Psychiatrists in Alexandria City County, VA
![Photo of Wendi Waits, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/83cf482d-5659-4c96-b3c0-a0bca2592154/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Waits is board certified in General Psychiatry, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and Lifestyle Medicine. She is a military veteran and has served innumerous leadership and academic positions over the course of her career, primarily in hospital-based settings and during combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Dr. Waits treats a wide array of mental health conditions in individuals of all ages. She enjoys providing holistic, collaborative, patient-centered care that is focused on identifying and addressing the root causes of symptoms, including early childhood events, medical conditions, environmental factors, and nutrition.
Dr. Waits is board certified in General Psychiatry, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and Lifestyle Medicine. She is a military veteran and has served innumerous leadership and academic positions over the course of her career, primarily in hospital-based settings and during combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Dr. Waits treats a wide array of mental health conditions in individuals of all ages. She enjoys providing holistic, collaborative, patient-centered care that is focused on identifying and addressing the root causes of symptoms, including early childhood events, medical conditions, environmental factors, and nutrition.
![Photo of Nicole Parrish, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d9978dab-95a7-44f9-9898-ecc070d8d227/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Parrish is a board-certified General Psychiatrist and a board-certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. She received her medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia/VCU in Richmond, Virginia. She then traveled to Greenville, South Carolina where she completed a General Psychiatry residency at Greenville Health System/PRISMA. She then returned to Virginia to complete a Child & Adolescent Psychiatry fellowship at The Virginia Treatment Center for Children/VCU Health System.
Dr. Parrish is a board-certified General Psychiatrist and a board-certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. She received her medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia/VCU in Richmond, Virginia. She then traveled to Greenville, South Carolina where she completed a General Psychiatry residency at Greenville Health System/PRISMA. She then returned to Virginia to complete a Child & Adolescent Psychiatry fellowship at The Virginia Treatment Center for Children/VCU Health System.
![Photo of Mariah Eze, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/73c69591-b82f-4a61-8031-09eb04bb8732/1/320x400.jpeg)
As a psychiatric nurse practitioner specializing in psychopharmacology, I am committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for my patients. Through telehealth sessions, I offer a confidential space where individuals can freely express their struggles and concerns related to their mental health. I prioritize privacy and peace of mind for my patients, ensuring that they feel heard, understood, and valued throughout our interactions. My goal is to empower individuals to navigate their mental health journey with confidence and compassion, guiding them towards holistic well-being and improved quality of life.
As a psychiatric nurse practitioner specializing in psychopharmacology, I am committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for my patients. Through telehealth sessions, I offer a confidential space where individuals can freely express their struggles and concerns related to their mental health. I prioritize privacy and peace of mind for my patients, ensuring that they feel heard, understood, and valued throughout our interactions. My goal is to empower individuals to navigate their mental health journey with confidence and compassion, guiding them towards holistic well-being and improved quality of life.
![Photo of Riddhi Kothari, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/535f4c07-7de7-4f7a-8d3a-08821ecd1df1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Riddhi Kothari is a board-certified general psychiatrist. She completed her undergraduate education at the University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Psychology. She completed her medical school education at Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic medicine in 2013. She completed her residency training in adult psychiatry at University of Maryland/Sheppard Pratt Psychiatry residency program in Baltimore, Maryland. During residency, she served as Chief Resident for Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES) and Consult-Liaison Services, and was a recipient of Excellence in Community Psychiatry award.
Dr. Riddhi Kothari is a board-certified general psychiatrist. She completed her undergraduate education at the University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Psychology. She completed her medical school education at Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic medicine in 2013. She completed her residency training in adult psychiatry at University of Maryland/Sheppard Pratt Psychiatry residency program in Baltimore, Maryland. During residency, she served as Chief Resident for Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES) and Consult-Liaison Services, and was a recipient of Excellence in Community Psychiatry award.
![Photo of Mimi Jimenez, CRNP, PMH, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d504af9f-9e54-4f36-a7d1-58ce06a1bb35/1/320x400.jpeg)
WE ARE ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS... Cervello-Wellness is a psychiatric care practice that uses a variety of treatments, including psychiatric evaluations, psychosocial interventions, and medication management. Our specialty is devoted to diagnosing, preventing, and treating mental disorders.
WE ARE ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS... Cervello-Wellness is a psychiatric care practice that uses a variety of treatments, including psychiatric evaluations, psychosocial interventions, and medication management. Our specialty is devoted to diagnosing, preventing, and treating mental disorders.
![Photo of Misty Embrey, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/78e01844-ee4d-44a1-a760-bfe1ff5baf3d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Embrey is an integrative and holistic child and adult psychiatrist in Washington DC. She is also seeing patients in Virginia, Maryland, and Wisconsin (virtually). Having trained at Johns Hopkins, she treats psychiatric illnesses with an approach that involves evaluation and treatment via traditional psychiatric methods, medications, and therapy. She also includes an assessment of how complementary interventions may be helpful toward finding mental, emotional, and spiritual balance and vitality.
Dr. Embrey is an integrative and holistic child and adult psychiatrist in Washington DC. She is also seeing patients in Virginia, Maryland, and Wisconsin (virtually). Having trained at Johns Hopkins, she treats psychiatric illnesses with an approach that involves evaluation and treatment via traditional psychiatric methods, medications, and therapy. She also includes an assessment of how complementary interventions may be helpful toward finding mental, emotional, and spiritual balance and vitality.
![Photo of Dr. Andreia Florina Sabau - MindLink Psychiatry LLC, DNP, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51907913-2246-46a5-b903-ee3e4335c40f/1/320x400.png)
MindLink Psychiatry LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Alexandria, VA 22314
I recognize that each person's experience is unique, and their mental health care should reflect that individuality. I provide personalized assessments and treatment plans, tailoring my services to meet the specific needs and goals of each individual. Through thorough evaluations and collaborative discussions, I work closely with you to develop a deep understanding of your concerns, symptoms, and life circumstances.
I recognize that each person's experience is unique, and their mental health care should reflect that individuality. I provide personalized assessments and treatment plans, tailoring my services to meet the specific needs and goals of each individual. Through thorough evaluations and collaborative discussions, I work closely with you to develop a deep understanding of your concerns, symptoms, and life circumstances.
![Photo of Lauren Skeffington LaPierre, MS, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/09abfddb-3b7c-45eb-9a7b-f364b56eb34a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Psychiatry - - Accepting NEW patients - - In person and virtual - - Board-certified, Psychiatric PA, with 10 years of experience in internal medicine and psychiatry. I am a comprehensive and compassionate medical provider and value evidence-based care of the whole person. I incorporate multiple treatment modalities in addition to medication management such as therapy, nutrition optimization and health coaching. Accepting patients for medication management and therapy. Locations: Alexandria (District Psychiatry and Wellness) and Fairfax (Mantra Mental Health)
Psychiatry - - Accepting NEW patients - - In person and virtual - - Board-certified, Psychiatric PA, with 10 years of experience in internal medicine and psychiatry. I am a comprehensive and compassionate medical provider and value evidence-based care of the whole person. I incorporate multiple treatment modalities in addition to medication management such as therapy, nutrition optimization and health coaching. Accepting patients for medication management and therapy. Locations: Alexandria (District Psychiatry and Wellness) and Fairfax (Mantra Mental Health)
![Photo of Dr. Yeganeh Jalaeian, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f861e578-1e56-4969-bdc4-e5ac940f6350/1/320x400.png)
Dr. Yeganeh Jalaeian
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
Alexandria, VA 22314 (Online Only)
Dr. Yeganeh “Anna” Jalaeian is a psychiatric and family nurse practitioner. She has 17 years of experience in the healthcare field, including over 8 years as a nurse practitioner in both family medicine and psychiatry. She specializes in treating mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, postpartum mood disorder, prolonged grief, and anger management. She works with clients from diverse backgrounds, including the LGBTQIA+ community and those with autism spectrum traits.
Dr. Yeganeh “Anna” Jalaeian is a psychiatric and family nurse practitioner. She has 17 years of experience in the healthcare field, including over 8 years as a nurse practitioner in both family medicine and psychiatry. She specializes in treating mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, postpartum mood disorder, prolonged grief, and anger management. She works with clients from diverse backgrounds, including the LGBTQIA+ community and those with autism spectrum traits.
![Photo of Ibrahim Iftoni, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b3d286a6-f65e-4908-b8dc-6171c6d27834/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ibrahim Iftoni is a board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner that started his career 15 years ago in the healthcare field. He got his Nursing degree at the University of Texas at Arlington and worked in several hospitals and long term care facilities as a geriatric/psychiatric/ICU and occupational health nurse. Iftoni felt a special connection with the psychiatric population and decided to pursue a career in psychiatry. He got his master's degree at Walden University and is embracing the opportunity to make life better for the people in his community.
Ibrahim Iftoni is a board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner that started his career 15 years ago in the healthcare field. He got his Nursing degree at the University of Texas at Arlington and worked in several hospitals and long term care facilities as a geriatric/psychiatric/ICU and occupational health nurse. Iftoni felt a special connection with the psychiatric population and decided to pursue a career in psychiatry. He got his master's degree at Walden University and is embracing the opportunity to make life better for the people in his community.
![Photo of Natalie Desseyn, MSN, FNP-C, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4676fd11-4f4d-4ed9-b81c-68b2ceccbce7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Natalie Desseyn
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, FNP-C, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Alexandria, VA 22304 (Online Only)
Your mental health is nothing to be ashamed of and far too often we feel that stigma and do not seek help. Whether you are in a crisis or just feel that life is getting tough, I am here to help you work through what you are experiencing and to help you feel more like yourself. I am very passionate about healing and helping my clients to find a sustainable support system. I enjoy working with children (8+), adolescents and adults with depression, anxiety, trauma, mood disorders, post-partum depression and anxiety, and much more.
Your mental health is nothing to be ashamed of and far too often we feel that stigma and do not seek help. Whether you are in a crisis or just feel that life is getting tough, I am here to help you work through what you are experiencing and to help you feel more like yourself. I am very passionate about healing and helping my clients to find a sustainable support system. I enjoy working with children (8+), adolescents and adults with depression, anxiety, trauma, mood disorders, post-partum depression and anxiety, and much more.
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![Photo of Marcia Friend, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/27572be9-267c-4dfa-bb96-72af76219074/1/320x400.png)
Marcia Friend
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Alexandria, VA 22314
Over the last two decades, Marcia has serviced a multitude of health care environments as a registered nurse in administrative and clinical roles. When caring for clients as a registered nurse, Marcia recognized a common theme that correlates frame of mind with physical health and overall wellness. With this awareness, she pursued and attained board certification as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Across the Lifespan. She embraces the notion that at the core of each human is a distinct need to thrive in a steady state of wellness in mind, body, and soul.
Over the last two decades, Marcia has serviced a multitude of health care environments as a registered nurse in administrative and clinical roles. When caring for clients as a registered nurse, Marcia recognized a common theme that correlates frame of mind with physical health and overall wellness. With this awareness, she pursued and attained board certification as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Across the Lifespan. She embraces the notion that at the core of each human is a distinct need to thrive in a steady state of wellness in mind, body, and soul.
![Photo of Erika Kappes Zavyalov, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b67b791c-5044-4f61-a990-caf753cc15e7/3/320x400.jpeg)
Board Certified Psychiatrist dedicated to helping patients function more optimally in their lives. I am accepting new patients.
Board Certified Psychiatrist dedicated to helping patients function more optimally in their lives. I am accepting new patients.
![Photo of Mimi Khine, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/428d97c4-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a psychiatrist with a background in family practice medicine. I treat Major Depression, PMDD, Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive disorders, Bipolar Disorders, Schizophrenia, Schizo affective Disorders, Menopausal Depression, ADD, ADHD, PTSD, TBI and Dementia. I treat my patients with understanding and empathy. I have experience in multicultural psychiatry. I have been a psychiatrist since 1989 to present and I have been in Family practice medicine sine 1974.
I am a psychiatrist with a background in family practice medicine. I treat Major Depression, PMDD, Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive disorders, Bipolar Disorders, Schizophrenia, Schizo affective Disorders, Menopausal Depression, ADD, ADHD, PTSD, TBI and Dementia. I treat my patients with understanding and empathy. I have experience in multicultural psychiatry. I have been a psychiatrist since 1989 to present and I have been in Family practice medicine sine 1974.
![Photo of Ramia Gupta - Ramia Gupta, MD PC, MD, FAPA, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/926adce8-08db-468b-ae45-6db8e3c829d3/3/320x400.jpeg)
An increasing number of people suffer from depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Having a mental health disorder can be frightening and overwhelming especially when one doesn’t know where to go to for help. My practice offers that place where I attempt to answer your questions and allay your fears. My work with my patients emphasizes compassion, empathy and support. During the initial assessment, I conduct a detailed Diagnostic evaluation in order to devise an Individualized and Comprehensive Treatment plan unique to the needs of each patient. I am Board Certified in both General and Forensic Psychiatry.
An increasing number of people suffer from depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Having a mental health disorder can be frightening and overwhelming especially when one doesn’t know where to go to for help. My practice offers that place where I attempt to answer your questions and allay your fears. My work with my patients emphasizes compassion, empathy and support. During the initial assessment, I conduct a detailed Diagnostic evaluation in order to devise an Individualized and Comprehensive Treatment plan unique to the needs of each patient. I am Board Certified in both General and Forensic Psychiatry.
![Photo of Cory Alfers, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/010320e6-8e8e-4ca5-8082-aa0539a044ef/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Alfers is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in adult psychiatry. He has been practicing for over 11 years. Dr. Alfers takes a comprehensive approach to patient care. He integrates biological, psychological, and environmental factors into treatment planning. He focuses on developing a meaningful therapeutic relationship and providing medication interventions for specific treatment goals. Dr. Alfers provides interpersonal psychotherapy in conjunction with medication management services. A typical follow-up visit averages 20 minutes.
Dr. Alfers is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in adult psychiatry. He has been practicing for over 11 years. Dr. Alfers takes a comprehensive approach to patient care. He integrates biological, psychological, and environmental factors into treatment planning. He focuses on developing a meaningful therapeutic relationship and providing medication interventions for specific treatment goals. Dr. Alfers provides interpersonal psychotherapy in conjunction with medication management services. A typical follow-up visit averages 20 minutes.
![Photo of Lawrence Stansberry IV, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/af23531c-7a1e-4e17-a8b5-ef3c236eb102/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Stansberry holds the position of staff psychiatrist at Talkiatry. He is board eligible in Adult Psychiatry and has been practicing for four years. Dr. Stansberry’s practice focuses on medication management and also incorporates supportive therapy techniques, typically in 30-minute follow-up visits. In some cases, Dr. Stansberry may believe that additional therapy is also needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team.
Dr. Stansberry holds the position of staff psychiatrist at Talkiatry. He is board eligible in Adult Psychiatry and has been practicing for four years. Dr. Stansberry’s practice focuses on medication management and also incorporates supportive therapy techniques, typically in 30-minute follow-up visits. In some cases, Dr. Stansberry may believe that additional therapy is also needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team.
![Photo of Kirk Ramsey, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ccabe714-808b-426c-bc1b-042e5e6f81ae/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Ramsey is board certified in general and child and adolescent psychiatry. His practice primarily focuses on medication management. He sees himself as a collaborator with therapists and counselors in caring for their shared patients and their families. He received his medical degree from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, TN. He completed his residency at West Virginia University Hospitals and WVU School of Medicine and a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at the Yale Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, and Yale-New Haven Hospital in New Haven and Middletown, CT.
Dr. Ramsey is board certified in general and child and adolescent psychiatry. His practice primarily focuses on medication management. He sees himself as a collaborator with therapists and counselors in caring for their shared patients and their families. He received his medical degree from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, TN. He completed his residency at West Virginia University Hospitals and WVU School of Medicine and a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at the Yale Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, and Yale-New Haven Hospital in New Haven and Middletown, CT.
![Photo of Megan Marumoto, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7e1f6851-e2a3-46aa-9994-915c49d61ce8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr Megan Marumoto is an integrative psychiatrist board-certified in General Psychiatry, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Integrative Medicine, and Lifestyle Medicine with over 20 years of experience. She is also a certified practitioner in Functional Medicine. Dr Marumoto received her medical degree from the John A Burns School of Medicine and completed her Psychiatry Residency and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry fellowship at the University of Hawaii. Wishing to provide comprehensive care beyond medication management and therapy, Dr Marumoto completed a second fellowship in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona.
Dr Megan Marumoto is an integrative psychiatrist board-certified in General Psychiatry, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Integrative Medicine, and Lifestyle Medicine with over 20 years of experience. She is also a certified practitioner in Functional Medicine. Dr Marumoto received her medical degree from the John A Burns School of Medicine and completed her Psychiatry Residency and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry fellowship at the University of Hawaii. Wishing to provide comprehensive care beyond medication management and therapy, Dr Marumoto completed a second fellowship in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona.
![Photo of Khursheed Khine, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c30de3f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
***Please note that Dr. Khine is currently not accepting new patients in order to serve her existing patients better*** My goal is to combine empathy with excellent clinical skills and up-to-date knowledge of current medical practice. Your privacy is highly valued, thus treatment is provided in a safe and confidential manner.
***Please note that Dr. Khine is currently not accepting new patients in order to serve her existing patients better*** My goal is to combine empathy with excellent clinical skills and up-to-date knowledge of current medical practice. Your privacy is highly valued, thus treatment is provided in a safe and confidential manner.
See more therapy options for Alexandria City County
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Alexandria City County, VA
100+
Average cost per session
$212
Psychiatrists in Alexandria City County, VA who prioritize treating:
100% | Anxiety |
98% | Depression |
80% | Trauma and PTSD |
80% | Medication Management |
79% | Bipolar Disorder |
78% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
74% | ADHD |
Average years in practice
9 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
93% | Cigna and Evernorth |
83% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
80% | Aetna |
How Psychiatrists in Alexandria City County, VA see their clients
54% | In Person and Online | |
46% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
71% | Female | |
29% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Alexandria City County?
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.