Psychiatrists in The Woodlands, TX
![Photo of Siddharth Arora - The Care Clinic, DO, MS, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/457c1a66-977b-4c35-ac8b-96ab5fdc0aae/4/320x400.png)
At the CARE Clinic, we provide our patients with up-to-date, evidenced based practices along with some of the most experienced and dedicated healthcare professionals in the field. Our mission has been to provide quality care in a safe environment - earning us a reputation as the clinic most often recommended by family members and colleagues alike. From Addiction Medicine to Brain Health and Wellness, our personalized services allow us to cater to your individual needs. We truly believe that recovery can be a reality for everyone.
At the CARE Clinic, we provide our patients with up-to-date, evidenced based practices along with some of the most experienced and dedicated healthcare professionals in the field. Our mission has been to provide quality care in a safe environment - earning us a reputation as the clinic most often recommended by family members and colleagues alike. From Addiction Medicine to Brain Health and Wellness, our personalized services allow us to cater to your individual needs. We truly believe that recovery can be a reality for everyone.
![Photo of Shiraz Qalbani - Psychiatric Consulting Of The Woodlands, PLLC, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0708bd95-d4e6-4e71-9b97-73bde0e63c12/2/320x400.jpeg)
Psychiatric Consulting Of The Woodlands, PLLC
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
The Woodlands, TX 77380
Dr. Qalbani is a Double Board Certified Psychiatrist in Child & Adolescent and Adult Psychiatry. He is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He completed his residency training at the University of Kentucky in Adult Psychiatry as well as a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. He practices psychotherapy and psychopharmacology and has extensive experience treating a wide range of problems including depression, anxiety, difficulties in relationships, underachievement and feeling overwhelmed or stressed.
Dr. Qalbani is a Double Board Certified Psychiatrist in Child & Adolescent and Adult Psychiatry. He is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He completed his residency training at the University of Kentucky in Adult Psychiatry as well as a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. He practices psychotherapy and psychopharmacology and has extensive experience treating a wide range of problems including depression, anxiety, difficulties in relationships, underachievement and feeling overwhelmed or stressed.
![Photo of Peter Berndt - Peter Berndt, MD PA, MD, BSc, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c55c099-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Patients with stress and anxiety related medical or emotional problems or illnesses who are interested in learning new coping skills to help in their recovery are our kind of client. To enure a good fit between what you need and our treatment approaches, please make use of the free initial phone consultation.
Patients with stress and anxiety related medical or emotional problems or illnesses who are interested in learning new coping skills to help in their recovery are our kind of client. To enure a good fit between what you need and our treatment approaches, please make use of the free initial phone consultation.
![Photo of Riz Ahmad - Dr Riz @ Evolve Psychiatry, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c22eeda9-1167-4177-bc7c-2069918d0ba6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Struggling with poor concentration, restless sleep, or irrational fears? Feeling hypersensitive or overwhelmed by a need for control? Tired of the relentless cycle of self-doubt, fatigue, and panic attacks? Which emotions stem from genetics and which are rooted in circumstances? How can you even begin to accurately express yourself? How much change is even possible? What if medications change you for the worse? These uncertainties can leave us in a never ending struggle that keeps us from achieving our true potential. If you’re finally ready to find out answers, then you need Evolve Psychiatry to navigate you out of this maze.
Struggling with poor concentration, restless sleep, or irrational fears? Feeling hypersensitive or overwhelmed by a need for control? Tired of the relentless cycle of self-doubt, fatigue, and panic attacks? Which emotions stem from genetics and which are rooted in circumstances? How can you even begin to accurately express yourself? How much change is even possible? What if medications change you for the worse? These uncertainties can leave us in a never ending struggle that keeps us from achieving our true potential. If you’re finally ready to find out answers, then you need Evolve Psychiatry to navigate you out of this maze.
![Photo of Nishan D Adihetty, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/eb457b6e-9c75-4c66-a751-98218450a5c7/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hello, I'm a Board-Certified Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist and a Board-Certified Adult Psychiatrist, practicing Psychiatry for over 12 years. My practice is, Pathways Specialty Clinic in The Woodlands, TX. I treat a wide variety of psychiatric illnesses in Adults and in Children. Depressive Disorders, Bipolar disorder, Anxiety & panic disorder, Schizophrenia, Acute and Post Traumatic Stress disorders, ADHD, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation D/O, OCD are among them. Throughout my career I've possessed knowledge and experience in treating Adults & Children with mild to severe mental illnesses, in diverse psychiatric treatment settings.
Hello, I'm a Board-Certified Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist and a Board-Certified Adult Psychiatrist, practicing Psychiatry for over 12 years. My practice is, Pathways Specialty Clinic in The Woodlands, TX. I treat a wide variety of psychiatric illnesses in Adults and in Children. Depressive Disorders, Bipolar disorder, Anxiety & panic disorder, Schizophrenia, Acute and Post Traumatic Stress disorders, ADHD, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation D/O, OCD are among them. Throughout my career I've possessed knowledge and experience in treating Adults & Children with mild to severe mental illnesses, in diverse psychiatric treatment settings.
![Photo of Ifeoma Nwugbana, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48db6cfd-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am passionate about providing excellent, wholesome and compassionate care, as I believe this is the key to any successful mental health treatment. I have special interests in treating ADHD, autism, depression and anxiety, and can provide specialist services to all age groups. I am looking forward to building a great therapeutic relationship with you.
I am passionate about providing excellent, wholesome and compassionate care, as I believe this is the key to any successful mental health treatment. I have special interests in treating ADHD, autism, depression and anxiety, and can provide specialist services to all age groups. I am looking forward to building a great therapeutic relationship with you.
![Photo of Layth Hakim, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0a6a0a25-3bb4-4066-9b82-514590a96122/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Layth Hakim is a Psychiatrist in Texas who has been practicing since 2006. Dr. Hakim has more than 15 years of clinical experience and have taught psychopharmacology to psychiatric residents. Outside of work, Dr. Hakim enjoys fishing, meditation, and narcissistic abuse recovery.
Dr. Layth Hakim is a Psychiatrist in Texas who has been practicing since 2006. Dr. Hakim has more than 15 years of clinical experience and have taught psychopharmacology to psychiatric residents. Outside of work, Dr. Hakim enjoys fishing, meditation, and narcissistic abuse recovery.
![Photo of Pacificah Nyangau Doctor Of Nursing Practice, DNP , APRN-RN, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b74b9509-ece3-4a47-a2c2-7b2f15d3e16c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Pacificah Nyangau Doctor Of Nursing Practice
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP , APRN-RN, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
The Woodlands, TX 77380
I understand life brings challenges that at some point can be very overwhelming to handle alone, leading to the inability to maintain mental calmness and happiness to live to our fullest potential. My Mission is to provide a warm, calm, and compassionate environment for us to walk on the journey together to see you reach your goals. You are not just a number, to me, you are a very special person, so I am here to listen to you and together we will develop a partnership that will help us to evaluate, diagnose, and develop an individualized treatment plan best suited for you to achieve optimal outcomes.
I understand life brings challenges that at some point can be very overwhelming to handle alone, leading to the inability to maintain mental calmness and happiness to live to our fullest potential. My Mission is to provide a warm, calm, and compassionate environment for us to walk on the journey together to see you reach your goals. You are not just a number, to me, you are a very special person, so I am here to listen to you and together we will develop a partnership that will help us to evaluate, diagnose, and develop an individualized treatment plan best suited for you to achieve optimal outcomes.
![Photo of Sheila Sasieta, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5970c607-2dd2-4759-a8a2-993f7240411a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Sasieta is a child and adolescent psychiatrist, who has been practicing in Texas since 2017. She is a native Texan, an Aggie, and received her medical degree in 2012 from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Worth. Her psychiatry residency was completed at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and fellowship training in child and adolescent psychiatry at The University of Minnesota in Minneapolis.
Dr. Sasieta is a child and adolescent psychiatrist, who has been practicing in Texas since 2017. She is a native Texan, an Aggie, and received her medical degree in 2012 from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Worth. Her psychiatry residency was completed at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and fellowship training in child and adolescent psychiatry at The University of Minnesota in Minneapolis.
![Photo of Sara Holland, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ee446df1-1cab-46e3-9296-4cf2b6ad2b33/1/320x400.jpeg)
I'm a Board-Certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to helping individuals find strength and healing within themselves by taking a holistic approach to providing patient-centered care. I provide compassionate care, actively listening to my patients’. My evidence-based approach allows me to tailor treatment plans that address specific needs, whether managing anxiety, overcoming depression, or navigating life's challenges.
I'm a Board-Certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to helping individuals find strength and healing within themselves by taking a holistic approach to providing patient-centered care. I provide compassionate care, actively listening to my patients’. My evidence-based approach allows me to tailor treatment plans that address specific needs, whether managing anxiety, overcoming depression, or navigating life's challenges.
![Photo of Favor Osakwe - Holistic Behavioral Health, DNP, PMHNP, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8ce5fe34-c244-46e8-a7b5-21de880aef4a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Holistic Behavioral Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
The Woodlands, TX 77380
At Holistic Behavioral Health, we believe in an integrative approach to HEALING that addresses your unique struggles with dignity and understanding. Dr. Osakwe is a Doctorate prepared provider with dual Board-Certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She has over 15 years of experience in providing quality care. She believes in providing holistic and individualized care to her clients. She is passionate about helping people with decreasing their stressors. She has both in-patient and out-patient experiences that she uses to individualize your treatment plan for positive and lasting improvement.
At Holistic Behavioral Health, we believe in an integrative approach to HEALING that addresses your unique struggles with dignity and understanding. Dr. Osakwe is a Doctorate prepared provider with dual Board-Certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She has over 15 years of experience in providing quality care. She believes in providing holistic and individualized care to her clients. She is passionate about helping people with decreasing their stressors. She has both in-patient and out-patient experiences that she uses to individualize your treatment plan for positive and lasting improvement.
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![Photo of Ori Ogebe-Sheriff, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8364d2e7-4d6f-485b-b351-8cfa0b346280/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Ogebe-Sheriff completed her medical school at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. She moved to the US and completed her General Psychiatry residency at the Case Western Reserve University Metrohealth Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio. She went on to complete her Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at the Baylor College of medicine in Houston, Texas. She is double-board certified in Adult as well as Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She has served as Assistant clinical professor at the Northeast Ohio Universities College of Medicine in Rootstown, Ohio and at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX.
Dr. Ogebe-Sheriff completed her medical school at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. She moved to the US and completed her General Psychiatry residency at the Case Western Reserve University Metrohealth Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio. She went on to complete her Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at the Baylor College of medicine in Houston, Texas. She is double-board certified in Adult as well as Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She has served as Assistant clinical professor at the Northeast Ohio Universities College of Medicine in Rootstown, Ohio and at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX.
![Photo of Gloria Keraga, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/20be3381-eb80-4207-a5da-15479d6c54cb/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Keraga did her Medical School training at New York Medical College, psychiatric residency at St. Vincent's hospital and finished her last year of psychiatric residency at Baylor Medical School in Houston. Since, graduations she worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings, private practice and nursing homes. She held positions as the unit head of a treatment units in hospital and was the Head of a company, Pathfinders of America, who put psychiatric units into general hospitals in Texas, California and Las Vegas.
Dr. Keraga did her Medical School training at New York Medical College, psychiatric residency at St. Vincent's hospital and finished her last year of psychiatric residency at Baylor Medical School in Houston. Since, graduations she worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings, private practice and nursing homes. She held positions as the unit head of a treatment units in hospital and was the Head of a company, Pathfinders of America, who put psychiatric units into general hospitals in Texas, California and Las Vegas.
![Photo of Angela Tefft, DNP, ARNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7d745b76-6c9d-41de-852b-02c00e552086/2/320x400.jpeg)
Angela Tefft
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, ARNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
The Woodlands, TX 77380 (Online Only)
I am a board certified Family Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner who treats clients of all ages. I have nearly 30 years of experience in nursing which allows me to consider mind-body factors which contribute to mental health and physical disorders. I treat most disorders, including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, trauma-related disorders, and psychosis. I work with the client to develop an integrative treatment plan, using medications, naturopathic supplements as well as CBT, mindfulness and DBT methods to help clients achieve the highest level of wellness.
I am a board certified Family Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner who treats clients of all ages. I have nearly 30 years of experience in nursing which allows me to consider mind-body factors which contribute to mental health and physical disorders. I treat most disorders, including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, trauma-related disorders, and psychosis. I work with the client to develop an integrative treatment plan, using medications, naturopathic supplements as well as CBT, mindfulness and DBT methods to help clients achieve the highest level of wellness.
![Photo of Idalia Viard, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/725d9624-1fce-453c-9431-2cfdbc2c8e85/3/320x400.jpeg)
Idalia Viard
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
The Woodlands, TX 77380
Life can be incredibly challenging. Sometimes we need a little extra help finding our way back to ourselves. It is my life's passion to offer warm and compassionate guidance to clients seeking support for mental health and psychiatric needs. My approach is rooted in person-centered care by deeply understanding each person's unique experiences. I am committed to treating the whole person, considering their physical, emotional, and social well-being, not just their symptoms. If you’re struggling with Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, or OCD reach out today to see if you could benefit from a clinician that offers both medication and therapy.
Life can be incredibly challenging. Sometimes we need a little extra help finding our way back to ourselves. It is my life's passion to offer warm and compassionate guidance to clients seeking support for mental health and psychiatric needs. My approach is rooted in person-centered care by deeply understanding each person's unique experiences. I am committed to treating the whole person, considering their physical, emotional, and social well-being, not just their symptoms. If you’re struggling with Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, or OCD reach out today to see if you could benefit from a clinician that offers both medication and therapy.
![Photo of Quinn Walkley, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/93c2dda6-d270-462d-8808-323b06d69905/2/320x400.jpeg)
Quinn Walkley
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
The Woodlands, TX 77380
I am a board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. My care is provided in a holistic approach incorporating medication management as well as a mind-body approach. I believe that by combining mental, physical, faith, and spiritual well being each patient can achieve their full potential. Mental health is often an overlooked piece of people’s health and I am passionate about empowering people so that they can live their best life.
I am a board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. My care is provided in a holistic approach incorporating medication management as well as a mind-body approach. I believe that by combining mental, physical, faith, and spiritual well being each patient can achieve their full potential. Mental health is often an overlooked piece of people’s health and I am passionate about empowering people so that they can live their best life.
![Photo of Kyung Bob Lee, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/276ab1d9-da62-4821-b8d4-c17cf3bded39/1/320x400.jpeg)
My name is Kyung Bob Lee. I am a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner who is qualified to practice in psychiatry; diagnose, treat, and prescribe medication for children, adolescents, and adults. My practice specialties include (but not limited to) ADHD, Depression, Bipolar disorder, Anxiety, Panic Attacks and Insomnia. My style of practice can be traditional (prescribing up to date psychiatric medications) or alternative medicine (natural treatments including but not limited to vitamins, supplements, lifestyle modification, nutrition, exercise and stress management).
My name is Kyung Bob Lee. I am a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner who is qualified to practice in psychiatry; diagnose, treat, and prescribe medication for children, adolescents, and adults. My practice specialties include (but not limited to) ADHD, Depression, Bipolar disorder, Anxiety, Panic Attacks and Insomnia. My style of practice can be traditional (prescribing up to date psychiatric medications) or alternative medicine (natural treatments including but not limited to vitamins, supplements, lifestyle modification, nutrition, exercise and stress management).
![Photo of Dr. Roopa Challapalli, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1e7ff1be-d8e2-4085-8b68-ebaa1ed733f3/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Roopa Challapalliis board-certified in adult and geriatric psychiatry and has more than 30 years of clinical experience helping patients with acute and chronic mental illnesses. Dr. Challapalli offers Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and completes bariatric surgery evaluations and same-day initial evaluations. She completed her psychiatry residency at the Chicago Medical School and the University of Rochester. Dr. Challapalli completed her fellowship in geriatric psychiatry at the University of Rochester. She is fluent in English, Hindi, and Telugu.
Dr. Roopa Challapalliis board-certified in adult and geriatric psychiatry and has more than 30 years of clinical experience helping patients with acute and chronic mental illnesses. Dr. Challapalli offers Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and completes bariatric surgery evaluations and same-day initial evaluations. She completed her psychiatry residency at the Chicago Medical School and the University of Rochester. Dr. Challapalli completed her fellowship in geriatric psychiatry at the University of Rochester. She is fluent in English, Hindi, and Telugu.
![Photo of Hilary Butella, DNP, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f254ecea-b4cc-4793-b89e-700b7ce1b510/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hilary Butella
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
The Woodlands, TX 77380
I provide individualized psychiatric medication management while incorporating aspects of physical wellbeing, lifestyle choices, emotional health and spirituality. My goal is to promote health and wellness in a compassionate, empathetic setting. Evaluating factors from genetics, personality, relationships, and lifestyle enables a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to meet your specific needs. I am a doctorally prepared nurse practitioner with dual certifications in psychiatry and family practice/primary care. I believe these certifications combined give me the ability to assess and treat my patients more comprehensively.
I provide individualized psychiatric medication management while incorporating aspects of physical wellbeing, lifestyle choices, emotional health and spirituality. My goal is to promote health and wellness in a compassionate, empathetic setting. Evaluating factors from genetics, personality, relationships, and lifestyle enables a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to meet your specific needs. I am a doctorally prepared nurse practitioner with dual certifications in psychiatry and family practice/primary care. I believe these certifications combined give me the ability to assess and treat my patients more comprehensively.
![Photo of Omotayo Yejide Sofela, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a29367aa-939c-412a-bdf0-1fe17d20f181/1/320x400.jpeg)
Omotayo Yejide Sofela
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Verified Verified
The Woodlands, TX 77382 (Online Only)
Abisom Behavioral Health LLC takes a compassionate approach to care, personalizing treatment plans in a welcoming environment with patient well-being as a top priority. Patients receive skilled support on their journey toward a better life by having a provider who takes time to really listen and answer questions — a personalized touch patients can trust.
Abisom Behavioral Health LLC takes a compassionate approach to care, personalizing treatment plans in a welcoming environment with patient well-being as a top priority. Patients receive skilled support on their journey toward a better life by having a provider who takes time to really listen and answer questions — a personalized touch patients can trust.
See more therapy options for The Woodlands
Nearby Searches for The Woodlands
- Conroe
- Cypress
- Houston
- Humble
- Jersey Village
- Kingwood
- Montgomery
- Park Row
- Shenandoah
- Spring
- Tomball
- West University Place
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in The Woodlands, TX
40+
Average cost per session
$220
Psychiatrists in The Woodlands, TX who prioritize treating:
92% | Anxiety |
90% | Depression |
76% | Medication Management |
73% | Bipolar Disorder |
71% | ADHD |
67% | Trauma and PTSD |
61% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
11 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
94% | Cigna and Evernorth |
87% | Aetna |
87% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in The Woodlands, TX see their clients
68% | In Person and Online | |
32% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
59% | Female | |
41% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in The Woodlands?
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.