Psychiatrists in Portland, OR

Photo of Scot Maclean, Psychiatrist in Portland, OR
Scot Maclean
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97239
Hello, I offer psychotherapy and medication management for adults in Oregon. Presently, I am offering both telemedicine visits and in person visits. My preferred approach to working with you is to get a good sense of who you are, how difficulties started, and how you can find solutions for yourself. When I prescribe medication we will talk about the options in detail and then help you decide what makes most sense.
Hello, I offer psychotherapy and medication management for adults in Oregon. Presently, I am offering both telemedicine visits and in person visits. My preferred approach to working with you is to get a good sense of who you are, how difficulties started, and how you can find solutions for yourself. When I prescribe medication we will talk about the options in detail and then help you decide what makes most sense.
(503) 967-2938 View (503) 967-2938
Photo of Compass Psychiatric Wellness, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Portland, OR
Compass Psychiatric Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97211
Compass Psychiatric Wellness is a Portland based clinic with offices in NE Portland, Lake Oswego and Hazel Dell. We work with older teens and adults dealing with a wide range of psychiatric concerns who are looking for medication management with adjunctive psychotherapy and lifestyle interventions. Our goal is to conduct a thorough psychiatric evaluation and make evidence based recommendations that align with our clients' preferences and goals.
Compass Psychiatric Wellness is a Portland based clinic with offices in NE Portland, Lake Oswego and Hazel Dell. We work with older teens and adults dealing with a wide range of psychiatric concerns who are looking for medication management with adjunctive psychotherapy and lifestyle interventions. Our goal is to conduct a thorough psychiatric evaluation and make evidence based recommendations that align with our clients' preferences and goals.
(971) 306-4749 View (971) 306-4749
Photo of Erika Bales, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Portland, OR
Erika Bales
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97206  (Online Only)
Accepting new patients! Are you feeling overwhelmed? Taking the first step towards healing can be daunting, but you're not alone on this journey. I am here to help guide you towards a more fulfilling life with symptom relief. I believe in fostering a strong therapeutic alliance built on trust and respect. Together, we will create an effective treatment plan tailored to you. I combine evidence-based techniques with a holistic approach, taking into account your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. My goal is to support you in restoring and maintaining a healthier state of mind.
Accepting new patients! Are you feeling overwhelmed? Taking the first step towards healing can be daunting, but you're not alone on this journey. I am here to help guide you towards a more fulfilling life with symptom relief. I believe in fostering a strong therapeutic alliance built on trust and respect. Together, we will create an effective treatment plan tailored to you. I combine evidence-based techniques with a holistic approach, taking into account your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. My goal is to support you in restoring and maintaining a healthier state of mind.
(971) 298-8186 View (971) 298-8186
Photo of Stacey Gramann, Psychiatrist in Portland, OR
Stacey Gramann
Psychiatrist, DO, MPH
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97209
Not accepting new clients
With my background in osteopathic medicine, my approach to mental health is holistic. I believe that long-term psychotherapy leads to the greatest personal growth. Deeper personal work can be accomplished within a therapeutic relationship that feels safe, and thus, it is fundamentally important that I create such a space for my clients. My therapy approach is rooted in psychoanalytic psychotherapy. Through this model, my goal is to help my clients gain insight into their own emotions, how they relate to others, and through a collaborative therapeutic process, be better able to work through issues such as anxiety, depression, and grief. With a holistic focus on the mind and body, adjunct treatment may include a focus on relaxation/meditation, nutrition, sleep, and life style practices. Psychiatric medications are not the focus of my practice. However, I can prescribe medications for those clients attending weekly or more frequent therapy if they are determined to be a helpful adjunct to treatment.
With my background in osteopathic medicine, my approach to mental health is holistic. I believe that long-term psychotherapy leads to the greatest personal growth. Deeper personal work can be accomplished within a therapeutic relationship that feels safe, and thus, it is fundamentally important that I create such a space for my clients. My therapy approach is rooted in psychoanalytic psychotherapy. Through this model, my goal is to help my clients gain insight into their own emotions, how they relate to others, and through a collaborative therapeutic process, be better able to work through issues such as anxiety, depression, and grief. With a holistic focus on the mind and body, adjunct treatment may include a focus on relaxation/meditation, nutrition, sleep, and life style practices. Psychiatric medications are not the focus of my practice. However, I can prescribe medications for those clients attending weekly or more frequent therapy if they are determined to be a helpful adjunct to treatment.
(971) 308-4610 View (971) 308-4610
Photo of Dr. Lana Weber, Psychiatrist in Portland, OR
Dr. Lana Weber
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97205
Not accepting new clients
I am board-certified psychiatrist and psychotherapist in private practice in Portland, Oregon. I take an integrative approach to psychiatric evaluation and treatment that incorporates biologic, psychological, social and culture components. I focus on working with adults with a wide range of issues, including, but not limited to depression, anxiety, life transitions, relational challenges, trauma, peripartum and women's mental health issues across the lifespan.
I am board-certified psychiatrist and psychotherapist in private practice in Portland, Oregon. I take an integrative approach to psychiatric evaluation and treatment that incorporates biologic, psychological, social and culture components. I focus on working with adults with a wide range of issues, including, but not limited to depression, anxiety, life transitions, relational challenges, trauma, peripartum and women's mental health issues across the lifespan.
(971) 247-3289 View (971) 247-3289
Photo of Maggie Yorio, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Portland, OR
Maggie Yorio
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97223  (Online Only)
Currently Accepting New Patients! My name is Maggie Yorio. I'm a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner at BestMind Behavioral Health. I specialize in treating mood and anxiety disorders in adults through medication managment. My treatment style concentrates on active listening and building a therapeutic alliance with my patients, which helps me better understand their individual stories and goals.
Currently Accepting New Patients! My name is Maggie Yorio. I'm a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner at BestMind Behavioral Health. I specialize in treating mood and anxiety disorders in adults through medication managment. My treatment style concentrates on active listening and building a therapeutic alliance with my patients, which helps me better understand their individual stories and goals.
(503) 486-3438 View (503) 486-3438
Photo of Michelle Schilz, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Portland, OR
Michelle Schilz
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97217
Now taking new clients. To contact me, make an appointment for a phone call at calendly.com/rainfallwellness. (I am bad at voicemail and email.) I welcome TRANS and GNB folks. I welcome PLURALS and SYSTEMS. I work with people who have ADHD and I prescribe ADHD meds. I teach clients about how our brain causes our symptoms. I do my best to provide safe and respectful care to my Queer and Gender-nonconforming sibs. Together, we will find a treatment plan that suits best.
Now taking new clients. To contact me, make an appointment for a phone call at calendly.com/rainfallwellness. (I am bad at voicemail and email.) I welcome TRANS and GNB folks. I welcome PLURALS and SYSTEMS. I work with people who have ADHD and I prescribe ADHD meds. I teach clients about how our brain causes our symptoms. I do my best to provide safe and respectful care to my Queer and Gender-nonconforming sibs. Together, we will find a treatment plan that suits best.
(971) 253-7516 View (971) 253-7516
Photo of Melanie Ramsey, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Portland, OR
Melanie Ramsey
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97205  (Online Only)
Are you experiencing distress due to internal conflicts, trauma, relationships, fears, or feeling stuck? Do you feel anxious, depressed, and unmotivated? Some things are just too difficult to go through alone. Working with someone in a safe and compassionate environment without judgment can be the key to your understanding and growth. Your success and happiness are rooted in a partnership that we share. You do the hard part of being vulnerable; to the best of my ability, I will work to listen to and understand you, before developing a shared treatment plan. I am honored to support you on your journey to mental wellness.
Are you experiencing distress due to internal conflicts, trauma, relationships, fears, or feeling stuck? Do you feel anxious, depressed, and unmotivated? Some things are just too difficult to go through alone. Working with someone in a safe and compassionate environment without judgment can be the key to your understanding and growth. Your success and happiness are rooted in a partnership that we share. You do the hard part of being vulnerable; to the best of my ability, I will work to listen to and understand you, before developing a shared treatment plan. I am honored to support you on your journey to mental wellness.
(971) 232-3233 View (971) 232-3233
Photo of Jake Creviston, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Portland, OR
Jake Creviston
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, RN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97217
My primary focus is relational psychotherapy. My approach resonates with clients who are curious about themselves and others, who want to cultivate deeper and more intimate relationships and who are open to exploring frameworks of mental health beyond the medical model and psychiatry. When I do guide clients through the confusing landscape of medications I rely on the philosophy that medications are tools to ease suffering not cure it. I believe the human baseline state is confident, compassionate and creative. Though sometimes we lose touch with these for life's inevitable hardships, we all have the capacity to return.
My primary focus is relational psychotherapy. My approach resonates with clients who are curious about themselves and others, who want to cultivate deeper and more intimate relationships and who are open to exploring frameworks of mental health beyond the medical model and psychiatry. When I do guide clients through the confusing landscape of medications I rely on the philosophy that medications are tools to ease suffering not cure it. I believe the human baseline state is confident, compassionate and creative. Though sometimes we lose touch with these for life's inevitable hardships, we all have the capacity to return.
(971) 803-6167 View (971) 803-6167
Photo of Shannon Anastasiadis, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Portland, OR
Shannon Anastasiadis
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97221
Do you often find yourself overwhelmed and worry that things won't work out? If you (or your child) are described as disorganized, forgetful, overly sensitive, easily frustrated, or the one who talks too much, it likely starts with the unique way that your brain works. These symptoms can make parenting, partnering or just daily life difficult. Many people who work with me have never understood why they experience the world differently than others. Clients often come to me wondering about ADHD. That is one possibility on a long list that should be considered. I am committed to supporting each client in the process of understanding.
Do you often find yourself overwhelmed and worry that things won't work out? If you (or your child) are described as disorganized, forgetful, overly sensitive, easily frustrated, or the one who talks too much, it likely starts with the unique way that your brain works. These symptoms can make parenting, partnering or just daily life difficult. Many people who work with me have never understood why they experience the world differently than others. Clients often come to me wondering about ADHD. That is one possibility on a long list that should be considered. I am committed to supporting each client in the process of understanding.
(503) 852-5611 View (503) 852-5611
Photo of Keith Lowenstein MD- Brain Body Mind LLC , Psychiatrist in Portland, OR
Keith Lowenstein MD- Brain Body Mind LLC
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97229  (Online Only)
We take great care to fully explore all aspects of a patient's needs and place primary emphasis on the initial consultation process. Through the health assessment, an integrated wellness plan is created. Dr. Lowenstein works with patients using a wide array of integrative medicine approaches. We assist patients in achieving optimal health and vitality. Dr. Lowenstein addresses both physical and mental health needs for patients of all ages. He works with each individual developing a unique integrated wellness plan to foster personal growth and achieve balance in their lives.
We take great care to fully explore all aspects of a patient's needs and place primary emphasis on the initial consultation process. Through the health assessment, an integrated wellness plan is created. Dr. Lowenstein works with patients using a wide array of integrative medicine approaches. We assist patients in achieving optimal health and vitality. Dr. Lowenstein addresses both physical and mental health needs for patients of all ages. He works with each individual developing a unique integrated wellness plan to foster personal growth and achieve balance in their lives.
(503) 925-5847 View (503) 925-5847
Photo of Deb Kiehlmeier, Psychiatrist in Portland, OR
Deb Kiehlmeier
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97214
Accepting new patients with immediate availability! I am a board certified psychiatrist offering telepsychiatric services to patients throughout Oregon. I have in-person availability for those local to Portland. I have experience diagnosing and treating all mental health disorders, but focus primarily on ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety (including PTSD), depressive disorders, mood disorders, and personality disorders. In addition, I have extensive experience treating LGBTQIA+ patients.
Accepting new patients with immediate availability! I am a board certified psychiatrist offering telepsychiatric services to patients throughout Oregon. I have in-person availability for those local to Portland. I have experience diagnosing and treating all mental health disorders, but focus primarily on ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety (including PTSD), depressive disorders, mood disorders, and personality disorders. In addition, I have extensive experience treating LGBTQIA+ patients.
(971) 983-8132 View (971) 983-8132
Photo of Kelli L Holloway, Psychiatrist in Portland, OR
Kelli L Holloway
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97205
As a psychiatrist and psychodynamic psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience, I enjoy working with a wide variety of mental health concerns. I have developed special expertise in helping persons with self esteem issues, relationship problems, midlife and career transitions and trauma. I believe that talking through ones struggles, burdens, losses and pain leads to greater fulfillment in life, a sense of hope and joy. It is a privilege to be invited to accompany another on their personal journey. Psychotherapy is hard work but well worth the investment in oneself for discovering potential in love, work and play.
As a psychiatrist and psychodynamic psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience, I enjoy working with a wide variety of mental health concerns. I have developed special expertise in helping persons with self esteem issues, relationship problems, midlife and career transitions and trauma. I believe that talking through ones struggles, burdens, losses and pain leads to greater fulfillment in life, a sense of hope and joy. It is a privilege to be invited to accompany another on their personal journey. Psychotherapy is hard work but well worth the investment in oneself for discovering potential in love, work and play.
(971) 339-3104 View (971) 339-3104
Photo of Ryan Arnold, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Portland, OR
Ryan Arnold
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97220
As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I bring a wealth of experience and expertise to addressing a wide range of mental health challenges. My areas of specialization include trauma, substance abuse, addiction, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), depression, anxiety, and the unique needs of teenagers and adolescents. My commitment to providing compassionate care remains unwavering.
As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I bring a wealth of experience and expertise to addressing a wide range of mental health challenges. My areas of specialization include trauma, substance abuse, addiction, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), depression, anxiety, and the unique needs of teenagers and adolescents. My commitment to providing compassionate care remains unwavering.
(971) 366-2585 View (971) 366-2585
Photo of Martina Gallagher, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Portland, OR
Martina Gallagher
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
24 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97202  (Online Only)
Are you going through a difficult life transition, such as a divorce or a new job? You are feeling disenchanted and sad. Day-to-day change is resulting in anxiety, frustration, and self-doubt. You wonder if taking medication will help? If this sounds like you, you are not alone! Let me support you and collaborate with you as you navigate these life transitions. My areas of expertise are depression and anxiety. When meeting for the first time I will listen to your story, your concerns, and your goals. Seeing how my clients achieve their goals on their path to improving their mental health gives me great satisfaction.
Are you going through a difficult life transition, such as a divorce or a new job? You are feeling disenchanted and sad. Day-to-day change is resulting in anxiety, frustration, and self-doubt. You wonder if taking medication will help? If this sounds like you, you are not alone! Let me support you and collaborate with you as you navigate these life transitions. My areas of expertise are depression and anxiety. When meeting for the first time I will listen to your story, your concerns, and your goals. Seeing how my clients achieve their goals on their path to improving their mental health gives me great satisfaction.
(971) 290-1824 View (971) 290-1824
Photo of Solid Foundation Psychiatry, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Portland, OR
Solid Foundation Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97232  (Online Only)
At Solid Foundation Psychiatry, our ideal clients are individuals navigating the intricate landscape of mental health, seeking support to address various challenges like depression, anxiety, insomnia, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and psychosis. These individuals arrive seeking relief from the overwhelming weight of their conditions, each person carrying a unique set of issues, needs, and aspirations. Depression often manifests as an unrelenting cloud overshadowing daily life. Our ideal clients with depression yearn for a sense of vitality and emotional equilibrium. They desire to rediscover the joy in simple moments.
At Solid Foundation Psychiatry, our ideal clients are individuals navigating the intricate landscape of mental health, seeking support to address various challenges like depression, anxiety, insomnia, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and psychosis. These individuals arrive seeking relief from the overwhelming weight of their conditions, each person carrying a unique set of issues, needs, and aspirations. Depression often manifests as an unrelenting cloud overshadowing daily life. Our ideal clients with depression yearn for a sense of vitality and emotional equilibrium. They desire to rediscover the joy in simple moments.
(619) 762-3487 View (619) 762-3487
Photo of James Harrison Powers, Psychiatrist in Portland, OR
James Harrison Powers
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97210
Not accepting new clients
Every individual comes to therapy with a need to be deeply understood. We all experience longing. We suffer, celebrate and grapple with psychological pain. There are areas of our life that lack liveliness or vitality. We struggle in ways that are deeply private and that may not be fully known even to ourselves. I strive to help each person feel safe enough that such private feelings can emerge and be explored. Whether you are looking for help through a crisis or with long-standing psychological suffering, my hope is to understand who you are uniquely as an individual.
Every individual comes to therapy with a need to be deeply understood. We all experience longing. We suffer, celebrate and grapple with psychological pain. There are areas of our life that lack liveliness or vitality. We struggle in ways that are deeply private and that may not be fully known even to ourselves. I strive to help each person feel safe enough that such private feelings can emerge and be explored. Whether you are looking for help through a crisis or with long-standing psychological suffering, my hope is to understand who you are uniquely as an individual.
(503) 564-1324 x112 View (503) 564-1324 x112
Photo of Schuyler B Ellis, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Portland, OR
Schuyler B Ellis
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97209
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). I began my career at the Menninger Clinic in Houston, TX where I gained invaluable experience working with young adults with complex trauma, substance abuse, and mood & personality disorders. From this experience, I learned that it is a provider’s responsibility to therapeutically guide care that targets the core issues leading to a patient’s mental health challenges, not just treat a diagnosis. Since leaving Menninger, I have had the chance to care for a variety of patients in community, emergency, and forensic settings.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). I began my career at the Menninger Clinic in Houston, TX where I gained invaluable experience working with young adults with complex trauma, substance abuse, and mood & personality disorders. From this experience, I learned that it is a provider’s responsibility to therapeutically guide care that targets the core issues leading to a patient’s mental health challenges, not just treat a diagnosis. Since leaving Menninger, I have had the chance to care for a variety of patients in community, emergency, and forensic settings.
(971) 231-2720 View (971) 231-2720
Photo of Healthcore Psychiatry, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Portland, OR
Healthcore Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-, BC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97214  (Online Only)
Welcome to Healthcore Psychiatry Consultants! I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I diagnose and provide medication management to adult individuals (ages 18-60). I specialize in Alcohol and Drug Addiction, ADHD, and Mood Disorders.
Welcome to Healthcore Psychiatry Consultants! I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I diagnose and provide medication management to adult individuals (ages 18-60). I specialize in Alcohol and Drug Addiction, ADHD, and Mood Disorders.
(971) 274-5563 View (971) 274-5563
Photo of Dallas L Upchurch, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Portland, OR
Dallas L Upchurch
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97229
Hello, and welcome to your best life! I believe in listening to my patients concerns and creating the best possible individualized treatment plan to help each one of my patient's live their best lives as they navigate the rough waters life sometimes brings our way. I started my nursing career as an ICU trauma nurse in neuro, surgical, medical, and trauma ICU in federal, veteran, and civilian hospitals all over this amazing country. I feel my unique background of medical, nursing, and psychological approaches help my clients feel comfortable with my holistic approach to their psychiatric care.
Hello, and welcome to your best life! I believe in listening to my patients concerns and creating the best possible individualized treatment plan to help each one of my patient's live their best lives as they navigate the rough waters life sometimes brings our way. I started my nursing career as an ICU trauma nurse in neuro, surgical, medical, and trauma ICU in federal, veteran, and civilian hospitals all over this amazing country. I feel my unique background of medical, nursing, and psychological approaches help my clients feel comfortable with my holistic approach to their psychiatric care.
(254) 329-8825 View (254) 329-8825

How does your Psychiatrist compare?

Number of Psychiatrists in Portland, OR

400+

Average cost per session

$250

Psychiatrists in Portland, OR who prioritize treating:

96% Anxiety
95% Depression
81% Medication Management
75% Trauma and PTSD
72% ADHD
72% Bipolar Disorder
64% Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)

Average years in practice

10 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

73% BlueCross and BlueShield
72% Aetna
68% PacificSource

How Psychiatrists in Portland, OR see their clients

63% In Person and Online
37% Online Only

Gender breakdown

73% Female
26% Male
1% Non-Binary
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses

How can I find a psychiatrist in Portland?

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.