Psychiatrists in Guilford, CT

Photo of Rory Condon, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Guilford, CT
Rory Condon
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MA, MSN, APRN
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Guilford, CT 06437
Rory Condon APRN is a board-certified lifespan psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner. He has been active in mental health care for over a decade in a variety of different patient centered roles. Rory's previous professional experience has been with individuals across the spectrum of psychiatric care from those requiring acute stabilization to ongoing maintenance care. He worked at Yale Psychiatric Hospital, the Yale Crisis Intervention Unit, and High Watch Recovery Center among other settings. Rory received the Outstanding Newcomer Award from Yale New Haven Health System, being named one of the best APRNs hired in 2018.
Rory Condon APRN is a board-certified lifespan psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner. He has been active in mental health care for over a decade in a variety of different patient centered roles. Rory's previous professional experience has been with individuals across the spectrum of psychiatric care from those requiring acute stabilization to ongoing maintenance care. He worked at Yale Psychiatric Hospital, the Yale Crisis Intervention Unit, and High Watch Recovery Center among other settings. Rory received the Outstanding Newcomer Award from Yale New Haven Health System, being named one of the best APRNs hired in 2018.
(203) 580-6483 View (203) 580-6483
Photo of Margaret Cornell, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Guilford, CT
Margaret Cornell
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Verified Verified
Guilford, CT 06437
Margaret (Peg) Cornell, APRN (she, her) is a psychiatric nurse practitioner and pastoral care specialist at Shoreline Pastoral Counseling. She provides care for people dealing with life’s challenges and offers individual and couples therapy and limited medication services. Peg has a particular interest in helping with trauma, grief and loss, gender issues and suicide loss.
Margaret (Peg) Cornell, APRN (she, her) is a psychiatric nurse practitioner and pastoral care specialist at Shoreline Pastoral Counseling. She provides care for people dealing with life’s challenges and offers individual and couples therapy and limited medication services. Peg has a particular interest in helping with trauma, grief and loss, gender issues and suicide loss.
(475) 271-2685 View (475) 271-2685
Photo of Tricia Mignosa, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Guilford, CT
Tricia Mignosa
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Guilford, CT 06437
Not currently providing evaluations for or treating adult ADHD. I do not treat children or adolescents. Tricia is an ANCC Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who specializes in outpatient psychopharmacologic management of adults. She is graduate of Yale University School of Nursing. Prior to becoming an APRN, Tricia obtained a Master's degree in Social Work from Fordham University. She offers medication consultations and evaluations, and ongoing medication management for a range of issues such as anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, OCD, bipolar disorder, PTSD.
Not currently providing evaluations for or treating adult ADHD. I do not treat children or adolescents. Tricia is an ANCC Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who specializes in outpatient psychopharmacologic management of adults. She is graduate of Yale University School of Nursing. Prior to becoming an APRN, Tricia obtained a Master's degree in Social Work from Fordham University. She offers medication consultations and evaluations, and ongoing medication management for a range of issues such as anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, OCD, bipolar disorder, PTSD.
(475) 253-3826 View (475) 253-3826
Photo of Halvorsen Psychiatric LLC, Psychiatrist in Guilford, CT
Halvorsen Psychiatric LLC
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Guilford, CT 06437
I am trained in cognitive behavioral therapy. I use a combination of incorporating my clients beliefs, mindful repeated positive self affirmations plus medication .
I am trained in cognitive behavioral therapy. I use a combination of incorporating my clients beliefs, mindful repeated positive self affirmations plus medication .
(203) 204-1526 View (203) 204-1526
Photo of Sound Psychiatry, LLC, Psychiatrist in Guilford, CT
Sound Psychiatry, LLC
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Guilford, CT 06437
Hello. I am a Yale-trained board-certified adult psychiatrist offering combined psychotherapy with/without medication management and medication management alone in my private practice. I am also a clinical faculty member within Yale School of Medicine's Department of Psychiatry. My practice focuses on women's mental health, reproductive psychiatry, and psychodynamic psychotherapy. This type of insight-oriented psychotherapy promotes curiosity and self-awareness about how individuals' past experiences (including childhood dynamics) influence their present-day thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Such insights promote emotional relief.
Hello. I am a Yale-trained board-certified adult psychiatrist offering combined psychotherapy with/without medication management and medication management alone in my private practice. I am also a clinical faculty member within Yale School of Medicine's Department of Psychiatry. My practice focuses on women's mental health, reproductive psychiatry, and psychodynamic psychotherapy. This type of insight-oriented psychotherapy promotes curiosity and self-awareness about how individuals' past experiences (including childhood dynamics) influence their present-day thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Such insights promote emotional relief.
(203) 896-8903 View (203) 896-8903
Photo of Traci Marando- Holistic Psychiatry, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Guilford, CT
Traci Marando- Holistic Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Guilford, CT 06437  (Online Only)
As a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with over 20 years experience in the field, I’ve had the opportunity to work with patients of all ages and in a variety of treatment settings. Specialty areas are recovery from narcissistic abuse/domestic violence, attachment styles/traumas, OCD/anxiety, depression, grief/loss, anger management, postpartum, divorce/separation, and codependency. At my private practice, Family Psychiatric Services, I provide a holistic approach, utilizing intensive therapy, nutrition, and medication management, with the goal of helping patients become medication free (as appropriate).
As a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with over 20 years experience in the field, I’ve had the opportunity to work with patients of all ages and in a variety of treatment settings. Specialty areas are recovery from narcissistic abuse/domestic violence, attachment styles/traumas, OCD/anxiety, depression, grief/loss, anger management, postpartum, divorce/separation, and codependency. At my private practice, Family Psychiatric Services, I provide a holistic approach, utilizing intensive therapy, nutrition, and medication management, with the goal of helping patients become medication free (as appropriate).
(203) 403-6580 View (203) 403-6580
Photo of Richard Louis O'Sullivan, Psychiatrist in Guilford, CT
Richard Louis O'Sullivan
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Guilford, CT 06437
Dr. O'Sullivan is a Harvard and Massachusetts General Hospital trained psychiatrist with over 25 years of experience practicing clinical psychiatry and conducting psychiatric research. He offers medication management, psychotherapy and psychiatric home visits services. He sees patients of all ages including the elderly.
Dr. O'Sullivan is a Harvard and Massachusetts General Hospital trained psychiatrist with over 25 years of experience practicing clinical psychiatry and conducting psychiatric research. He offers medication management, psychotherapy and psychiatric home visits services. He sees patients of all ages including the elderly.
(203) 987-6466 View (203) 987-6466
Photo of Stephanie Settevendemie, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Guilford, CT
Stephanie Settevendemie
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Guilford, CT 06437  (Online Only)
NOW Accepting New Patients! Have you been a victim of a traumatic event that has left you with symptoms of PTSD? Do you suffer from anxiety, depression, postpartum depression, school issues, grief, or even stress that impacts your sleep that results in insomnia? Whether you tried ignoring it, talking with friends & family, or even reading self-help books, nothing seems to be working. Maybe it’s time to get some professional help today. The first step towards making a change is to acknowledge that you need help. The next step is to continue reading so you can learn more about how you can get that help now.
NOW Accepting New Patients! Have you been a victim of a traumatic event that has left you with symptoms of PTSD? Do you suffer from anxiety, depression, postpartum depression, school issues, grief, or even stress that impacts your sleep that results in insomnia? Whether you tried ignoring it, talking with friends & family, or even reading self-help books, nothing seems to be working. Maybe it’s time to get some professional help today. The first step towards making a change is to acknowledge that you need help. The next step is to continue reading so you can learn more about how you can get that help now.
(860) 962-6389 View (860) 962-6389
Photo of Radmila Meyer, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Guilford, CT
Radmila Meyer
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN
Verified Verified
Guilford, CT 06437  (Online Only)
NOW Accepting New Patients! Have you been a victim of a traumatic event that has left you with symptoms of PTSD? Do you suffer from anxiety, depression, postpartum depression, school issues, grief, or even stress that impacts your sleep that results in insomnia? Whether you tried ignoring it, talking with friends & family, or even reading self-help books, nothing seems to be working. Maybe it’s time to get some professional help today. The first step towards making a change is to acknowledge that you need help. The next step is to continue reading so you can learn more about how you can get that help now.
NOW Accepting New Patients! Have you been a victim of a traumatic event that has left you with symptoms of PTSD? Do you suffer from anxiety, depression, postpartum depression, school issues, grief, or even stress that impacts your sleep that results in insomnia? Whether you tried ignoring it, talking with friends & family, or even reading self-help books, nothing seems to be working. Maybe it’s time to get some professional help today. The first step towards making a change is to acknowledge that you need help. The next step is to continue reading so you can learn more about how you can get that help now.
(860) 962-4359 View (860) 962-4359
Dr Lal Cares
Psychiatrist
Verified Verified
Guilford, CT 06437  (Online Only)
I want to first work with my patients in a comprehensive way to come to a preliminary diagnosis and not ask them to fill out a form, in mental health, there is no cookie-cutter diagnosis. Once we have established a diagnosis we will work together to come up with the treatment plan which will take into account the unique person they are using latest diagnostic testing which will guide what medications will work best for them. My biggest struggle with practicing in other settings have been the changes in the guidelines and clinic setting which prevents building of long-term therapeutic relationships.
I want to first work with my patients in a comprehensive way to come to a preliminary diagnosis and not ask them to fill out a form, in mental health, there is no cookie-cutter diagnosis. Once we have established a diagnosis we will work together to come up with the treatment plan which will take into account the unique person they are using latest diagnostic testing which will guide what medications will work best for them. My biggest struggle with practicing in other settings have been the changes in the guidelines and clinic setting which prevents building of long-term therapeutic relationships.
(203) 433-6407 View (203) 433-6407
Photo of Dr. Diana Kurlyandchik, Psychiatrist in Guilford, CT
Dr. Diana Kurlyandchik
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Guilford, CT 06437
At Sunrise Med, we value the connection of the mind and body, and believe that true wellness can only be achieved by addressing both. I am a board certified psychiatrist with over a decade of worked experience, and am dedicated to providing comprehensive treatment for the complete spectrum of mental illnesses. In addition to traditional treatment methods, including CBT style therapy and medication management, my passion is to incorporate lifestyle modifications to promote your mental wellness. My aim is to empower clients to achieve optimal health, and to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and resilience.
At Sunrise Med, we value the connection of the mind and body, and believe that true wellness can only be achieved by addressing both. I am a board certified psychiatrist with over a decade of worked experience, and am dedicated to providing comprehensive treatment for the complete spectrum of mental illnesses. In addition to traditional treatment methods, including CBT style therapy and medication management, my passion is to incorporate lifestyle modifications to promote your mental wellness. My aim is to empower clients to achieve optimal health, and to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and resilience.
(860) 590-4159 View (860) 590-4159
Photo of Ryan Dillon, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Guilford, CT
Ryan Dillon
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN
Verified Verified
Guilford, CT 06437
I take a safe, comfortable, and multifaceted approach towards treatment. I have experience and have been trained in family psychiatry. Therefore, I treat all ages and populations. My primary area of focus is that of diagnostic evaluation and psychiatric medication management. However, I believe that psychotherapy is an essential part of treatment. I will provide this type of services if I feel I can help! If not, I will refer you to the appropriate therapist. Accordingly, communicating and involving treatment from other providers and "looking at the big picture" is essential!
I take a safe, comfortable, and multifaceted approach towards treatment. I have experience and have been trained in family psychiatry. Therefore, I treat all ages and populations. My primary area of focus is that of diagnostic evaluation and psychiatric medication management. However, I believe that psychotherapy is an essential part of treatment. I will provide this type of services if I feel I can help! If not, I will refer you to the appropriate therapist. Accordingly, communicating and involving treatment from other providers and "looking at the big picture" is essential!
(203) 433-2550 View (203) 433-2550
Photo of Jessica Levine, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Guilford, CT
Jessica Levine
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, APRN
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Guilford, CT 06437  (Online Only)
I am Yale-trained Psychiatric Mental-Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in anxiety, depression, adjustment disorder, and ADHD. I take a collaborative approach with my patients, and look at the whole picture to try to figure out both medication and lifestyle interventions. I aim to create a safe and welcoming environment, where you feel heard and are a big part in creating the treatment plan. I want you to feel empowered to make choices that support your mental health.
I am Yale-trained Psychiatric Mental-Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in anxiety, depression, adjustment disorder, and ADHD. I take a collaborative approach with my patients, and look at the whole picture to try to figure out both medication and lifestyle interventions. I aim to create a safe and welcoming environment, where you feel heard and are a big part in creating the treatment plan. I want you to feel empowered to make choices that support your mental health.
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More Psychiatrists Nearby

Photo of Willow Treatment and Associates, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Guilford, CT
Willow Treatment and Associates
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN
Verified Verified
North Haven, CT 06473  (Online Only)
Willow Treatment and Associates is a private practice offering therapy and medication management for teens through elders. We are a team of licensed social workers, professional counselors and advanced practice registered nurses who pride ourselves in working together to give each patient individualized complete care.
Willow Treatment and Associates is a private practice offering therapy and medication management for teens through elders. We are a team of licensed social workers, professional counselors and advanced practice registered nurses who pride ourselves in working together to give each patient individualized complete care.
(475) 267-1865 View (475) 267-1865
Photo of Wholistic Perspective, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Guilford, CT
Wholistic Perspective
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, NP
Verified Verified
North Haven, CT 06473
Unresolved emotional conflicts lie at the core of human suffering and at times life can be unusually painful, scary and confusing. We may feel anxious, sad, discouraged and alone and not know what to do. Talking things out with someone can help us become clearer about who we are, our strengths and also our self-defeating ways so we can move forward with an improved sense of self and direction. As a Mental Health Practitioners, we are trained to provide mental health treatment via psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. Here at Wholisitic Perspective, we have providers that have experience with children, adolescent and adult populations. At Wholistic Perspective we believe the patient is the expert and emphasize collaboration and communication to find the best treatment for you! We take a holistic approach to treatment and collaborate with other providers to ensure safety and accomplishment of treatment goals. We provide psychiatric evaluations to better understand diagnoses and medication management. We are also certified to provide evaluations for medical marijuana for posttraumatic stress disorder in adults.
Unresolved emotional conflicts lie at the core of human suffering and at times life can be unusually painful, scary and confusing. We may feel anxious, sad, discouraged and alone and not know what to do. Talking things out with someone can help us become clearer about who we are, our strengths and also our self-defeating ways so we can move forward with an improved sense of self and direction. As a Mental Health Practitioners, we are trained to provide mental health treatment via psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. Here at Wholisitic Perspective, we have providers that have experience with children, adolescent and adult populations. At Wholistic Perspective we believe the patient is the expert and emphasize collaboration and communication to find the best treatment for you! We take a holistic approach to treatment and collaborate with other providers to ensure safety and accomplishment of treatment goals. We provide psychiatric evaluations to better understand diagnoses and medication management. We are also certified to provide evaluations for medical marijuana for posttraumatic stress disorder in adults.
(203) 433-6890 View (203) 433-6890
Photo of Anastasia Okoniewski, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Guilford, CT
Anastasia Okoniewski
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, RN, APRN, DNP
Verified Verified
New Haven, CT 06512
I am a child and adolescent mental health clinical nurse specialist and lifespan psychiatric nurse practitioner. I love working with children, adolescents and adults with ADHD, those folk on the autism spectrum and the cooccurring disorders often seen in those with learning and neuro-cognitive differences, including anxiety, trauma and depression. I also have experience helping young women with hormone imbalances related to endometriosis, PCOS and other autoimmune or endocrine disorders. My specialty is in mindful neuropharmacology and medication management as well as integrating complementary and alternative treatment methods when possible.
I am a child and adolescent mental health clinical nurse specialist and lifespan psychiatric nurse practitioner. I love working with children, adolescents and adults with ADHD, those folk on the autism spectrum and the cooccurring disorders often seen in those with learning and neuro-cognitive differences, including anxiety, trauma and depression. I also have experience helping young women with hormone imbalances related to endometriosis, PCOS and other autoimmune or endocrine disorders. My specialty is in mindful neuropharmacology and medication management as well as integrating complementary and alternative treatment methods when possible.
(203) 763-4036 View (203) 763-4036
Photo of Elisabeth Maryke Kressley, Psychiatrist in Guilford, CT
Elisabeth Maryke Kressley
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Branford, CT 06405
I am Board Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, and Yale trained Adult psychiatrist. I enjoy treating all ages of people from as young as 3 thru adulthood. I treat ADHD, Depression Anxiety disorders along with behavioral disorders in childhood. I also treat adults, families and couples in addition to individuals with medication and or therapy.
I am Board Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, and Yale trained Adult psychiatrist. I enjoy treating all ages of people from as young as 3 thru adulthood. I treat ADHD, Depression Anxiety disorders along with behavioral disorders in childhood. I also treat adults, families and couples in addition to individuals with medication and or therapy.
(860) 544-5856 View (860) 544-5856
Photo of Leigh Nathan, Psychiatrist in Guilford, CT
Leigh Nathan
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Madison, CT 06443
Not accepting new clients
I offer psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, and, when appropriate, medication management, including MOUD (medication for Opioid Use Disorder) / MAT (Medication assisted treatment) for people with history of addiction, as well as gentle reduction of medications that no longer align with your needs.
I offer psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, and, when appropriate, medication management, including MOUD (medication for Opioid Use Disorder) / MAT (Medication assisted treatment) for people with history of addiction, as well as gentle reduction of medications that no longer align with your needs.
(860) 896-7069 View (860) 896-7069
Photo of Lee Weber, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Guilford, CT
Lee Weber
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
Madison, CT 06443
Accepting NEW Child CLIENTS. I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) as well as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). I specialize in children, adolescents, and young adults (ages 5 - 24) who are struggling with mental health issues. I evaluate and treat ADHD, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, OCD, and other psychiatric disorders. I provide psychiatric evaluations and consults, medication management, individual and group therapy, as well as ongoing management.
Accepting NEW Child CLIENTS. I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) as well as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). I specialize in children, adolescents, and young adults (ages 5 - 24) who are struggling with mental health issues. I evaluate and treat ADHD, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, OCD, and other psychiatric disorders. I provide psychiatric evaluations and consults, medication management, individual and group therapy, as well as ongoing management.
(860) 852-1566 View (860) 852-1566
Photo of Michael Espelin, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Guilford, CT
Michael Espelin
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Madison, CT 06443
Welcome! I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. My philosophy is an integrative approach in treating the whole person - including the biological, psychological, social, cultural, and spiritual factors. I am a Connecticut native with European heritage and want to acknowledge the original habitants of the land I live on: the Hammonassets and Menunkatucks. I recognize myself as a privileged member of a white dominant world, and consistently try to challenge this norm. As a strong ally to marginalized communities, I do my best to promote inclusivity and improve access to psychiatric services.
Welcome! I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. My philosophy is an integrative approach in treating the whole person - including the biological, psychological, social, cultural, and spiritual factors. I am a Connecticut native with European heritage and want to acknowledge the original habitants of the land I live on: the Hammonassets and Menunkatucks. I recognize myself as a privileged member of a white dominant world, and consistently try to challenge this norm. As a strong ally to marginalized communities, I do my best to promote inclusivity and improve access to psychiatric services.
(203) 745-2368 View (203) 745-2368

How does your Psychiatrist compare?

Number of Psychiatrists in Guilford, CT

10+

Average cost per session

$205

Psychiatrists in Guilford, CT who prioritize treating:

92% Depression
92% Anxiety
85% Trauma and PTSD
85% Stress
69% Sleep or Insomnia
69% Medication Management
62% Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)

Average years in practice

10 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

100% Aetna
100% UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH
88% Cigna and Evernorth

How Psychiatrists in Guilford, CT see their clients

62% In Person and Online
38% Online Only

Gender breakdown

80% Female
20% Male
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses

How can I find a psychiatrist in Guilford?

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.