Psychiatrists in Washington County, VT
![Photo of Venita Ninemire, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4680ce5b-504f-4085-8093-400a2f6d34e6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Venita Ninemire
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Barre, VT 05641 (Online Only)
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with dual certification as a family nurse practitioner. I am trained and experienced in helping you manage your mental health medication needs. I enjoy cooking, baking, laughing, and working with people. Like many of you, my house is messy, but my guests feel welcome, and my kids all know where to find the ice cream and snacks. Let me get to know and help you.
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with dual certification as a family nurse practitioner. I am trained and experienced in helping you manage your mental health medication needs. I enjoy cooking, baking, laughing, and working with people. Like many of you, my house is messy, but my guests feel welcome, and my kids all know where to find the ice cream and snacks. Let me get to know and help you.
![Photo of Jeff Lourie, PMHNP, FNP, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/80b33c7a-5b22-4ac3-8ab4-344c68512f5b/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a dual board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) dedicated to providing compassionate, individualized, holistic mental health treatment. I use a comprehensive approach to mental health, integrating medication management in coordination with the rest of your team. My practice is built on the belief that everyone deserves access to high-quality, personalized mental health care.
I am a dual board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) dedicated to providing compassionate, individualized, holistic mental health treatment. I use a comprehensive approach to mental health, integrating medication management in coordination with the rest of your team. My practice is built on the belief that everyone deserves access to high-quality, personalized mental health care.
![Photo of Carolyn Simmons Gaeckle, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8f1534d0-1e4f-41d7-823c-9aa22ec4443a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Carolyn Simmons Gaeckle
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Northfield, VT 05663 (Online Only)
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I started my nursing career in community health where I quickly realized the great need for psychiatric care providers. I transitioned into psychiatric care six years ago because I believe that all people should have access to care that will allow them to reach their full potential. I believe in a holistic practice, treating the body, mind, and spirit as a whole.
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I started my nursing career in community health where I quickly realized the great need for psychiatric care providers. I transitioned into psychiatric care six years ago because I believe that all people should have access to care that will allow them to reach their full potential. I believe in a holistic practice, treating the body, mind, and spirit as a whole.
![Photo of Katie M Whitaker, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a66ce7f4-764e-4840-b66c-03ae23c2f798/1/320x400.jpeg)
Katie M Whitaker
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Montpelier, VT 05602
Waitlist for new clients
I am passionate about supporting people on their path to becoming their healthiest, happiest, and most embodied selves. I believe that we all have the power to tap into our own inner healer and find our way toward wellness. My focus is on holistic treatment models, specializing in consciousness medicine. I utilize an integrative approach to these therapies as a PMHNP-BC. I have completed the 100-hr training with Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) in MDMA-assisted therapy and am in the supervision phase of my certificate in Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy through Polaris Insight Center.
I am passionate about supporting people on their path to becoming their healthiest, happiest, and most embodied selves. I believe that we all have the power to tap into our own inner healer and find our way toward wellness. My focus is on holistic treatment models, specializing in consciousness medicine. I utilize an integrative approach to these therapies as a PMHNP-BC. I have completed the 100-hr training with Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) in MDMA-assisted therapy and am in the supervision phase of my certificate in Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy through Polaris Insight Center.
![Photo of Dr. Jada Marie Khosla - Partners In Integrative Healing, State Street TMS, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4b56cc0a-ffa4-4d95-a0ee-7019c3dd7f82/2/320x400.jpeg)
Partners In Integrative Healing, State Street TMS
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Montpelier, VT 05602
My current expertise and interests are; Community Psychiatry and building relationships within the natural environment. I perform second opinion consultations for complex cases or people who feel misdiagnosed. I have a focus on Women’s health and Reproductive Psychiatry, treating persons throughout the perinatal journey, I am an advocate and ally of LGBTQ and BIPOC community and am committed to an anti-racist and inclusive therapeutic stance. Integrative General Psychiatry, which includes traditional approaches in addition to holistic approaches. Interventional Psychiatry; transcranial magnetic stimulation and esketamine.
My current expertise and interests are; Community Psychiatry and building relationships within the natural environment. I perform second opinion consultations for complex cases or people who feel misdiagnosed. I have a focus on Women’s health and Reproductive Psychiatry, treating persons throughout the perinatal journey, I am an advocate and ally of LGBTQ and BIPOC community and am committed to an anti-racist and inclusive therapeutic stance. Integrative General Psychiatry, which includes traditional approaches in addition to holistic approaches. Interventional Psychiatry; transcranial magnetic stimulation and esketamine.
![Photo of Davonna Wilson - Balance Psychiatric Services, DNP, CRNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5de26141-b11b-4551-9efd-a941a3b16dc5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Balance Psychiatric Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, CRNP
Verified Verified
Barre, VT 05641 (Online Only)
We understand that you are coming to us at one of the most vulnerable and difficult times in your life. We will listen to your concerns without judgement and offer a safe space to overcome your unique challenges. We are here to help if you are struggling with overwhelming feelings of sadness, irritability, anxious thoughts, or chaotic shifts in your mood. We can assess for ADHD if you feel unable to focus or struggle with completing tasks without distraction. We are experienced in providing trauma informed care.
We understand that you are coming to us at one of the most vulnerable and difficult times in your life. We will listen to your concerns without judgement and offer a safe space to overcome your unique challenges. We are here to help if you are struggling with overwhelming feelings of sadness, irritability, anxious thoughts, or chaotic shifts in your mood. We can assess for ADHD if you feel unable to focus or struggle with completing tasks without distraction. We are experienced in providing trauma informed care.
![Photo of Jeffrey M Brown, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8b437c9b-eb61-4b8e-b8b5-d4af7093bc97/1/320x400.jpeg)
I offer in-person consultations, individual psychotherapy, and couples therapy. I take pride in bringing compassion, patience, and transparency to every encounter. I believe each individual is unique and complex, and should play an active role in making decisions related to their health and well-being. I commonly work with individuals struggling with anxiety, depressive symptoms, trauma, grief, relationships, life transitions, existential angst, sleep or sex dysfunction, and/or those who simply seek to know themselves and improve their health on a more holistic level.
I offer in-person consultations, individual psychotherapy, and couples therapy. I take pride in bringing compassion, patience, and transparency to every encounter. I believe each individual is unique and complex, and should play an active role in making decisions related to their health and well-being. I commonly work with individuals struggling with anxiety, depressive symptoms, trauma, grief, relationships, life transitions, existential angst, sleep or sex dysfunction, and/or those who simply seek to know themselves and improve their health on a more holistic level.
![Photo of Joshua Tzvi Schupp-Star And Green Mountain Behavioral Medicine, PA-C, MA, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0f083cb4-3629-4b32-90d9-706b20649044/2/320x400.jpeg)
Joshua Tzvi Schupp-Star And Green Mountain Behavioral Medicine
Physician Assistant, PA-C, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Montpelier, VT 05601
Waitlist for new clients
With two decades in mental health / human services prior to medical training, my hope is to work with patients who are interested in co-creating a new narrative of overcoming adversity and finding greater self-kindness. As a physician assistant I build upon previous work as a psychotherapist with additional medical training and work in collaboration with a psychiatrist MD Mentor to offer therapy in addition to medication management.
With two decades in mental health / human services prior to medical training, my hope is to work with patients who are interested in co-creating a new narrative of overcoming adversity and finding greater self-kindness. As a physician assistant I build upon previous work as a psychotherapist with additional medical training and work in collaboration with a psychiatrist MD Mentor to offer therapy in addition to medication management.
![Photo of Ann Marie L Dryden, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1b9a962a-f718-44fc-bc23-a09b25330ce2/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ann Marie L Dryden
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Montpelier, VT 05601
Emotional and Mental dis-ease often are the foundation of our ills. When addressed with an open heart and willingness to explore, change can happen. By exploring together, new insights can be gained and can allow for the potential for an empowering and healing experience. I offer individualized and longer visit sessions. Personalized treatment options are explored & can include therapeutic, prescribing/deprescribing, and integrative approaches, a decision made and agreed upon as a team. I offer a supportive environment to patients and clients and meet then where they are at!
Emotional and Mental dis-ease often are the foundation of our ills. When addressed with an open heart and willingness to explore, change can happen. By exploring together, new insights can be gained and can allow for the potential for an empowering and healing experience. I offer individualized and longer visit sessions. Personalized treatment options are explored & can include therapeutic, prescribing/deprescribing, and integrative approaches, a decision made and agreed upon as a team. I offer a supportive environment to patients and clients and meet then where they are at!
![Photo of Dr. David Mooney, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3dd48422-d6d8-41b4-b7d8-601b39439c94/1/320x400.jpeg)
When it comes to your mental and emotional well-being, having a compassionate and experienced guide can make all the difference. Dr. David Mooney is that guide, a dedicated psychiatrist who empowers his patients to overcome obstacles, heal, and thrive. With an inviting and empathetic demeanor, he creates a safe and non-judgmental space for you to express your thoughts and feelings, free of stigma or fear. Please note, although telehealth appointments are available to established patients, the initial visit must be completed in person.
When it comes to your mental and emotional well-being, having a compassionate and experienced guide can make all the difference. Dr. David Mooney is that guide, a dedicated psychiatrist who empowers his patients to overcome obstacles, heal, and thrive. With an inviting and empathetic demeanor, he creates a safe and non-judgmental space for you to express your thoughts and feelings, free of stigma or fear. Please note, although telehealth appointments are available to established patients, the initial visit must be completed in person.
![Photo of Megan Buhr, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d6cdec21-fce5-4975-b0ea-dfed2631f224/1/320x400.jpeg)
Megan Buhr
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Montpelier, VT 05602
As a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), I am dedicated to promoting mental wellness and healing for adolescents and adults of all ages. I strive to provide comprehensive and compassionate care by integrating psychotherapy and medication management services, fostering a holistic approach to mental health. Using a person-centered approach, I ensure that each patient's needs, goals, and values are at the forefront of their care. Please note, although telehealth appointments are available to established patients, the initial visit must be completed in person.
As a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), I am dedicated to promoting mental wellness and healing for adolescents and adults of all ages. I strive to provide comprehensive and compassionate care by integrating psychotherapy and medication management services, fostering a holistic approach to mental health. Using a person-centered approach, I ensure that each patient's needs, goals, and values are at the forefront of their care. Please note, although telehealth appointments are available to established patients, the initial visit must be completed in person.
15 Second Videos
Venita Ninemire
Balance Psychiatric Services
Ann Marie L Dryden
Online Psychiatrists
![Photo of Juliana Pires, MSN, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4a98335d-8c2c-4b78-b954-25e32827a7db/1/320x400.jpeg)
Juliana Pires
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
South Burlington, VT 05403 (Online Only)
I have helped people who reported anxiety that "comes unannounced from nowhere", or had been feeling low and having difficulty finding motivation, or who were just not feeling like themselves for different reasons including poor sleep, low energy, inability to stop worrying, and inability to concentrate to complete tasks.
I have helped people who reported anxiety that "comes unannounced from nowhere", or had been feeling low and having difficulty finding motivation, or who were just not feeling like themselves for different reasons including poor sleep, low energy, inability to stop worrying, and inability to concentrate to complete tasks.
![Photo of Michael Lawrie, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7969b8e8-37e8-434e-91b2-c044f6f4632d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Michael Lawrie
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Rutland, VT 05701
Waitlist for new clients
My ideal client struggles with acute or chronic mental health issues and seeks a comprehensive approach to treatment. They need a personalized plan combining therapy and medication, empathetic support, and education about their condition. Their goals include managing symptoms, improving coping skills, and building healthy relationships. They want relief from distress, empowerment, and a supportive, non-judgmental environment to foster hope and recovery, driven by a genuine commitment to improving their mental health.
My ideal client struggles with acute or chronic mental health issues and seeks a comprehensive approach to treatment. They need a personalized plan combining therapy and medication, empathetic support, and education about their condition. Their goals include managing symptoms, improving coping skills, and building healthy relationships. They want relief from distress, empowerment, and a supportive, non-judgmental environment to foster hope and recovery, driven by a genuine commitment to improving their mental health.
![Photo of Johanna Golston, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5f6c2edc-cfea-4015-9785-93affb35cb67/3/320x400.jpeg)
Green State Psychiatry offers high quality Psychiatric Evaluation and ongoing treatment. We are currently accepting referrals for patients of all ages, including Perinatal and Post-partum women. We offer in-person appointments at our South Burlington office, as well as Telemedicine appointments. Please see our website www.greenstatepsych.com for details.
Green State Psychiatry offers high quality Psychiatric Evaluation and ongoing treatment. We are currently accepting referrals for patients of all ages, including Perinatal and Post-partum women. We offer in-person appointments at our South Burlington office, as well as Telemedicine appointments. Please see our website www.greenstatepsych.com for details.
![Photo of Rebecca A Brooklyn, APRN, PMHNP, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4f82fdf6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Rebecca A Brooklyn
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, MSN
Verified Verified
Williston, VT 05495 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I have been a health care provider for 30+ years starting as a Certified Nurse Midwife. Returning for a second degree in Psychiatry in 2013. I practice patient and family centered psychiatry with individuals and families to help people create a life that has dignity, meaning and joy. My practice consists of clients from 5-95 years of age. I have always believed that brain health is the key to every form of well being and every individual regardless of their diagnosis or symptoms has the potential to be healthier.
I have been a health care provider for 30+ years starting as a Certified Nurse Midwife. Returning for a second degree in Psychiatry in 2013. I practice patient and family centered psychiatry with individuals and families to help people create a life that has dignity, meaning and joy. My practice consists of clients from 5-95 years of age. I have always believed that brain health is the key to every form of well being and every individual regardless of their diagnosis or symptoms has the potential to be healthier.
![Photo of Chukwuka Sopulu Onubogu, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4e9462ac-a11e-4f12-9307-211cdc9253c6/4/320x400.jpeg)
Chukwuka Sopulu Onubogu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brattleboro, VT 05301 (Online Only)
As a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, I specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, schizoaffective disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, ADHD, sleep disorders, PTSD, anxiety disorders, and OCD. My practice also offers laboratory investigations to support accurate diagnosis. If you're based in Vermont, I am currently accepting new patients and can schedule appointments within 24 to 48 hours without any waitlist.
As a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, I specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, schizoaffective disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, ADHD, sleep disorders, PTSD, anxiety disorders, and OCD. My practice also offers laboratory investigations to support accurate diagnosis. If you're based in Vermont, I am currently accepting new patients and can schedule appointments within 24 to 48 hours without any waitlist.
![Photo of Darcy Faibish, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bccd69eb-3796-4c41-97ed-7db04cc1f5f6/2/320x400.jpeg)
Darcy Faibish
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Charlotte, VT 05445 (Online Only)
I am accepting new clients for therapy and medication management from Vermont. Please request an appointment on my website ShelburneMindBodyMedicine.com I regularly help individuals facing an array of challenges, which may appear in the form of depression, anxiety, stress, chronic illness, panic, insomnia, focus problems, relationship and work difficulties. We will collaborate to explore the psychological, biological and environmental contributors to the situation and develop an integrated treatment plan that including psychotherapy, psychopharmacology, lifestyle and complementary medicine.
I am accepting new clients for therapy and medication management from Vermont. Please request an appointment on my website ShelburneMindBodyMedicine.com I regularly help individuals facing an array of challenges, which may appear in the form of depression, anxiety, stress, chronic illness, panic, insomnia, focus problems, relationship and work difficulties. We will collaborate to explore the psychological, biological and environmental contributors to the situation and develop an integrated treatment plan that including psychotherapy, psychopharmacology, lifestyle and complementary medicine.
![Photo of Michael Robustelli - Mood Clinic, PLLC, FNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/206ead55-9607-473e-b2d2-8116b08f877a/1/320x400.png)
Tired of mental illness pushing you around? Ready to win the struggle with anxiety, mood swings, depression? Starting today, we can help you take the first step toward transformation. According to the National Alliance on Mental Health - over 50% of adults with mental illness went untreated last year, but there's no need for that to be you. Starting today you can take the first step toward transformation. At Mood Clinic, we believe in treating you as whole person. Our integrated approach, combines both medications and talk therapy in session- ensuring you receive personalized treatment designed for you and delivered with care.
Tired of mental illness pushing you around? Ready to win the struggle with anxiety, mood swings, depression? Starting today, we can help you take the first step toward transformation. According to the National Alliance on Mental Health - over 50% of adults with mental illness went untreated last year, but there's no need for that to be you. Starting today you can take the first step toward transformation. At Mood Clinic, we believe in treating you as whole person. Our integrated approach, combines both medications and talk therapy in session- ensuring you receive personalized treatment designed for you and delivered with care.
![Photo of Dr. Alisson Richards, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/999b5ad9-6d51-4dbb-b908-281e53c0ee50/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am passionate about listening and trying different approaches when other types of traditional psychiatry have not worked. Women and men seeking help with mood symptoms related to changes in our hormonal systems, individuals seeking assistance with mood and weight loss, families seeking guidance, support and treatment for their children or young adults as they transition into the world.
I am passionate about listening and trying different approaches when other types of traditional psychiatry have not worked. Women and men seeking help with mood symptoms related to changes in our hormonal systems, individuals seeking assistance with mood and weight loss, families seeking guidance, support and treatment for their children or young adults as they transition into the world.
Donald Grenier
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN , APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Manchester Center, VT 05255
I help people who are stuck during life transitions, and people who are experiencing chronic challenges with mental health. I enjoy working with people all sorts of people with different challenges and I take special interest in treatment resistant conditions. Please check out my website linked on this profile for a full bio.
I help people who are stuck during life transitions, and people who are experiencing chronic challenges with mental health. I enjoy working with people all sorts of people with different challenges and I take special interest in treatment resistant conditions. Please check out my website linked on this profile for a full bio.
See more therapy options for Washington County
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Washington County, VT
10+
Average cost per session
$250
Psychiatrists in Washington County, VT who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
91% | Anxiety |
82% | Trauma and PTSD |
82% | Medication Management |
73% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
73% | Bipolar Disorder |
64% | ADHD |
Average years in practice
6 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
90% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
50% | Medicare |
40% | Aetna |
How Psychiatrists in Washington County, VT see their clients
73% | In Person and Online | |
27% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
50% | Female | |
40% | Male | |
10% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Washington 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.