Psychiatrists in Brisbane, CA

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Photo of Kenneth Etefia, Psychiatrist in Brisbane, CA
Kenneth Etefia
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Mateo, CA 94402
I work best with patients who have a clear idea of their goals and are motivated to learn skills as well as gain deeper insights into themselves that will assist in fulfillment of their potential.
I work best with patients who have a clear idea of their goals and are motivated to learn skills as well as gain deeper insights into themselves that will assist in fulfillment of their potential.
(650) 203-2483 View (650) 203-2483
Photo of Shahrzad Shadmani, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Brisbane, CA
Shahrzad Shadmani
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
Daly City, CA 94016
As your Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I want you to know that I am here for you every step of the way. You can trust that I am fully committed to your well-being and dedicated to providing you with the highest quality of care. Something positive, warm, and uplifting about me as your PMHNP is that I genuinely believe in your strength and resilience. I see your potential for growth and healing, even during the toughest of times. Together, we'll navigate through the challenges.
As your Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I want you to know that I am here for you every step of the way. You can trust that I am fully committed to your well-being and dedicated to providing you with the highest quality of care. Something positive, warm, and uplifting about me as your PMHNP is that I genuinely believe in your strength and resilience. I see your potential for growth and healing, even during the toughest of times. Together, we'll navigate through the challenges.
(949) 325-7512 View (949) 325-7512
Photo of Mindful Health Solutions - Aarti Chhatlani, MD, Psychiatrist in Brisbane, CA
Mindful Health Solutions - Aarti Chhatlani, MD
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94108  (Online Only)
I treat patients with major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and other mood disorders. My individualized patient plans provide evidence-based treatment options, including medication management. I am a Board-Certified Psychiatrist who has a collaborative and empathetic approach based on mindfulness principles. For me, telepsychiatry is the modern equivalent to a home visit, where a patient can have their video appointment in a familiar environment such as their home or office. Our practice, founded in 2007, provides innovative, patient-centric care and accepts most major insurance plans.
I treat patients with major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and other mood disorders. My individualized patient plans provide evidence-based treatment options, including medication management. I am a Board-Certified Psychiatrist who has a collaborative and empathetic approach based on mindfulness principles. For me, telepsychiatry is the modern equivalent to a home visit, where a patient can have their video appointment in a familiar environment such as their home or office. Our practice, founded in 2007, provides innovative, patient-centric care and accepts most major insurance plans.
(415) 908-1486 View (415) 908-1486
Photo of Maryam Eskandari, M.D., Psychiatrist in Brisbane, CA
Maryam Eskandari, M.D.
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
I see my patients first and foremost in a humanistic way as people, not simply as patients or their diagnoses. As such, I offer patients comprehensive treatment, not just from a neurobiological perspective, but also a from a humanistic one. I approach my patients with compassion, respect and a commitment to confidentiality. Some of the biggest obstacles to attainting self-awareness and self-acceptance are deeply buried feelings of guilt and shame. Working with a psychotherapist you trust, who is curious, empathic and understanding can help you expand your capacity for self-curiosity, self-awareness and self-acceptance, which in turn can help you expand your capacity to: •examine, understand & change problematic patterns in your life; •make choices freely & actively, instead of reactively; •ultimately lead a more thoughtful, authentic & fulfilling life.
I see my patients first and foremost in a humanistic way as people, not simply as patients or their diagnoses. As such, I offer patients comprehensive treatment, not just from a neurobiological perspective, but also a from a humanistic one. I approach my patients with compassion, respect and a commitment to confidentiality. Some of the biggest obstacles to attainting self-awareness and self-acceptance are deeply buried feelings of guilt and shame. Working with a psychotherapist you trust, who is curious, empathic and understanding can help you expand your capacity for self-curiosity, self-awareness and self-acceptance, which in turn can help you expand your capacity to: •examine, understand & change problematic patterns in your life; •make choices freely & actively, instead of reactively; •ultimately lead a more thoughtful, authentic & fulfilling life.
(415) 789-3595 View (415) 789-3595
Photo of Pavel Ksendz, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Brisbane, CA
Pavel Ksendz
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Daly City, CA 94015
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) specialized in treating mood, anxiety, cognitive, trauma-related, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. I am a strong proponent of the philosophy that health is multifactorial, made up of physical, psychological, emotional, social and spiritual facets. I value taking a collaborative approach with clients to create a thorough, individualized treatment plan that best meets their specific needs and goals. I have a long-held passion for mental healthcare and have worked with individuals of all ages in a variety of settings within psychiatry.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) specialized in treating mood, anxiety, cognitive, trauma-related, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. I am a strong proponent of the philosophy that health is multifactorial, made up of physical, psychological, emotional, social and spiritual facets. I value taking a collaborative approach with clients to create a thorough, individualized treatment plan that best meets their specific needs and goals. I have a long-held passion for mental healthcare and have worked with individuals of all ages in a variety of settings within psychiatry.
(858) 901-6274 View (858) 901-6274
Photo of Philippe Silva Tapon, Psychiatrist in Brisbane, CA
Philippe Silva Tapon
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Burlingame, CA 94010
Not accepting new clients
Narrative medicine is a practice, described by Dr. Rita Charon in 2001, in which your story, the one I listen to and for which I create a narrative, not only establishes a healing bond of humanity, held in the utmost confidence, but gives rise also to a diagnosis and to a treatment. You tell your story, I write it down and offer it back so you can in turn reflect and refine it, and once that shared story is told, I have found, healing begins.
Narrative medicine is a practice, described by Dr. Rita Charon in 2001, in which your story, the one I listen to and for which I create a narrative, not only establishes a healing bond of humanity, held in the utmost confidence, but gives rise also to a diagnosis and to a treatment. You tell your story, I write it down and offer it back so you can in turn reflect and refine it, and once that shared story is told, I have found, healing begins.
(312) 820-4663 View (312) 820-4663
Photo of Srikanth Challagundla, Psychiatrist in Brisbane, CA
Srikanth Challagundla
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Burlingame, CA 94010  (Online Only)
I have worked in multiple settings including emergency room, inpatient acute care, detoxification center, drug rehabilitation, outpatient, as well as at a correctional facility. Working in these various settings have exposed me to various psychiatric illnesses in different settings with varying severity. I focused on patient-centric treatment and have realized the importance of patients understanding the illness and making treatment choices based on their complete understanding. I firmly believe that patient’s active participation in the treatment and having good understanding of the illness facilitates good outcomes.
I have worked in multiple settings including emergency room, inpatient acute care, detoxification center, drug rehabilitation, outpatient, as well as at a correctional facility. Working in these various settings have exposed me to various psychiatric illnesses in different settings with varying severity. I focused on patient-centric treatment and have realized the importance of patients understanding the illness and making treatment choices based on their complete understanding. I firmly believe that patient’s active participation in the treatment and having good understanding of the illness facilitates good outcomes.
(669) 238-2909 View (669) 238-2909
Photo of Jean-Paul Cortez, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Brisbane, CA
Jean-Paul Cortez
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Daly City, CA 94015  (Online Only)
Welcome! I’m JP, your dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. My goal during our sessions is to create an inclusive environment where you feel valued and supported. Whether you seek guidance, healing, or simply someone to listen, I am here to offer my expertise and support. I have over 10 years of healthcare experience - 4 of those specializing in diagnosing and treating a wide range of mental health conditions including ADHD, depression, anxiety, addiction/substance abuse, insomnia, bipolar disorder, trauma, and more.
Welcome! I’m JP, your dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. My goal during our sessions is to create an inclusive environment where you feel valued and supported. Whether you seek guidance, healing, or simply someone to listen, I am here to offer my expertise and support. I have over 10 years of healthcare experience - 4 of those specializing in diagnosing and treating a wide range of mental health conditions including ADHD, depression, anxiety, addiction/substance abuse, insomnia, bipolar disorder, trauma, and more.
(657) 297-5544 View (657) 297-5544
Photo of Jeff Leininger, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Brisbane, CA
Jeff Leininger
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94110
I help individuals who are experiencing challenging life transitions, acute or chronic anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar, insomnia and chemical dependency issues. Soon, I will offer Ketamine and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy. I work with clients during their times of wellness in order to create a more balanced, mindful and body-centered consciousness. I have considerable experience working with individuals who are reconsidering their relationship to alcohol and other substances.
I help individuals who are experiencing challenging life transitions, acute or chronic anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar, insomnia and chemical dependency issues. Soon, I will offer Ketamine and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy. I work with clients during their times of wellness in order to create a more balanced, mindful and body-centered consciousness. I have considerable experience working with individuals who are reconsidering their relationship to alcohol and other substances.
(415) 702-4304 View (415) 702-4304
Photo of Paul R Linde, Psychiatrist in Brisbane, CA
Paul R Linde
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102  (Online Only)
I am a board-certified psychiatrist with over 25 years in emergency psychiatric care. I have international clinical and teaching experience, a published author and researcher, and have been a professor at University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) for several decades. I am currently a clinical supervisor for Ria’s medical and coaching teams specializing in Alcohol Counseling Online.
I am a board-certified psychiatrist with over 25 years in emergency psychiatric care. I have international clinical and teaching experience, a published author and researcher, and have been a professor at University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) for several decades. I am currently a clinical supervisor for Ria’s medical and coaching teams specializing in Alcohol Counseling Online.
(415) 891-6278 View (415) 891-6278
Photo of Simone Borghei, Psychiatric Nurse in Brisbane, CA
Simone Borghei
Psychiatric Nurse, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Daly City, CA 94015  (Online Only)
am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, who has worked in several clinical specialties including the pediatrics unit, pediatric intensive care unit, adult medical-surgical unit, telemetry unit, adult inpatient psychiatry unit, and postpartum unit as a registered nurse. I received my Master of Science in Nursing from Azusa Pacific University in 2020 and am currently working toward my Doctorate in Nursing. After graduation, I completed a one-year residency for the Veterans Affairs in Sacramento and worked with veterans with severe mental illnesses, substance abuse, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, who has worked in several clinical specialties including the pediatrics unit, pediatric intensive care unit, adult medical-surgical unit, telemetry unit, adult inpatient psychiatry unit, and postpartum unit as a registered nurse. I received my Master of Science in Nursing from Azusa Pacific University in 2020 and am currently working toward my Doctorate in Nursing. After graduation, I completed a one-year residency for the Veterans Affairs in Sacramento and worked with veterans with severe mental illnesses, substance abuse, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
(650) 418-2308 View (650) 418-2308
Photo of Ellen M Walker, Psychiatrist in Brisbane, CA
Ellen M Walker
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94111  (Online Only)
My goal is to help you make transformative life changes and build emotional resilience through a collaborative process. We will work using talk therapy to explore your thoughts, feelings, behaviors, personality, and relationships to better sort out your reasons for seeking help. We will consider whether there is a biological aspect to your difficulties and if you may benefit from medications to enhance your therapy. Finally, we will identify your goals, strengths, temperament, interests, personality traits, and life experiences to tailor an individual treatment for you.
My goal is to help you make transformative life changes and build emotional resilience through a collaborative process. We will work using talk therapy to explore your thoughts, feelings, behaviors, personality, and relationships to better sort out your reasons for seeking help. We will consider whether there is a biological aspect to your difficulties and if you may benefit from medications to enhance your therapy. Finally, we will identify your goals, strengths, temperament, interests, personality traits, and life experiences to tailor an individual treatment for you.
(510) 457-0922 View (510) 457-0922
Photo of Elizabeth Qin, Psychiatrist in Brisbane, CA
Elizabeth Qin
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Burlingame, CA 94010
Dr. Elizabeth Qin is a Psychiatrist in California who has been practicing since 2023. She has an MD, PhD, from Stanford University and completed an Adult Psychiatry Residency at the University of California, San Francisco. Dr. Qin believes in a collaborative approach and prioritizes working together with patients to help them meet their goals for their mental health. In her spare time, Dr. Qin enjoys spending time outdoors, running, hiking, and going to the beach.
Dr. Elizabeth Qin is a Psychiatrist in California who has been practicing since 2023. She has an MD, PhD, from Stanford University and completed an Adult Psychiatry Residency at the University of California, San Francisco. Dr. Qin believes in a collaborative approach and prioritizes working together with patients to help them meet their goals for their mental health. In her spare time, Dr. Qin enjoys spending time outdoors, running, hiking, and going to the beach.
(650) 643-4749 View (650) 643-4749
Photo of Eric Adrian Lazcano, Psychiatrist in Brisbane, CA
Eric Adrian Lazcano
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
South San Francisco, CA 94080
Eric A. Lazcano, M.D. is an ABPN-Board Certified Psychiatrist. He graduated medical school from UT Southwestern, and completed psychiatry residency training as Chief Resident from Advocate Lutheran General Hospital. Dr. Lazcano is an adult general psychiatrist who has been overseeing a South Bay Los Angeles private practice since 2018. In addition to offering both in-person and virtual sessions, Dr. Lazcano creates content on social media to help his audience members achieve lives with less stress.
Eric A. Lazcano, M.D. is an ABPN-Board Certified Psychiatrist. He graduated medical school from UT Southwestern, and completed psychiatry residency training as Chief Resident from Advocate Lutheran General Hospital. Dr. Lazcano is an adult general psychiatrist who has been overseeing a South Bay Los Angeles private practice since 2018. In addition to offering both in-person and virtual sessions, Dr. Lazcano creates content on social media to help his audience members achieve lives with less stress.
(424) 373-7325 View (424) 373-7325
Photo of Kemi Fawehinmi, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Brisbane, CA
Kemi Fawehinmi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
South San Francisco, CA 94080  (Online Only)
I am a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC). I provide psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and work with a wide array of struggles including anxiety, ADHD, depression, panic, PTSD, mood disorders, trauma, eating disorders, self-esteem issues, compulsive behaviors, and adjustment disorders.
I am a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC). I provide psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and work with a wide array of struggles including anxiety, ADHD, depression, panic, PTSD, mood disorders, trauma, eating disorders, self-esteem issues, compulsive behaviors, and adjustment disorders.
(818) 435-3783 View (818) 435-3783
Photo of Alexis Meshi-Call Today, Psychiatrist in Brisbane, CA
Alexis Meshi-Call Today
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Daly City, CA 94016
We offer Telemedicine Services. Receive care from the comfort of your home or work! Follow this link to request: https://superiorpsychiatric.video-visits.com. Do you struggle with depression, anxiety, or attention and focus difficulties? Are your symptoms causing problems in your life? Are your relationships being affected? Are you not able to work to your potential? Are you unsatisfied in life and want to make major positive changes? Or are you doing well but want to further optimize your life situation? Welcome to my practice. I look forward meeting you and your loved ones and making your world a happier and a better place.
We offer Telemedicine Services. Receive care from the comfort of your home or work! Follow this link to request: https://superiorpsychiatric.video-visits.com. Do you struggle with depression, anxiety, or attention and focus difficulties? Are your symptoms causing problems in your life? Are your relationships being affected? Are you not able to work to your potential? Are you unsatisfied in life and want to make major positive changes? Or are you doing well but want to further optimize your life situation? Welcome to my practice. I look forward meeting you and your loved ones and making your world a happier and a better place.
(949) 647-4436 View (949) 647-4436
Photo of Dr. Anne Phan-Huy, Psychiatrist in Brisbane, CA
Dr. Anne Phan-Huy
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94110  (Online Only)
Dr. Phan-Huy's philosophy of care is all about you. Your beliefs, your experiences, your goals. By partnering with Dr. Phan-Huy, you will be empowered with the tools necessary to achieve fulfilment. That’s because – with Board certification in psychiatry and specialty training from the University of Michigan – Dr. Phan-Huy is a beacon of clarity in the complex world of mental health.
Dr. Phan-Huy's philosophy of care is all about you. Your beliefs, your experiences, your goals. By partnering with Dr. Phan-Huy, you will be empowered with the tools necessary to achieve fulfilment. That’s because – with Board certification in psychiatry and specialty training from the University of Michigan – Dr. Phan-Huy is a beacon of clarity in the complex world of mental health.
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Photo of Mindful Health Solutions - Rama Dronamraju, MD, Psychiatrist in Brisbane, CA
Mindful Health Solutions - Rama Dronamraju, MD
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Burlingame, CA 94010
I focus on patients with clinical depression, bipolar depression, treatment-resistant mood and psychotic disorders. I am particularly interested in helping patients with neuromodulation and brain stimulation therapies, such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).
I focus on patients with clinical depression, bipolar depression, treatment-resistant mood and psychotic disorders. I am particularly interested in helping patients with neuromodulation and brain stimulation therapies, such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).
(650) 409-9783 View (650) 409-9783
Photo of Dora-Linda Wang, Psychiatrist in Brisbane, CA
Dora-Linda Wang
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Burlingame, CA 94010
Treatment Philosophy & Approach: Each individual is unique, and each person's treatment should be unique. Count on me to bring all my experience to your service. This includes my foundations as a Yale-educated physician who was then trained by some of the most expert psychopharmacologists and psychotherapists at the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute. I was born in Brazil, served as President of the APA Caucus of Asian American Psychiatrists, and I am of the Greek Orthodox faith. I will embrace your unique cultural identity. I have practiced for nearly 30 years.
Treatment Philosophy & Approach: Each individual is unique, and each person's treatment should be unique. Count on me to bring all my experience to your service. This includes my foundations as a Yale-educated physician who was then trained by some of the most expert psychopharmacologists and psychotherapists at the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute. I was born in Brazil, served as President of the APA Caucus of Asian American Psychiatrists, and I am of the Greek Orthodox faith. I will embrace your unique cultural identity. I have practiced for nearly 30 years.
(650) 663-2900 View (650) 663-2900
Photo of Eric Alcid, Psychiatrist in Brisbane, CA
Eric Alcid
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Mateo, CA 94401
I am a University of Washington and UCSF-trained addiction and general psychiatrist and scientist. I carry a small panel of patients so that I can best deliver comprehensive and personalized care. I specialize in treating complex addiction issues, dual-diagnoses such as ADHD and depression combined with substance use, and behavioral addictions such as gambling. I tailor treatment based on the individual, and I have expertise with both abstinence and harm-reduction approaches to recovery. In designing a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan, I consider the most up-to-date evidence-based methods and latest research.
I am a University of Washington and UCSF-trained addiction and general psychiatrist and scientist. I carry a small panel of patients so that I can best deliver comprehensive and personalized care. I specialize in treating complex addiction issues, dual-diagnoses such as ADHD and depression combined with substance use, and behavioral addictions such as gambling. I tailor treatment based on the individual, and I have expertise with both abstinence and harm-reduction approaches to recovery. In designing a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan, I consider the most up-to-date evidence-based methods and latest research.
(415) 843-6288 View (415) 843-6288

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Number of Psychiatrists in Brisbane, CA

< 10

Psychiatrists in Brisbane, CA who prioritize treating:

How Psychiatrists in Brisbane, CA see their clients

2% Online Only
1% In Person and Online
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses

How can I find a psychiatrist in Brisbane?

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.