.jpeg)
Lydia Weaver is a boardcertified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in South Carolina who has been practicing since 2023. Lydia can help clients by incorporating the nurse care process and therapeutic relationship by educating patients and families, diagnosing, treating, managing acute illnesses, providing psychotherapy, prescribing medication for acute and chronic illnesses, providing care coordination, making referrals; ordering, performing, and interpreting lab results, diagnostic studies; and providing preventative care including screening.
Lydia Weaver is a boardcertified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in South Carolina who has been practicing since 2023. Lydia can help clients by incorporating the nurse care process and therapeutic relationship by educating patients and families, diagnosing, treating, managing acute illnesses, providing psychotherapy, prescribing medication for acute and chronic illnesses, providing care coordination, making referrals; ordering, performing, and interpreting lab results, diagnostic studies; and providing preventative care including screening.
![Photo of Angela Rasheed, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b34c51fe-aa4b-4218-9ea8-395d8e8b6d20/2/320x400.jpeg)
Angela Rasheed
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Chapin, SC 29036 (Online Only)
During medication management with me, our first visit will consist of me listening to your concerns while obtaining a thorough history from you & assessing your needs and situation. I will provide clinical advice based on my expertise based on evidence based clinical data and studies and allowing you to participate actively in your treatment.
During medication management with me, our first visit will consist of me listening to your concerns while obtaining a thorough history from you & assessing your needs and situation. I will provide clinical advice based on my expertise based on evidence based clinical data and studies and allowing you to participate actively in your treatment.
![Photo of Belinda King, ARNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cd36bdf2-ff6a-4301-80ac-3666fbb30a01/1/320x400.jpeg)
Belinda King is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in South Carolina. Belinda offers compassionate, relatable, holistic care that supports the client's overall mental wellness and functioning. Belinda strives to create relationships with clients that allow them the space to feel welcomed, heard, safe, and respected. Outside of work, Belinda enjoys spending time with family, being a Dog Mom of three, traveling, and trying new restaurants.
Belinda King is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in South Carolina. Belinda offers compassionate, relatable, holistic care that supports the client's overall mental wellness and functioning. Belinda strives to create relationships with clients that allow them the space to feel welcomed, heard, safe, and respected. Outside of work, Belinda enjoys spending time with family, being a Dog Mom of three, traveling, and trying new restaurants.
![Photo of Brandi Morgan, DNP, Psych, NP, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5f5e5605-7937-4820-b38c-b01dfbf20675/2/320x400.jpeg)
Brandi Morgan
Psychiatric Nurse, DNP, Psych, NP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Columbia, SC 29212 (Online Only)
***NOW ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS!***We are a private psychiatry practice servicing clients in the state of South Carolina. I am open to all clients in need of services from the most severe illnesses, to those in need of temporary healing. In my experience I have come to realize how important mental health is to one’s overall wellbeing. My approach for treatment can be summarized in a few words, "no judgement zone." To book services with us or for more information visit us at www.prismreflections.net.
***NOW ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS!***We are a private psychiatry practice servicing clients in the state of South Carolina. I am open to all clients in need of services from the most severe illnesses, to those in need of temporary healing. In my experience I have come to realize how important mental health is to one’s overall wellbeing. My approach for treatment can be summarized in a few words, "no judgement zone." To book services with us or for more information visit us at www.prismreflections.net.
![Photo of Maihan Yazmine Aurah, PMHNP, MSN, RN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/eb80e418-af45-4599-bcf0-62de1199cb28/1/320x400.png)
Maihan Yazmine Aurah
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MSN, RN
Verified Verified
West Columbia, SC 29169
Maihan Yazmine Aurah is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in South Carolina. She received her PMHNP from the University of Cincinnati in 2022. Maihan has more than 12 years of experience and success as a registered nurse in direct patient care and nursing management positions in inpatient and outpatient settings. Her experience spans ER, OB, Acute Care, Peds, and public health environments. Her experience demonstrated the gap between medical and psychiatric care, and how the mind/body/spiritual connection is often ignored.
Maihan Yazmine Aurah is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in South Carolina. She received her PMHNP from the University of Cincinnati in 2022. Maihan has more than 12 years of experience and success as a registered nurse in direct patient care and nursing management positions in inpatient and outpatient settings. Her experience spans ER, OB, Acute Care, Peds, and public health environments. Her experience demonstrated the gap between medical and psychiatric care, and how the mind/body/spiritual connection is often ignored.
![Photo of Kristy Thompson - Living Healthy Body and Mind, DNP, PMHNP, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/63626b7d-d28f-4328-9c54-c726f9352b2d/1/320x400.png)
Living Healthy Body and Mind
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Columbia, SC 29212
I am a licensed nurse practitioner with 14 years of professional experience who believes in empowering patients through compassionate and comprehensive care. My specialties include mental health and weight loss. Throughout my career, I observed how many patients ignore the body-mind connection, which can lead to mental health challenges. Oftentimes stress can be an underlying cause of weight gain and vice versa. It encouraged me to bridge the gap by focusing on psychotherapy and medication management. My patients receive practical guidance and individualized support to promote health and wellness.
I am a licensed nurse practitioner with 14 years of professional experience who believes in empowering patients through compassionate and comprehensive care. My specialties include mental health and weight loss. Throughout my career, I observed how many patients ignore the body-mind connection, which can lead to mental health challenges. Oftentimes stress can be an underlying cause of weight gain and vice versa. It encouraged me to bridge the gap by focusing on psychotherapy and medication management. My patients receive practical guidance and individualized support to promote health and wellness.
![Photo of Joshua Werblin, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e9459979-7161-49a1-a987-e2b6238b97f3/1/320x400.jpeg)
I service individuals of all ages who are seeking mental wellness. My patients may face a range of issues, including mood disorders, anxiety, addiction challenges, and other mental health concerns. I provide better understanding, relief from distress, improved coping skills, and overall well-being. My goal is to have them regain control over their lives, enhance their mental health, and find balance and fulfillment. I can help them feel better, understand themselves better, and navigate life's challenges with resilience and confidence.
I service individuals of all ages who are seeking mental wellness. My patients may face a range of issues, including mood disorders, anxiety, addiction challenges, and other mental health concerns. I provide better understanding, relief from distress, improved coping skills, and overall well-being. My goal is to have them regain control over their lives, enhance their mental health, and find balance and fulfillment. I can help them feel better, understand themselves better, and navigate life's challenges with resilience and confidence.
Online Psychiatrists
![Photo of Celena Nicole Shivers, APRN, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c743096c-04db-4b68-ab1c-3c900af0f3f3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Celena Nicole Shivers
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Fort Mill, SC 29715
Are you grappling with anxiety, depression, or lingering traumas that disrupt your sleep and daily life? Celena Shivers Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), understands the challenges you face and are here to guide you towards a brighter, more stable future. She specializes in comprehensive mental health care for adults, adolescents, and children dealing with conditions such as ADHD, sleep disorders, PTSD, mood disorders, bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, and psychosis, among others. She is committed is to empower you with hope, courage, and purpose, by enhancing your metal well-being as you navigate life.
Are you grappling with anxiety, depression, or lingering traumas that disrupt your sleep and daily life? Celena Shivers Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), understands the challenges you face and are here to guide you towards a brighter, more stable future. She specializes in comprehensive mental health care for adults, adolescents, and children dealing with conditions such as ADHD, sleep disorders, PTSD, mood disorders, bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, and psychosis, among others. She is committed is to empower you with hope, courage, and purpose, by enhancing your metal well-being as you navigate life.
![Photo of Consola Esambe, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bd5b8ac3-529a-4ab4-8fba-7a7d9d6d0d97/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Consola Esambe is a Psychiatrist in South Carolina who has been practicing since 2019. She graduated from the Brody School of Medicine. Dr. Esambe believes in forming a partnership with the patient so that they are an integral part of their health journey. This leads to buy in which fosters a better therapeutic alliance with the patient. Outside of work, Dr. Esambe enjoys watching TV, spending time with friends and family, reading and traveling.
Dr. Consola Esambe is a Psychiatrist in South Carolina who has been practicing since 2019. She graduated from the Brody School of Medicine. Dr. Esambe believes in forming a partnership with the patient so that they are an integral part of their health journey. This leads to buy in which fosters a better therapeutic alliance with the patient. Outside of work, Dr. Esambe enjoys watching TV, spending time with friends and family, reading and traveling.
![Photo of Denis Ingle, MSN, NP-C, PMHNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b1e344dd-dd3e-458c-842c-0ce3d8390a20/2/320x400.jpeg)
Denis Ingle
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, NP-C, PMHNP-C
Verified Verified
Greenville, SC 29607
I am passionate about mental health and count it a blessing to help others in their journey towards mental wellness. My approach is patient-centered, compassionate, and conscientious. I greatly value the sacred relationship in partnering with my patients for the betterment of their mental health, and to help in achieving their wellness goals. As a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with prescriptive authority, I am well versed and actively experienced in prescribing medications which would greatly aid towards your treatment goals.
I am passionate about mental health and count it a blessing to help others in their journey towards mental wellness. My approach is patient-centered, compassionate, and conscientious. I greatly value the sacred relationship in partnering with my patients for the betterment of their mental health, and to help in achieving their wellness goals. As a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with prescriptive authority, I am well versed and actively experienced in prescribing medications which would greatly aid towards your treatment goals.
![Photo of Julia Rodriguez, NP, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47dc1e2a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Julia Rodriguez
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Greenville, SC 29615 (Online Only)
I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and I work with clients who suffer from depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, PTSD, and schizophrenia. I also work with clients struggling with overwhelming life difficulties, such the death of a loved one or the end of relationship. My approach to care is tailored to your needs and may include medication, nutritional supplementation, and therapy. If you desire, we may incorporate your loved ones in your treatment to help them learn to support you on the pathway to recovery.
I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and I work with clients who suffer from depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, PTSD, and schizophrenia. I also work with clients struggling with overwhelming life difficulties, such the death of a loved one or the end of relationship. My approach to care is tailored to your needs and may include medication, nutritional supplementation, and therapy. If you desire, we may incorporate your loved ones in your treatment to help them learn to support you on the pathway to recovery.
![Photo of Danielle Berry, DNP, APRN, PMHNP, SANE-A, CEN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e3b7668f-a5bb-470b-a722-ddf01b3043a0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Danielle Berry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP, SANE-A, CEN
Verified Verified
Spartanburg, SC 29306
Danielle graduated from USC-Upstate with her Bachelors of Science in Nursing in 2010; a proud alumna of Gardner Webb University, she earned her Doctorate in Nursing with a specialization in Mental Health as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Most recently she served as a forensic nurse and sexual assault nurse examiner in both a clinician and an educator role. In this role she provided expert care to patients experiencing sexual assault, intimate partner violence, child abuse/neglect, and vulnerable adult abuse/neglect.
Danielle graduated from USC-Upstate with her Bachelors of Science in Nursing in 2010; a proud alumna of Gardner Webb University, she earned her Doctorate in Nursing with a specialization in Mental Health as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Most recently she served as a forensic nurse and sexual assault nurse examiner in both a clinician and an educator role. In this role she provided expert care to patients experiencing sexual assault, intimate partner violence, child abuse/neglect, and vulnerable adult abuse/neglect.
![Photo of Kevin Cromer, PHMNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fa40885c-b00f-44db-9cab-4e9372da8c97/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kevin Cromer
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PHMNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Spartanburg, SC 29306
Meet Kevin Cromer, a Spartanburg native deeply committed to the local mental health community since 2014. Starting as a registered nurse at Spartanburg Medical Center, Kevin's passion for mental health led him to pursue advanced education, becoming an ANCC-Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. With experience in both inpatient and outpatient care, he established Upstate Mental Health, LLC in January 2021, making history as Spartanburg's first Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-owned office in December 2021.
Meet Kevin Cromer, a Spartanburg native deeply committed to the local mental health community since 2014. Starting as a registered nurse at Spartanburg Medical Center, Kevin's passion for mental health led him to pursue advanced education, becoming an ANCC-Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. With experience in both inpatient and outpatient care, he established Upstate Mental Health, LLC in January 2021, making history as Spartanburg's first Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-owned office in December 2021.
![Photo of Shanika Bostic Smith, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d429a737-13ef-4c5d-b754-08a6cc3d5b9c/4/320x400.jpeg)
Shanika Bostic Smith
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Florence, SC 29501
Living with mental health challenges can be exhausting. Is your life driven by fear, uncertainties, sadness and worry? Are you feeling overwhelmed? Are you fighting a daily battle to stay afloat? Would you like to improve your mental clarity? I understand the complexities of mental health and the impact that it can have on an individual's life and overall health. I recognize that seeking mental health treatment can be a daunting experience. If you are going through a difficult time with conditions such as anxiety, depression, or mood/panic disorders then the correct diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve your life.
Living with mental health challenges can be exhausting. Is your life driven by fear, uncertainties, sadness and worry? Are you feeling overwhelmed? Are you fighting a daily battle to stay afloat? Would you like to improve your mental clarity? I understand the complexities of mental health and the impact that it can have on an individual's life and overall health. I recognize that seeking mental health treatment can be a daunting experience. If you are going through a difficult time with conditions such as anxiety, depression, or mood/panic disorders then the correct diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve your life.
See more therapy options for Irmo
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Irmo, SC
< 10
Psychiatrists in Irmo, SC who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | ADHD |
100% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
100% | Trauma and PTSD |
100% | Other |
100% | Medication Management |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
100% | Humana |
How Psychiatrists in Irmo, SC see their clients
100% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
100% | Female |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Irmo?
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.