Psychiatrists in Portland, OR

Photo of Lillian Nagi, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Portland, OR
Lillian Nagi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97232  (Online Only)
At your first visit we will discuss what you are looking to obtain from my service and next to try to create a plan. This way, I can accommodate both our expectations and come up with a realistic, achievable plan. There is not a one size fits all approach when it comes to mental health. The goal is to build a solid relationship with you and continue this journey until treatment is completed or ongoing desired stability is achieved. As the saying goes, some things cannot be fixed, they can only be carried- but they still can be managed! And we can work on that.
At your first visit we will discuss what you are looking to obtain from my service and next to try to create a plan. This way, I can accommodate both our expectations and come up with a realistic, achievable plan. There is not a one size fits all approach when it comes to mental health. The goal is to build a solid relationship with you and continue this journey until treatment is completed or ongoing desired stability is achieved. As the saying goes, some things cannot be fixed, they can only be carried- but they still can be managed! And we can work on that.
(503) 506-7946 View (503) 506-7946
Photo of Marguerite Maguire, Psychiatrist in Portland, OR
Marguerite Maguire
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97202
I am a general adult psychiatrist, treating a wide variety of psychiatric illnesses with particular interests in depression, anxiety, maternal mental health, and ADHD. I earned my medical degree from the University of Rochester and completed my psychiatry residency at the University of Southern California/LAC+USC.
I am a general adult psychiatrist, treating a wide variety of psychiatric illnesses with particular interests in depression, anxiety, maternal mental health, and ADHD. I earned my medical degree from the University of Rochester and completed my psychiatry residency at the University of Southern California/LAC+USC.
(424) 383-5047 View (424) 383-5047
Photo of Black Men & Women In Training LLC MH and Wellness , Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Portland, OR
Black Men & Women In Training LLC MH and Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP, NP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97211
We have over 20 years of experience offering face-to-face and telehealth services to change health disparities and improve overall wellness in the lives of our clients. Patients can access mental health counseling and medication management from clinicians who look like them. We offer various therapeutic modalities and extended services through mentorship and advocacy support. (BMWIT) was established in 2022 to support closing the health disparities gap for people of color by offering mental health awareness and wellness services allowing patients/clients to grow into thriving human beings. We have also added a FNP for primary care.
We have over 20 years of experience offering face-to-face and telehealth services to change health disparities and improve overall wellness in the lives of our clients. Patients can access mental health counseling and medication management from clinicians who look like them. We offer various therapeutic modalities and extended services through mentorship and advocacy support. (BMWIT) was established in 2022 to support closing the health disparities gap for people of color by offering mental health awareness and wellness services allowing patients/clients to grow into thriving human beings. We have also added a FNP for primary care.
(971) 606-4912 x1 View (971) 606-4912 x1
Photo of Naomi Suhler, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Portland, OR
Naomi Suhler
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MS, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97223
Welcome. I'm a Board Certified and Licensed Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with advanced training in medication management, mindful based cognitive therapy and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT). I provide trauma informed, person-centered care utilizing medications, cognitive-behavioral approaches, mindfulness and coping skills training to individuals seeking relief from mental health symptoms that have impacted their happiness, connection with others, work productivity and quality of life.
Welcome. I'm a Board Certified and Licensed Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with advanced training in medication management, mindful based cognitive therapy and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT). I provide trauma informed, person-centered care utilizing medications, cognitive-behavioral approaches, mindfulness and coping skills training to individuals seeking relief from mental health symptoms that have impacted their happiness, connection with others, work productivity and quality of life.
(503) 386-0870 View (503) 386-0870
Photo of Francoise Eipper, Psychiatrist in Portland, OR
Francoise Eipper
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97202
The foundation of my practice is a thoughtful, integrated treatment approach that centers around psychodynamic psychotherapy. For adolescents and adults, I offer a more intensive form of psychodynamic psychotherapy, known as psychoanalytic psychotherapy, for those interested in a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships. I also work with children and their parents, and I provide psychodynamically informed play therapy for children who need help expressing, working through, and mastering difficult feelings. I am board certified in both general psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry.
The foundation of my practice is a thoughtful, integrated treatment approach that centers around psychodynamic psychotherapy. For adolescents and adults, I offer a more intensive form of psychodynamic psychotherapy, known as psychoanalytic psychotherapy, for those interested in a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships. I also work with children and their parents, and I provide psychodynamically informed play therapy for children who need help expressing, working through, and mastering difficult feelings. I am board certified in both general psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry.
(971) 240-5015 View (971) 240-5015
Photo of Joshua Dow, Psychiatrist in Portland, OR
Joshua Dow
Psychiatrist, MD, MA
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97280  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I'm so sorry that I'm not currently accepting new clients. (I'll change this statement when I'm ready to accept new clients, though it's okay that I get calls to double check. I know it can be very stressful to find a therapist, especially in the pandemic.) If you'd like to read further for future reference: I'm an adult & child psychiatrist, with experience with families and foster kids, but I've transitioned most of my focus to adults, and I do individual talk therapy, on a weekly or biweekly basis, by video/telehealth (I no longer have an in-person office) and sometimes with diet or supplements or very cautious use of medication.
I'm so sorry that I'm not currently accepting new clients. (I'll change this statement when I'm ready to accept new clients, though it's okay that I get calls to double check. I know it can be very stressful to find a therapist, especially in the pandemic.) If you'd like to read further for future reference: I'm an adult & child psychiatrist, with experience with families and foster kids, but I've transitioned most of my focus to adults, and I do individual talk therapy, on a weekly or biweekly basis, by video/telehealth (I no longer have an in-person office) and sometimes with diet or supplements or very cautious use of medication.
(503) 966-4586 View (503) 966-4586
Photo of Steven Knott, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Portland, OR
Steven Knott
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97205  (Online Only)
I am a board certified, licensed psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I graduated from college with recognition for outstanding scholastic performance in the major of nursing at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. I spent the next 7 years working in mental health with all different populations and facilities within Las Vegas, then graduated from top-ranked Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program in the United States through Vanderbilt University. I was a recipient of the Vanderbilt School of Nursing Scholarship fund and was invited to the Iota Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.
I am a board certified, licensed psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I graduated from college with recognition for outstanding scholastic performance in the major of nursing at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. I spent the next 7 years working in mental health with all different populations and facilities within Las Vegas, then graduated from top-ranked Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program in the United States through Vanderbilt University. I was a recipient of the Vanderbilt School of Nursing Scholarship fund and was invited to the Iota Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.
(971) 545-8153 View (971) 545-8153
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 Brittnai Johnson, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Portland, OR
Brittnai Johnson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97202  (Online Only)
Hello, I look forward to meeting you! My name is Brittnai and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner In the state of Oregon. I specialize in ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar, Anger Management, Depression, Insomnia/Sleep Issues, LGBTQIA+/Gender/Sexuality Topics. Maternal Mental Health, Men's Issues, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Stress Management and Women's Issues. I work with an amazing group of colleagues at Lavender, an online psychiatry and therapy office, where we believe psychiatric care shouldn't be expensive nor impossible to access.
Hello, I look forward to meeting you! My name is Brittnai and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner In the state of Oregon. I specialize in ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar, Anger Management, Depression, Insomnia/Sleep Issues, LGBTQIA+/Gender/Sexuality Topics. Maternal Mental Health, Men's Issues, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Stress Management and Women's Issues. I work with an amazing group of colleagues at Lavender, an online psychiatry and therapy office, where we believe psychiatric care shouldn't be expensive nor impossible to access.
(971) 257-5046 View (971) 257-5046
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 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 Brent Frazee, Psychiatrist in Portland, OR
Brent Frazee
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97209
I am a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic psychotherapy. I work with adults suffering from depression, anxiety, relationship problems, effects of trauma, difficulties in work or school, feelings of emptiness, and other forms of psychological pain. Psychoanalytic therapy is an intensive, exploratory process. I aim to provide a context in which to explore deeply personal aspects of your private mental life, and to work together to better understand who you are and the difficulties with which you struggle. Through this process, I hope to help you to live more fully and fulfillingly.
I am a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic psychotherapy. I work with adults suffering from depression, anxiety, relationship problems, effects of trauma, difficulties in work or school, feelings of emptiness, and other forms of psychological pain. Psychoanalytic therapy is an intensive, exploratory process. I aim to provide a context in which to explore deeply personal aspects of your private mental life, and to work together to better understand who you are and the difficulties with which you struggle. Through this process, I hope to help you to live more fully and fulfillingly.
(503) 342-7723 View (503) 342-7723
Photo of Jarusha Kutz, Psychiatric Nurse in Portland, OR
Jarusha Kutz
Psychiatric Nurse, PMHNP, RN
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97212
I specialize in evaluation and treatment of adult ADHD. I treat patients with psychotherapy that is tailored to the way people with ADHD experience the world. The goal is to optimize your effectiveness in all aspects of your life, while decreasing emotional stress.
I specialize in evaluation and treatment of adult ADHD. I treat patients with psychotherapy that is tailored to the way people with ADHD experience the world. The goal is to optimize your effectiveness in all aspects of your life, while decreasing emotional stress.
(971) 544-8220 View (971) 544-8220
Photo of Kelly Yan, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Portland, OR
Kelly Yan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97205  (Online Only)
I support mental wellness through medication management and behavioral health counseling. I work in partnership with you, your therapist, and other members of your care team to manage concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma-related disorders, mood disorders, psychosis, inattention, and neurodivergence. My treatment philosophy is grounded in evidence-based practice and holistic, patient-centered care. I believe in using the gentlest interventions that will achieve your goals. I do not perform ADHD assessments, but I can provide ongoing ADHD treatment. I do not prescribe benzodiazepines long-term.
I support mental wellness through medication management and behavioral health counseling. I work in partnership with you, your therapist, and other members of your care team to manage concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma-related disorders, mood disorders, psychosis, inattention, and neurodivergence. My treatment philosophy is grounded in evidence-based practice and holistic, patient-centered care. I believe in using the gentlest interventions that will achieve your goals. I do not perform ADHD assessments, but I can provide ongoing ADHD treatment. I do not prescribe benzodiazepines long-term.
(503) 386-0237 View (503) 386-0237
Photo of Lauren Merrell, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Portland, OR
Lauren Merrell
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97239
I treat clients who are seeking both talk therapy and medication management. When clients receive therapy and medication management from the same provider, I find that this leads to better outcomes, less medication, and greater satisfaction in care. In our first few sessions, I'll listen to you intently and then we'll determine a path forward. Most of my clients start to feel better within a few months.
I treat clients who are seeking both talk therapy and medication management. When clients receive therapy and medication management from the same provider, I find that this leads to better outcomes, less medication, and greater satisfaction in care. In our first few sessions, I'll listen to you intently and then we'll determine a path forward. Most of my clients start to feel better within a few months.
(971) 318-1721 View (971) 318-1721
Photo of Karan Randhava, Psychiatrist in Portland, OR
Karan Randhava
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97214
Dr. Randhava has dedicated much of his career to using psychotherapy and sometimes medication for positive impacts on recovery. He sees children, teens, and adults for all mental health issues. He is particularly skilled at interpersonal conflicts. He aims to build trust with clients to collaboratively choose the right treatment option while dedicating time to understand problems from their root.
Dr. Randhava has dedicated much of his career to using psychotherapy and sometimes medication for positive impacts on recovery. He sees children, teens, and adults for all mental health issues. He is particularly skilled at interpersonal conflicts. He aims to build trust with clients to collaboratively choose the right treatment option while dedicating time to understand problems from their root.
(503) 461-5557 View (503) 461-5557
Photo of Rachel Scott, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Portland, OR
Rachel Scott
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97225  (Online Only)
Anxiety and depression can be overwhelming, casting a shadow over every aspect of life. Recognizing the courage it takes to seek help, my focus is on individuals ready to take active steps towards betterment. Leveraging my expertise in psychiatry, I aim to create a supportive environment where we collaboratively address these challenges. Through a careful and compassionate approach to medication management, we can find a path to a brighter, more balanced life, empowering you to reclaim control over your mental health and wellbeing.
Anxiety and depression can be overwhelming, casting a shadow over every aspect of life. Recognizing the courage it takes to seek help, my focus is on individuals ready to take active steps towards betterment. Leveraging my expertise in psychiatry, I aim to create a supportive environment where we collaboratively address these challenges. Through a careful and compassionate approach to medication management, we can find a path to a brighter, more balanced life, empowering you to reclaim control over your mental health and wellbeing.
(971) 265-8908 View (971) 265-8908
Photo of Melinda Pilar Anello, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Portland, OR
Melinda Pilar Anello
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-B, PMH-C
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97222
Melinda uses a person-centered, holistic approach that incorporates medication management, exercise, nutrition, complementary and alternative medicine, and lifestyle modifications in conjunction with supportive psychotherapy. She feels strongly that each person’s mental health is influenced by their age, gender, language, faith, sexual and gender identity, and healing must incorporate all of the things that make you, uniquely you. Most importantly, she believes that we all have the innate ability to heal and in working collaboratively to create a care plan that you feel confident and safe in.
Melinda uses a person-centered, holistic approach that incorporates medication management, exercise, nutrition, complementary and alternative medicine, and lifestyle modifications in conjunction with supportive psychotherapy. She feels strongly that each person’s mental health is influenced by their age, gender, language, faith, sexual and gender identity, and healing must incorporate all of the things that make you, uniquely you. Most importantly, she believes that we all have the innate ability to heal and in working collaboratively to create a care plan that you feel confident and safe in.
(503) 751-8663 View (503) 751-8663
Photo of Thomas A Veeder, Psychiatrist in Portland, OR
Thomas A Veeder
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97214
Not accepting new clients
I am a board-certified psychiatrist focusing on providing psychoanalytic psychotherapy and psychiatric consultation services. I am comfortable treating clients with a wide range of emotional or psychiatric difficulties including acute crisis, anxiety, depression, psychosis, and/or life transition issues. In addition to having a small private practice, I am on faculty at the Oregon Health & Sciences University, where I teach, practice, and supervise residents, focusing on inpatient and outpatient management of a wide array of psychiatric conditions.
I am a board-certified psychiatrist focusing on providing psychoanalytic psychotherapy and psychiatric consultation services. I am comfortable treating clients with a wide range of emotional or psychiatric difficulties including acute crisis, anxiety, depression, psychosis, and/or life transition issues. In addition to having a small private practice, I am on faculty at the Oregon Health & Sciences University, where I teach, practice, and supervise residents, focusing on inpatient and outpatient management of a wide array of psychiatric conditions.
(503) 893-8612 View (503) 893-8612
Photo of Rachel C Ward, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Portland, OR
Rachel C Ward
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97225
Struggling with relationships, feeling overwhelmed, and finding it hard to keep up with school or work because of difficulty in social situations, inability to organize yourself, disrupted sleep, or tumultuous moods? You're not alone. I understand the dread and paralyzing effects these symptoms can have on your life.
Struggling with relationships, feeling overwhelmed, and finding it hard to keep up with school or work because of difficulty in social situations, inability to organize yourself, disrupted sleep, or tumultuous moods? You're not alone. I understand the dread and paralyzing effects these symptoms can have on your life.
(971) 265-8603 View (971) 265-8603

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
67% 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.