Psychiatrists in Mount Vernon, WA

Photo of Kateryna Kuzmychova, ARNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Kateryna Kuzmychova
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, ARNP
Verified Verified
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
My name is Kateryna Kuzmychova. I know, I know my name is a mouth full, and I have my Russian and Ukrainian background to thank for it. I specialize in treating adults, 18 years old and older, on a broad spectrum of mental health disorders. I am a strong believer that every person has an abundant source of self-efficacy and self- resilience, and I, as a Nurse Practitioner, am there to unlock that potential. I listen carefully to all of my patients and their experiences, and then collaborate with them and find the best course of action for their betterment.
My name is Kateryna Kuzmychova. I know, I know my name is a mouth full, and I have my Russian and Ukrainian background to thank for it. I specialize in treating adults, 18 years old and older, on a broad spectrum of mental health disorders. I am a strong believer that every person has an abundant source of self-efficacy and self- resilience, and I, as a Nurse Practitioner, am there to unlock that potential. I listen carefully to all of my patients and their experiences, and then collaborate with them and find the best course of action for their betterment.
(360) 336-6868 View (360) 336-6868
Photo of Rozina Lakhani, MD, MPH, Psychiatrist
Rozina Lakhani
Psychiatrist, MD, MPH
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Are you suffering from Depression that is not as evident and acceptable to others like a fracture, yet way more debilitating in many ways? I can help! I am a board certified Psychiatrist ( i.e a Medical Doctor with specialization in Psychiatry) with more than 15 years of experience. Although I treat full range of psychiatric problems, I am passionate about helping people suffering from resistant Depression ( i.e depression that has not responded to at least one full trial of an antidepressant), using advanced treatments like Spravato and TMS.
Are you suffering from Depression that is not as evident and acceptable to others like a fracture, yet way more debilitating in many ways? I can help! I am a board certified Psychiatrist ( i.e a Medical Doctor with specialization in Psychiatry) with more than 15 years of experience. Although I treat full range of psychiatric problems, I am passionate about helping people suffering from resistant Depression ( i.e depression that has not responded to at least one full trial of an antidepressant), using advanced treatments like Spravato and TMS.
(360) 336-6868 View (360) 336-6868
Photo of Amy Skordal, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Amy Skordal
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Are you struggling with depression, irritability, anxiety, focus problems or mood swings that get in the way with living your best life? Is it effecting your relationships? Career? Ability to truly enjoy life? Have you wondered if psychiatric medications might help? Or wondered if the psychiatric medications that you are currently on are the right ones for you? Consider coming in for a full Psychiatric Evaluation and learning what your options are.
Are you struggling with depression, irritability, anxiety, focus problems or mood swings that get in the way with living your best life? Is it effecting your relationships? Career? Ability to truly enjoy life? Have you wondered if psychiatric medications might help? Or wondered if the psychiatric medications that you are currently on are the right ones for you? Consider coming in for a full Psychiatric Evaluation and learning what your options are.
(360) 386-5082 View (360) 386-5082

More Psychiatrists Nearby

Photo of Dr. Peace Banks - PeaceHaven Behavioral Center LLC, DNP, PMHNP, -BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
PeaceHaven Behavioral Center LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
Conway, WA 98238  (Online Only)
You are not alone. Do you lack the drive and concentration needed to achieve your goals at work or in school? Dr. Peace Banks, DNP, works with you to provide hope and help you achieve peace through our tailored treatment plan. Let us help you navigate your mental health journey to peace of mind. Your care will be individualized, and you will be listened to. We are taking care of South Dakota, Oregon, Texas, and Washington state residents. Currently, telehealth is only available. We are accepting NEW client appointments now.
You are not alone. Do you lack the drive and concentration needed to achieve your goals at work or in school? Dr. Peace Banks, DNP, works with you to provide hope and help you achieve peace through our tailored treatment plan. Let us help you navigate your mental health journey to peace of mind. Your care will be individualized, and you will be listened to. We are taking care of South Dakota, Oregon, Texas, and Washington state residents. Currently, telehealth is only available. We are accepting NEW client appointments now.
(503) 300-2954 View (503) 300-2954
Photo of Mirandine Fitchette - Neupathway LLC (Mirandine Fitchette), FPMHNP, BC, MSN/DNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Neupathway LLC (Mirandine Fitchette)
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FPMHNP, BC, MSN/DNP
Verified Verified
Burlington, WA 98233
Accepting New Clients! Same Week Availability! ......... Mirandine is a board certified family psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She provides psychiatric/mental health services to clients across the lifespan (adults, adolescents, children as young as six years old). Our utmost dedication lies in offering exceptional in-person and tele-psychiatry services that encompass comprehensive care and prioritize the delivery of high-quality healthcare. If you are interested in scheduling an appointment, we kindly invite you to visit our website at neupathway.com/appointments.
Accepting New Clients! Same Week Availability! ......... Mirandine is a board certified family psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She provides psychiatric/mental health services to clients across the lifespan (adults, adolescents, children as young as six years old). Our utmost dedication lies in offering exceptional in-person and tele-psychiatry services that encompass comprehensive care and prioritize the delivery of high-quality healthcare. If you are interested in scheduling an appointment, we kindly invite you to visit our website at neupathway.com/appointments.
(425) 389-4199 View (425) 389-4199

Online Psychiatrists

Photo of Jennifer A Rubio, DNP, ARNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Jennifer A Rubio
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, ARNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Lakewood, WA 98499  (Online Only)
I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), licensed as an ARNP with a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from The University of Washington. I am currently accepting adult and pediatric patients. I typically focus my practice on older children and adolescents ages 8-20. I specialize in psychiatric assessments and diagnostics in tandem with psychiatric medication management while providing brief psychotherapy and psycho-education to patients and their families.
I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), licensed as an ARNP with a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from The University of Washington. I am currently accepting adult and pediatric patients. I typically focus my practice on older children and adolescents ages 8-20. I specialize in psychiatric assessments and diagnostics in tandem with psychiatric medication management while providing brief psychotherapy and psycho-education to patients and their families.
(253) 201-1626 View (253) 201-1626
Photo of Michele Vanderlin, DMSc-c, PA-C, Physician Assistant
Michele Vanderlin
Physician Assistant, DMSc-c, PA-C
Verified Verified
Bellevue, WA 98007  (Online Only)
Accepting new patients, same week appts available! I'm here for you, in whatever form you need. My primary focus is evaluation and medication management. However, I believe the mind/body/spirit is all connected and even the best medication needs supportive therapy. Therefore, I dip into the pool of counseling to discuss mindfulness- which helps with anxiety; self awareness- to recognizing triggers & reactions; emotional expression- what you feel and when; self worth- how it leads to self destructive patterns; guilt and other forms of irrational but powerful emotions. Together we'll help you become the best version of yourself.
Accepting new patients, same week appts available! I'm here for you, in whatever form you need. My primary focus is evaluation and medication management. However, I believe the mind/body/spirit is all connected and even the best medication needs supportive therapy. Therefore, I dip into the pool of counseling to discuss mindfulness- which helps with anxiety; self awareness- to recognizing triggers & reactions; emotional expression- what you feel and when; self worth- how it leads to self destructive patterns; guilt and other forms of irrational but powerful emotions. Together we'll help you become the best version of yourself.
(425) 429-3077 View (425) 429-3077
Photo of Debbie Davieca Singh - Ideal Mental Health and Wellness Care, FNP, PMHNP, -BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Ideal Mental Health and Wellness Care
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98101
Debbie is now accepting new patients, she provides specialized mental health services for adults and children. Debbie is dedicated to supporting individuals facing various mental health conditions and symptoms, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, autism medication management, ADHD, ODD, and learning disabilities. Scheduling an appointment is convenient and hassle-free through our website, WWW.idealmentalcare.com.
Debbie is now accepting new patients, she provides specialized mental health services for adults and children. Debbie is dedicated to supporting individuals facing various mental health conditions and symptoms, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, autism medication management, ADHD, ODD, and learning disabilities. Scheduling an appointment is convenient and hassle-free through our website, WWW.idealmentalcare.com.
(206) 823-2578 View (206) 823-2578
Photo of Robert Brian Noonan, ARNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Robert Brian Noonan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, ARNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98107
I am a board-certified Psychiatric ARNP with Prescriptive Authority. I have provided psychiatric care for over 15 years, including medication management and therapy. I specialize in Adult ADHD, depression, anxiety, and alcohol use disorders.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric ARNP with Prescriptive Authority. I have provided psychiatric care for over 15 years, including medication management and therapy. I specialize in Adult ADHD, depression, anxiety, and alcohol use disorders.
(206) 981-3110 View (206) 981-3110
Photo of Julie Nugent-Carney, DNP, ARNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Julie Nugent-Carney
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, ARNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98116
I am a doctorally prepared psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and have been a registered nurse for over 20 years, helping families cope with change, from childbirth to end-of-life. I provide life coaching for managing life transitions and relationship challenges. I've treated patients with a wide variety of mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, personality disorder, insomnia and other common psychiatric diagnoses. In addition to prescribing medications when necessary, my focus with psychotherapy is to assist people with achieving their goals.
I am a doctorally prepared psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and have been a registered nurse for over 20 years, helping families cope with change, from childbirth to end-of-life. I provide life coaching for managing life transitions and relationship challenges. I've treated patients with a wide variety of mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, personality disorder, insomnia and other common psychiatric diagnoses. In addition to prescribing medications when necessary, my focus with psychotherapy is to assist people with achieving their goals.
(206) 432-0471 View (206) 432-0471
Photo of Dr. Daniel Daylamani, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Daniel Daylamani
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98112  (Online Only)
I am a board-certified psychiatrist currently accepting new patients. My practice is strictly through the use of telepsychiatry which means that all appointments will be held via HIPAA compliant video conferencing software. Many patients prefer this means of treatment as appointments can be done from the comfort of your home or office without the need for lengthy commutes or waiting rooms and it provides access to mental health treatment to patients located in more remote locations. I treat adult (18+) patients located in Colorado, Texas and Washington State though controlled substance prescribing may only be done in Colorado.
I am a board-certified psychiatrist currently accepting new patients. My practice is strictly through the use of telepsychiatry which means that all appointments will be held via HIPAA compliant video conferencing software. Many patients prefer this means of treatment as appointments can be done from the comfort of your home or office without the need for lengthy commutes or waiting rooms and it provides access to mental health treatment to patients located in more remote locations. I treat adult (18+) patients located in Colorado, Texas and Washington State though controlled substance prescribing may only be done in Colorado.
(206) 752-1959 View (206) 752-1959
Photo of Margaret Olivero Pachiano, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Margaret Olivero Pachiano
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98115  (Online Only)
I am a Florida Licensed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and a Certified Dementia Provider. I hold a Master's Degree in Nursing from St. Thomas University Miami Gardens Florida, and a Bachelor of Science from Pasco Hernando State College. In my nursing career, I have seen firsthand the harmful impact of social stigma associated with mental illness. This is one of the reasons, I have pursued this journey in hopes that I can be a part of reducing the social stigma that is all too often associated with mental health.
I am a Florida Licensed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and a Certified Dementia Provider. I hold a Master's Degree in Nursing from St. Thomas University Miami Gardens Florida, and a Bachelor of Science from Pasco Hernando State College. In my nursing career, I have seen firsthand the harmful impact of social stigma associated with mental illness. This is one of the reasons, I have pursued this journey in hopes that I can be a part of reducing the social stigma that is all too often associated with mental health.
(904) 682-9022 View (904) 682-9022
Photo of Nancy Wagner, ARNP, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Nancy Wagner
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, ARNP, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Bellevue, WA 98004
Waitlist for new clients
My specialties include ADHD and anxiety. I practice based on the belief that everybody has the power to create positive change in their lives. One of the most important factors that foster change is the relationship between the provider and the client. Therefore, I strive to develop a genuine therapeutic relationship with each client based on a foundation of empathy and understanding. I bring genuine empathy to each visit and meet you where you're at in your journey.
My specialties include ADHD and anxiety. I practice based on the belief that everybody has the power to create positive change in their lives. One of the most important factors that foster change is the relationship between the provider and the client. Therefore, I strive to develop a genuine therapeutic relationship with each client based on a foundation of empathy and understanding. I bring genuine empathy to each visit and meet you where you're at in your journey.
(425) 559-9672 View (425) 559-9672
Photo of Paul Alves - Sylvania Mental Health and Wellness, PLLC, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Sylvania Mental Health and Wellness, PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98119  (Online Only)
Harnessing the power of telemedicine, Sylvania Mental Health and Wellness, PLLC is partnered with Mindful Therapy Group to provide high-caliber, research-based medication management services utilizing a therapeutic, person-centered approach to adults and adolescents located throughout Washington.
Harnessing the power of telemedicine, Sylvania Mental Health and Wellness, PLLC is partnered with Mindful Therapy Group to provide high-caliber, research-based medication management services utilizing a therapeutic, person-centered approach to adults and adolescents located throughout Washington.
(206) 299-1749 View (206) 299-1749
Photo of Sarah Pullen, MD, Psychiatrist
Sarah Pullen
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Renton, WA 98057
Hello, I am a Board Certified General Psychiatrist in the state of Washington. After receiving my MD at University of South Florida College of Medicine in Tampa, FL, I made the move to the Pacific Northwest for my residency in psychiatry at University of Washington. Following residency, I completed 5 years of active duty military service in the US Air Force at Mountain Home AFB in Idaho. I consider the Pacific Northwest home and returned to Seattle following my military service. I take a collaborative and balanced approach to psychiatric care.
Hello, I am a Board Certified General Psychiatrist in the state of Washington. After receiving my MD at University of South Florida College of Medicine in Tampa, FL, I made the move to the Pacific Northwest for my residency in psychiatry at University of Washington. Following residency, I completed 5 years of active duty military service in the US Air Force at Mountain Home AFB in Idaho. I consider the Pacific Northwest home and returned to Seattle following my military service. I take a collaborative and balanced approach to psychiatric care.
(206) 210-2563 View (206) 210-2563
Photo of Shinichi Daimyo, MPH, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Shinichi Daimyo
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MPH, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Sammamish, WA 98074  (Online Only)
CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS! I aim to bring empathy into every moment of care I provide to my clients. I strive to create an empowering and empathy-focused environment, where the needs, goals, and aspirations of my client's mental health and life are the driving force in how I provide psychiatry and psychotherapy care. My approach is collaborative and client-centered, valuing a client’s experience and perspective as important as my expertise as a mental health provider.
CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS! I aim to bring empathy into every moment of care I provide to my clients. I strive to create an empowering and empathy-focused environment, where the needs, goals, and aspirations of my client's mental health and life are the driving force in how I provide psychiatry and psychotherapy care. My approach is collaborative and client-centered, valuing a client’s experience and perspective as important as my expertise as a mental health provider.
(458) 217-5088 View (458) 217-5088
Photo of Keya Kumar@ Family Psychiatry, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Keya Kumar@ Family Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Bellevue, WA 98004
Keya Kumar is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She treats patients across the lifespan with a particular emphasis on adults and transitional aged youth. Keya completed her undergraduate and graduate studies at Case Western Reserve University. Keya believes in using a holistic approach with patients, combining pharmacotherapy with integrative treatment services in order to create the best possible outcomes for mental health.
Keya Kumar is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She treats patients across the lifespan with a particular emphasis on adults and transitional aged youth. Keya completed her undergraduate and graduate studies at Case Western Reserve University. Keya believes in using a holistic approach with patients, combining pharmacotherapy with integrative treatment services in order to create the best possible outcomes for mental health.
(206) 501-4342 View (206) 501-4342
Photo of Dr. Jade Goodloe, DNP , APRN , PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Dr. Jade Goodloe
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP , APRN , PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Renton, WA 98058  (Online Only)
We are currently welcoming new patients for Telehealth appointments. As a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, I specialize in the diagnostic assessment, medication management, & therapeutic treatment of Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, OCD, & PTSD. Given my background as an active-duty service member & psychiatry provider, I additionally specialize in military & veteran mental health. I treat adults of all backgrounds, 18 years & older located throughout the state.
We are currently welcoming new patients for Telehealth appointments. As a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, I specialize in the diagnostic assessment, medication management, & therapeutic treatment of Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, OCD, & PTSD. Given my background as an active-duty service member & psychiatry provider, I additionally specialize in military & veteran mental health. I treat adults of all backgrounds, 18 years & older located throughout the state.
View
Photo of Rebekah Strong, DNP, ARNP, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Rebekah Strong
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, ARNP, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Renton, WA 98056
I am board-certified as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I hold a Doctor of Nursing Practice from University of Washington. I see adult clients with a variety of mental health issues and diagnoses including: depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar spectrum disorders, panic disorder, PTSD, and ADHD. I love caring for clients seeking medication management while planning pregnancy, already pregnant, and in the postpartum period.
I am board-certified as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I hold a Doctor of Nursing Practice from University of Washington. I see adult clients with a variety of mental health issues and diagnoses including: depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar spectrum disorders, panic disorder, PTSD, and ADHD. I love caring for clients seeking medication management while planning pregnancy, already pregnant, and in the postpartum period.
(425) 230-4370 View (425) 230-4370
Photo of Ryan M. Fugate, MD, Psychiatrist
Ryan M. Fugate
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Mercer Island, WA 98040
**Currently accepting patients for telemedicine/teletherapy only** I'm experienced with a broad range of psychiatric conditions but, have particular focus in the areas of bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, ADHD and post-traumatic stress. I believe in a multi-faceted approach to care and often recommend elements of lifestyle modification, nutrition/supplementation, mindfulness and mind-body practices, in addition to psychotherapy and prescription medication. I try to emphasize a collaborative treatment approach, involving the patient and their entire healthcare team to optimize treatment efficacy and quality of care.
**Currently accepting patients for telemedicine/teletherapy only** I'm experienced with a broad range of psychiatric conditions but, have particular focus in the areas of bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, ADHD and post-traumatic stress. I believe in a multi-faceted approach to care and often recommend elements of lifestyle modification, nutrition/supplementation, mindfulness and mind-body practices, in addition to psychotherapy and prescription medication. I try to emphasize a collaborative treatment approach, involving the patient and their entire healthcare team to optimize treatment efficacy and quality of care.
(206) 785-2609 View (206) 785-2609

See more therapy options for Mount Vernon

How does your Psychiatrist compare?

Number of Psychiatrists in Mount Vernon, WA

< 10

Psychiatrists in Mount Vernon, WA who prioritize treating:

100% Depression
100% Anxiety
100% Bipolar Disorder
67% ADHD
67% Medication Management
33% Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
33% Trauma and PTSD

Average years in practice

12 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

100% UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH
100% Premera
100% Regence

How Psychiatrists in Mount Vernon, WA see their clients

100% In Person and Online

Gender breakdown

100% Female
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses

How can I find a psychiatrist in Mount Vernon?

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.