Psychiatrists in Thomaston, CT

Photo of Perry Githens APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Thomaston, CT
Perry Githens APRN
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Thomaston, CT 06787
Perry Githens has sound experience in substance abuse, long-term care settings, outpatient, and acute inpatient settings with pediatric and adult populations. He has experience in all different areas, such as residential substance abuse, alcohol use disorder, inpatient geriatric psychiatry with dementia, and mental illness in the elderly.
Perry Githens has sound experience in substance abuse, long-term care settings, outpatient, and acute inpatient settings with pediatric and adult populations. He has experience in all different areas, such as residential substance abuse, alcohol use disorder, inpatient geriatric psychiatry with dementia, and mental illness in the elderly.
(845) 250-3614 View (845) 250-3614
Photo of Sanh Angkhavong, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Thomaston, CT
Sanh Angkhavong
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, BC APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Thomaston, CT 06787
Sanh is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner licensed in Connecticut who provides medication management to children, adolescents, teens and young adults. Sanh has provided care to individuals with mental illness for 16-years and has a passion for helping others regain control of and successfully navigate their lives. Sanh received her bachelor’s degree from The University of Connecticut and her graduate degree from St. Joseph University.
Sanh is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner licensed in Connecticut who provides medication management to children, adolescents, teens and young adults. Sanh has provided care to individuals with mental illness for 16-years and has a passion for helping others regain control of and successfully navigate their lives. Sanh received her bachelor’s degree from The University of Connecticut and her graduate degree from St. Joseph University.
(860) 891-2639 View (860) 891-2639

More Psychiatrists Nearby

Photo of New England Mind Matters, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Thomaston, CT
New England Mind Matters
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, FNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Torrington, CT 06790
Please note that I am licensed in and can only see clients who reside in Connecticut. Clients in my practice seek a provider who is compassionate, comprehensive and understands their individual needs. I am also one of the few practitioners in the area that will consult on and prescribe gender affirming hormone therapy to adults.
Please note that I am licensed in and can only see clients who reside in Connecticut. Clients in my practice seek a provider who is compassionate, comprehensive and understands their individual needs. I am also one of the few practitioners in the area that will consult on and prescribe gender affirming hormone therapy to adults.
(860) 294-0211 View (860) 294-0211
Photo of Holistic Services, LLC, Psychiatric Nurse in Thomaston, CT
Holistic Services, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse, APRN, MSN
Verified Verified
Litchfield, CT 06750
Hello! I am a nurse practitioner who has been helping those with mental health issues for many years. I do medication management. I also do tele-health visits.I am a kind and compassionate practitioner that focuses on the whole person and their needs.
Hello! I am a nurse practitioner who has been helping those with mental health issues for many years. I do medication management. I also do tele-health visits.I am a kind and compassionate practitioner that focuses on the whole person and their needs.
(860) 483-3163 View (860) 483-3163
Photo of Clifford Kye, Psychiatrist in Thomaston, CT
Clifford Kye
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Litchfield, CT 06759
Dr. Kye specializes in Psychiatry for Adolescents through Geriatrics. He offers medication management therapy, supportive psychotherapy, genetic testing, and pre-surgical psychiatric evaluations.
Dr. Kye specializes in Psychiatry for Adolescents through Geriatrics. He offers medication management therapy, supportive psychotherapy, genetic testing, and pre-surgical psychiatric evaluations.
(860) 880-0280 View (860) 880-0280
Photo of Garrit Cerruto, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Thomaston, CT
Garrit Cerruto
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Verified Verified
Litchfield, CT 06759
As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Garrit is a certified advanced practice professional. He is an expert at assessing client needs and prescribing medications that will treat accordingly. Garrit has comprehensive knowledge of medicine, pharmacology, clinical skills, and standards of care resulting in the highest possible level of safety.
As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Garrit is a certified advanced practice professional. He is an expert at assessing client needs and prescribing medications that will treat accordingly. Garrit has comprehensive knowledge of medicine, pharmacology, clinical skills, and standards of care resulting in the highest possible level of safety.
(860) 979-5455 View (860) 979-5455
Photo of Kenneth R Cohen, Psychiatrist in Thomaston, CT
Kenneth R Cohen
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Litchfield, CT 06759
I am a Board Certified psychiatrist with over twenty-five years of clinical experience since my graduation from residency, and I maintain practices in psychiatry in New York City, Sag Harbor, and Litchfield County, Connecticut. Areas of expertise include psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, in-home and nursing home consultations and management, and work with patients suffering from medical illness; I have completed formal fellowships in these areas at Cornell, Columbia, and Memorial Sloan Kettering.
I am a Board Certified psychiatrist with over twenty-five years of clinical experience since my graduation from residency, and I maintain practices in psychiatry in New York City, Sag Harbor, and Litchfield County, Connecticut. Areas of expertise include psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, in-home and nursing home consultations and management, and work with patients suffering from medical illness; I have completed formal fellowships in these areas at Cornell, Columbia, and Memorial Sloan Kettering.
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Photo of Janet L Howe, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Thomaston, CT
Janet L Howe
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP , MS, BC
Verified Verified
Goshen, CT 06756  (Online Only)
As a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I provide care for individuals with a range of mental health concerns. Mental health disorders that I pursue include, depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, OCD, ADHD, and substance use disorders.It is sometimes difficult to find someone that you can connect with and be comfortable with. My goal is to provide quality and evidence based individualized care while creating trust, mutual respect and compassion, within a safe environment. achieved through supportive psychotherapy, medication management and lifestyle adjustments.
As a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I provide care for individuals with a range of mental health concerns. Mental health disorders that I pursue include, depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, OCD, ADHD, and substance use disorders.It is sometimes difficult to find someone that you can connect with and be comfortable with. My goal is to provide quality and evidence based individualized care while creating trust, mutual respect and compassion, within a safe environment. achieved through supportive psychotherapy, medication management and lifestyle adjustments.
(860) 783-7118 View (860) 783-7118
Photo of Leshawna Murrell, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Thomaston, CT
Leshawna Murrell
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Watertown, CT 06795
If you or your child are experiencing extreme stress and life changes, it can be overwhelming to navigate distressing symptoms. You may feel helpless as to how to help yourself or your child cope with symptoms and maintain the overwhelming activities and requirements of daily life. As a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, I am here to listen to your unique story, family history, and symptoms, to help you find peace in your life, body, and mind. I am here to listen to your concerns and symptoms and provide a full evaluation to consider tools that may be helpful for you to feel better mentally and physically.
If you or your child are experiencing extreme stress and life changes, it can be overwhelming to navigate distressing symptoms. You may feel helpless as to how to help yourself or your child cope with symptoms and maintain the overwhelming activities and requirements of daily life. As a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, I am here to listen to your unique story, family history, and symptoms, to help you find peace in your life, body, and mind. I am here to listen to your concerns and symptoms and provide a full evaluation to consider tools that may be helpful for you to feel better mentally and physically.
(475) 253-5360 View (475) 253-5360
Photo of Psych On Demand, & Man Up Wellness, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Thomaston, CT
Psych On Demand, & Man Up Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, APRN
Verified Verified
Bristol, CT 06011  (Online Only)
Unresolved emotional conflicts lie at the core of human suffering 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 Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I am an expert in clinical psychopharmacology and I treat all adult and pediatric disorders I see individuals from their early teens through middle age and beyond...
Unresolved emotional conflicts lie at the core of human suffering 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 Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I am an expert in clinical psychopharmacology and I treat all adult and pediatric disorders I see individuals from their early teens through middle age and beyond...
(860) 530-4191 View (860) 530-4191
Photo of The Fiercest Mind LLc, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Thomaston, CT
The Fiercest Mind LLc
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Waterbury, CT 06708
The mind is an infinite treasure! I am a Psychiatric nurse practitioner with over ten years of behavioral health experience, with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the field that I am eager to share. Looking to connect, engage, and treat individuals age 6-55 years old. Treatment modalities include a combination of individual psychotherapy, and medication management in a safe and professional space. For individuals seeking treatment in mood disorders, depression, anxiety, PTSD, personality disorders, psychosis. sleep disorders and more. Specializing in children with ADHD and social and emotional challenges.
The mind is an infinite treasure! I am a Psychiatric nurse practitioner with over ten years of behavioral health experience, with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the field that I am eager to share. Looking to connect, engage, and treat individuals age 6-55 years old. Treatment modalities include a combination of individual psychotherapy, and medication management in a safe and professional space. For individuals seeking treatment in mood disorders, depression, anxiety, PTSD, personality disorders, psychosis. sleep disorders and more. Specializing in children with ADHD and social and emotional challenges.
(475) 244-7552 View (475) 244-7552
Photo of Serrita Roper, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Thomaston, CT
Serrita Roper
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bristol, CT 06010
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I offer medication management for mood disorders and ADHD. I offer both in-person and telehealth (for established patients). I am passionate about mental health and helping my patients achieve the proper tools to be the best versions of themselves.
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I offer medication management for mood disorders and ADHD. I offer both in-person and telehealth (for established patients). I am passionate about mental health and helping my patients achieve the proper tools to be the best versions of themselves.
(860) 485-7416 View (860) 485-7416
Photo of SMPsychotherapy & Counseling Services, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Thomaston, CT
SMPsychotherapy & Counseling Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN
Verified Verified
Waterbury, CT 06704  (Online Only)
Have you ever been prescribed medication and rushed out of the provider's door? No more! Are you in therapy now but feel like your symptoms are not improving? We are here to help you and your family. We have a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner since 2001. We have experience in treating ADHD, anxiety, depression and other mental illnesses. We help women and families.
Have you ever been prescribed medication and rushed out of the provider's door? No more! Are you in therapy now but feel like your symptoms are not improving? We are here to help you and your family. We have a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner since 2001. We have experience in treating ADHD, anxiety, depression and other mental illnesses. We help women and families.
(475) 242-0923 View (475) 242-0923
Photo of Wholistic Perspective, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Thomaston, CT
Wholistic Perspective
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, NP
Verified Verified
Bristol, CT 06010
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.
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Photo of Ascend Psychiatry, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Thomaston, CT
Ascend Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Burlington, CT 06013
Now Welcoming New Clients. My focus is on individual therapy for children, adolescents and adults. Assisting those affected by stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and significant life alterations. In these challenging times, seeking support is not only acceptable but necessary. As someone who is a seasoned professional, I understand the struggle to find professionals with direct experience and a deep comprehension of high-stress situations. Let's take the difficulty and guess work out of your mental health treatment.
Now Welcoming New Clients. My focus is on individual therapy for children, adolescents and adults. Assisting those affected by stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and significant life alterations. In these challenging times, seeking support is not only acceptable but necessary. As someone who is a seasoned professional, I understand the struggle to find professionals with direct experience and a deep comprehension of high-stress situations. Let's take the difficulty and guess work out of your mental health treatment.
(860) 717-3368 View (860) 717-3368
Photo of Stéphane P Clermont, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Thomaston, CT
Stéphane P Clermont
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Waterbury, CT 06704  (Online Only)
Accepting New Patient. Experience working with a broad range of psychiatric issues specializing in medication management with an integrative treatment approach. As a Doctorally-prepared Double Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), My extensive work history providing care to patients with comorbid psychiatric issues (Anxiety, OCD, Mood Disorders, Depression including postpartum depression, PTSD, Bipolar) and medical conditions has contributed to my ability to assess each patient from a holistic view while focusing on the treatment of mental health.
Accepting New Patient. Experience working with a broad range of psychiatric issues specializing in medication management with an integrative treatment approach. As a Doctorally-prepared Double Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), My extensive work history providing care to patients with comorbid psychiatric issues (Anxiety, OCD, Mood Disorders, Depression including postpartum depression, PTSD, Bipolar) and medical conditions has contributed to my ability to assess each patient from a holistic view while focusing on the treatment of mental health.
(860) 431-3331 View (860) 431-3331

Online Psychiatrists

Photo of Elevate Health and Wellness, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Thomaston, CT
Elevate Health and Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, BC-APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Westport, CT 06880
My ideal client is anyone and everyone, especially those that have felt overlooked, misunderstood and/or marginalized by previous providers. You want someone who genuinely cares, listens and is rooting for you. Healing is a journey of self-discovery. I am here as your partner, supporting you each step of the way towards reaching your own definition of balanced mental health and fulfillment. Your voice, your experiences, and your priorities drive my care. Let's walk this path together. Working with: depression, anxiety disorders, OCD, trauma and post-traumatic stress, gender identity, attention challenges. LGBTQIA+ affirming.
My ideal client is anyone and everyone, especially those that have felt overlooked, misunderstood and/or marginalized by previous providers. You want someone who genuinely cares, listens and is rooting for you. Healing is a journey of self-discovery. I am here as your partner, supporting you each step of the way towards reaching your own definition of balanced mental health and fulfillment. Your voice, your experiences, and your priorities drive my care. Let's walk this path together. Working with: depression, anxiety disorders, OCD, trauma and post-traumatic stress, gender identity, attention challenges. LGBTQIA+ affirming.
(475) 252-5193 View (475) 252-5193
Photo of ABetterU LLC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Thomaston, CT
ABetterU LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, MPH
Verified Verified
Cheshire, CT 06410
Life is an amazing and unpredictable journey we all share. It can bring joy, success, love and optimism, and also present extreme challenges, loss, sadness, grief and despair. We can sometimes feel overwhelmed, stressed or "stuck" for many reasons involving relationships, life transitions, illness, trauma, and personal circumstances. This can lead to depression, anxiety, mood swings and uncertainty about how to feel better and move forward. Regardless of what challenges you are facing, no situation is hopeless and there is always a way forward to a better you and and a better life.
Life is an amazing and unpredictable journey we all share. It can bring joy, success, love and optimism, and also present extreme challenges, loss, sadness, grief and despair. We can sometimes feel overwhelmed, stressed or "stuck" for many reasons involving relationships, life transitions, illness, trauma, and personal circumstances. This can lead to depression, anxiety, mood swings and uncertainty about how to feel better and move forward. Regardless of what challenges you are facing, no situation is hopeless and there is always a way forward to a better you and and a better life.
(203) 590-8859 View (203) 590-8859
Professional Nurse Practitioner
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN
Verified Verified
Newington, CT 06111  (Online Only)
Accepting new patients via telehealth visits for psychiatric evaluations and medication management. We treat anyone suffering with depression, anxiety, or other mental health issue that is adversely affecting optimal functioning at work, deterring their best social self, or preventing being fully present for loved ones. Professional Nurse Practitioner offers affordable tele-psych services to everyone with busy demanding lifestyles. Make an appointment today. Evening and weekend hours available. Affordable out-of-pocket rates. Accepting most insurances.
Accepting new patients via telehealth visits for psychiatric evaluations and medication management. We treat anyone suffering with depression, anxiety, or other mental health issue that is adversely affecting optimal functioning at work, deterring their best social self, or preventing being fully present for loved ones. Professional Nurse Practitioner offers affordable tele-psych services to everyone with busy demanding lifestyles. Make an appointment today. Evening and weekend hours available. Affordable out-of-pocket rates. Accepting most insurances.
(860) 947-4065 View (860) 947-4065
Photo of Tom Knightly, Psychiatrist in Thomaston, CT
Tom Knightly
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Stamford, CT 06905
I am board-certified in general psychiatry as well as fellowship-trained in advanced treatments including Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). Additionally, I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University, where I work as a member of the Stanford Brain Stimulation Lab. Our lab is responsible for developing and implementing cutting edge psychiatric treatments. I bring this experience to my clinic where I am able to provide these cutting edge, highly-effective and fast-acting treatments to those who suffer with mental health.
I am board-certified in general psychiatry as well as fellowship-trained in advanced treatments including Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). Additionally, I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University, where I work as a member of the Stanford Brain Stimulation Lab. Our lab is responsible for developing and implementing cutting edge psychiatric treatments. I bring this experience to my clinic where I am able to provide these cutting edge, highly-effective and fast-acting treatments to those who suffer with mental health.
(475) 244-6680 View (475) 244-6680

See more therapy options for Thomaston

How does your Psychiatrist compare?

Number of Psychiatrists in Thomaston, CT

< 10

Psychiatrists in Thomaston, CT who prioritize treating:

100% Anxiety
100% Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
100% Psychosis
100% Bipolar Disorder
50% Relationship Issues
50% Depression
50% Addiction

Average years in practice

11 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

100% Aetna
100% Cigna and Evernorth
100% Oxford

How Psychiatrists in Thomaston, CT see their clients

100% In Person and Online

Gender breakdown

50% Female
50% Male
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses

How can I find a psychiatrist in Thomaston?

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.