Psychiatrists in Pierce County, WA
![Photo of Jacqueline Kimani - Mind Focused PMHNP, MSN, ARNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/73f141e2-d8d7-4e73-961c-9c6d8d8fc945/2/320x400.jpeg)
Mind Focused PMHNP
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, ARNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Tacoma, WA 98402
My Name is Jacqueline Kimani. I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I hold a master's degree in nursing from Walden University. I adhere to the American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics to provide compassionate and respectful care, advocate for patients' rights and well-being, and maintain confidentiality. Integrity, accountability, and ethical practice are foundational principles that guide my clinical decisions and interactions with my patients.
My Name is Jacqueline Kimani. I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I hold a master's degree in nursing from Walden University. I adhere to the American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics to provide compassionate and respectful care, advocate for patients' rights and well-being, and maintain confidentiality. Integrity, accountability, and ethical practice are foundational principles that guide my clinical decisions and interactions with my patients.
Taking New Patients! As a DNP, PMHNP I have been trained to work with patients struggling with anxiety, depression, mood, and life transitions. I have searched for innovative ways to meet each patient where they are in their unique mental health journeys. I work to provide treatment that allows for new HOPE and HEALING to patients who are struggling. I offer medication management services, as well as TMS therapy services.
Taking New Patients! As a DNP, PMHNP I have been trained to work with patients struggling with anxiety, depression, mood, and life transitions. I have searched for innovative ways to meet each patient where they are in their unique mental health journeys. I work to provide treatment that allows for new HOPE and HEALING to patients who are struggling. I offer medication management services, as well as TMS therapy services.
![Photo of Taqialdeen Zamil, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/07a092f3-f23d-4951-9cb4-272b6c3da8da/1/320x400.jpeg)
Taqialdeen Zamil
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Tacoma, WA 98408 (Online Only)
Welcome to my practice. With over a decade of diverse clinical experience, I've had the privilege of guiding clients through the intricate landscape of mental health. From adolescents struggling with identity issues, adults combating anxiety, to those deciphering the layers of substance use, depressive or bipolar disorders, PTSD, or OCD, I've witnessed the resilience of the human spirit. I'm passionate about providing evidence-based, compassionate care to empower individuals to reclaim control and joy in their lives. If you seek a deeper understanding and the tools to flourish, I'm here to support you on this transformative journey.
Welcome to my practice. With over a decade of diverse clinical experience, I've had the privilege of guiding clients through the intricate landscape of mental health. From adolescents struggling with identity issues, adults combating anxiety, to those deciphering the layers of substance use, depressive or bipolar disorders, PTSD, or OCD, I've witnessed the resilience of the human spirit. I'm passionate about providing evidence-based, compassionate care to empower individuals to reclaim control and joy in their lives. If you seek a deeper understanding and the tools to flourish, I'm here to support you on this transformative journey.
![Photo of Leah Haddad, MSN, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a4df9418-89b7-4713-bcdc-3c1f77a8edd5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Leah Haddad
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Tacoma, WA 98402
Are you struggling to balance your mental and physical health and in need of a more comprehensive approach? No problem! I provide Telemedicine (Online Psychiatry) Services, so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel! I provide the same psychiatry services as an in-person office visit and I can also address other aspects that encompass your complete wellness. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best! You can easily self-schedule a Telepsychiatry video appointment now at: www.pwpsychiatry.com/WA
Are you struggling to balance your mental and physical health and in need of a more comprehensive approach? No problem! I provide Telemedicine (Online Psychiatry) Services, so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel! I provide the same psychiatry services as an in-person office visit and I can also address other aspects that encompass your complete wellness. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best! You can easily self-schedule a Telepsychiatry video appointment now at: www.pwpsychiatry.com/WA
![Photo of Jennifer A Rubio, DNP, ARNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d35f74e5-4cf7-42c7-afa4-75ef0f7343b4/1/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Dr. Robert Garrard, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/df382519-2ff8-47b5-b0ee-0bdff807b46b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting new patients. Evening appointments available! Dr. Garrard is passionate about helping patients and their families living with mental illness. He takes a flexible, thoughtful, and pragmatic approach to patient care and recovery. Dr. Garrard strives to create a supportive, non-judgmental environment. He provides patients with medical and therapeutic treatment options so they can make informed decisions about their own care.
Accepting new patients. Evening appointments available! Dr. Garrard is passionate about helping patients and their families living with mental illness. He takes a flexible, thoughtful, and pragmatic approach to patient care and recovery. Dr. Garrard strives to create a supportive, non-judgmental environment. He provides patients with medical and therapeutic treatment options so they can make informed decisions about their own care.
![Photo of Heather King - Melrose Mental Wellness, PMHNP, BC, PhD, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/92134403-afd4-4f27-9d70-b03fdf0e3d7c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Heather King - Melrose Mental Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
I am a board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 29 years of experience as a Registered Nurse. I take a holistic approach to mental wellness and provide a caring, empathetic, non judgmental environment when caring for clients. I value evidence-based, complementary, integrative care that includes lifestyle and behavioral changes. In addition to prescribing medications, I offer cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTi), the first line treatment recommendation for insomnia from the American College of Physicians, American Academy of Sleep Medicine, and World Sleep Society.
I am a board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 29 years of experience as a Registered Nurse. I take a holistic approach to mental wellness and provide a caring, empathetic, non judgmental environment when caring for clients. I value evidence-based, complementary, integrative care that includes lifestyle and behavioral changes. In addition to prescribing medications, I offer cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTi), the first line treatment recommendation for insomnia from the American College of Physicians, American Academy of Sleep Medicine, and World Sleep Society.
![Photo of Vicki Grimes - Always Better Together LLC, PMHNP-C, FNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/00a938b8-b537-4c1f-b78e-3fcd5fcfa3d9/2/320x400.jpeg)
Always Better Together LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-C, FNP-C
Verified Verified
University Place, WA 98466
CURRENTLY ACCEPTING CLIENTS. I believe the best client outcomes are achieved when the client and provider work collaboratively on a viable treatment plan with the client guiding outcome progress. I specialize in treating ADHD, anxiety, depression, DMDD, ODD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, schizophrenia, and many other diagnoses.
CURRENTLY ACCEPTING CLIENTS. I believe the best client outcomes are achieved when the client and provider work collaboratively on a viable treatment plan with the client guiding outcome progress. I specialize in treating ADHD, anxiety, depression, DMDD, ODD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, schizophrenia, and many other diagnoses.
![Photo of Deanette James, MSN, ARNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bfc8af04-dfb4-432f-aa53-5bfbd60e24dd/1/320x400.jpeg)
Deanette James
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, ARNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Tacoma, WA 98402 (Online Only)
Deanette James specializes in providing mental health medication management to women, especially those in the working-class group, who are experiencing the burdens of life. If you are a woman who is a wife, a homemaker, a mother, a professional, a daughter, has family responsibilities, or other factors contributing to a decline in your mental health, she is the person to see. Her services focus on women experiencing anxiety, depression, and PTSD. She understands that these disorders are very prevalent and act as determinants of the outcome of a woman's daily life.
Deanette James specializes in providing mental health medication management to women, especially those in the working-class group, who are experiencing the burdens of life. If you are a woman who is a wife, a homemaker, a mother, a professional, a daughter, has family responsibilities, or other factors contributing to a decline in your mental health, she is the person to see. Her services focus on women experiencing anxiety, depression, and PTSD. She understands that these disorders are very prevalent and act as determinants of the outcome of a woman's daily life.
![Photo of Shade Bamigbola - Eikon Psychiatry, PLLC, MSN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5c64222d-2700-4e14-8334-a423293ec8f7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Eikon Psychiatry, PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Tacoma, WA 98402 (Online Only)
In my role as PMHNP-BC, I am trained in the treatment of psychiatric illness of individuals across the lifespan (age 6-65), especially those with adjustment disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), eating disorders, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), psychotic disorders, bipolar disorders and trauma-related disorders. I have practiced with diverse populations across a variety of settings including: Consult-Liaison Psychiatry Service, Eating disorder, School-Based Psychiatry Program and Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatry Outpatient settings.
In my role as PMHNP-BC, I am trained in the treatment of psychiatric illness of individuals across the lifespan (age 6-65), especially those with adjustment disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), eating disorders, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), psychotic disorders, bipolar disorders and trauma-related disorders. I have practiced with diverse populations across a variety of settings including: Consult-Liaison Psychiatry Service, Eating disorder, School-Based Psychiatry Program and Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatry Outpatient settings.
![Photo of Larisa Sopka, MSN, ARNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ce537ddc-f079-474f-88ec-4cb2535f5dac/1/320x400.jpeg)
Larisa Sopka
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, ARNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Tacoma, WA 98402
My primary areas of focus include ADHD, anxiety disorders, PTSD and trauma-related disorders, depression, and more. I heavily lean on mindfulness, spirituality, mind-body connection, creativity, and utilize cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, psycho-education, humanistic approach, and solution-focused therapy. Additionally, I use medication management to help my patients. In deciding the best medications, I utilize psychotropic pharmocogenomic testing, a genetic test that shows how your genes may affect medication outcomes.
My primary areas of focus include ADHD, anxiety disorders, PTSD and trauma-related disorders, depression, and more. I heavily lean on mindfulness, spirituality, mind-body connection, creativity, and utilize cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, psycho-education, humanistic approach, and solution-focused therapy. Additionally, I use medication management to help my patients. In deciding the best medications, I utilize psychotropic pharmocogenomic testing, a genetic test that shows how your genes may affect medication outcomes.
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![Photo of Pamela Handran, ARNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45f460b1-28a3-481c-a688-2a9ef508ffa9/2/320x400.jpeg)
Pamela Handran
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, ARNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Tacoma, WA 98402 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I am a nationally board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) licensed in Washington state. I earned my Master of Science in Nursing at Walden University with a specialization in psychiatric and mental health. Prior to this, I received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Western Governors University. I have been in healthcare since 1998, transitioning to mental health in 2016. I have worked with both adults and adolescents in the inpatient psychiatric setting. My experience includes the management of acute exacerbations of existing mental health conditions and treating newer concerns.
I am a nationally board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) licensed in Washington state. I earned my Master of Science in Nursing at Walden University with a specialization in psychiatric and mental health. Prior to this, I received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Western Governors University. I have been in healthcare since 1998, transitioning to mental health in 2016. I have worked with both adults and adolescents in the inpatient psychiatric setting. My experience includes the management of acute exacerbations of existing mental health conditions and treating newer concerns.
![Photo of Dr. Mark Chofla - Dr Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6ef1f622-2498-41de-ace5-b2fbdae20747/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Mark Chofla is a board-certified psychiatrist and physician who completed his specialty residency training at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California at Davis, Dr. Chofla earned his medical degree from Midwestern University: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Dr. Mark Chofla is a board-certified psychiatrist and physician who completed his specialty residency training at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California at Davis, Dr. Chofla earned his medical degree from Midwestern University: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine.
![Photo of Diana L Liebner, MSN, ARNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/988c92d0-9c12-4b7d-96b5-37dafbc43df1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Diana L Liebner
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, ARNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
Not accepting new clients
In-office or tele-psych appointments. I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), educated and trained at the University of Washington in Seattle. I assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions with therapy and targeted medications. The path to mental wellness may involve multiple therapies and medication strategies. I am experienced in a range of therapeutic approaches and safe, targeted medication management, thus able to provide a tailored plan of care for individual needs and support each client in achieving better mental health.
In-office or tele-psych appointments. I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), educated and trained at the University of Washington in Seattle. I assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions with therapy and targeted medications. The path to mental wellness may involve multiple therapies and medication strategies. I am experienced in a range of therapeutic approaches and safe, targeted medication management, thus able to provide a tailored plan of care for individual needs and support each client in achieving better mental health.
![Photo of Al Jerome Cruz, DNP, FNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8d345bbd-05c0-4dc3-bcfc-61b6b560c7b0/2/320x400.png)
Al Jerome Cruz
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, FNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Tacoma, WA 98409
Al Jerome (AJ) is a dual board-certified Family & Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in adult psychiatric medication management. He also offers Medical Weight loss and Nutritional Psychiatry services. He received his Doctoral degree and post-graduate psychiatric mental health certificate at Duke University. He utilizes a holistic, collaborative, and integrative approach to provide personalized, evidence-based, and non-judgmental psychiatric care. AJ highly values a therapeutic provider-client relationship built in trust, respect, and empathy.
Al Jerome (AJ) is a dual board-certified Family & Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in adult psychiatric medication management. He also offers Medical Weight loss and Nutritional Psychiatry services. He received his Doctoral degree and post-graduate psychiatric mental health certificate at Duke University. He utilizes a holistic, collaborative, and integrative approach to provide personalized, evidence-based, and non-judgmental psychiatric care. AJ highly values a therapeutic provider-client relationship built in trust, respect, and empathy.
![Photo of Aaron Padron, Aaron Padron, APRN, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7c3444df-02c7-4d62-be7d-479929c50aab/3/320x400.jpeg)
Aaron Padron
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Aaron Padron, APRN, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
Tacoma, WA 98402 (Online Only)
Hello, we are Insightful Psychiatry, a growing, and innovative Psychiatric office with the goal of providing treatment for mental health problems in the comfort of home. Evening and Weekend appointments are available.
Hello, we are Insightful Psychiatry, a growing, and innovative Psychiatric office with the goal of providing treatment for mental health problems in the comfort of home. Evening and Weekend appointments are available.
![Photo of Allie Hemingway - Ohana Psychiatry, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4dec9c3d-53cb-470d-b125-e3d4a81b76ca/1/320x400.jpeg)
Some areas of specialty include anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, and general life stressors. During our in-person initial intake - We will meet, go over intake questions, discuss your thoughts/needs/goals and work together to discover how to proceed forward. Time is precious and I value your time.
Some areas of specialty include anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, and general life stressors. During our in-person initial intake - We will meet, go over intake questions, discuss your thoughts/needs/goals and work together to discover how to proceed forward. Time is precious and I value your time.
![Photo of Rebecca Boucher - Rebecca Boucher, MD | Mindful Health Solutions, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/35b1def1-109d-4b1f-8ac2-1b7783bd4e1d/1/320x400.jpeg)
My ideal patient is someone struggling with depression, anxiety, or PTSD who is seeking more effective treatment options. They are open to exploring medication as well as interventional treatments like TMS or esketamine. Their goal is to improve their quality of life, regain functionality, and find relief from their symptoms. They want to understand their condition better and are motivated to make informed decisions about their care, valuing a collaborative approach to treatment.
My ideal patient is someone struggling with depression, anxiety, or PTSD who is seeking more effective treatment options. They are open to exploring medication as well as interventional treatments like TMS or esketamine. Their goal is to improve their quality of life, regain functionality, and find relief from their symptoms. They want to understand their condition better and are motivated to make informed decisions about their care, valuing a collaborative approach to treatment.
![Photo of Ayub Mwaura - NeuroSync TMS Therapy_Magnetic Brain Stimulation), PMHNP, - BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/612db38b-a16e-4837-8e27-87bd86cb8898/1/320x400.jpeg)
NeuroSync TMS Therapy_Magnetic Brain Stimulation)
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, - BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
University Place, WA 98466
Seeking Compassionate Care? I'm here to help. If you're facing mental health challenges, I'm here to support you. Whether you have Medicare, private insurance, an FSA, or are considering self-pay, I'm ready to assist. I specialize in providing compassionate, knowledgeable, and effective help. If you're feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, or isolated due to mental health issues, you're not alone. Maybe you've tried therapy or medications before, but they didn't bring the relief you needed. It's time for a change, a chance to start living your best life.
Seeking Compassionate Care? I'm here to help. If you're facing mental health challenges, I'm here to support you. Whether you have Medicare, private insurance, an FSA, or are considering self-pay, I'm ready to assist. I specialize in providing compassionate, knowledgeable, and effective help. If you're feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, or isolated due to mental health issues, you're not alone. Maybe you've tried therapy or medications before, but they didn't bring the relief you needed. It's time for a change, a chance to start living your best life.
![Photo of George Attobrah, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b05beb20-fe09-4ada-9631-0af10c355787/2/320x400.jpeg)
I offer quality and affordable mental/psychiatric services to adolescent and adult patients. I believe the foundation to living and maintaining a healthy living is your mental health. I take time to listen to each patient to understand their unique needs to come up with an effective treatment plan
I offer quality and affordable mental/psychiatric services to adolescent and adult patients. I believe the foundation to living and maintaining a healthy living is your mental health. I take time to listen to each patient to understand their unique needs to come up with an effective treatment plan
See more therapy options for Pierce County
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Pierce County, WA
200+
Average cost per session
$250
Psychiatrists in Pierce County, WA who prioritize treating:
96% | Anxiety |
92% | Depression |
83% | Medication Management |
82% | Bipolar Disorder |
77% | ADHD |
76% | Trauma and PTSD |
71% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
7 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
90% | Aetna |
79% | Cigna and Evernorth |
74% | Premera Blue Cross |
How Psychiatrists in Pierce County, WA see their clients
58% | In Person and Online | |
42% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
71% | Female | |
28% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Pierce 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.