Psychiatrists in Los Angeles, CA
![Photo of Lisa Chan, PA-C , Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b4c52301-29e8-409f-afc9-4687c7833658/1/320x400.jpeg)
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
![Photo of Janice Cahambing, PMHNP, ANP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/283ee51d-36d2-4a40-ba63-a32d353ce808/2/320x400.png)
Janice Cahambing
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, ANP-BC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90071 (Online Only)
Are you struggling with mental health symptoms but have remained silent? Do you feel that there is something not right about you but do not know what to do or who to talk to about it? Are you looking for a compassionate provider who you would want to be heard and understood? I help patients get the best of themselves in a nonjudgmental and empathetic way. At an early age, I gravitated toward mental health and have found myself drawn to understanding the complexities of human emotions and behavior.
Are you struggling with mental health symptoms but have remained silent? Do you feel that there is something not right about you but do not know what to do or who to talk to about it? Are you looking for a compassionate provider who you would want to be heard and understood? I help patients get the best of themselves in a nonjudgmental and empathetic way. At an early age, I gravitated toward mental health and have found myself drawn to understanding the complexities of human emotions and behavior.
![Photo of Meredith Harewood, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a635920d-8ebf-4551-86fa-735f5aded857/1/320x400.jpeg)
Meredith Harewood, MD is board-certified in General Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She considers the entire person and how they function within their social and cultural environment rather than simply a constellation of symptoms. She believes that the best treatment results from the bio-psycho-social approach to mental health. She provides medication management, psychotherapy in select cases, or a combination of the two. Her interests include anxiety disorders, depression, minority mental health, and maternal mental health. In addition to treating children as young as age 5 and adolescents.
Meredith Harewood, MD is board-certified in General Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She considers the entire person and how they function within their social and cultural environment rather than simply a constellation of symptoms. She believes that the best treatment results from the bio-psycho-social approach to mental health. She provides medication management, psychotherapy in select cases, or a combination of the two. Her interests include anxiety disorders, depression, minority mental health, and maternal mental health. In addition to treating children as young as age 5 and adolescents.
![Photo of Ingrid Suazo, DHA, MSN, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/000b26b6-7811-46aa-a390-59088ea1bed6/1/320x400.png)
Ingrid Suazo is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who has an extensive 10-year involvement working with severely mentally ill individuals. Her great passion is bringing out the fullest potential, and guiding healing to clients across the life span.
Ingrid Suazo is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who has an extensive 10-year involvement working with severely mentally ill individuals. Her great passion is bringing out the fullest potential, and guiding healing to clients across the life span.
![Photo of Barbara Huynh, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9116709b-3633-41ea-a55e-7d5fbbae4038/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Barbara Huynh is a board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in treating adults with mental health disorders. She has a particular interest in treating individuals who struggle with mood and anxiety disorders, trauma-related disorders, and women’s mental health. Presently she is practicing at SavantCare Mental Health Clinics in California. For appointments contact SavantCare at Rancho Santa Margarita- Ph: (949) 490-6362, Ontario- Ph: (909) 450-8020, Bakersfield- Ph: (424) 425-1232 and Long Beach- Ph: (559) 550-1764.
Dr. Barbara Huynh is a board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in treating adults with mental health disorders. She has a particular interest in treating individuals who struggle with mood and anxiety disorders, trauma-related disorders, and women’s mental health. Presently she is practicing at SavantCare Mental Health Clinics in California. For appointments contact SavantCare at Rancho Santa Margarita- Ph: (949) 490-6362, Ontario- Ph: (909) 450-8020, Bakersfield- Ph: (424) 425-1232 and Long Beach- Ph: (559) 550-1764.
![Photo of Dr. Simbiat (Dr. Sim) Oladiran-Adighije, PMHNP, PhD, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5bcdfe58-28f6-4f15-9140-db555f95ff5b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Simbiat (Dr. Sim) Oladiran-Adighije
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, PhD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Introducing Dr. Sim: Your Partner in Mental Health and Well-being! Looking for expert guidance and support on your mental health journey? Meet Dr. Simbiat Oladiran-Adighije, affectionately known as Dr. Sim! With over 14 years of experience, she's your go-to professional specializing in Adult ADHD, Anxiety disorders, Mood Disorders (Depressive disorders & Bipolar disorders), Perinatal psychiatry, and comorbid mental disorders. Dr. Sim is not your average clinician—she's a trailblazer.
Introducing Dr. Sim: Your Partner in Mental Health and Well-being! Looking for expert guidance and support on your mental health journey? Meet Dr. Simbiat Oladiran-Adighije, affectionately known as Dr. Sim! With over 14 years of experience, she's your go-to professional specializing in Adult ADHD, Anxiety disorders, Mood Disorders (Depressive disorders & Bipolar disorders), Perinatal psychiatry, and comorbid mental disorders. Dr. Sim is not your average clinician—she's a trailblazer.
![Photo of Michael Kanell, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6d4836d0-a445-4d91-a7da-a8884dc78120/2/320x400.jpeg)
Currently accepting new patients. Dr. Kanell is a board-certified psychiatrist practicing in West Los Angeles and remotely in Tennessee. Dr. Kanell's approach balances evidence-based medication with emotionally aware therapy to help you make real change. His goal is to help you live your own life honestly and build the self-reliance to take control of your future and make deep character change.
Currently accepting new patients. Dr. Kanell is a board-certified psychiatrist practicing in West Los Angeles and remotely in Tennessee. Dr. Kanell's approach balances evidence-based medication with emotionally aware therapy to help you make real change. His goal is to help you live your own life honestly and build the self-reliance to take control of your future and make deep character change.
![Photo of Adam Cotsen, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4001e5c5-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Your mental health needs all addressed in one place. PSYCHOTHERAPY - to help with the important issues in your life. Medication - just for those times when the therapy we are doing together is not enough. Harvard educated and trained in both psychotherapy and medication management, I understand the advantages of each and am able to combine them in a treatment plan that best suits you.
Your mental health needs all addressed in one place. PSYCHOTHERAPY - to help with the important issues in your life. Medication - just for those times when the therapy we are doing together is not enough. Harvard educated and trained in both psychotherapy and medication management, I understand the advantages of each and am able to combine them in a treatment plan that best suits you.
![Photo of Soroya Bacchus - Psychiatry Unplugged, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c84b1e8-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Bacchus is highly-skilled, warm, well-regarded. Empathy, compassion and understanding buttress all evaluations. She is board certified in psychiatry, addiction medicine, psychosomatic medicine and geriatric psychiatry. Integrative psychiatry is a biopsychosocial approach to total health. Functional capability and full mind and body health restoration is the goal. This approach is comprehensive, simple, fast and highly customized for each patient. Dr. Bacchus is able to help you identify the core issues of difficulty and address them with medication assisted treatment and psychotherapy in the quickest and easiest way possible.
Dr. Bacchus is highly-skilled, warm, well-regarded. Empathy, compassion and understanding buttress all evaluations. She is board certified in psychiatry, addiction medicine, psychosomatic medicine and geriatric psychiatry. Integrative psychiatry is a biopsychosocial approach to total health. Functional capability and full mind and body health restoration is the goal. This approach is comprehensive, simple, fast and highly customized for each patient. Dr. Bacchus is able to help you identify the core issues of difficulty and address them with medication assisted treatment and psychotherapy in the quickest and easiest way possible.
![Photo of Carolina Covarrubias, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46b79d89-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a UCLA Board Certified Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist who specializes in providing a holistic approach to mental health. I believe that some people benefit greatly from medications and others may need different treatments to recover, such as supplements, therapy, and lifestyle changes. I pride myself in not over-prescribing medications and I enjoy educating patients and letting them play a part in developing a well rounded treatment plan. The people I treat would tell you that I have a warm and caring personality and that I always have their best interest in mind.
I am a UCLA Board Certified Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist who specializes in providing a holistic approach to mental health. I believe that some people benefit greatly from medications and others may need different treatments to recover, such as supplements, therapy, and lifestyle changes. I pride myself in not over-prescribing medications and I enjoy educating patients and letting them play a part in developing a well rounded treatment plan. The people I treat would tell you that I have a warm and caring personality and that I always have their best interest in mind.
![Photo of Kyle P. Smith, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4f007eb4-bbf0-4b93-8d57-277b445aadeb/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Kyle P. Smith is a Harvard-educated, Cornell-educated, UCLA-trained psychiatrist in Los Angeles. He has an office in Los Feliz. He is a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of depression, anxiety, addiction, PTSD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder (BPD). He also offers ketamine therapy for several conditions.
Dr. Kyle P. Smith is a Harvard-educated, Cornell-educated, UCLA-trained psychiatrist in Los Angeles. He has an office in Los Feliz. He is a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of depression, anxiety, addiction, PTSD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder (BPD). He also offers ketamine therapy for several conditions.
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![Photo of Dr. Nigel I Kennedy, MD, PhD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5f59b112-04f2-4075-a874-5506f2089109/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am a board certified psychiatrist, a medical doctor who specializes in treating adults experiencing anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. I apply a combination of medication management and individual therapy. The first appointment is an in depth assessment to understand your symptoms and to make a plan for treatment, specifically tailored to you.
I am a board certified psychiatrist, a medical doctor who specializes in treating adults experiencing anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. I apply a combination of medication management and individual therapy. The first appointment is an in depth assessment to understand your symptoms and to make a plan for treatment, specifically tailored to you.
![Photo of Carmela Zaragoza, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/80d678ca-21ca-45f0-b54f-033fa838cce3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Carmela Zaragoza
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90064 (Online Only)
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
![Photo of Dave Auluck - The Focus Doc, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e1eac050-ea05-495f-b90e-5b4a86734788/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Dave Auluck, M.D. is a 3rd generation physician, 2nd generation psychiatrist, and physician educator. He is passionate about improving the mental health treatment experience. His mission is to ensure personalized, industry-leading, preeminent care is accessible and affordable. He has worked with thousands of patients over the years and overseen program development for tens of thousands of others. He truly understands there is no "one size fits all" approach.
Dr. Dave Auluck, M.D. is a 3rd generation physician, 2nd generation psychiatrist, and physician educator. He is passionate about improving the mental health treatment experience. His mission is to ensure personalized, industry-leading, preeminent care is accessible and affordable. He has worked with thousands of patients over the years and overseen program development for tens of thousands of others. He truly understands there is no "one size fits all" approach.
![Photo of Mark McDonald, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3804a38e-2638-44d3-92a3-7ef33bdbc5e9/1/320x400.jpeg)
My patients value in-person care outside the now discredited US medical institution, from a doctor whose goal is to guide them toward health, with or without prescription drugs. They are looking for a doctor who is not beholden to any corporate interest and still follows real science and not propaganda. They want the government out of the doctor-patient relationship. They want a mask-free environment. They want the truth. They want to think for themselves. www.dissidentmd.com.
My patients value in-person care outside the now discredited US medical institution, from a doctor whose goal is to guide them toward health, with or without prescription drugs. They are looking for a doctor who is not beholden to any corporate interest and still follows real science and not propaganda. They want the government out of the doctor-patient relationship. They want a mask-free environment. They want the truth. They want to think for themselves. www.dissidentmd.com.
![Photo of Kelechi joelson Okwaraji, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cf96c206-b265-43b1-9541-1884b34aad75/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kelechi joelson Okwaraji
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90065 (Online Only)
As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, my commitment to your well-being is rooted in empathy, compassion, and a profound understanding of the complexities surrounding mental health. I recognize the courage it takes to seek help and embark on a journey towards healing, and I am here to provide you with unwavering support. My approach to psychiatric care is founded on the belief that each individual is unique, and their experiences shape their mental health. I am dedicated to creating a safe and non-judgmental space where you can openly share your thoughts and feelings. Your concerns will be heard with the utmost respect, and together,
As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, my commitment to your well-being is rooted in empathy, compassion, and a profound understanding of the complexities surrounding mental health. I recognize the courage it takes to seek help and embark on a journey towards healing, and I am here to provide you with unwavering support. My approach to psychiatric care is founded on the belief that each individual is unique, and their experiences shape their mental health. I am dedicated to creating a safe and non-judgmental space where you can openly share your thoughts and feelings. Your concerns will be heard with the utmost respect, and together,
![Photo of Melanie Jimenez, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/17d52498-a2e8-49eb-bac6-f2510dc243d9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Melanie Jimenez
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90017
My ideal client is someone who has been struggling with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD, or chronic pain. They may have tried multiple treatments without finding the relief they need. This person is looking for innovative and effective solutions to manage their mental health conditions and improve their quality of life. They are seeking hope and a new approach after feeling stuck or frustrated with traditional treatments. Their needs include a comprehensive assessment of their mental health condition, a clear understanding of their treatment options, and a supportive environment.
My ideal client is someone who has been struggling with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD, or chronic pain. They may have tried multiple treatments without finding the relief they need. This person is looking for innovative and effective solutions to manage their mental health conditions and improve their quality of life. They are seeking hope and a new approach after feeling stuck or frustrated with traditional treatments. Their needs include a comprehensive assessment of their mental health condition, a clear understanding of their treatment options, and a supportive environment.
![Photo of Justin Roberts, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fe3359c7-685f-4a09-8ee6-ac02e1938737/2/320x400.jpeg)
Justin Roberts
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90026 (Online Only)
While I am positioned to offer a LGBTQ+ perspective in my practice, I support clients from all backgrounds in reaching their mental health goals through compassionate, patient-centered care. I specialize in LGBTQ+ issues, sex-positive counseling, mood disorders, and substance use disorders for adults over 18 years old. I approach all clients with curiosity and an open mind, using psychotherapeutic modalities centered in mindfulness and current evidence-based treatment.
While I am positioned to offer a LGBTQ+ perspective in my practice, I support clients from all backgrounds in reaching their mental health goals through compassionate, patient-centered care. I specialize in LGBTQ+ issues, sex-positive counseling, mood disorders, and substance use disorders for adults over 18 years old. I approach all clients with curiosity and an open mind, using psychotherapeutic modalities centered in mindfulness and current evidence-based treatment.
![Photo of Lisa Frank, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6a01880f-3627-402d-9acb-2270c034fd70/1/320x400.jpeg)
As a board-certified psychiatrist, I am able to assist you with medications and/or therapy. I have practiced for 20+ years in a variety of settings, including inpatient, outpatient, partial hospital programs, and residential settings. My speciality areas include depression, mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, OCD, and overall emotional well being. I especially enjoy working with the LGBTQI+ community and strive to provide culturally competent care to marginalized populations. As an artist myself, I enjoy working with writers, visual artists, performers and creatives of all kinds. I also provide creativity coaching.
As a board-certified psychiatrist, I am able to assist you with medications and/or therapy. I have practiced for 20+ years in a variety of settings, including inpatient, outpatient, partial hospital programs, and residential settings. My speciality areas include depression, mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, OCD, and overall emotional well being. I especially enjoy working with the LGBTQI+ community and strive to provide culturally competent care to marginalized populations. As an artist myself, I enjoy working with writers, visual artists, performers and creatives of all kinds. I also provide creativity coaching.
![Photo of Ijaz Rasul - Telepsychiatrist_Piedmont Behavioral Services, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/22e0e78e-61d2-4aea-ba6b-8e8791823c74/2/320x400.jpeg)
Telepsychiatrist_Piedmont Behavioral Services
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90005
We provide Child and Adult Psychiatry, Therapy and Substance abuse via video for clients across California. Our Board Certified Psychiatrists and Therapists are available to help everyday and we can offer same day appointments. Telepsychiatry or Telemedicine uses video link (via computer or smartphone) to offer appointments from home or outside clinic. It offers the option to see a psychiatrist from home. Please use our website or below link to make an appointment. https://piedmontbs.com/telepsychiatry/
We provide Child and Adult Psychiatry, Therapy and Substance abuse via video for clients across California. Our Board Certified Psychiatrists and Therapists are available to help everyday and we can offer same day appointments. Telepsychiatry or Telemedicine uses video link (via computer or smartphone) to offer appointments from home or outside clinic. It offers the option to see a psychiatrist from home. Please use our website or below link to make an appointment. https://piedmontbs.com/telepsychiatry/
See more therapy options for Los Angeles
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Los Angeles, CA
600+
Average cost per session
$250
Psychiatrists in Los Angeles, CA who prioritize treating:
94% | Anxiety |
93% | Depression |
78% | Bipolar Disorder |
75% | ADHD |
74% | Trauma and PTSD |
73% | Medication Management |
71% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
94% | Aetna |
92% | Cigna and Evernorth |
87% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in Los Angeles, CA see their clients
53% | Online Only | |
47% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
61% | Female | |
38% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Los Angeles?
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.