Psychiatrists in Raleigh, NC

Photo of Jason Lane, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Raleigh, NC
Jason Lane
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, FNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27607
Are you ready to prioritize yourself? New patient appointments for consultation and medication management are usually available within a week of contact. I specialize in working with LGBTQ+ clients or individuals who may be otherwise marginalized. My professional passion lies in partnering with those facing mental health challenges and helping them enjoy the best quality of life possible! Combining medication management with behavior modification to address anxiety, major depression, ADHD, and bipolar mood disorders, can be empowering. Be empowered!
Are you ready to prioritize yourself? New patient appointments for consultation and medication management are usually available within a week of contact. I specialize in working with LGBTQ+ clients or individuals who may be otherwise marginalized. My professional passion lies in partnering with those facing mental health challenges and helping them enjoy the best quality of life possible! Combining medication management with behavior modification to address anxiety, major depression, ADHD, and bipolar mood disorders, can be empowering. Be empowered!
(984) 223-4784 View (984) 223-4784
Photo of Charisse Fullwood, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Raleigh, NC
Charisse Fullwood
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Charisse Fullwood, BSN, MSN, PMHNP-C
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27609
I am holistic Integrative Psych provider . I focus on practicing wellness and encourage self care to be our best self. I offer packages personalized wellness packages for your health care needs . Are you suffering for obesity, low self esteem, and would like some tools? Like our name implies , we are here to help you feel better in your Mind and Body . Because of this we offer, Cognitive behavioral therapy services as part of our treatment and services . It’s our goal to help those who need customized , Weight loss & Nutrition plans , BASIC psychiatric medication management, and aesthetic services such as botox and hydra facials.
I am holistic Integrative Psych provider . I focus on practicing wellness and encourage self care to be our best self. I offer packages personalized wellness packages for your health care needs . Are you suffering for obesity, low self esteem, and would like some tools? Like our name implies , we are here to help you feel better in your Mind and Body . Because of this we offer, Cognitive behavioral therapy services as part of our treatment and services . It’s our goal to help those who need customized , Weight loss & Nutrition plans , BASIC psychiatric medication management, and aesthetic services such as botox and hydra facials.
(984) 231-8209 View (984) 231-8209
Photo of Eric D Morse, Psychiatrist in Raleigh, NC
Eric D Morse
Psychiatrist, MD, DFAPA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27615
Dr. Eric Morse helps people recover from many substance use disorders and mental illnesses. He has a busy Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) maintenance program for opioid use disorder within his private practice in Carolina Performance (see www.CarolinaPerformance.net) at 8300 Health Park. He works for the SAMHSA Opioid Response Network and Physician Clinical Support System as a mentor to train physicians on the proper treatment of opioid use disorder and directs the opioid treatment programs known as the Morse Clinics, see www.MorseClinics.com
Dr. Eric Morse helps people recover from many substance use disorders and mental illnesses. He has a busy Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) maintenance program for opioid use disorder within his private practice in Carolina Performance (see www.CarolinaPerformance.net) at 8300 Health Park. He works for the SAMHSA Opioid Response Network and Physician Clinical Support System as a mentor to train physicians on the proper treatment of opioid use disorder and directs the opioid treatment programs known as the Morse Clinics, see www.MorseClinics.com
(919) 229-8245 x1 View (919) 229-8245 x1
Photo of Alexandra Donatelli, Physician Assistant in Raleigh, NC
Alexandra Donatelli
Physician Assistant, MPAS, PA-C
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27609  (Online Only)
Alexandra offers her patients a caring, non-judgmental atmosphere where they can share their experiences safely. She works with members of the LGBTQIA+ community and individuals suffering from depression with suicidality, treatment-resistant depression, and women’s health issues and hormonal imbalances.
Alexandra offers her patients a caring, non-judgmental atmosphere where they can share their experiences safely. She works with members of the LGBTQIA+ community and individuals suffering from depression with suicidality, treatment-resistant depression, and women’s health issues and hormonal imbalances.
(855) 698-1551 View (855) 698-1551
Photo of Hira A. Silat, Psychiatrist in Raleigh, NC
Hira A. Silat
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27609  (Online Only)
As a psychiatrist and psychotherapist, my goal is to create a safe, warm and compassionate space for healing and personal growth. In my work, I aim to delve beyond diagnostic labels to uncover the core issues underlying clinical symptoms. This process acknowledges each individual’s unique experience and helps minimize reliance on medications. Together, I work with my clients to help them understand the unconscious impact of early childhood experiences on their current ability to love, work and play, and help them gain inner freedom to live fuller, more wholesome lives.
As a psychiatrist and psychotherapist, my goal is to create a safe, warm and compassionate space for healing and personal growth. In my work, I aim to delve beyond diagnostic labels to uncover the core issues underlying clinical symptoms. This process acknowledges each individual’s unique experience and helps minimize reliance on medications. Together, I work with my clients to help them understand the unconscious impact of early childhood experiences on their current ability to love, work and play, and help them gain inner freedom to live fuller, more wholesome lives.
(919) 328-3961 View (919) 328-3961
Photo of Raeanne Tatem Johnson, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Raleigh, NC
Raeanne Tatem Johnson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PNP, PMHS
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27615
I am a board certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with full prescriptive authority and treat most psychiatric conditions. Does your child have BIG feelings? So big that they have a hard time going throughout the day without several meltdowns? Does your adolescent have a hard time falling asleep or staying asleep? Is it hard to watch them struggle with anxiety and worry that does not seem to fit the situation? Is it hard to know whether or not what they are experiencing is because of their age or context, or something that needs professional expertise?
I am a board certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with full prescriptive authority and treat most psychiatric conditions. Does your child have BIG feelings? So big that they have a hard time going throughout the day without several meltdowns? Does your adolescent have a hard time falling asleep or staying asleep? Is it hard to watch them struggle with anxiety and worry that does not seem to fit the situation? Is it hard to know whether or not what they are experiencing is because of their age or context, or something that needs professional expertise?
(919) 739-2711 View (919) 739-2711
Photo of Nkwachioma Nwosu, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Raleigh, NC
Nkwachioma Nwosu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27616
Hello, My name is Nkwachioma Nwosu, and I am a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) dedicated to fostering mental health and well-being. My clinical interest is in managing and treating patients with a wide range of mental health concerns, including Schizophrenia, Bipolar disorders, Depression, Anxiety disorders, PTSD, Dementia, Addiction, mood disorders, personality disorders, and Anger management. My mission is to positively impact the lives of those I serve.
Hello, My name is Nkwachioma Nwosu, and I am a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) dedicated to fostering mental health and well-being. My clinical interest is in managing and treating patients with a wide range of mental health concerns, including Schizophrenia, Bipolar disorders, Depression, Anxiety disorders, PTSD, Dementia, Addiction, mood disorders, personality disorders, and Anger management. My mission is to positively impact the lives of those I serve.
(919) 629-9931 View (919) 629-9931
Photo of Joseph Jordan, Physician Assistant in Raleigh, NC
Joseph Jordan
Physician Assistant, MSPA, PA-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27604
I am a board-certified PA with a certificate of additional qualifications in psychiatry (CAQ-Psychiatry). I have experience working with adults with a myriad of psychiatric illnesses, but I have a vested interest in LGBTQ+ mental healthcare, treatment-resistant depression, personality disorders, and trauma-based disorders.
I am a board-certified PA with a certificate of additional qualifications in psychiatry (CAQ-Psychiatry). I have experience working with adults with a myriad of psychiatric illnesses, but I have a vested interest in LGBTQ+ mental healthcare, treatment-resistant depression, personality disorders, and trauma-based disorders.
(984) 305-2476 View (984) 305-2476
Photo of Shari Sengupta, Psychiatrist in Raleigh, NC
Shari Sengupta
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27601
Dr. Shari Sengupta attended the University of OK as a National Merit Scholar and went on to graduate from from Eastern Virginia Medical School. She specialized in Adult Psychiatry at the University of NC Hospitals where she was a chief resident. She received psychotherapy training in insight-oriented and cognitive-behavioral approaches and trained at the Psychoanalytic Institute of the Carolinas. She has 18 years of experience providing medication management and psychotherapy in both private practice and community mental health settings and over 10 years of experience in telepsychiatry providing care to underserved communities.
Dr. Shari Sengupta attended the University of OK as a National Merit Scholar and went on to graduate from from Eastern Virginia Medical School. She specialized in Adult Psychiatry at the University of NC Hospitals where she was a chief resident. She received psychotherapy training in insight-oriented and cognitive-behavioral approaches and trained at the Psychoanalytic Institute of the Carolinas. She has 18 years of experience providing medication management and psychotherapy in both private practice and community mental health settings and over 10 years of experience in telepsychiatry providing care to underserved communities.
(919) 739-3253 View (919) 739-3253
Photo of Caedora M Benton, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Raleigh, NC
Caedora M Benton
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27609  (Online Only)
My name is Caedora Benton and I am a mental health nurse practitioner. I knew that I wanted to work in the healthcare field since high school, so I decided to pursue my dream. After graduating nursing school, I worked in the hospital for a total of 8 years before making the decision to advance my education to become a nurse practitioner. I wanted to ensure that I spent time educating and promoting exceptional care so that I could end the loop of continuous hospitalizations.
My name is Caedora Benton and I am a mental health nurse practitioner. I knew that I wanted to work in the healthcare field since high school, so I decided to pursue my dream. After graduating nursing school, I worked in the hospital for a total of 8 years before making the decision to advance my education to become a nurse practitioner. I wanted to ensure that I spent time educating and promoting exceptional care so that I could end the loop of continuous hospitalizations.
(984) 230-3670 View (984) 230-3670
Photo of Debbie Granick, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Raleigh, NC
Debbie Granick
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, LCSW, MPH
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27615
I provide medication (combined with counseling if you you wish!) to help you reach your mental health goals. I informal, non-judgmental, and have no issue with bad words or loud laughs. Navigating a tough transition? Feel you could be happier and more fulfilled? Not quite the person you want to be? Let's work together to help you feel better. I provide medication or can just consult about medication to see if it is right for you and may help you reach your goals. I also consult with and mentor mental health providers and can speak on mental health topics for your workplace or interest group.
I provide medication (combined with counseling if you you wish!) to help you reach your mental health goals. I informal, non-judgmental, and have no issue with bad words or loud laughs. Navigating a tough transition? Feel you could be happier and more fulfilled? Not quite the person you want to be? Let's work together to help you feel better. I provide medication or can just consult about medication to see if it is right for you and may help you reach your goals. I also consult with and mentor mental health providers and can speak on mental health topics for your workplace or interest group.
(919) 729-6293 View (919) 729-6293
Photo of Holsan Behavioral Health, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Raleigh, NC
Holsan Behavioral Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27609
Accepting New Patients. Adrienne is a Board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Holsan Behavioral Health who provides medication management with psychotherapy to ages six and older. We offer in-person appointments in Raleigh, NC, and telehealth services across the state of North Carolina, ensuring convenient access to quality and compassionate mental health care. We are available after hours and on weekends to accommodate your busy schedule. We specialize in attention difficulties, behavioral challenges, mood challenges, anxiety, psychosis, personality disorders, sleep, military issues and trauma.
Accepting New Patients. Adrienne is a Board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Holsan Behavioral Health who provides medication management with psychotherapy to ages six and older. We offer in-person appointments in Raleigh, NC, and telehealth services across the state of North Carolina, ensuring convenient access to quality and compassionate mental health care. We are available after hours and on weekends to accommodate your busy schedule. We specialize in attention difficulties, behavioral challenges, mood challenges, anxiety, psychosis, personality disorders, sleep, military issues and trauma.
(984) 310-2187 View (984) 310-2187
Photo of Susan Slocum O'Connor, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Raleigh, NC
Susan Slocum O'Connor
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27607
Availability in 1-2 weeks for new patients! In-office/telehealth. LGBT+ friendly provider. Adults, teens & children age 10+ - Our brains sometimes do things that don't make sense or feel fair. I work primarily in medication management, but I also really enjoy talking about how brains work and how to work with them to help people feel more satisfied with life. I have particular interest working with individuals around issues of ADHD, addiction, disordered eating, chronic psychosis, depression, generalized and social anxiety.
Availability in 1-2 weeks for new patients! In-office/telehealth. LGBT+ friendly provider. Adults, teens & children age 10+ - Our brains sometimes do things that don't make sense or feel fair. I work primarily in medication management, but I also really enjoy talking about how brains work and how to work with them to help people feel more satisfied with life. I have particular interest working with individuals around issues of ADHD, addiction, disordered eating, chronic psychosis, depression, generalized and social anxiety.
(984) 204-7052 View (984) 204-7052
Photo of Kenya Windley, Psychiatrist in Raleigh, NC
Kenya Windley
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27607
Dr. Kenya Windley is a Psychiatrist in North Carolina who has been practicing since 2020. She has an MD from The Brody School of Medicine at ECU and a BSBA and Master of Accounting from Kenan Flagler Business School at UNCChapel Hill. Dr. Windley is interested in the whole person and recognizes that there are so many components that can affect a person's quality of life and mental health. She takes time to listen to each of her patients to gain a better understanding of what is happening in their lives to make better decisions regarding the care she provides.
Dr. Kenya Windley is a Psychiatrist in North Carolina who has been practicing since 2020. She has an MD from The Brody School of Medicine at ECU and a BSBA and Master of Accounting from Kenan Flagler Business School at UNCChapel Hill. Dr. Windley is interested in the whole person and recognizes that there are so many components that can affect a person's quality of life and mental health. She takes time to listen to each of her patients to gain a better understanding of what is happening in their lives to make better decisions regarding the care she provides.
(984) 217-7790 View (984) 217-7790
Photo of Ijeoma Nwokoro, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Raleigh, NC
Ijeoma Nwokoro
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PHMNP
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27610  (Online Only)
I am all about making patient centered goals that are realistic and meet the needs of the patient. I believe in collaborating with the patient while explaining the risks and benefits of the treatment plan we agreed on.
I am all about making patient centered goals that are realistic and meet the needs of the patient. I believe in collaborating with the patient while explaining the risks and benefits of the treatment plan we agreed on.
(919) 769-6048 View (919) 769-6048
Photo of Best Day Psychiatry & Counseling, Psychiatrist in Raleigh, NC
Best Day Psychiatry & Counseling
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27607
At Best Day Psychiatry, we pride ourselves in providing the time necessary to render excellent care to all age groups, assist our clients in navigating a complex system, finding the best supporting specialists and enabling excellent communication to ensure the highest quality services. Our collaborative approach includes specialized and creative interventions based on your specific needs, whether it is psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of the two. We are passionate about helping our clients live happier lives and approach each client’s challenges with a caring optimism.
At Best Day Psychiatry, we pride ourselves in providing the time necessary to render excellent care to all age groups, assist our clients in navigating a complex system, finding the best supporting specialists and enabling excellent communication to ensure the highest quality services. Our collaborative approach includes specialized and creative interventions based on your specific needs, whether it is psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of the two. We are passionate about helping our clients live happier lives and approach each client’s challenges with a caring optimism.
(919) 364-6492 View (919) 364-6492
Photo of Greg Tallent, Physician Assistant in Raleigh, NC
Greg Tallent
Physician Assistant, PA-C, MPAS
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27607
Greg is a native of Cape Girardeau, MO, and completed PA school at South University in Savannah, GA in 2005. Following his PA studies, he briefly practiced orthopedics and family medicine before finding his way into emergency medicine. Greg has extensive Emergency Department (ED) experience in both rural and academic settings. Prior to moving to the Raleigh area to work in the ED at UNC Rex Hospital, he was a traveling ED clinician providing care in SC, NC, NY, OH, and VA. After working on the frontline throughout the COVID pandemic and experiencing his own mental health challenges, Greg is excited to join Certus Psychiatry.
Greg is a native of Cape Girardeau, MO, and completed PA school at South University in Savannah, GA in 2005. Following his PA studies, he briefly practiced orthopedics and family medicine before finding his way into emergency medicine. Greg has extensive Emergency Department (ED) experience in both rural and academic settings. Prior to moving to the Raleigh area to work in the ED at UNC Rex Hospital, he was a traveling ED clinician providing care in SC, NC, NY, OH, and VA. After working on the frontline throughout the COVID pandemic and experiencing his own mental health challenges, Greg is excited to join Certus Psychiatry.
(919) 551-6538 View (919) 551-6538
Photo of Benjamin Jeffrey, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Raleigh, NC
Benjamin Jeffrey
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, NP-C
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27616  (Online Only)
**YES-Medication Wellness Program is Accepting New Patients!** I have the opportunity to help serve the adult population with mental health concerns such as depression, PTSD, Panic attacks, Anxiety, ADHD, OCD, and other mood disorders. Besides safe and effective medication management I also work with a close team of therapists to address multiple avenues of psychiatric health. I believe it is important to address healthy changes such as diet and exercise which is pivotal to improve mental well-being as well as exploring family and vocational aspects of a patients life.
**YES-Medication Wellness Program is Accepting New Patients!** I have the opportunity to help serve the adult population with mental health concerns such as depression, PTSD, Panic attacks, Anxiety, ADHD, OCD, and other mood disorders. Besides safe and effective medication management I also work with a close team of therapists to address multiple avenues of psychiatric health. I believe it is important to address healthy changes such as diet and exercise which is pivotal to improve mental well-being as well as exploring family and vocational aspects of a patients life.
(919) 872-6220 x211 View (919) 872-6220 x211
Photo of Amarachi Okafor, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Raleigh, NC
Amarachi Okafor
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27616
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) passionate about helping individuals become mentally fit. My background includes child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry and I treat a broad range of psychiatric disorders. I am passionate about addressing clients holistically, as our brain health is largely impacted by not only genetic factors but lifestyle factors. I offer psychotropic medication management, therapeutic techniques, and lifestyle guidance.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) passionate about helping individuals become mentally fit. My background includes child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry and I treat a broad range of psychiatric disorders. I am passionate about addressing clients holistically, as our brain health is largely impacted by not only genetic factors but lifestyle factors. I offer psychotropic medication management, therapeutic techniques, and lifestyle guidance.
(984) 777-8537 View (984) 777-8537
Photo of Raleigh Wellness & Behavioral Health, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Raleigh, NC
Raleigh Wellness & Behavioral Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, ACNP-AG
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27606  (Online Only)
Welcome to Raleigh Wellness and Behavioral Health! We are a private outpatient clinic providing virtual care and medication management for mental health disorders. Our goal is to alleviate suffering and promote recovery in the lives of people with mental health disorders. We provide psychiatric evaluations and medication management for a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, post-traumatic stress, OCD, and more. Our providers specialize in treating the full-spectrum of related conditions with personalized treatment plans that are right for each patient. We treat ages 6 and up.
Welcome to Raleigh Wellness and Behavioral Health! We are a private outpatient clinic providing virtual care and medication management for mental health disorders. Our goal is to alleviate suffering and promote recovery in the lives of people with mental health disorders. We provide psychiatric evaluations and medication management for a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, post-traumatic stress, OCD, and more. Our providers specialize in treating the full-spectrum of related conditions with personalized treatment plans that are right for each patient. We treat ages 6 and up.
(984) 464-7189 View (984) 464-7189

How does your Psychiatrist compare?

Number of Psychiatrists in Raleigh, NC

200+

Average cost per session

$200

Psychiatrists in Raleigh, NC who prioritize treating:

96% Depression
96% Anxiety
82% ADHD
80% Bipolar Disorder
77% Medication Management
73% Trauma and PTSD
68% Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)

Average years in practice

10 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

81% Aetna
80% BlueCross and BlueShield
78% Cigna and Evernorth

How Psychiatrists in Raleigh, NC see their clients

69% In Person and Online
31% Online Only

Gender breakdown

73% Female
27% Male
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses

How can I find a psychiatrist in Raleigh?

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.