Psychiatrists in Ashland, VA
![Photo of Arlene Quijano, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/33b668e6-8c8a-4bb2-b8f3-7a6708bf6274/1/320x400.png)
I'm Arlene, a board-certified Physician Assistant and Clinical Temperament Counselor. My expertise includes Behavioral Health Counseling and Primary/Acute Care. I hold a national Surgical Assistant Certification with specialized training in Neurosurgery, Plastics/Reconstruction, General Surgery, and Orthopedics. Additionally, I offer services in Medical Nutrition Therapy, Blood-Type Specific Nutrition Counseling, Diabetes Nutrition Counseling, Temperament Career Counseling, as well as addressing anxiety and depression. I'm passionate about my healthcare profession and have had the privilege serving patients for nearly two decades.
I'm Arlene, a board-certified Physician Assistant and Clinical Temperament Counselor. My expertise includes Behavioral Health Counseling and Primary/Acute Care. I hold a national Surgical Assistant Certification with specialized training in Neurosurgery, Plastics/Reconstruction, General Surgery, and Orthopedics. Additionally, I offer services in Medical Nutrition Therapy, Blood-Type Specific Nutrition Counseling, Diabetes Nutrition Counseling, Temperament Career Counseling, as well as addressing anxiety and depression. I'm passionate about my healthcare profession and have had the privilege serving patients for nearly two decades.
![Photo of Arlene Quijano, PA, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/aa583acb-5e10-40b2-801a-668b340bc500/1/320x400.png)
I'm Arlene, a board-certified Physician Assistant and Clinical Temperament Counselor. My expertise includes Behavioral Health Counseling and Primary/Acute Care. I hold a national Surgical Assistant Certification with specialized training in Neurosurgery, Plastics/Reconstruction, General Surgery, and Orthopedics. Additionally, I offer services in Medical Nutrition Therapy, Blood-Type Specific Nutrition Counseling, Diabetes Nutrition Counseling, Temperament Career Counseling, as well as addressing anxiety and depression. I'm passionate about my healthcare profession and have had the privilege serving patients for nearly two decades.
I'm Arlene, a board-certified Physician Assistant and Clinical Temperament Counselor. My expertise includes Behavioral Health Counseling and Primary/Acute Care. I hold a national Surgical Assistant Certification with specialized training in Neurosurgery, Plastics/Reconstruction, General Surgery, and Orthopedics. Additionally, I offer services in Medical Nutrition Therapy, Blood-Type Specific Nutrition Counseling, Diabetes Nutrition Counseling, Temperament Career Counseling, as well as addressing anxiety and depression. I'm passionate about my healthcare profession and have had the privilege serving patients for nearly two decades.
![Photo of Komal Singh, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3999722e-c56d-4b90-b6d7-f50af4caa2a0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Komal Singh, M.D. is a graduate of Avalon University School of Medicine and completed her residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital with additional fellowship training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Virginia Hospital. Dr. Singh provides psychiatric evaluations and treatment services to children and adolescents. Dr. Singh focuses on taking a personalized approach that takes into account all aspects of the mental health of each individual patient when determining the best method of treatment. Her treatment recommendations include medications, therapy, and lifestyle changes.
Komal Singh, M.D. is a graduate of Avalon University School of Medicine and completed her residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital with additional fellowship training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Virginia Hospital. Dr. Singh provides psychiatric evaluations and treatment services to children and adolescents. Dr. Singh focuses on taking a personalized approach that takes into account all aspects of the mental health of each individual patient when determining the best method of treatment. Her treatment recommendations include medications, therapy, and lifestyle changes.
![Photo of Ross Yaple, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a88ab771-9c55-4b4d-9d2a-e5d5a80de178/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Yaple earned his medical degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in 2003. He then moved to Richmond, Virginia where he completed his internship and residency in General Psychiatry at the Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, and then went on to complete his fellowship training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in 2008 through VCU at the Virginia Treatment Center for Children.
Dr. Yaple earned his medical degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in 2003. He then moved to Richmond, Virginia where he completed his internship and residency in General Psychiatry at the Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, and then went on to complete his fellowship training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in 2008 through VCU at the Virginia Treatment Center for Children.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
![Photo of Stephen E Brown, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4a1717f2-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Thank you for your interest in my practice. I am a residency trained psychiatrist, and I run a solo practice on the outskirts of Richmond, Virginia. I prefer to do psychotherapy as well as medication management (when one or both are appropriate for a patient), and I believe this makes me unique. You might perceive a psychiatrist as just being someone who orders medications, and leaves the "talk therapy" to someone else. As my patient, however, you have an "all-in-one" experience, and that will allow you to return to your normal self as quickly as possible.
Thank you for your interest in my practice. I am a residency trained psychiatrist, and I run a solo practice on the outskirts of Richmond, Virginia. I prefer to do psychotherapy as well as medication management (when one or both are appropriate for a patient), and I believe this makes me unique. You might perceive a psychiatrist as just being someone who orders medications, and leaves the "talk therapy" to someone else. As my patient, however, you have an "all-in-one" experience, and that will allow you to return to your normal self as quickly as possible.
![Photo of Jennifer Schrecengost, DNP, PMHNPBC, CPNP-PC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1962d291-a7ba-4dbd-bece-02e0e2aea404/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jennifer Schrecengost
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNPBC, CPNP-PC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Glen Allen, VA 23060
Practice provider: Jennifer Schrecengost, DNP, PMHNP-BC, CPNP-PC. Jennifer has worked with children and families in primary care for nearly 20 years and treating kids and adolescents is truly where our passion lies. Whether it's depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, autism, or insomnia, it is important to know that you are working not just with an individual but with a family, each member of which plays an important part in the client's progress and recovery. My priority is providing individualized, non-judgmental, holistic care that fully supports and recognizes the importance of family participation in treatment.
Practice provider: Jennifer Schrecengost, DNP, PMHNP-BC, CPNP-PC. Jennifer has worked with children and families in primary care for nearly 20 years and treating kids and adolescents is truly where our passion lies. Whether it's depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, autism, or insomnia, it is important to know that you are working not just with an individual but with a family, each member of which plays an important part in the client's progress and recovery. My priority is providing individualized, non-judgmental, holistic care that fully supports and recognizes the importance of family participation in treatment.
Greenbrook TMS Centers is the Mid-Atlantic's leading rTMS provider. We exclusively practice Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation therapy. Cleared in 2008, this revolutionary treatment is FDA indicated for major depressive disorder, and has potential to provide relief and even remission from depression in those who have not obtained benefit from medications, or prefer not to take medications for any reason.
Greenbrook TMS Centers is the Mid-Atlantic's leading rTMS provider. We exclusively practice Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation therapy. Cleared in 2008, this revolutionary treatment is FDA indicated for major depressive disorder, and has potential to provide relief and even remission from depression in those who have not obtained benefit from medications, or prefer not to take medications for any reason.
![Photo of Pamela Shipp, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/09fb3969-15e8-45ac-83d9-372727e96172/1/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting New Patients. Our ideal client is YOU! Trouble sleeping, depression, mood lability, anxiety, hallucinations, paranoia, trouble concentrating, suicidal, homicidal, grief, drug use, and so many other things each and everyone may experience at some point in their life. However, if these things are not allowing you to live your best life we are here to assist. No one should have to go through these events alone or feel isolated from others. We are here to serve you and provide all resources available to assist with the above symptoms.
Accepting New Patients. Our ideal client is YOU! Trouble sleeping, depression, mood lability, anxiety, hallucinations, paranoia, trouble concentrating, suicidal, homicidal, grief, drug use, and so many other things each and everyone may experience at some point in their life. However, if these things are not allowing you to live your best life we are here to assist. No one should have to go through these events alone or feel isolated from others. We are here to serve you and provide all resources available to assist with the above symptoms.
![Photo of Dr. Temitope Akinladenu, DNP, CRNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/362f8fb4-c765-4cea-a817-1389999fee88/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Temitope Akinladenu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, CRNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Mechanicsville, VA 23116
Greetings! I am a nationally board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner trained to treat all ages. I believe the right for every individual is to receive quality mental health services. I have a decade of healthcare experience in inpatient, outpatient, PHP, and IOP settings. My passion is to provide comprehensive care that focuses on client needs and empower full participation in their own treatment. I incorporate supportive therapy, use of positive coping skills and medication management (if needed). I believe educating how medications work in the brain is important for clients to know and understand
Greetings! I am a nationally board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner trained to treat all ages. I believe the right for every individual is to receive quality mental health services. I have a decade of healthcare experience in inpatient, outpatient, PHP, and IOP settings. My passion is to provide comprehensive care that focuses on client needs and empower full participation in their own treatment. I incorporate supportive therapy, use of positive coping skills and medication management (if needed). I believe educating how medications work in the brain is important for clients to know and understand
![Photo of Deborah Crutchfield, APRN-BC, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/09ba7249-1b24-4ef5-98d4-fafa28657201/2/320x400.jpeg)
Deborah Crutchfield
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN-BC, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Glen Allen, VA 23059 (Online Only)
Deborah is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience in the outpatient mental health sector. She works with individuals across the lifespan from pediatrics to geriatrics. She has over 14 years of experience in emergency medicine, psychiatry, and addiction. She specializes in treating patients with depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, addiction, and various other mental health issues.
Deborah is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience in the outpatient mental health sector. She works with individuals across the lifespan from pediatrics to geriatrics. She has over 14 years of experience in emergency medicine, psychiatry, and addiction. She specializes in treating patients with depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, addiction, and various other mental health issues.
![Photo of Rosebelle De Leon, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/57dafd99-aacc-4a62-8942-97f2c9887f8b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Rosebelle de Leon is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in General Adult Psychiatry. She completed her medical school education at Rosalind Franklin University, Chicago Medical School, and completed her general psychiatry residency at Rush University Medical Center. She provides psychiatric medication management for adults ages 27-64. She primarily sees patients who may be struggling with depressive, bipolar, anxiety and psychotic disorders. Dr. de Leon is currently not seeing ADHD consultations. She is not taking new patients who are on stimulants or benzodiazepines.
Dr. Rosebelle de Leon is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in General Adult Psychiatry. She completed her medical school education at Rosalind Franklin University, Chicago Medical School, and completed her general psychiatry residency at Rush University Medical Center. She provides psychiatric medication management for adults ages 27-64. She primarily sees patients who may be struggling with depressive, bipolar, anxiety and psychotic disorders. Dr. de Leon is currently not seeing ADHD consultations. She is not taking new patients who are on stimulants or benzodiazepines.
![Photo of Brittany Chandler, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1cbb7e6a-c6b2-4268-899b-f4ab0a063e40/1/320x400.jpeg)
Brittany Chandler
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Richmond, VA 23294 (Online Only)
~ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS - TELE-HEALTH ONLY~ ~SELF-PAY WELCOME~ My ideal client is YOU! Trouble sleeping, depression, mood lability, anxiety, hallucinations, paranoia, trouble concentrating, suicidal, homicidal, grief, drug use, and so many other things each and everyone may experience at some point in their life. However, if these things are not allowing you to live your best life I am here to assist. No one should have to go through these events alone or feel isolated from others. I am here to serve you and provide all resources available to assist with the above symptoms.
~ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS - TELE-HEALTH ONLY~ ~SELF-PAY WELCOME~ My ideal client is YOU! Trouble sleeping, depression, mood lability, anxiety, hallucinations, paranoia, trouble concentrating, suicidal, homicidal, grief, drug use, and so many other things each and everyone may experience at some point in their life. However, if these things are not allowing you to live your best life I am here to assist. No one should have to go through these events alone or feel isolated from others. I am here to serve you and provide all resources available to assist with the above symptoms.
![Photo of Jennifer Branch, MA, PMHNP-, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/034e37da-ca7b-4415-b40d-68a9acfaaa6a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jennifer Branch
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MA, PMHNP-
Verified Verified
Mechanicsville, VA 23116
Jennifer Branch is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Virginia who has been practicing since 2022. Jennifer provides holistic care, education regarding diagnosis, medication management, and empathetic counseling. Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys cooking, reading, and music.
Jennifer Branch is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Virginia who has been practicing since 2022. Jennifer provides holistic care, education regarding diagnosis, medication management, and empathetic counseling. Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys cooking, reading, and music.
![Photo of Karen Ann Overmeyer, APRN-BC, PMHNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b45f590d-c424-4e5c-9ded-843fd24c6ba5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Karen Ann Overmeyer
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN-BC, PMHNP-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Glen Allen, VA 23059 (Online Only)
Welcome! I am so glad you are honoring yourself by seeking some help for the journey! You didn't come this far to only come this far! Now that you recognize that some new coping skills or behavioral changes might be helpful to improve your life, let's consider working together! Got a busy schedule? I can get you in quickly and have flexible hours. I'm offering telehealth and evening sessions on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays to fit into your busy day! I am open to hours by request. I am currently credentialed with GrowTherapy.com for telehealth-only visits.
Welcome! I am so glad you are honoring yourself by seeking some help for the journey! You didn't come this far to only come this far! Now that you recognize that some new coping skills or behavioral changes might be helpful to improve your life, let's consider working together! Got a busy schedule? I can get you in quickly and have flexible hours. I'm offering telehealth and evening sessions on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays to fit into your busy day! I am open to hours by request. I am currently credentialed with GrowTherapy.com for telehealth-only visits.
![Photo of Five Am Appt. Avail Suboxone Sleep Focus Mood Changes Worry Vivitrol, PMHNP-, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/87c19664-2261-4503-b2d2-a77a44d9ed98/2/320x400.jpeg)
Five Am Appt. Avail Suboxone Sleep Focus Mood Changes Worry Vivitrol
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-, MSN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hanover, VA 23069
Please visit my website to book an appointment at www.sereneserenitypsychiatry.com. I understand taking the first step towards seeking help can be hard and intimidating, but I'm here for you! I will support you and listen to you, meeting you right where you are. I enjoy patients who are motivated and open to change. We can formulate a treatment plan that works best for you including therapy and medication or both. You deserve the best this life has to offer. I'm here to help! Please visit my website to book an appointment at www.sereneserenitypsychiatry.com.
Please visit my website to book an appointment at www.sereneserenitypsychiatry.com. I understand taking the first step towards seeking help can be hard and intimidating, but I'm here for you! I will support you and listen to you, meeting you right where you are. I enjoy patients who are motivated and open to change. We can formulate a treatment plan that works best for you including therapy and medication or both. You deserve the best this life has to offer. I'm here to help! Please visit my website to book an appointment at www.sereneserenitypsychiatry.com.
![Photo of Samantha Moussari, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/53d2782c-46eb-4e32-9bf2-04681b67275f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Samantha Moussari
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Glen Allen, VA 23059 (Online Only)
Samantha Moussari, PMHNP is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Samantha’s goal is to provide patient-centered holistic mental health care. She believes each patient is unique and understands the importance of tailoring treatment. Samantha’s approach creates a healing process that ensures you and your family's preferences, values, cultural traditions, and socioeconomic conditions are respected. Patients are an important part of the care team and play a pivotal role in their treatment plans.
Samantha Moussari, PMHNP is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Samantha’s goal is to provide patient-centered holistic mental health care. She believes each patient is unique and understands the importance of tailoring treatment. Samantha’s approach creates a healing process that ensures you and your family's preferences, values, cultural traditions, and socioeconomic conditions are respected. Patients are an important part of the care team and play a pivotal role in their treatment plans.
![Photo of Lovette Okoh, DNP, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c91ba3e3-3cc7-40c3-ab5b-db63833ad09b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Lovette Okoh
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Richmond, VA 23230 (Online Only)
Taking new clients within 48 hours ! We offer effective outpatient, individualized, psychological care. We treat a number of mental health disorders, and provide a neutral ground to individuals so that you may begin the healing process and find your true self again.
Taking new clients within 48 hours ! We offer effective outpatient, individualized, psychological care. We treat a number of mental health disorders, and provide a neutral ground to individuals so that you may begin the healing process and find your true self again.
![Photo of Thaddeus Garland - Thaddeus M Garland MD LLC, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4ed00894-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Through Telemedicine, I enjoy getting to know my clients and helping them discover how to lead better lives from the comfort of home. I treat clients of all ages and issues and have special interests in Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Personality Disorders, Bipolar Disorder and Schizoprenia.
Through Telemedicine, I enjoy getting to know my clients and helping them discover how to lead better lives from the comfort of home. I treat clients of all ages and issues and have special interests in Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Personality Disorders, Bipolar Disorder and Schizoprenia.
![Photo of Jessica Roberts, RN, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cf2403b4-cb17-4915-94e3-2ca3a1af9dc7/1/320x400.png)
Jessica (she/her) specializes in the Psychiatric assessment and treatment of children, adolescents, and young adults. She has over 20 years of experience treating PTSD, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, OCD, and ADHD- among other mental health concerns. She knows that medication doesn't solve every problem, but can be a necessary tool that aids in supporting therapeutic goals for long term healing. Having worked in a children's psychiatric hospital for much of her career, she is very eager to prevent higher levels of care when possible.
Jessica (she/her) specializes in the Psychiatric assessment and treatment of children, adolescents, and young adults. She has over 20 years of experience treating PTSD, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, OCD, and ADHD- among other mental health concerns. She knows that medication doesn't solve every problem, but can be a necessary tool that aids in supporting therapeutic goals for long term healing. Having worked in a children's psychiatric hospital for much of her career, she is very eager to prevent higher levels of care when possible.
![Photo of Nikita Bonner, PMHNP, FNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5e3d8e5e-3b35-49ce-866f-afa3c1eebd82/2/320x400.jpeg)
Mrs. Bonner is a certified family nurse practitioner and board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, with over 8 years of healthcare experience in a variety of settings. Mrs. Bonner focuses on holistic patient-centered care and utilizes evidence-based practice modalities while focusing on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health disorders.
Mrs. Bonner is a certified family nurse practitioner and board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, with over 8 years of healthcare experience in a variety of settings. Mrs. Bonner focuses on holistic patient-centered care and utilizes evidence-based practice modalities while focusing on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health disorders.
See more therapy options for Ashland
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Ashland, VA
< 10
Psychiatrists in Ashland, VA who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | Bipolar Disorder |
75% | Child |
75% | ADHD |
75% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
75% | Trauma and PTSD |
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
100% | TRICARE |
How Psychiatrists in Ashland, VA see their clients
50% | In Person and Online | |
50% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
67% | Female | |
33% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Ashland?
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.