Psychiatrists in Virginia Beach City County, VA
![Photo of Robert F Busch, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ef229258-af6c-401d-ac66-67a2cab6af40/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Robert F. Busch, MD Dr. Robert F. Busch is a Psychiatrist in Virginia who has been practicing since 2014. Dr. Busch has a whole health perspective, addressing mental and physical pain in a compassionate way. This is because it is imperative to understanding a person through their mental, physical, emotional, interpersonal, and spiritual health. Dr. Busch utilizes up to date science and combines it with psychiatric techniques to offer plans tailored to the individual to optimize wellbeing. Dr. Busch will be a coach in your corner to help you.
Dr. Robert F. Busch, MD Dr. Robert F. Busch is a Psychiatrist in Virginia who has been practicing since 2014. Dr. Busch has a whole health perspective, addressing mental and physical pain in a compassionate way. This is because it is imperative to understanding a person through their mental, physical, emotional, interpersonal, and spiritual health. Dr. Busch utilizes up to date science and combines it with psychiatric techniques to offer plans tailored to the individual to optimize wellbeing. Dr. Busch will be a coach in your corner to help you.
![Photo of Liliana Kim, DNP, PMHNP, FNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2c4e45af-9322-4bf9-8a03-2859eed61807/3/320x400.jpeg)
Liliana Kim
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP-C
Verified Verified
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
Dr. Liliana Kim, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner providing care to patients in Virginia. Dr. Kim started her career as a critical care nurse in multiple, complex health care environments such as Neonatal ICU, Cardiac ICU, and General ICU. After earning her Doctorate degree in Family Nursing Practice at the Medical University of South Carolina, she participated in two major clinical research studies, that were part of the Operation Warp Speed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Liliana Kim, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner providing care to patients in Virginia. Dr. Kim started her career as a critical care nurse in multiple, complex health care environments such as Neonatal ICU, Cardiac ICU, and General ICU. After earning her Doctorate degree in Family Nursing Practice at the Medical University of South Carolina, she participated in two major clinical research studies, that were part of the Operation Warp Speed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
![Photo of Thrishanna Clark, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7233795f-f22f-4830-9367-db35261edb50/2/320x400.jpeg)
Thrishanna Clark
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Virginia Beach, VA 23464 (Online Only)
My goal is to help YOU become the BEST version of yourself that you can be. I prioritize my client's concerns and needs throughout their journey. This is a no judgement, stigma free zone. I aim to provide safe, effective, trustworthy client centered care. Everyone is unique. So, I value providing unique experiences to each individual. I welcome cultural diversity and individuals of different backgrounds.
My goal is to help YOU become the BEST version of yourself that you can be. I prioritize my client's concerns and needs throughout their journey. This is a no judgement, stigma free zone. I aim to provide safe, effective, trustworthy client centered care. Everyone is unique. So, I value providing unique experiences to each individual. I welcome cultural diversity and individuals of different backgrounds.
![Photo of Arun Paul, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d8bdf749-88ec-433f-ab26-2385ed017676/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Arun Paul has completed his Adult Psychiatry Residency from Jamaica Hospital and Child and Adolescent Fellowship from Elmhurst Hospital in New York. Dr. Paul has extensive experience in treating wide variety of mental health conditions including Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Psychosis, Trauma related disorders and many others. He believes in collaborative approach and individualized treatment planning to improve one's overall quality of life and functioning.
Dr. Arun Paul has completed his Adult Psychiatry Residency from Jamaica Hospital and Child and Adolescent Fellowship from Elmhurst Hospital in New York. Dr. Paul has extensive experience in treating wide variety of mental health conditions including Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Psychosis, Trauma related disorders and many others. He believes in collaborative approach and individualized treatment planning to improve one's overall quality of life and functioning.
![Photo of Mariam Bouanane-Smith, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5d960a0a-f98d-488d-b045-03d8da0c2afb/1/320x400.jpeg)
Mariam Bouanane-Smith
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
Now accepting NEW Clients. Hello, my name is Mariam Bouanane-Smith, a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who is passionate about providing personalized and empathetic mental healthcare to individuals from diverse backgrounds. I have had the privilege of working with people from all walks of life in various settings, helping individuals of all ages overcome mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and PTSD. I believe every person deserves compassionate and effective mental healthcare.
Now accepting NEW Clients. Hello, my name is Mariam Bouanane-Smith, a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who is passionate about providing personalized and empathetic mental healthcare to individuals from diverse backgrounds. I have had the privilege of working with people from all walks of life in various settings, helping individuals of all ages overcome mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and PTSD. I believe every person deserves compassionate and effective mental healthcare.
![Photo of Lekisha Caprice Pride, DNP, APRN, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e316ef9b-0eae-4992-934e-d215e8481b32/1/320x400.png)
Lekisha Caprice Pride
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
Virginia Beach, VA 23454 (Online Only)
As a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a doctoral degree, I am dedicated to providing comprehensive mental health care to individuals aged 18 and older.I am committed to creating a therapeutic environment where patients feel safe, heard, and supported.
As a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a doctoral degree, I am dedicated to providing comprehensive mental health care to individuals aged 18 and older.I am committed to creating a therapeutic environment where patients feel safe, heard, and supported.
![Photo of Cynthia Awadzi, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/910a9d5e-92ca-4ab8-9175-622aa6e43cb2/1/320x400.png)
I'm a psychiatric and family nurse practitioner with a doctoral degree, my professional journey spans comprehensive experiences in inpatient, community, and outpatient settings, affording me a deep understanding of diverse patient needs. Supportive therapy is included in all sessions, ensuring a holistic approach to care that addresses emotional well-being alongside other therapeutic modalities. Supportive therapy dives into fostering a safe environment for open dialogue, validating emotions, and providing guidance and coping strategies tailored to individual needs.
I'm a psychiatric and family nurse practitioner with a doctoral degree, my professional journey spans comprehensive experiences in inpatient, community, and outpatient settings, affording me a deep understanding of diverse patient needs. Supportive therapy is included in all sessions, ensuring a holistic approach to care that addresses emotional well-being alongside other therapeutic modalities. Supportive therapy dives into fostering a safe environment for open dialogue, validating emotions, and providing guidance and coping strategies tailored to individual needs.
![Photo of Katharine W Heatwole - Ocean Psychiatric Group, P.C., MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e9ce1eb-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ocean Psychiatric Group P.C, is a collaborative group of Neurological and Mental Health professionals who will serve your needs with competence, integrity and compassion. We are a group of individuals licensed in Psychiatry, Neurology, Clinical Psychology, Professional Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Clinical Social Work, Neuropsychological and Psychological Testing. Our practice is complemented by Prescribing Nurse Practitioners, Board Certified in Psychiatric and Family Medicine . We are committed to provide excellent patient care within our specialties, in a confidential and comfortable environment.
Ocean Psychiatric Group P.C, is a collaborative group of Neurological and Mental Health professionals who will serve your needs with competence, integrity and compassion. We are a group of individuals licensed in Psychiatry, Neurology, Clinical Psychology, Professional Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Clinical Social Work, Neuropsychological and Psychological Testing. Our practice is complemented by Prescribing Nurse Practitioners, Board Certified in Psychiatric and Family Medicine . We are committed to provide excellent patient care within our specialties, in a confidential and comfortable environment.
![Photo of Dr. Morgan Alexander, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ec372beb-b437-4360-9504-5ec9d190912f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Meet Dr. Alexander: a psychiatrist with a distinctive blend of empathy and expertise. Trained at Wright State University with a focus on integrating psychotherapy and psychopharmacology, Dr. Alexander excels in delivering personalized treatment plans with proven effectiveness. She actively engages with the narratives that shape patients' lives, forging therapeutic alliances as unique as the individuals she serves. This patient-first approach, combined with a rich background in community engagement, positions Dr. Alexander as a psychiatrist who understands the complexities of the complete human experience - mind, body and spirit.
Meet Dr. Alexander: a psychiatrist with a distinctive blend of empathy and expertise. Trained at Wright State University with a focus on integrating psychotherapy and psychopharmacology, Dr. Alexander excels in delivering personalized treatment plans with proven effectiveness. She actively engages with the narratives that shape patients' lives, forging therapeutic alliances as unique as the individuals she serves. This patient-first approach, combined with a rich background in community engagement, positions Dr. Alexander as a psychiatrist who understands the complexities of the complete human experience - mind, body and spirit.
![Photo of Alyson Myers - Meridian Psychotherapy Services, MD, PMHNP, LCSW, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2ece7d88-fee2-4b73-bc59-71cd59d5d0de/2/320x400.jpeg)
Meridian Psychotherapy Services
Psychiatrist, MD, PMHNP, LCSW
Verified Verified
Virginia Beach, VA 23455
Meridian Psychotherapy Services is a leading and trusted Hampton Roads mental health practice for over 30 years. Our expert staff of physicians, nurse practitioners, and mental health professionals are committed to helping adults and adolescents through individual, group, couples, and family counseling services.
Meridian Psychotherapy Services is a leading and trusted Hampton Roads mental health practice for over 30 years. Our expert staff of physicians, nurse practitioners, and mental health professionals are committed to helping adults and adolescents through individual, group, couples, and family counseling services.
![Photo of Yongbing L Pu, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/409bc1c2-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a board certified psychiatrist. I provide psychiatry outpatient service in South Hampton Roads, including Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Suffolk and Chesapeake. If you are struggling with depression, stress, bipolar disorder or difficulty focusing but talk therapy alone not solving your problems, I can help you with medications. I provide psychiatry medication management for self-pay patient with a reasonable rate because I choose not to take insurance, thus reducing administrative cost.
I am a board certified psychiatrist. I provide psychiatry outpatient service in South Hampton Roads, including Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Suffolk and Chesapeake. If you are struggling with depression, stress, bipolar disorder or difficulty focusing but talk therapy alone not solving your problems, I can help you with medications. I provide psychiatry medication management for self-pay patient with a reasonable rate because I choose not to take insurance, thus reducing administrative cost.
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![Photo of Brent Coyle, PhD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a15f1206-3afb-402b-9282-a8af86c5f21f/2/320x400.png)
Brent R. Coyle, M.D. is a Board Certified Psychiatrist with the additional distinction of "Distinguished Fellow," with over 36 years of experience in psychiatry in various settings, including inpatient, academic, and outpatient. Dr. Coyle received his M.D. from The University of Minnesota, Mpls. campus, and he completed his Psychiatric Residency at Wilford Hall, USAF Medical Center in San Antonio, TX. His clinical passion is Patient-Centered Care and working in collaboration with Clients to assist them with their mental health and well-being.
Brent R. Coyle, M.D. is a Board Certified Psychiatrist with the additional distinction of "Distinguished Fellow," with over 36 years of experience in psychiatry in various settings, including inpatient, academic, and outpatient. Dr. Coyle received his M.D. from The University of Minnesota, Mpls. campus, and he completed his Psychiatric Residency at Wilford Hall, USAF Medical Center in San Antonio, TX. His clinical passion is Patient-Centered Care and working in collaboration with Clients to assist them with their mental health and well-being.
Dorothy (Dee) Burke
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, ARNP-BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Virginia Beach, VA 23464 (Online Only)
Life stress can lead to anxiety and depression that makes it even more difficult to cope. Perhaps you feel capable in certain areas of your life while at a loss in others. Finding support is a sign of strength because it means you’re not giving up. I have been performing psychiatric evaluations, doing medication management, using brief therapy and can help with Suboxone if needed.
Life stress can lead to anxiety and depression that makes it even more difficult to cope. Perhaps you feel capable in certain areas of your life while at a loss in others. Finding support is a sign of strength because it means you’re not giving up. I have been performing psychiatric evaluations, doing medication management, using brief therapy and can help with Suboxone if needed.
![Photo of Khaleelah Ishmael Pope, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c8afe602-f96c-42c5-8be6-6713c86b8a25/2/320x400.jpeg)
Khaleelah Ishmael Pope
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Virginia Beach, VA 23452 (Online Only)
Khaleelah provides services for psychiatric care for patients across the lifespan (ages 5-60). Khaleelah is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with extensive years of service in the mental health field. Identifying the need for additional providers in the mental health field, Khaleelah paired her passion of psychology and physical sciences to further support the need for mental health providers. During her career path, Khaleelah has worked in various capacities as a mental health provider, to include, adolescent group home counselor, behavior specialist, psychiatric nurse, medication mngmt.
Khaleelah provides services for psychiatric care for patients across the lifespan (ages 5-60). Khaleelah is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with extensive years of service in the mental health field. Identifying the need for additional providers in the mental health field, Khaleelah paired her passion of psychology and physical sciences to further support the need for mental health providers. During her career path, Khaleelah has worked in various capacities as a mental health provider, to include, adolescent group home counselor, behavior specialist, psychiatric nurse, medication mngmt.
![Photo of Javier Way - TrueWay Psychiatry , PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1f803447-7662-4c4d-affa-fe666e54403a/2/320x400.jpeg)
TrueWay Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Virginia Beach, VA 23452 (Online Only)
Here at TrueWay we love to help people who are struggling mentally and need a sense of direction. You don’t need to know the exact cause of the underlying issue quite yet - that’s what we are here to help you figure out. Once you are able to identify the trigger and stressors in your life; you are better able to manage them. Whether that is with medications, nutrition, supplements, or talk therapy. At TrueWay we are here to help you find your way to mental wellness.
Here at TrueWay we love to help people who are struggling mentally and need a sense of direction. You don’t need to know the exact cause of the underlying issue quite yet - that’s what we are here to help you figure out. Once you are able to identify the trigger and stressors in your life; you are better able to manage them. Whether that is with medications, nutrition, supplements, or talk therapy. At TrueWay we are here to help you find your way to mental wellness.
![Photo of Krista Pembroke, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fe6fcec6-0f8e-4656-a237-2cda7d56c0b2/1/320x400.jpeg)
Krista Pembroke
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Virginia Beach, VA 23451 (Online Only)
Accepting New Patients- Immediate Openings! Click on my "Website" to schedule online now. Hi there! I provide psychiatric therapy and medication management. I have years of experience managing complex patients as part of a treatment team while working in acute psychiatric units and hospital settings in Hampton Roads, VA and Florida.
Accepting New Patients- Immediate Openings! Click on my "Website" to schedule online now. Hi there! I provide psychiatric therapy and medication management. I have years of experience managing complex patients as part of a treatment team while working in acute psychiatric units and hospital settings in Hampton Roads, VA and Florida.
![Photo of Danielle Kassella, DNP, APRN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ba813821-55be-4250-b819-50a1f316a925/1/320x400.jpeg)
Danielle Kassella
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Virginia Beach, VA 23464 (Online Only)
Do you feel alone, even when you are surrounded by people? Do your dark thoughts and feelings impact your energy, sleep, appetite, or sex life? Is it difficult to enjoy time with family and friends, or function at work? Do you feel misunderstood and helpless to change your situation?
Do you feel alone, even when you are surrounded by people? Do your dark thoughts and feelings impact your energy, sleep, appetite, or sex life? Is it difficult to enjoy time with family and friends, or function at work? Do you feel misunderstood and helpless to change your situation?
![Photo of Heather Hall Jones, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d6359c6-2ab0-46d9-ad2f-4cf3406a031d/1/320x400.jpeg)
My ideal patient believes there is a better way to thrive; not just live, but is unsure of the steps needed to achieve this goal. They are open to an inclusive, thorough, approach tailored to where they are now and where they want to be in the future. I offer an approach to mental wellness involving nutrition, exercise, lifestyle modifications, and if necessary, medication. I aim to establish balance in the divergent complexities of modern life & guide patients to a sense overall stability; so, when the inevitable storm passes through their lives, they can maintain the course.
My ideal patient believes there is a better way to thrive; not just live, but is unsure of the steps needed to achieve this goal. They are open to an inclusive, thorough, approach tailored to where they are now and where they want to be in the future. I offer an approach to mental wellness involving nutrition, exercise, lifestyle modifications, and if necessary, medication. I aim to establish balance in the divergent complexities of modern life & guide patients to a sense overall stability; so, when the inevitable storm passes through their lives, they can maintain the course.
![Photo of Genise Binns, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ab94b7e2-51a0-4d71-8c07-b0546e0016b4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Being here means that you have taken a step in the right direction. That you are looking to find inner peace and you aren't afraid to ask for help. Its perfectly fine to feel confused and lost at times. And with the right skills, you can make it through the toughest times. Learning how to master your emotions and understand how things impact you is key to finding strength and moving forward in life. To schedule online please go to https://provider.kareo.com/genise-binns-1
Being here means that you have taken a step in the right direction. That you are looking to find inner peace and you aren't afraid to ask for help. Its perfectly fine to feel confused and lost at times. And with the right skills, you can make it through the toughest times. Learning how to master your emotions and understand how things impact you is key to finding strength and moving forward in life. To schedule online please go to https://provider.kareo.com/genise-binns-1
![Photo of Danielle C Gange, NP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a7b92688-95d3-4aaf-bb1c-69a88a888f2f/2/320x400.png)
Danielle C Gange
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Virginia Beach, VA 23455
Ms. Gange provides addiction treatment as well as mental health medication management services to adolescents and adults. She provides treatment for co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders. Ms. Gange is certified to provide Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opiate use disorder using buprenorphine (Suboxone) and is experienced in treating other substance use disorders. An additional area of clinical focus includes comprehensive treatment for benzodiazepine dependence.
Ms. Gange provides addiction treatment as well as mental health medication management services to adolescents and adults. She provides treatment for co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders. Ms. Gange is certified to provide Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opiate use disorder using buprenorphine (Suboxone) and is experienced in treating other substance use disorders. An additional area of clinical focus includes comprehensive treatment for benzodiazepine dependence.
See more therapy options for Virginia Beach City County
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Virginia Beach City County, VA
100+
Average cost per session
$190
Psychiatrists in Virginia Beach City County, VA who prioritize treating:
95% | Anxiety |
94% | Depression |
77% | Bipolar Disorder |
75% | Medication Management |
73% | Trauma and PTSD |
66% | ADHD |
66% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
8 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
86% | Cigna and Evernorth |
83% | Aetna |
81% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
How Psychiatrists in Virginia Beach City County, VA see their clients
52% | In Person and Online | |
48% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
77% | Female | |
23% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Virginia Beach 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.