Psychiatrists in Oxford, FL
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Check out psychiatrists located nearby or offering teletherapy in Florida below.More Psychiatrists Nearby
![Photo of Valentine Anyiam, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/90bae3e9-17e8-4ced-b35d-7a1f8206f7a8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Valentine Anyiam, MD Valentine Anyiam is a Psychiatrist in Florida who has been practicing since 2018. Valentine believes in a treatment philosophy that strives for complete resolution of a patients symptoms. In his spare time, Valentine enjoys rock climbing, basketball, martial arts, watching movies, learning languages, and reading.
Valentine Anyiam, MD Valentine Anyiam is a Psychiatrist in Florida who has been practicing since 2018. Valentine believes in a treatment philosophy that strives for complete resolution of a patients symptoms. In his spare time, Valentine enjoys rock climbing, basketball, martial arts, watching movies, learning languages, and reading.
![Photo of Denise M Chandler, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0f814c02-14ae-43ae-b7b1-2f67b34b65bb/1/320x400.jpeg)
I help with health care issues that effect quality of life. Hormones play a large role in our physical health which can ultimately effect our mental health. Vitamin deficiency and methylation problems can be an underlying factor. Generic testing can help to narrow down treatment options based on your DNA.
I help with health care issues that effect quality of life. Hormones play a large role in our physical health which can ultimately effect our mental health. Vitamin deficiency and methylation problems can be an underlying factor. Generic testing can help to narrow down treatment options based on your DNA.
![Photo of Wendy Young - Wildwood Family Psychiatry, PLLC, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0142e66d-2253-411a-9d83-2fbe0afbae31/3/320x400.jpeg)
Wildwood Family Psychiatry, PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Wildwood, FL 34785
Wendy Young is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in anxiety, depression, ADHD, and medication management. Wendy treats clients of all ages and utilizes holistic client-specific care along with medications and brief therapies. In her free time, she enjoys making photography, spending time outdoors, and quality time with her husband, daughter, and two dogs.
Wendy Young is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in anxiety, depression, ADHD, and medication management. Wendy treats clients of all ages and utilizes holistic client-specific care along with medications and brief therapies. In her free time, she enjoys making photography, spending time outdoors, and quality time with her husband, daughter, and two dogs.
![Photo of Jason Farrah - Harmony United Psychiatric Care, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b7e9cb93-f78b-4e34-80c9-f0f9a3dca8f7/2/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting New Clients. Appointments are typically available within 7 days. We offer Medication Management, Counseling/Psychotherapy, and Neuropsychological Testing online via our Telepsychiatry Services throughout Florida. Our team of experienced mental health professionals includes Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, Certified Physician Assistants, and Licensed Therapists. We care for adults, adolescents, and children, ages 5 and above. We accept most insurance plans including Medicare.
Accepting New Clients. Appointments are typically available within 7 days. We offer Medication Management, Counseling/Psychotherapy, and Neuropsychological Testing online via our Telepsychiatry Services throughout Florida. Our team of experienced mental health professionals includes Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, Certified Physician Assistants, and Licensed Therapists. We care for adults, adolescents, and children, ages 5 and above. We accept most insurance plans including Medicare.
![Photo of Julie Davisson, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8a65925d-0778-494e-89ef-fbf588366da7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Julie Davisson is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and has been practicing in that capacity since 2020. She started in nursing in 2007 after receiving her BSN from George Mason University in Fairfax, Va. Julie returned to earn her Master of Science in nursing from Marymount University in Arlington, VA in 2013. After working several years as a family nurse practitioner, she became most interested in helping patients suffering from psychiatric illnesses. In 2020, she earned a post-graduate certificate as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner from Shenandoah University in Winchester, Va.
Julie Davisson is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and has been practicing in that capacity since 2020. She started in nursing in 2007 after receiving her BSN from George Mason University in Fairfax, Va. Julie returned to earn her Master of Science in nursing from Marymount University in Arlington, VA in 2013. After working several years as a family nurse practitioner, she became most interested in helping patients suffering from psychiatric illnesses. In 2020, she earned a post-graduate certificate as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner from Shenandoah University in Winchester, Va.
![Photo of Kristie D Murdock, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2db52528-4926-4aaa-8069-df894035c52a/6/320x400.png)
Kristie D Murdock
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Wildwood, FL 34785
Hello, my name is Kristie Murdock, and I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, the owner and founder of Mindpath Solutions Inc. located in Central Florida. I have over 25 years of dedicated service in the nursing field in various roles and have spent my last three years working in community health as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. My background has given me a solid foundation to be able to deal with complex mental health issues. As a psychiatric provider, I am passionate about delivering high-quality, patient-centered care, ensuring individuals feel heard and understood.
Hello, my name is Kristie Murdock, and I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, the owner and founder of Mindpath Solutions Inc. located in Central Florida. I have over 25 years of dedicated service in the nursing field in various roles and have spent my last three years working in community health as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. My background has given me a solid foundation to be able to deal with complex mental health issues. As a psychiatric provider, I am passionate about delivering high-quality, patient-centered care, ensuring individuals feel heard and understood.
![Photo of Janet Walker, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e931e884-8763-4cbf-b971-69d7f7b8f00f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Janet works with individuals who are looking to gain insight into themselves and improve their quality of life. She seeks to understand each individual holistically, including their backgrounds and the strengths they already possess to provide an individualized approach. Janet believes that establishing a strong alliance with her clients is essential to getting the most out of therapy and creating lasting change. Through this alliance, she partners with her clients to explore and address thought and behavior patterns that serve as barriers to enjoying life fully.
Janet works with individuals who are looking to gain insight into themselves and improve their quality of life. She seeks to understand each individual holistically, including their backgrounds and the strengths they already possess to provide an individualized approach. Janet believes that establishing a strong alliance with her clients is essential to getting the most out of therapy and creating lasting change. Through this alliance, she partners with her clients to explore and address thought and behavior patterns that serve as barriers to enjoying life fully.
![Photo of Adil Mohammed - Harmony United Psychiatric Care, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d77d9e77-9508-4a14-8370-4a70896d2769/2/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting New Clients. Appointments are typically available within 7 days. We offer Medication Management, Counseling/Psychotherapy, and Neuropsychological Testing in our network of clinics and online via our Telepsychiatry Services throughout Florida. Our team of experienced mental health professionals includes Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, Certified Physician Assistants, and Licensed Therapists. We care for adults, adolescents, and children, ages 5 and above. We accept most insurance plans including Medicare.
Accepting New Clients. Appointments are typically available within 7 days. We offer Medication Management, Counseling/Psychotherapy, and Neuropsychological Testing in our network of clinics and online via our Telepsychiatry Services throughout Florida. Our team of experienced mental health professionals includes Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, Certified Physician Assistants, and Licensed Therapists. We care for adults, adolescents, and children, ages 5 and above. We accept most insurance plans including Medicare.
![Photo of Dr. Sharon A Walker, DNP, APRN, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/94900629-4c78-413b-93b3-5057b77f903d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Sharon A Walker
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
Lady Lake, FL 32159
As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, it will be my goal to provide my clients with integrative care of the mind, body, and spirit and to advocate for clients who struggle to be heard and understood, and to manage their treatment with empathy and compassion.
As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, it will be my goal to provide my clients with integrative care of the mind, body, and spirit and to advocate for clients who struggle to be heard and understood, and to manage their treatment with empathy and compassion.
![Photo of Roxanne Singer-Gheorghiu, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e0879bf2-f548-4e31-a0e9-554c8fc2f677/1/320x400.jpeg)
Roxanne Singer-Gheorghiu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Lady Lake, FL 32159 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health and Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. I am passionate about providing empathetic, client-centered care for individuals whose lives are impacted by Alzheimer's disease, dementia, memory loss, anxiety, depression, long COVID syndrome, and other neurological disorders. Many of my clients seek help to manage emotions that feel uncontrollable, such as frustration, sadness, grief, anger, and loneliness, in relation to dementia.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health and Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. I am passionate about providing empathetic, client-centered care for individuals whose lives are impacted by Alzheimer's disease, dementia, memory loss, anxiety, depression, long COVID syndrome, and other neurological disorders. Many of my clients seek help to manage emotions that feel uncontrollable, such as frustration, sadness, grief, anger, and loneliness, in relation to dementia.
![Photo of Tonya K Rezmer, DNP, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c0b19d9a-ceaf-4269-89f3-e06e974d26da/1/320x400.jpeg)
Tonya K Rezmer
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
The Villages, FL 32159
Effective ADHD treatment can lead to a wide range of positive outcomes, significantly improving the quality of life for individuals with ADHD. Better Time Management, Increased Self-Esteem, stronger relationships, reduced impulsivity, enhanced emotional regulation, and greater life satisfaction.
Effective ADHD treatment can lead to a wide range of positive outcomes, significantly improving the quality of life for individuals with ADHD. Better Time Management, Increased Self-Esteem, stronger relationships, reduced impulsivity, enhanced emotional regulation, and greater life satisfaction.
![Photo of Jason Farrah - Harmony United Psychiatric Care, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/30bbe3e0-ac98-4f6c-ac94-dcabbc44bd8b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting New Clients. Appointments are typically available within 7 days. We offer Medication Management, Counseling/Psychotherapy, and Neuropsychological Testing in our network of clinics and online via our Telepsychiatry Services throughout Florida. Our team of experienced mental health professionals includes Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, Certified Physician Assistants, and Licensed Therapists. We care for adults, adolescents, and children, ages 5 and above. We accept most insurance plans including Medicare.
Accepting New Clients. Appointments are typically available within 7 days. We offer Medication Management, Counseling/Psychotherapy, and Neuropsychological Testing in our network of clinics and online via our Telepsychiatry Services throughout Florida. Our team of experienced mental health professionals includes Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, Certified Physician Assistants, and Licensed Therapists. We care for adults, adolescents, and children, ages 5 and above. We accept most insurance plans including Medicare.
![Photo of Veona P Sinanon, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/241a3ec2-44c9-4fda-ae22-d8b549700a6d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Veona P Sinanon
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
The Villages, FL 32159 (Online Only)
When envisioning my ideal client, I see someone who is courageous and committed to their journey of mental health and well-being. My ideal client recognizes the importance of seeking support and is ready to engage in the therapeutic process with openness and honesty. Their issues may vary, ranging from anxiety and depression to more complex psychiatric conditions. However, what sets them apart is their willingness to confront these challenges head-on and work towards positive change.
When envisioning my ideal client, I see someone who is courageous and committed to their journey of mental health and well-being. My ideal client recognizes the importance of seeking support and is ready to engage in the therapeutic process with openness and honesty. Their issues may vary, ranging from anxiety and depression to more complex psychiatric conditions. However, what sets them apart is their willingness to confront these challenges head-on and work towards positive change.
![Photo of Nadia Simplice, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2f97cebf-b2a0-4af2-9324-f7cae7d7d944/1/320x400.jpeg)
Nadia Simplice
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
The Villages, FL 32159 (Online Only)
Hi! I am a Dual Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 22 years of experience in healthcare with excellent people skills. I see patients 18 y/o and up. I passionately seek to create an inviting safe space for people wanting to start the discussion surrounding medication and their mental health. Often, counseling needs to be augmented with medication, and it helps to have a practitioner dedicated to collaborating with you and your therapist (if you do have one). I assess and treat most mental health diagnoses and am well-equipped to navigate even the most complex situations.
Hi! I am a Dual Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 22 years of experience in healthcare with excellent people skills. I see patients 18 y/o and up. I passionately seek to create an inviting safe space for people wanting to start the discussion surrounding medication and their mental health. Often, counseling needs to be augmented with medication, and it helps to have a practitioner dedicated to collaborating with you and your therapist (if you do have one). I assess and treat most mental health diagnoses and am well-equipped to navigate even the most complex situations.
![Photo of Julie Cruse, DNP, APRN, PMHNP, AGACNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2b01bfd3-5266-4009-b9dc-51cc7684083d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Julie Cruse
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP, AGACNP, FNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Belleview, FL 34420
Ideally, I prefer to work with clients who are ready for change. They have taken a look at their mental health, and while they may not know exactly what is going on, they know something is not right and they want help. I love to work with people who want to partner with me to come up with a treatment plan, and then own that treatment, participating fully in their care. I strongly believe medication management can be an integral part of mental health, but without psychotherapy and embracing changing what is not working, it cannot do the job alone.
Ideally, I prefer to work with clients who are ready for change. They have taken a look at their mental health, and while they may not know exactly what is going on, they know something is not right and they want help. I love to work with people who want to partner with me to come up with a treatment plan, and then own that treatment, participating fully in their care. I strongly believe medication management can be an integral part of mental health, but without psychotherapy and embracing changing what is not working, it cannot do the job alone.
![Photo of Lisa Anne Youngblood, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1bec8c40-5b78-490c-b6a1-7296285405db/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lisa Anne Youngblood
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
The Villages, FL 32159 (Online Only)
What sets my practice apart from other providers is my specialty in women mental health needs as they navigate the hormonal changes through each phase of their lives. These transitions and conditions include PMDD, PMS pregnancy, perimenopause, menopause and post menopause. My dual degree as a family nurse practitioner has allowed me the expertise in this area and to offer a unique servce to all my clients. I offer an integrated and holistic approach that is dedicated to helping you create an emotionally balanced life.
What sets my practice apart from other providers is my specialty in women mental health needs as they navigate the hormonal changes through each phase of their lives. These transitions and conditions include PMDD, PMS pregnancy, perimenopause, menopause and post menopause. My dual degree as a family nurse practitioner has allowed me the expertise in this area and to offer a unique servce to all my clients. I offer an integrated and holistic approach that is dedicated to helping you create an emotionally balanced life.
Online Psychiatrists
![Photo of Emily Kathryn Barnett, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7e3f3cf9-8647-49e0-81e5-89c8074ce318/2/320x400.jpeg)
Emily Kathryn Barnett
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Winter Park, FL 32789
Accepting new patients, virtually and in person in Winter Park, FL! Emily Barnett, PMHNP-BC, works with patients ages 18 to 68 who have symptoms of anxiety (generalized anxiety, panic, social anxiety), mood disorders (depression, bipolar, mania), ADHD, PTSD, OCD, addiction, and insomnia. I celebrate diversity of all kinds and offer affirming LGBTQIA+ mental health care. I am dedicated to fostering a collaborative partnership with each of her patients. My approach to mental health treatment is tailored to your unique needs.
Accepting new patients, virtually and in person in Winter Park, FL! Emily Barnett, PMHNP-BC, works with patients ages 18 to 68 who have symptoms of anxiety (generalized anxiety, panic, social anxiety), mood disorders (depression, bipolar, mania), ADHD, PTSD, OCD, addiction, and insomnia. I celebrate diversity of all kinds and offer affirming LGBTQIA+ mental health care. I am dedicated to fostering a collaborative partnership with each of her patients. My approach to mental health treatment is tailored to your unique needs.
![Photo of Faujia Sobhan, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8e34d2c7-b4d7-4efe-b62d-654b85135cd1/2/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome to Talkiatry. My passion is caring for patients with Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Social Anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, ADHD. My philosophy is to provide a comprehensive approach utilizing medication, supportive therapy and psychoeducation. I strive to provide care in a compassionate, non judgmental, and nurturing environment, taking time to explore symptoms, actively listen to the patient thus getting to know the person as a whole, their life stressors and what they are striving to achieve.
Welcome to Talkiatry. My passion is caring for patients with Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Social Anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, ADHD. My philosophy is to provide a comprehensive approach utilizing medication, supportive therapy and psychoeducation. I strive to provide care in a compassionate, non judgmental, and nurturing environment, taking time to explore symptoms, actively listen to the patient thus getting to know the person as a whole, their life stressors and what they are striving to achieve.
![Photo of Mary Parker - New Age Psychiatry - ADHD Anxiety Depression , PMHNP, PhD, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/369b5634-ca4c-4e02-8e75-cd52fdb5e805/1/320x400.png)
New Age Psychiatry - ADHD Anxiety Depression
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, PhD
Verified Verified
Orlando, FL 32805
Can't Focus? Anxious? Depressed? Medication Management only $179.99, and follow ups/refills priced at $99.99, Counseling at $79 per hour visit after one time intake fee. New Age Psychiatry is the innovative way to get the mental healthcare you need. With our telemedicine platform that can be accessed across Florida, we make it much more convenient for you to have access to psychiatric care from compassionate providers. Our staff is dedicated towards providing high-quality treatment with an attitude of understanding so you feel comfortable communicating openly about your needs. Fort Lauderdale and Orlando locations available.
Can't Focus? Anxious? Depressed? Medication Management only $179.99, and follow ups/refills priced at $99.99, Counseling at $79 per hour visit after one time intake fee. New Age Psychiatry is the innovative way to get the mental healthcare you need. With our telemedicine platform that can be accessed across Florida, we make it much more convenient for you to have access to psychiatric care from compassionate providers. Our staff is dedicated towards providing high-quality treatment with an attitude of understanding so you feel comfortable communicating openly about your needs. Fort Lauderdale and Orlando locations available.
![Photo of Dr. Andrea Papa-Molter, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d6913bf1-d5df-4ea2-a92a-695dde7baee4/2/320x400.png)
I am double board-certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. I believe in using both medication when indicated as well as therapy. I was trained in CBT and was given the Excellence in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy during my residency program. I use supportive therapy with each client I see. During my residency I served as Chief Resident and was awarded the Overall Excellence in Psychiatry Award as well as the Clinical Excellence Award.
I am double board-certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. I believe in using both medication when indicated as well as therapy. I was trained in CBT and was given the Excellence in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy during my residency program. I use supportive therapy with each client I see. During my residency I served as Chief Resident and was awarded the Overall Excellence in Psychiatry Award as well as the Clinical Excellence Award.
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How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Oxford, FL
< 10
Psychiatrists in Oxford, FL who prioritize treating:
How Psychiatrists in Oxford, FL see their clients
2% | Online Only | |
1% | In Person and Online |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Oxford?
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.