Psychiatrists in Bakersfield, CA
![Photo of Sarina Singhi, NP, PMHNP, ND, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bbf7dadc-ec96-4117-b543-506eed5453f1/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sarina Singhi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP, PMHNP, ND
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93311 (Online Only)
I recognize that depression and anxiety can be logical responses to difficult life events. Many adults who experienced losses and traumas in childhood have never processed these events and continue to suffer their impacts. Let me help you in your healing process. I offer medication prescribing in conjunction with therapy, or either alone, to best serve your needs. I offer weekend and evening on-line appointments with affordable fees and a supportive, solution-oriented approach. I am trained in therapies for emotion regulation such as DBT and cognitive restructuring. LGBT-ally and polyamory-friendly.
I recognize that depression and anxiety can be logical responses to difficult life events. Many adults who experienced losses and traumas in childhood have never processed these events and continue to suffer their impacts. Let me help you in your healing process. I offer medication prescribing in conjunction with therapy, or either alone, to best serve your needs. I offer weekend and evening on-line appointments with affordable fees and a supportive, solution-oriented approach. I am trained in therapies for emotion regulation such as DBT and cognitive restructuring. LGBT-ally and polyamory-friendly.
![Photo of Ryan Thebo, DNP, PMHNP, FNP, CICP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e5b4b8f6-853b-4306-a427-d8de28d5fdc9/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ryan Thebo
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP, CICP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93309
Unsure if medication is right for you or need help optimizing your current treatment? While medication can be beneficial, the most effective approach to mental health challenges often combines the right medications with holistic treatments. Sadly, the profit-driven mental healthcare system may not always prioritize your well-being. My goal is to help you thrive through holistic psychiatry, enabling you to achieve optimal wellness. Easily schedule an online appointment for personalized medication management at www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA and take the first step towards a healthier you.
Unsure if medication is right for you or need help optimizing your current treatment? While medication can be beneficial, the most effective approach to mental health challenges often combines the right medications with holistic treatments. Sadly, the profit-driven mental healthcare system may not always prioritize your well-being. My goal is to help you thrive through holistic psychiatry, enabling you to achieve optimal wellness. Easily schedule an online appointment for personalized medication management at www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA and take the first step towards a healthier you.
![Photo of Dr. Damien Lee Young, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/72ac8b9b-0985-4990-8803-62d0c738a6ac/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Damien Lee Young is board-eligible and specializes in adult psychiatry. Dr. Lee Young was raised in the Caribbean where conversations about mental health were “taboo.” He seeks to promote mental health for individuals who experienced similar upbringings. Dr. Lee Young utilizes medication management with a strong interest in transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). He completed his residency at New York Metropolitan Hospital, where he engaged with a diverse patient population. Patients here had dual psychiatric/medical or psychiatric/addiction diagnoses. Dr. Lee Young is an aviation enthusiast and has flown solo.
Dr. Damien Lee Young is board-eligible and specializes in adult psychiatry. Dr. Lee Young was raised in the Caribbean where conversations about mental health were “taboo.” He seeks to promote mental health for individuals who experienced similar upbringings. Dr. Lee Young utilizes medication management with a strong interest in transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). He completed his residency at New York Metropolitan Hospital, where he engaged with a diverse patient population. Patients here had dual psychiatric/medical or psychiatric/addiction diagnoses. Dr. Lee Young is an aviation enthusiast and has flown solo.
![Photo of Dr. Anne Phan-Huy, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/13fd8dfd-fa01-455d-9d27-acbea590bdee/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Phan-Huy's philosophy of care is all about you. Your beliefs, your experiences, your goals. By partnering with Dr. Phan-Huy, you will be empowered with the tools necessary to achieve fulfilment. That’s because – with Board certification in psychiatry and specialty training from the University of Michigan – Dr. Phan-Huy is a beacon of clarity in the complex world of mental health.
Dr. Phan-Huy's philosophy of care is all about you. Your beliefs, your experiences, your goals. By partnering with Dr. Phan-Huy, you will be empowered with the tools necessary to achieve fulfilment. That’s because – with Board certification in psychiatry and specialty training from the University of Michigan – Dr. Phan-Huy is a beacon of clarity in the complex world of mental health.
![Photo of Jonathan Allotey, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9a4f2776-3864-4a23-b153-3039b8d14a17/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jonathan Allotey
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93309 (Online Only)
Are you struggling to balance your mental and physical health and in need of a more comprehensive approach? No problem! I provide Telemedicine (Online Psychiatry) Services, so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel! I provide the same psychiatry services as an in-person office visit and I can also address other aspects that encompass your complete wellness. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best! You can easily self-schedule a Telepsychiatry video appointment now at: www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA
Are you struggling to balance your mental and physical health and in need of a more comprehensive approach? No problem! I provide Telemedicine (Online Psychiatry) Services, so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel! I provide the same psychiatry services as an in-person office visit and I can also address other aspects that encompass your complete wellness. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best! You can easily self-schedule a Telepsychiatry video appointment now at: www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA
![Photo of Dominique Sanders, PhD, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1bbd4ae3-1ff3-4043-a71c-b7768b77e69c/1/320x400.png)
Dominique Sanders
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309 (Online Only)
Do you find yourself feeling on edge with anxiety, stress, and worried sick no matter what you do? Anxiety leaves us feeling panicked, exhausted and disconnected. You’re someone who deeply wants to feel peace, relaxed, and safe but still find yourself feeling out of control and heart racing. You want to feel calm and have no idea how to get there. You are ready to feel like yourself again, grounded with no fear or panic. You are ready to feel at ease in public and embrace connection at work and in your relationships. Most of all, you are ready to be free from the burden of anxiety, causing depression- I want to help you get there.
Do you find yourself feeling on edge with anxiety, stress, and worried sick no matter what you do? Anxiety leaves us feeling panicked, exhausted and disconnected. You’re someone who deeply wants to feel peace, relaxed, and safe but still find yourself feeling out of control and heart racing. You want to feel calm and have no idea how to get there. You are ready to feel like yourself again, grounded with no fear or panic. You are ready to feel at ease in public and embrace connection at work and in your relationships. Most of all, you are ready to be free from the burden of anxiety, causing depression- I want to help you get there.
![Photo of Kingwai Lui, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/24309f0b-ccd1-47ad-bef8-ce26733a81e6/2/320x400.jpeg)
As a faculty member of Kaweah Health Psychiatry Residency, I offer treatment approaches supported by current scientific evidence. Together, we will explore different options and devise a comprehensive and holistic plan built on trust and open communication. Our plan will be flexible based to your need and best interest as we understand the fluidity of life.
As a faculty member of Kaweah Health Psychiatry Residency, I offer treatment approaches supported by current scientific evidence. Together, we will explore different options and devise a comprehensive and holistic plan built on trust and open communication. Our plan will be flexible based to your need and best interest as we understand the fluidity of life.
![Photo of Leah Haddad, MSN, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e396ae92-ff41-4f2b-a79c-5ab5616e5e03/2/320x400.jpeg)
Leah Haddad
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93309
Are you struggling to balance your mental and physical health and in need of a more comprehensive approach? No problem! I provide Telemedicine (Online Psychiatry) Services, so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel! I provide the same psychiatry services as an in-person office visit and I can also address other aspects that encompass your complete wellness. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best! You can easily self-schedule a Telepsychiatry video appointment now at: www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA
Are you struggling to balance your mental and physical health and in need of a more comprehensive approach? No problem! I provide Telemedicine (Online Psychiatry) Services, so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel! I provide the same psychiatry services as an in-person office visit and I can also address other aspects that encompass your complete wellness. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best! You can easily self-schedule a Telepsychiatry video appointment now at: www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA
![Photo of Andrea Steele, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/abb762c7-22aa-4071-917c-0c6433fcdbeb/2/320x400.png)
Christine is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who brings a patient-centered approach to care. She specializes in mood disorders using a mind, body, and spirit approach, as well as evidence-based treatments. Christine discusses treatment options with her patients to ensure the best plan is developed to meet their needs. She believes that when patients work collaboratively with their clinicians, they can achieve their best mental health outcomes. Christine enjoys gardening and exploring different cultural cuisines.
Christine is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who brings a patient-centered approach to care. She specializes in mood disorders using a mind, body, and spirit approach, as well as evidence-based treatments. Christine discusses treatment options with her patients to ensure the best plan is developed to meet their needs. She believes that when patients work collaboratively with their clinicians, they can achieve their best mental health outcomes. Christine enjoys gardening and exploring different cultural cuisines.
![Photo of Setare Eslami, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e9953d5-7ed2-4e06-ad23-2d283448e59b/3/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome to my practice! Serving my clients during tough moments on their journey is my honor. I am an adult psychiatrist who tailors treatments for adults of all ages and backgrounds.
Welcome to my practice! Serving my clients during tough moments on their journey is my honor. I am an adult psychiatrist who tailors treatments for adults of all ages and backgrounds.
![Photo of Jessica Vermeulen, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c04a06c-b326-4660-8a8d-9a3ee13919db/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jessica Vermeulen
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93309
Unsure if medication is right for you or need help optimizing your current treatment? While medication can be beneficial, the most effective approach to mental health challenges often combines the right medications with holistic treatments. Sadly, the profit-driven mental healthcare system may not always prioritize your well-being. My goal is to help you thrive through holistic psychiatry, enabling you to achieve optimal wellness. Easily schedule an online appointment for personalized medication management at www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA and take the first step towards a healthier you.
Unsure if medication is right for you or need help optimizing your current treatment? While medication can be beneficial, the most effective approach to mental health challenges often combines the right medications with holistic treatments. Sadly, the profit-driven mental healthcare system may not always prioritize your well-being. My goal is to help you thrive through holistic psychiatry, enabling you to achieve optimal wellness. Easily schedule an online appointment for personalized medication management at www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA and take the first step towards a healthier you.
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![Photo of Dr. Andrea Steele, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e8eb0414-2e48-4c99-bd0d-279b3bb88dea/2/320x400.png)
Dr. Andrea Steele strives to help adults reach their unique potential. Dr. Steele understands the courage it takes to be vulnerable. Therefore, she works to ensure her patients feel comfortable in sharing what they experience.
Dr. Andrea Steele strives to help adults reach their unique potential. Dr. Steele understands the courage it takes to be vulnerable. Therefore, she works to ensure her patients feel comfortable in sharing what they experience.
![Photo of Gundu Anupama Reddy - Online Psychiatrist in California, MD, MBBS, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dba4c878-57ac-4d0a-aff9-bcd21ecb2986/2/320x400.jpeg)
Online Psychiatrist in California
Psychiatrist, MD, MBBS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93306 (Online Only)
Dr. Gundu Reddy is licensed in California. Prior to starting residency at Mount Sinai School of medicine, she pursued additional research in HIV Psychiatry. As well as residency training, she has also pursued further training in psychodynamic psychotherapy at the NYU Psychoanalytic Institute. She states that whether prescribing medication, family, or relationship therapy, understanding psychodynamic conflict and causes of symptoms will cause help to enhance the quality of care. As well as psychodynamic training Dr. Reddy also has a background in integrative psychiatry and treatment resistance.
Dr. Gundu Reddy is licensed in California. Prior to starting residency at Mount Sinai School of medicine, she pursued additional research in HIV Psychiatry. As well as residency training, she has also pursued further training in psychodynamic psychotherapy at the NYU Psychoanalytic Institute. She states that whether prescribing medication, family, or relationship therapy, understanding psychodynamic conflict and causes of symptoms will cause help to enhance the quality of care. As well as psychodynamic training Dr. Reddy also has a background in integrative psychiatry and treatment resistance.
![Photo of Ashley Miller, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/00b26c9b-6410-4ccb-862c-0bca08a90f8d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Are you struggling to balance your mental and physical health and in need of a more comprehensive approach? No problem! I provide Telemedicine (Online Psychiatry) Services, so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel! I provide the same psychiatry services as an in-person office visit and I can also address other aspects that encompass your complete wellness. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best! You can easily self-schedule a Telepsychiatry video appointment now at: www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA
Are you struggling to balance your mental and physical health and in need of a more comprehensive approach? No problem! I provide Telemedicine (Online Psychiatry) Services, so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel! I provide the same psychiatry services as an in-person office visit and I can also address other aspects that encompass your complete wellness. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best! You can easily self-schedule a Telepsychiatry video appointment now at: www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA
![Photo of Jack Mkroyan, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cf70ca4-c5d4-42bb-a298-c99ce72e4b6a/1/320x400.png)
Jack Mkroyan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93308
Are you struggling to balance your mental and physical health and in need of a more comprehensive approach? No problem! I provide Telemedicine (Telepsychiatry) Services, so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel! I provide the same psychiatry services as an in-person office visit and I can also address other aspects that encompass your complete wellness. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best! You can easily self-schedule a Telepsychiatry video appointment now at: www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA
Are you struggling to balance your mental and physical health and in need of a more comprehensive approach? No problem! I provide Telemedicine (Telepsychiatry) Services, so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel! I provide the same psychiatry services as an in-person office visit and I can also address other aspects that encompass your complete wellness. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best! You can easily self-schedule a Telepsychiatry video appointment now at: www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA
![Photo of Dr. Mark Chofla - Dr. Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1f0968be-e6ba-44fd-98c6-13233135eed5/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309 (Online Only)
Dr. Mark Chofla is a board-certified psychiatrist and physician who completed his specialty residency training at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California at Davis, Dr. Chofla earned his medical degree from Midwestern University: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Dr. Mark Chofla is a board-certified psychiatrist and physician who completed his specialty residency training at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California at Davis, Dr. Chofla earned his medical degree from Midwestern University: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine.
![Photo of Tami Zorge - The Mindful Lemon , PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6da2db4e-4f41-460c-9986-1cfb457f7e51/1/320x400.png)
The Mindful Lemon
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309 (Online Only)
Our mission is to provide quality online mental health and substance abuse services while breaking down the barriers of traditional, office-based therapy. Traditional mental health and substance abuse treatment tends to focus on what makes you sick, and what you are lacking but at The Mindful Lemon, our clinicians let you sit in the driver’s seat, focusing on your strengths and assets to help you become the best version of you! This can be via traditional talk therapy, medication management, mindfulness techniques, an emphasis on health, wellness, and fitness, or any combination of the above.
Our mission is to provide quality online mental health and substance abuse services while breaking down the barriers of traditional, office-based therapy. Traditional mental health and substance abuse treatment tends to focus on what makes you sick, and what you are lacking but at The Mindful Lemon, our clinicians let you sit in the driver’s seat, focusing on your strengths and assets to help you become the best version of you! This can be via traditional talk therapy, medication management, mindfulness techniques, an emphasis on health, wellness, and fitness, or any combination of the above.
![Photo of Apneet Mann, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9f9da967-8dfa-4364-bcde-5f9aba3db306/1/320x400.png)
Apneet Mann
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309 (Online Only)
I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner specializing in medication management.
I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner specializing in medication management.
![Photo of Jennifer Foresman - Balance Psychiatric Services, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a9c1c86f-9dcc-4854-b505-11d44013646e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Balance Psychiatric Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93303 (Online Only)
Are you looking for a provider who will listen to your concerns without judgement and offer a safe space to overcome your unique challenges? At Balance Psychiatric Services, we understand that you are coming to us at one of the most vulnerable and difficult times in your life. We are here to help if you are struggling with overwhelming feelings of sadness, irritability, anxious thoughts, or chaotic shifts in your mood. We can assess for ADHD if you feel unable to focus or struggle with completing tasks without distraction. We are experienced in providing trauma informed care.
Are you looking for a provider who will listen to your concerns without judgement and offer a safe space to overcome your unique challenges? At Balance Psychiatric Services, we understand that you are coming to us at one of the most vulnerable and difficult times in your life. We are here to help if you are struggling with overwhelming feelings of sadness, irritability, anxious thoughts, or chaotic shifts in your mood. We can assess for ADHD if you feel unable to focus or struggle with completing tasks without distraction. We are experienced in providing trauma informed care.
![Photo of Alex Sahba - Psychiatric Evaluations - Dr. Alex Sahba, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/edea841a-08c4-43eb-93a9-5cd33c713ecd/1/320x400.jpeg)
I'm Dr. Alex Sahba, board certified in general psychiatry/forensic psychiatry and trained at UCLA. As a recognized leader in the fields of psychiatry and qualified medical evaluations (QMEs), I am called upon to provide excellent service in various settings, including medical, legal, and academics. I conduct various types of evaluations, including: Legal/Forensics, Risk Assessment (Violence/Sexual), Drug/Alcohol Evals, Cognitive Evals, Competency Evals, Diagnostic Clarification, Fitness For Duty Evals., Pre-employment Evals., Immigration-related Evals., and Workers’ Comp. (QME/AME).
I'm Dr. Alex Sahba, board certified in general psychiatry/forensic psychiatry and trained at UCLA. As a recognized leader in the fields of psychiatry and qualified medical evaluations (QMEs), I am called upon to provide excellent service in various settings, including medical, legal, and academics. I conduct various types of evaluations, including: Legal/Forensics, Risk Assessment (Violence/Sexual), Drug/Alcohol Evals, Cognitive Evals, Competency Evals, Diagnostic Clarification, Fitness For Duty Evals., Pre-employment Evals., Immigration-related Evals., and Workers’ Comp. (QME/AME).
See more therapy options for Bakersfield
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Bakersfield, CA
40+
Average cost per session
$300
Psychiatrists in Bakersfield, CA who prioritize treating:
100% | Anxiety |
89% | Depression |
89% | ADHD |
89% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
85% | Bipolar Disorder |
85% | Medication Management |
83% | Trauma and PTSD |
Average years in practice
11 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
97% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
95% | Aetna |
95% | Optum |
How Psychiatrists in Bakersfield, CA see their clients
54% | Online Only | |
46% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
67% | Female | |
33% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Bakersfield?
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.