Psychiatrists in Fairfax County, VA
![Photo of Stephanie Waggel - Improve Life PLLC, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c7cb510-7d74-40d2-b8e7-e0459b6a1a78/2/320x400.jpeg)
Improve Life provides medication management, therapy, and wellness strategies to children 12 and older, pregnant mothers, young adults, and women anywhere in Virginia. We also diagnose and treat ADHD in men and women of all ages. Next day appointments are usually available (as long as you do the paperwork). Come improve your life with us with one of our two highly experienced psychiatrists and/or our in-house therapist!
Improve Life provides medication management, therapy, and wellness strategies to children 12 and older, pregnant mothers, young adults, and women anywhere in Virginia. We also diagnose and treat ADHD in men and women of all ages. Next day appointments are usually available (as long as you do the paperwork). Come improve your life with us with one of our two highly experienced psychiatrists and/or our in-house therapist!
![Photo of Mimi Tyson, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e048ba87-3292-451f-96c0-f9ad878edeb0/1/320x400.jpeg)
We are accepting New Clients. We see patients Mondays through Fridays. We offer Medication Management and Counseling/Psychotherapy Face to face or via our Telepsychiatry Services throughout Virginia and Maryland. Our team of experienced mental health professionals includes Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners and Licensed Therapists. We care for adults, adolescents, and children, ages 5 and above. We accept most insurance plans including Medicare.
We are accepting New Clients. We see patients Mondays through Fridays. We offer Medication Management and Counseling/Psychotherapy Face to face or via our Telepsychiatry Services throughout Virginia and Maryland. Our team of experienced mental health professionals includes Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners and Licensed Therapists. We care for adults, adolescents, and children, ages 5 and above. We accept most insurance plans including Medicare.
![Photo of Stephanie Waggel, MD, MS, PMH-C, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/42355aa0-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Allow me to help improve your life. I am a psychiatrist in Reston, Virginia with degrees in psychology, biology, and medicine. I can see patients from anywhere in Virginia. I have 17+ years of experience in mental health. I am one of three physicians in Virginia trained in perinatal mental health. My special focus is on women, mood, anxiety, ADHD testing AND treatment, depression, OCD, PTSD, bipolar, and more! I am a mother, author, motivational speaker, teacher, cancer survivor, marathon runner, medical student advisor, martial artist and founder of Improve Medical Culture. Learn more at www.ImproveLifePLLC.com
Allow me to help improve your life. I am a psychiatrist in Reston, Virginia with degrees in psychology, biology, and medicine. I can see patients from anywhere in Virginia. I have 17+ years of experience in mental health. I am one of three physicians in Virginia trained in perinatal mental health. My special focus is on women, mood, anxiety, ADHD testing AND treatment, depression, OCD, PTSD, bipolar, and more! I am a mother, author, motivational speaker, teacher, cancer survivor, marathon runner, medical student advisor, martial artist and founder of Improve Medical Culture. Learn more at www.ImproveLifePLLC.com
![Photo of Farha Motiwala, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b8701bdb-7187-4a08-9ef5-d1e21016cc03/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Motiwala likes to know her patients well, so she can understand which part of their history, including trauma or medical issues, are playing a role in their current symptomology and treats them accordingly. Outside of work, Dr. Motiwala likes to cook/ bake, play badminton, sketch, travel, and watch movies
Dr. Motiwala likes to know her patients well, so she can understand which part of their history, including trauma or medical issues, are playing a role in their current symptomology and treats them accordingly. Outside of work, Dr. Motiwala likes to cook/ bake, play badminton, sketch, travel, and watch movies
![Photo of Clifford Newman, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f4782a2-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a psychiatrist who does psychotherapy and will only use medication if necessary. I believe psychotherapy is an essential part of treatment that will minimize the use of medications.
Although I work with relationship difficulties, it is only on an individual basis and not as a couples counselor.
I am a psychiatrist who does psychotherapy and will only use medication if necessary. I believe psychotherapy is an essential part of treatment that will minimize the use of medications.
Although I work with relationship difficulties, it is only on an individual basis and not as a couples counselor.
![Photo of Elizabeth Onyejekwe - Godaelli Psychiatry, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/155c37e5-a498-4a90-bac6-a6e2f385d25a/1/320x400.png)
Godaelli Healthcare Services is transforming lives through holistic medication management and supportive therapy. Our team of experienced Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioners is dedicated to providing mental health treatment to children, teens, adults, and families. Whether your goal is to attain mental stability or you want to maintain stable mental health, our providers are equipped and ready to help. They treat our patients with empathy, compassion, and a deep understanding of both the biological and psychological details of psychiatric disorders and their associated symptoms.
Godaelli Healthcare Services is transforming lives through holistic medication management and supportive therapy. Our team of experienced Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioners is dedicated to providing mental health treatment to children, teens, adults, and families. Whether your goal is to attain mental stability or you want to maintain stable mental health, our providers are equipped and ready to help. They treat our patients with empathy, compassion, and a deep understanding of both the biological and psychological details of psychiatric disorders and their associated symptoms.
![Photo of Janet Salimonu, FNP-BC, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/582bd466-a062-4169-8735-cbf10080f8c1/3/320x400.jpeg)
Janet Salimonu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP-BC, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Springfield, VA 22153
You do not have to struggle alone! I am here to help with your struggle and to assist you with your mental health needs.
You do not have to struggle alone! I am here to help with your struggle and to assist you with your mental health needs.
![Photo of Camtran Huynh, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/494547a8-3fde-4040-901b-755bb9680e0d/1/320x400.png)
Camtran Huynh
Physician Assistant, PA-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fairfax, VA 22030 (Online Only)
Camtran Huynh, PA-C graduated as a Physician Assistant from Shenandoah University in Virginia. Prior to joining the Neuropsychic Wellness Center, she was a hospitalist at Inova Mount Vernon Hospital, treating both chronic and acute conditions. She also took the initiative to obtain her certification as a Brain Injury Specialist to enhance care for traumatic brain injury patients. With her experience in providing comprehensive primary care to a diverse patient population, Cammy is able to meet the needs of psychiatric patients in a holistic way that includes the body, the brain, and the mind.
Camtran Huynh, PA-C graduated as a Physician Assistant from Shenandoah University in Virginia. Prior to joining the Neuropsychic Wellness Center, she was a hospitalist at Inova Mount Vernon Hospital, treating both chronic and acute conditions. She also took the initiative to obtain her certification as a Brain Injury Specialist to enhance care for traumatic brain injury patients. With her experience in providing comprehensive primary care to a diverse patient population, Cammy is able to meet the needs of psychiatric patients in a holistic way that includes the body, the brain, and the mind.
![Photo of Audrey Addaquay-Corey, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1579d212-88f3-4df3-9a88-560462791cd9/2/320x400.png)
Audrey Addaquay-Corey
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Fairfax, VA 22030 (Online Only)
I am a mother of 3 and a board certified in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with experience in psychiatry since 2007. My specialties include Generalized anxiety disorder, Panic disorders, Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, ADHD, PTSD, LGBTQIA. I am affiliated with University of Texas Dell Medical school and a former associate professor of psychiatric Nursing at Rasmussen College in Rockford Illinois and Herzing University, Madison Wisconsin.
I am a mother of 3 and a board certified in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with experience in psychiatry since 2007. My specialties include Generalized anxiety disorder, Panic disorders, Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, ADHD, PTSD, LGBTQIA. I am affiliated with University of Texas Dell Medical school and a former associate professor of psychiatric Nursing at Rasmussen College in Rockford Illinois and Herzing University, Madison Wisconsin.
![Photo of Patricia Smith, DNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5a8c2971-1503-4229-ba1c-5210ae54a4de/1/320x400.jpeg)
Patricia Smith
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fairfax, VA 22030 (Online Only)
My ideal client is the client who is coming to me ready to get to work to optimize their mental health. Everyone has health and everyone has mental health, therefore we can all experience mental illness. Whether you are coping with depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, bipolar disorder or other mental health concerns, my goal will be to help you understand your diagnosis and investigate the most effective means to help you reach wellness. My approach is highly collaborative, focused on client input as well as input from other members of the client’s care team.
My ideal client is the client who is coming to me ready to get to work to optimize their mental health. Everyone has health and everyone has mental health, therefore we can all experience mental illness. Whether you are coping with depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, bipolar disorder or other mental health concerns, my goal will be to help you understand your diagnosis and investigate the most effective means to help you reach wellness. My approach is highly collaborative, focused on client input as well as input from other members of the client’s care team.
![Photo of Dilys Chebe, PMHNP, DNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cb04838f-d31e-42e7-9e31-3c24de5d8c82/1/320x400.jpeg)
We all have solutions within us – it is a matter of learning how to tap into these solutions. The most effective way to heal is by focusing on your strengths, harness into your available resources, while getting the symptoms under control. At inspire behavioral health, we consider all treatment options available and strive to take a balanced and integrative approach. While it’s necessary to target the symptoms that lead someone to get help, but it is also important to understand that people are much more than symptoms they are experiencing.
We all have solutions within us – it is a matter of learning how to tap into these solutions. The most effective way to heal is by focusing on your strengths, harness into your available resources, while getting the symptoms under control. At inspire behavioral health, we consider all treatment options available and strive to take a balanced and integrative approach. While it’s necessary to target the symptoms that lead someone to get help, but it is also important to understand that people are much more than symptoms they are experiencing.
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![Photo of Dr. Ifeanyi Olele - Genesis Psychiatric Solutions, DO, MBA, MS, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4cb6fbbf-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Ifeanyi Olele - Genesis Psychiatric Solutions
Psychiatrist, DO, MBA, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fairfax, VA 22030
Thank you so much for considering Genesis Psychiatric Solutions. It is really a big step. Here are some reasons why people contact us: We work with busy professionals, healthcare workers, entrepreneurs, influencers, and creatives that are dealing with depression, anxiety, sleep issues, workplace stress/burnout, grief or trauma, OCD, and ADHD. We do not see you as a disorder, but a person who wants to improve their quality of life. We factor your total wellness and address it in your treatment.
Thank you so much for considering Genesis Psychiatric Solutions. It is really a big step. Here are some reasons why people contact us: We work with busy professionals, healthcare workers, entrepreneurs, influencers, and creatives that are dealing with depression, anxiety, sleep issues, workplace stress/burnout, grief or trauma, OCD, and ADHD. We do not see you as a disorder, but a person who wants to improve their quality of life. We factor your total wellness and address it in your treatment.
![Photo of Adaku Anike, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7b4e13d7-0484-4811-9817-09650308d837/1/320x400.png)
Adaku Anike is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Adaku cares for her clients by actively listening to their needs, offering empathy, and creating an individualized care plan tailored to their needs because every client's need is different.
Adaku Anike is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Adaku cares for her clients by actively listening to their needs, offering empathy, and creating an individualized care plan tailored to their needs because every client's need is different.
![Photo of Yuelei Dong, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/debd09f8-dff0-4e8e-b80c-ca5b2e186440/2/320x400.png)
Dr. Dong practices general adult psychiatry. She graduated from Tianjin Medical University, China and completed her psychiatric residency at University of Maryland and Sheppard Pratt Hospital. Dr. Dong served as a staff psychiatrist at Sheppard Pratt Hospital for two years. She specializes in depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, insomnia, trauma and relationship difficulties. Dr. Dong believes that medication management is most helpful when utilized in combination with psychotherapy.
Dr. Dong practices general adult psychiatry. She graduated from Tianjin Medical University, China and completed her psychiatric residency at University of Maryland and Sheppard Pratt Hospital. Dr. Dong served as a staff psychiatrist at Sheppard Pratt Hospital for two years. She specializes in depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, insomnia, trauma and relationship difficulties. Dr. Dong believes that medication management is most helpful when utilized in combination with psychotherapy.
![Photo of Dr. Fatima Noorani, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3a19b5bf-24ee-419b-8e4d-ca743fe66164/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Fatima Noorani
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
McLean, VA 22101
Not accepting new clients
Sometimes due to a diagnosis or circumstance, you may find yourself stuck, unable to perform, unhappy, or unfulfilled. I'm here to help you bounce back through treatments supported by scientific evidence, which may include medication, therapy, or both. Unlike many psychiatrists, I also offer psychotherapy. I collaborate with patients to integrate their life story, strengths, and values to support them in their unique journey toward personal growth and healing. While adults of all ages and backgrounds are welcome, I specialize in supporting multicultural and BIPOC clients, as well as pregnant and postpartum clients.
Sometimes due to a diagnosis or circumstance, you may find yourself stuck, unable to perform, unhappy, or unfulfilled. I'm here to help you bounce back through treatments supported by scientific evidence, which may include medication, therapy, or both. Unlike many psychiatrists, I also offer psychotherapy. I collaborate with patients to integrate their life story, strengths, and values to support them in their unique journey toward personal growth and healing. While adults of all ages and backgrounds are welcome, I specialize in supporting multicultural and BIPOC clients, as well as pregnant and postpartum clients.
![Photo of Michael R Sternberg, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d8f622c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I now provide video sessions for all of Virginia and Florida. I have over 25 years of experience treating patients of all ages. I work in a collaborative style, have excellent listening skills and work with you to find the right medication, if indicated, for your symptoms. I am compassionate and dedicated to help relieve your suffering. For more information, please visit my web site at michaelrsternbergmd.com
I now provide video sessions for all of Virginia and Florida. I have over 25 years of experience treating patients of all ages. I work in a collaborative style, have excellent listening skills and work with you to find the right medication, if indicated, for your symptoms. I am compassionate and dedicated to help relieve your suffering. For more information, please visit my web site at michaelrsternbergmd.com
![Photo of Rania Attia, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ef6738b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
As a physician, I have dedicated my career to the compassionate and comprehensive treatment of children, adolescents and young adults. I carry a double board certification in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry as well as Adult Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. I strongly believe that collaboration with other healthcare providers supports positive treatment outcomes. Typically, my treatment approach combines several modalities including medication (if needed) and psychotherapy. I treat a variety of conditions including disruptive behavioral disorders, impulse control disorders, ADHD, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders, depressive disorders, Autistic Spectrum disorders, tic disorders, OCD and psychotic disorders.
As a physician, I have dedicated my career to the compassionate and comprehensive treatment of children, adolescents and young adults. I carry a double board certification in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry as well as Adult Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. I strongly believe that collaboration with other healthcare providers supports positive treatment outcomes. Typically, my treatment approach combines several modalities including medication (if needed) and psychotherapy. I treat a variety of conditions including disruptive behavioral disorders, impulse control disorders, ADHD, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders, depressive disorders, Autistic Spectrum disorders, tic disorders, OCD and psychotic disorders.
![Photo of Josephine Dakin-Davis, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ab8c321-cc43-4fbd-a787-c02caee79897/1/320x400.png)
Josephine Dakin-Davis
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Alexandria, VA 22310 (Online Only)
Josephine Dakin- Davis is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHMP) in the of state Virginia. With over 15 years of clinical nursing experience, Josephine came to the realization that a sound mind is the precursor to the sound body and has an ardent passion for Mental Health. Her vast experience has helped her to understand the philosophy of mental health, and her nursing education has exposed her to a variety of health care settings.
Josephine Dakin- Davis is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHMP) in the of state Virginia. With over 15 years of clinical nursing experience, Josephine came to the realization that a sound mind is the precursor to the sound body and has an ardent passion for Mental Health. Her vast experience has helped her to understand the philosophy of mental health, and her nursing education has exposed her to a variety of health care settings.
![Photo of Ramatu Jalloh, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e2091d36-6813-4e79-a94d-f3ec3b0fc688/1/320x400.png)
Ramatu Jalloh
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Fairfax, VA 22030 (Online Only)
Book with me now by clicking on my website. I am dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive mental health care. My professional experience includes being a highly skilled Clinical Nurse Educator and a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Six years of acute care practice has allowed me to specialize in the treatment of various mental health disorders, including bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety.
Book with me now by clicking on my website. I am dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive mental health care. My professional experience includes being a highly skilled Clinical Nurse Educator and a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Six years of acute care practice has allowed me to specialize in the treatment of various mental health disorders, including bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety.
![Photo of Anyikia Forteh - Access Health Services, PMHNP , Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dde1cf1d-c438-4795-988e-84657190bc40/2/320x400.jpeg)
Anyinkia Forteh is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (BSN, MSN, PMHNP – BC) licensed in the states of Maryland, DC, and Virginia with experience in mental health. She is passionate about providing quality, compassionate, comprehensive, and patient-centered care. She utilizes evidence-based treatment guidelines in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating a wide range of mental health disorders not limited to Depression, Anxiety, insomnia, Bipolar, PTSD, Psychosis, OCD, Schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and ADHD.
Anyinkia Forteh is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (BSN, MSN, PMHNP – BC) licensed in the states of Maryland, DC, and Virginia with experience in mental health. She is passionate about providing quality, compassionate, comprehensive, and patient-centered care. She utilizes evidence-based treatment guidelines in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating a wide range of mental health disorders not limited to Depression, Anxiety, insomnia, Bipolar, PTSD, Psychosis, OCD, Schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and ADHD.
See more therapy options for Fairfax County
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Fairfax County, VA
300+
Average cost per session
$195
Psychiatrists in Fairfax County, VA who prioritize treating:
95% | Depression |
94% | Anxiety |
76% | Bipolar Disorder |
73% | Trauma and PTSD |
72% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
71% | ADHD |
64% | Medication Management |
Average years in practice
12 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
87% | Cigna and Evernorth |
83% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
81% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in Fairfax County, VA see their clients
60% | In Person and Online | |
40% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
73% | Female | |
26% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Fairfax 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.