Psychiatrists in Missouri

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Photo of Courtney Wall - Provident Behavioral Health, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Missouri
Courtney Wall - Provident Behavioral Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63103
The most gratifying thing about my work is being able to connect with great people who are going through challenging times and providing them with the assistance and individualized care they need to improve their overall quality of life. There is no better feeling than helping someone transition from a low point in their life to a newfound path of happiness. I’m a proud member of the Provident Behavioral Health team, an agency that offers not only psychiatric services but also counseling and crisis services. I currently offer telemental health appointments for Missouri residents, making services accessible and convenient for you.
The most gratifying thing about my work is being able to connect with great people who are going through challenging times and providing them with the assistance and individualized care they need to improve their overall quality of life. There is no better feeling than helping someone transition from a low point in their life to a newfound path of happiness. I’m a proud member of the Provident Behavioral Health team, an agency that offers not only psychiatric services but also counseling and crisis services. I currently offer telemental health appointments for Missouri residents, making services accessible and convenient for you.
(573) 955-0046 View (573) 955-0046
Photo of Jordan Malone, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Missouri
Jordan Malone
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63141  (Online Only)
Jordan Malone is a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. She treats adults 18 and up for various mental health concerns with medication management. To optimize treatment, genetic screening is offered. Jordan is passionate and dedicated in assisting patients meet their personalized goals as they continue their journey to healing. Minimal wait times.
Jordan Malone is a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. She treats adults 18 and up for various mental health concerns with medication management. To optimize treatment, genetic screening is offered. Jordan is passionate and dedicated in assisting patients meet their personalized goals as they continue their journey to healing. Minimal wait times.
(314) 804-2124 View (314) 804-2124
Photo of Ajit Trikha, Psychiatrist in Missouri
Ajit Trikha
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Manchester, MO 63021
Helping You Get Healthy With over 25 years of psychiatric experience, I understand how to work with my patients to ensure they receive the best care possible. My thoughtful and personalized approach means I'm fully committed to the health and well-being of all my patients. Treatment for a complete spectrum of psychiatric and psychological disorders include Depressive and Bipolar disorders, Psychotic disorders, Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive disorders, Stress disorders, Addiction disorders, Personality disorders, Eating disorders, Dual diagnosis, Adult Hyperactivity Disorder, Grief, Bereavement, and Anger management. DATA-Certified Physician eligible to provide buprenorphine (Suboxone) treatment for opioid dependency.
Helping You Get Healthy With over 25 years of psychiatric experience, I understand how to work with my patients to ensure they receive the best care possible. My thoughtful and personalized approach means I'm fully committed to the health and well-being of all my patients. Treatment for a complete spectrum of psychiatric and psychological disorders include Depressive and Bipolar disorders, Psychotic disorders, Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive disorders, Stress disorders, Addiction disorders, Personality disorders, Eating disorders, Dual diagnosis, Adult Hyperactivity Disorder, Grief, Bereavement, and Anger management. DATA-Certified Physician eligible to provide buprenorphine (Suboxone) treatment for opioid dependency.
(636) 275-1957 View (636) 275-1957
Photo of Tanja Johnson Pmhnp-Bc, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Missouri
Tanja Johnson Pmhnp-Bc
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, FNP-C, ENP-C
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63103
Waitlist for new clients
For me, there is no greater gift than to be able to serve others and assist them on their journey to greater mental and physical health. The impact when one is out of balance with the other is incredibly profound and affects not just the individual, but whole families. I cannot turn my back on the need I have seen for improved overall quality of life and how I might be able to help facilitate it. Through the collaborative efforts of Provident Behavioral Health’s team, providing services that include medication prescribing, counseling, and crisis intervention, together we can aid in the improvement of our community’s overall health.
For me, there is no greater gift than to be able to serve others and assist them on their journey to greater mental and physical health. The impact when one is out of balance with the other is incredibly profound and affects not just the individual, but whole families. I cannot turn my back on the need I have seen for improved overall quality of life and how I might be able to help facilitate it. Through the collaborative efforts of Provident Behavioral Health’s team, providing services that include medication prescribing, counseling, and crisis intervention, together we can aid in the improvement of our community’s overall health.
(314) 907-0919 View (314) 907-0919
Photo of Dr. Anjuli Maharaj Shah, Psychiatrist in Missouri
Dr. Anjuli Maharaj Shah
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63113  (Online Only)
Dr. Shah is more than just your typical psychiatrist. She embraces a harmonious blend of innovative practices alongside traditional clinical approaches, attuned to your individual needs. To provide bespoke treatment, Dr. Shah is trained in a diversity of therapeutic approaches, including psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral and trauma-focused therapy as well as motivational interviewing. With Board certification in psychiatry, Dr. Shah stands as your expert ally, ready to unlock mental and emotional health through a truly whole-person approach.
Dr. Shah is more than just your typical psychiatrist. She embraces a harmonious blend of innovative practices alongside traditional clinical approaches, attuned to your individual needs. To provide bespoke treatment, Dr. Shah is trained in a diversity of therapeutic approaches, including psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral and trauma-focused therapy as well as motivational interviewing. With Board certification in psychiatry, Dr. Shah stands as your expert ally, ready to unlock mental and emotional health through a truly whole-person approach.
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Photo of Alexander Hayek, Psychiatrist in Missouri
Alexander Hayek
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Dr. Alexander Hayek is a Psychiatrist in Missouri who has been practicing since 2019. One of the things Dr. Hayek has come to appreciate in his personal and professional life is the importance of the Winnicottian "holding environment" to facilitate personal growth and development, one that is consistent, stable, and supported. While this is important throughout one's life, it is especially so for children and adolescents who rely on that security and safety, critically so during periods of constant flux.
Dr. Alexander Hayek is a Psychiatrist in Missouri who has been practicing since 2019. One of the things Dr. Hayek has come to appreciate in his personal and professional life is the importance of the Winnicottian "holding environment" to facilitate personal growth and development, one that is consistent, stable, and supported. While this is important throughout one's life, it is especially so for children and adolescents who rely on that security and safety, critically so during periods of constant flux.
(314) 860-7763 View (314) 860-7763
Photo of Dr. Evan Buckmiller, Psychiatrist in Missouri
Dr. Evan Buckmiller
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Columbia, MO 65203
Psychiatry is my passion. By helping you overcome your mental health symptoms with medication management, I can support you in getting back to living a healthy and balanced lifestyle. You deserve it.
Psychiatry is my passion. By helping you overcome your mental health symptoms with medication management, I can support you in getting back to living a healthy and balanced lifestyle. You deserve it.
(573) 273-4034 View (573) 273-4034
Photo of Narissa Marasso, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Missouri
Narissa Marasso
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63122
Narissa Marasso, PMHNP is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She practices general psychiatry with an emphasis on adult populations, including the treatment of depression, bipolar, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, insomnia, PTSD, trauma, eating disorders, and the co-occurring mental health complications of Type 1 Diabetes. Services include brief psychotherapy and psychopharmacologic management. Narissa enjoys building therapeutic relationships with her clients and seeing them heal believing that mental, physical, and spiritual wellness can lead to lasting recovery.
Narissa Marasso, PMHNP is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She practices general psychiatry with an emphasis on adult populations, including the treatment of depression, bipolar, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, insomnia, PTSD, trauma, eating disorders, and the co-occurring mental health complications of Type 1 Diabetes. Services include brief psychotherapy and psychopharmacologic management. Narissa enjoys building therapeutic relationships with her clients and seeing them heal believing that mental, physical, and spiritual wellness can lead to lasting recovery.
(314) 794-5562 View (314) 794-5562
Photo of Jennifer McMahan, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Missouri
Jennifer McMahan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Carthage, MO 64836
Jennifer, McMahan, MSN, PMHNP-BC received her masters degree in Nursing from Walden University in 2020 and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2017 from Excelsior College. Jennifer works with adults with a wide range of disorders and symptoms including anxiety, depression, anger, grief/loss, bipolar, substance use, trauma, ADHD, bipolar and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. She uses a holistic and integrative approach to therapy which includes different techniques based on each clients unique personality and needs.
Jennifer, McMahan, MSN, PMHNP-BC received her masters degree in Nursing from Walden University in 2020 and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2017 from Excelsior College. Jennifer works with adults with a wide range of disorders and symptoms including anxiety, depression, anger, grief/loss, bipolar, substance use, trauma, ADHD, bipolar and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. She uses a holistic and integrative approach to therapy which includes different techniques based on each clients unique personality and needs.
(417) 981-2733 View (417) 981-2733
Photo of Innovative Mental Health Services, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Missouri
Innovative Mental Health Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP-C, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63141  (Online Only)
Brenda Bush is a dual Certified Nurse Practitioner in Family and Psychiatric Mental Health. Her focus is Psychiatric Mental Health and Primary Care Adult medicine. Brenda has been a nurse for 28 years and a Nurse Practitioner for 15 years. Her practitioner education is from Indiana Wesleyan University- Marion, Indiana and University of Missouri- St. Louis. She has a collaborative practice in St. Louis and surrounding cities in Mo. and is also licensed in Arizona, Kansas and Virgina. Her goal is to partner with you to create a treatment plan that improves your mental and physical health, enhancing your quality of life.
Brenda Bush is a dual Certified Nurse Practitioner in Family and Psychiatric Mental Health. Her focus is Psychiatric Mental Health and Primary Care Adult medicine. Brenda has been a nurse for 28 years and a Nurse Practitioner for 15 years. Her practitioner education is from Indiana Wesleyan University- Marion, Indiana and University of Missouri- St. Louis. She has a collaborative practice in St. Louis and surrounding cities in Mo. and is also licensed in Arizona, Kansas and Virgina. Her goal is to partner with you to create a treatment plan that improves your mental and physical health, enhancing your quality of life.
(314) 582-6420 View (314) 582-6420
Photo of Srinivas Chilakamarri, Psychiatrist in Missouri
Srinivas Chilakamarri
Psychiatrist, MD
Not Verified Not Verified
Saint Peters, MO 63376  (Online Only)
Dr. Srinivas Chlakamarri received his medical degree from Guntur Medical College, Andhra/ Nagarjuna University, India. He then went on to complete his residency in psychiatry at St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO. He is board certified in Psychiatry. He started career as a Psychiatrist in the Admitting Unit of St. Louis State Hospital and as Clinical instructor of Dept of Psychiatry at St. Louis University. Then he led the role of physician and President of C group Psychiatric Services Inc.
Dr. Srinivas Chlakamarri received his medical degree from Guntur Medical College, Andhra/ Nagarjuna University, India. He then went on to complete his residency in psychiatry at St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO. He is board certified in Psychiatry. He started career as a Psychiatrist in the Admitting Unit of St. Louis State Hospital and as Clinical instructor of Dept of Psychiatry at St. Louis University. Then he led the role of physician and President of C group Psychiatric Services Inc.
(636) 435-7053 View (636) 435-7053
Photo of Minds Matters MD LLC, Psychiatrist in Missouri
Minds Matters MD LLC
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Springfield, MO 65807
Welcome to MindsMattersMD LLC! Mine is a dynamic telepsychiatry practice designed to meet your mental wellness and overall health needs. I am board certified in general psychiatry. This coupled with a prior psychiatry residency training in the Republic of Ireland, and my background experience of working with patients with mental illnesses, and their families in Nigeria, gives me a unique perspective of the various important aspects of providing quality care.
Welcome to MindsMattersMD LLC! Mine is a dynamic telepsychiatry practice designed to meet your mental wellness and overall health needs. I am board certified in general psychiatry. This coupled with a prior psychiatry residency training in the Republic of Ireland, and my background experience of working with patients with mental illnesses, and their families in Nigeria, gives me a unique perspective of the various important aspects of providing quality care.
(417) 855-4813 View (417) 855-4813
Photo of Femi Popoola, Psychiatrist in Missouri
Femi Popoola
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Columbia, MO 65203
I am dual board-certified in General Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. I am CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW TELEHEALTH PATIENTS for medication management for depression, anxiety, Panic Disorder, OCD, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, ADHD, Eating Disorder, Schizophrenia, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder, etc. If you are looking for a doctor who is empathic and an active listener, you have one in me.
I am dual board-certified in General Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. I am CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW TELEHEALTH PATIENTS for medication management for depression, anxiety, Panic Disorder, OCD, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, ADHD, Eating Disorder, Schizophrenia, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder, etc. If you are looking for a doctor who is empathic and an active listener, you have one in me.
(573) 279-2951 View (573) 279-2951
Photo of Santissa Clapp, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Missouri
Santissa Clapp
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Kansas City, MO 64154  (Online Only)
I am truly passionate about being a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and believe it to be my calling and purpose in life. While mental health is often overlooked or avoided in the realm of healthcare, I have been drawn to it. I know that every patient is unique and I take pride in tailoring each experience to suit their specific needs. My approach focuses on equipping patients with the necessary tools to long term manage their mental health. I also offer psychotherapy and help with natural alternatives to prescribed medications, like vitamins and supplements. Schedule today to embark on your mental health journey.
I am truly passionate about being a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and believe it to be my calling and purpose in life. While mental health is often overlooked or avoided in the realm of healthcare, I have been drawn to it. I know that every patient is unique and I take pride in tailoring each experience to suit their specific needs. My approach focuses on equipping patients with the necessary tools to long term manage their mental health. I also offer psychotherapy and help with natural alternatives to prescribed medications, like vitamins and supplements. Schedule today to embark on your mental health journey.
(816) 307-5792 View (816) 307-5792
Photo of Serenity Health, Psychiatrist in Missouri
Serenity Health
Psychiatrist, MD, DFAPA
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63128
At Serenity Health, we understand the courage it takes to ask for help. If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and more, our team of licensed and certified providers are here to help. Our providers are trained to use psychotherapy to learn about your situation, properly diagnose, and treat your symptoms. Along with psychiatry, we offer neurology services to patients struggling with neuropathy, movement disorders, migraines, post-stroke care, seizures, and more. Our neurology team coordinates with the care plans of your other providers to ensure continuous improvement.
At Serenity Health, we understand the courage it takes to ask for help. If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and more, our team of licensed and certified providers are here to help. Our providers are trained to use psychotherapy to learn about your situation, properly diagnose, and treat your symptoms. Along with psychiatry, we offer neurology services to patients struggling with neuropathy, movement disorders, migraines, post-stroke care, seizures, and more. Our neurology team coordinates with the care plans of your other providers to ensure continuous improvement.
(636) 259-4665 View (636) 259-4665
Photo of Aspire Wellness, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Missouri
Aspire Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Verified Verified
Fenton, MO 63026  (Online Only)
If you are looking for quality psychiatric medication management services, then Aspire Wellness is the right center for you! We are accepting new patients 18 years and older through telehealth. Our goal is to provide high quality healthcare services to improve overall wellbeing. Our team will support you along the way and work together to connect you with the treament and services you need.
If you are looking for quality psychiatric medication management services, then Aspire Wellness is the right center for you! We are accepting new patients 18 years and older through telehealth. Our goal is to provide high quality healthcare services to improve overall wellbeing. Our team will support you along the way and work together to connect you with the treament and services you need.
(636) 435-2586 View (636) 435-2586
Photo of Omozuwa Omigie, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Missouri
Omozuwa Omigie
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
Kansas City, MO 64114
Born in Nigeria, I moved to the Texas in my teenage years. I attended Midwestern State University, Wichita Falls Texas. Moved to Kansas in 2018. I have been working in healthcare for about 8 years with background in Medical Surgical Nursing, Cardiac Care and received a Master’s degree in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from Maryville University, St Louis, Missouri. Currently, I am certified in psychiatry across all population and passionate about care in mental health as well as advocate for patient education. Enjoys traveling, shopping and reading.
Born in Nigeria, I moved to the Texas in my teenage years. I attended Midwestern State University, Wichita Falls Texas. Moved to Kansas in 2018. I have been working in healthcare for about 8 years with background in Medical Surgical Nursing, Cardiac Care and received a Master’s degree in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from Maryville University, St Louis, Missouri. Currently, I am certified in psychiatry across all population and passionate about care in mental health as well as advocate for patient education. Enjoys traveling, shopping and reading.
(816) 327-7329 View (816) 327-7329
Photo of James Mikolajczak, Psychiatrist in Missouri
James Mikolajczak
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Clayton, MO 63105
I strongly believe a good psychotherapy experience is based on a good healthy connection between the patient and therapist. Within this relationship the two can both explore the internal and external world in which the patient lives. The internal world arises from both present and past experiences. An understanding of these worlds and the conflicts within these worlds, leads to an easing of the patient's symptoms and an improved resilience to handle life's events. Lasting results come gradually in psychotherapy. I offer meeting with a patient to listen and discuss one's history. I will provide my assessment of some of the important life experiences and make a recommendation of what treatment I might offer to relieve symptoms. As a physician, I offer medication management along with psychotherapy. I treat children, adolescents, and adults in psychotherapy and medical psychotherapy.
I strongly believe a good psychotherapy experience is based on a good healthy connection between the patient and therapist. Within this relationship the two can both explore the internal and external world in which the patient lives. The internal world arises from both present and past experiences. An understanding of these worlds and the conflicts within these worlds, leads to an easing of the patient's symptoms and an improved resilience to handle life's events. Lasting results come gradually in psychotherapy. I offer meeting with a patient to listen and discuss one's history. I will provide my assessment of some of the important life experiences and make a recommendation of what treatment I might offer to relieve symptoms. As a physician, I offer medication management along with psychotherapy. I treat children, adolescents, and adults in psychotherapy and medical psychotherapy.
(314) 828-1343 View (314) 828-1343
Photo of SANA Psychiatry, Psychiatrist in Missouri
SANA Psychiatry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Accepting New Patients - With medication and therapeutic interventions, Dr. Sindhura Saini, M.D. hopes to help patients feel respected while working to improve their well being and mental health. Dr. Saini's expertise involves anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma, ADHD and bipolar disorder.
Accepting New Patients - With medication and therapeutic interventions, Dr. Sindhura Saini, M.D. hopes to help patients feel respected while working to improve their well being and mental health. Dr. Saini's expertise involves anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma, ADHD and bipolar disorder.
(314) 866-7702 View (314) 866-7702
Photo of Jennifer Dawn Becker, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Missouri
Jennifer Dawn Becker
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63103
Waitlist for new clients
I chose this profession to directly improve the lives of people with acute and chronic mental health disorders, to help increase awareness of mental health, and be a voice providing education on managing and treating common mental health problems. I desire to be a good mental health advocate and am very passionate about reducing the stigma of mental health. I find it an honor and privilege to help improve the quality of life of my clients. I believe in listening, empowering, understanding, and providing them with the assistance, individualized care, and nurturing to improve their quality of life.
I chose this profession to directly improve the lives of people with acute and chronic mental health disorders, to help increase awareness of mental health, and be a voice providing education on managing and treating common mental health problems. I desire to be a good mental health advocate and am very passionate about reducing the stigma of mental health. I find it an honor and privilege to help improve the quality of life of my clients. I believe in listening, empowering, understanding, and providing them with the assistance, individualized care, and nurturing to improve their quality of life.
(314) 501-9588 View (314) 501-9588

How does your Psychiatrist compare?

Average cost per session

$185

Psychiatrists in Missouri who prioritize treating:

91% Anxiety
90% Depression
81% Bipolar Disorder
78% Medication Management
74% Trauma and PTSD
68% Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
57% ADHD

Average years in practice

10 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

86% Cigna and Evernorth
83% UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH
79% Aetna

How Psychiatrists in Missouri see their clients

80% In Person and Online
20% Online Only

Gender breakdown

71% Female
29% Male
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses

How can I find a psychiatrist in Missouri?

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.