Psychiatrists in Creve Coeur, MO

Photo of Ivy Alwell, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Creve Coeur, MO
Ivy Alwell
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN,BC
Verified Verified
Creve Coeur, MO 63141
My approach is holistic, integrative, and collaborative. I provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and medical management with supportive psychotherapy. I use evidence based practice guidelines with the goals of helping the patient achieve symptom management, improve their level of functioning, attain and sustain body-mind health and wellness.
My approach is holistic, integrative, and collaborative. I provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and medical management with supportive psychotherapy. I use evidence based practice guidelines with the goals of helping the patient achieve symptom management, improve their level of functioning, attain and sustain body-mind health and wellness.
(314) 205-8068 View (314) 205-8068
Photo of Vivek Agnihotri, Psychiatrist in Creve Coeur, MO
Vivek Agnihotri
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Creve Coeur, MO 63141
I am a Psychiatrist specializing in Addiction Treatment and Adult Psychiatric Treatment. Also provide individualized Weight Management Services. I specialize in the treatment of Opioid dependence with Suboxone, Alcohol dependence, other addictions and Dual Diagnosis and Psychiatric disorders. I have extensive experience in treating a wide range of Psychiatric disorders including Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Bipolar Disorders, ADHD. I provide compassionate care and individualized attention in conducting comprehensive psychiatric evaluations.
I am a Psychiatrist specializing in Addiction Treatment and Adult Psychiatric Treatment. Also provide individualized Weight Management Services. I specialize in the treatment of Opioid dependence with Suboxone, Alcohol dependence, other addictions and Dual Diagnosis and Psychiatric disorders. I have extensive experience in treating a wide range of Psychiatric disorders including Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Bipolar Disorders, ADHD. I provide compassionate care and individualized attention in conducting comprehensive psychiatric evaluations.
(314) 794-5773 View (314) 794-5773
Photo of Oladayo (Dayo) Farodoye, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Creve Coeur, MO
Oladayo (Dayo) Farodoye
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Creve Coeur, MO 63141
Current wait time: 1-2 weeks. Welcome! As a psychiatric nurse practitioner with a focus on medication management and an integrative approach, I am dedicated to providing comprehensive mental health care to individuals seeking support, inner peace and balance in their lives. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), I am here to assist you. If you have already embarked on a journey to improve your well-being but are seeking a collaborative partner to help navigate the complexities of medication management, I would like to help you.
Current wait time: 1-2 weeks. Welcome! As a psychiatric nurse practitioner with a focus on medication management and an integrative approach, I am dedicated to providing comprehensive mental health care to individuals seeking support, inner peace and balance in their lives. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), I am here to assist you. If you have already embarked on a journey to improve your well-being but are seeking a collaborative partner to help navigate the complexities of medication management, I would like to help you.
(314) 876-6846 View (314) 876-6846
Photo of Success Health System, Worldwide Psychiatry, Psychiatrist in Creve Coeur, MO
Success Health System, Worldwide Psychiatry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Creve Coeur, MO 63141
Success Health System strives to provide the best patient experience possible. We offer virtual and in-person services at convenient locations in Olathe, KS; Columbia, MO; Independence, MO; and Creve Coeur, MO. We will answer and schedule your appointment within 48 hours. Providers at Success Health System are passionate about providing patient-centered psychotropic and psychotherapeutic interventions that are individualized to each patient’s diagnosis.
Success Health System strives to provide the best patient experience possible. We offer virtual and in-person services at convenient locations in Olathe, KS; Columbia, MO; Independence, MO; and Creve Coeur, MO. We will answer and schedule your appointment within 48 hours. Providers at Success Health System are passionate about providing patient-centered psychotropic and psychotherapeutic interventions that are individualized to each patient’s diagnosis.
(573) 269-3946 View (573) 269-3946
Photo of Serenity Health, Psychiatrist in Creve Coeur, MO
Serenity Health
Psychiatrist, MD, DFAPA
Verified Verified
Creve Coeur, MO 63141
At Serenity Health, we understand the courage it takes to ask for help. If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and more, our team of licensed and certified providers are here to help. Our providers are trained to use psychotherapy to learn about your situation, properly diagnose, and treat your symptoms. Along with psychiatry, we offer neurology services to patients struggling with neuropathy, movement disorders, migraines, post-stroke care, seizures, and more. Our neurology team coordinates with the care plans of your other providers to ensure continuous improvement.
At Serenity Health, we understand the courage it takes to ask for help. If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and more, our team of licensed and certified providers are here to help. Our providers are trained to use psychotherapy to learn about your situation, properly diagnose, and treat your symptoms. Along with psychiatry, we offer neurology services to patients struggling with neuropathy, movement disorders, migraines, post-stroke care, seizures, and more. Our neurology team coordinates with the care plans of your other providers to ensure continuous improvement.
(636) 259-4665 View (636) 259-4665
Photo of James Mikolajczak, Psychiatrist in Creve Coeur, MO
James Mikolajczak
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Creve Coeur, MO 63141
I strongly believe a good psychotherapy experience is based on a good healthy connection between the patient and therapist. Within this relationship the two can both explore the internal and external world in which the patient lives. The internal world arises from both present and past experiences. An understanding of these worlds and the conflicts within these worlds, leads to an easing of the patient's symptoms and an improved resilience to handle life's events. Lasting results come gradually in psychotherapy. I offer meeting with a patient to listen and discuss one's history. I will provide my assessment of some of the important life experiences and make a recommendation of what treatment I might offer to relieve symptoms. As a physician, I offer medication management along with psychotherapy. I treat children, adolescents, and adults in psychotherapy and medical psychotherapy.
I strongly believe a good psychotherapy experience is based on a good healthy connection between the patient and therapist. Within this relationship the two can both explore the internal and external world in which the patient lives. The internal world arises from both present and past experiences. An understanding of these worlds and the conflicts within these worlds, leads to an easing of the patient's symptoms and an improved resilience to handle life's events. Lasting results come gradually in psychotherapy. I offer meeting with a patient to listen and discuss one's history. I will provide my assessment of some of the important life experiences and make a recommendation of what treatment I might offer to relieve symptoms. As a physician, I offer medication management along with psychotherapy. I treat children, adolescents, and adults in psychotherapy and medical psychotherapy.
(314) 828-1343 View (314) 828-1343
Photo of Abraham Medaris, Psychiatrist in Creve Coeur, MO
Abraham Medaris
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Creve Coeur, MO 63141
Not accepting new clients
Patients suffering from: depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and other mood related symptoms.
Patients suffering from: depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and other mood related symptoms.
(636) 259-4513 View (636) 259-4513
Photo of SANA Psychiatry, Psychiatrist in Creve Coeur, MO
SANA Psychiatry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Creve Coeur, MO 63141
Accepting New Patients - With medication and therapeutic interventions, Dr. Sindhura Saini, M.D. hopes to help patients feel respected while working to improve their well being and mental health. Dr. Saini's expertise involves anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma, ADHD and bipolar disorder.
Accepting New Patients - With medication and therapeutic interventions, Dr. Sindhura Saini, M.D. hopes to help patients feel respected while working to improve their well being and mental health. Dr. Saini's expertise involves anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma, ADHD and bipolar disorder.
(314) 866-7702 View (314) 866-7702
Photo of Cassandra Turner, Psychiatric Nurse in Creve Coeur, MO
Cassandra Turner
Psychiatric Nurse, DNP, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Creve Coeur, MO 63141
Are you struggling with Substance Use or Alcohol Use Disorders? Sana Lake Behavioral Wellness Center Medical Services is the place for you. Offering a full system of care without the long wait to see Licensed Providers who specialize in Psychiatry, Medication Management, Medication Assisted Treatments, and Therapeutic Interventions while under the care of our clinical team.
Are you struggling with Substance Use or Alcohol Use Disorders? Sana Lake Behavioral Wellness Center Medical Services is the place for you. Offering a full system of care without the long wait to see Licensed Providers who specialize in Psychiatry, Medication Management, Medication Assisted Treatments, and Therapeutic Interventions while under the care of our clinical team.
(816) 209-1458 View (816) 209-1458
Photo of Alpha Allied Mental Health Services (AMS), Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Creve Coeur, MO
Alpha Allied Mental Health Services (AMS)
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Creve Coeur, MO 63132
I am a board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in the states of Iowa and Missouri. I have full practice authority in the state of Iowa, I am accepting new patients in Iowa and Missouri. I practice psychiatry by assessing biological, psychological and social aspects of each patient I care for, to deliver optimal mental health. I take insurance in Missouri and Iowa. I prescribe a full range of psychotropic medications for genuine mental health disorders. We now have an additional provider that is accepting new patients. Give us a call.
I am a board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in the states of Iowa and Missouri. I have full practice authority in the state of Iowa, I am accepting new patients in Iowa and Missouri. I practice psychiatry by assessing biological, psychological and social aspects of each patient I care for, to deliver optimal mental health. I take insurance in Missouri and Iowa. I prescribe a full range of psychotropic medications for genuine mental health disorders. We now have an additional provider that is accepting new patients. Give us a call.
(636) 735-7068 View (636) 735-7068
Photo of Rose Psara, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Creve Coeur, MO
Rose Psara
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, RN, MSN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Creve Coeur, MO 63141
Immediate openings for new clients in the office, telepsychiatry, or via telephone depending on the client's individual needs in the St. Louis area. General psychiatry practice. Seeing patients for anxiety, depression, attention deficit disorder, and stress. Call 314-567-1958 or email me to set up a new appointment. Hope to see you soon.
Immediate openings for new clients in the office, telepsychiatry, or via telephone depending on the client's individual needs in the St. Louis area. General psychiatry practice. Seeing patients for anxiety, depression, attention deficit disorder, and stress. Call 314-567-1958 or email me to set up a new appointment. Hope to see you soon.
(314) 408-2586 View (314) 408-2586

More Psychiatrists Nearby

Photo of Meredith Throop, Psychiatrist in Creve Coeur, MO
Meredith Throop
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Fenton, MO 63026  (Online Only)
Dr. Throop is expanding her current private practice and will be primarily telemedicine based. Dr. Throop’s approach is patient-centered/patient-focused. Patient-centered care is a concept that gives primacy to the voice and concerns of the person using the health care service. The goal is to enable and empower patients to better appreciate, and play an active role in their mental health. Dr. Throop aims to take a holistic approach to mental health. While medications are a very powerful tool in the journey to feeling better, they are one of many tools to be used!
Dr. Throop is expanding her current private practice and will be primarily telemedicine based. Dr. Throop’s approach is patient-centered/patient-focused. Patient-centered care is a concept that gives primacy to the voice and concerns of the person using the health care service. The goal is to enable and empower patients to better appreciate, and play an active role in their mental health. Dr. Throop aims to take a holistic approach to mental health. While medications are a very powerful tool in the journey to feeling better, they are one of many tools to be used!
(636) 435-2187 View (636) 435-2187
Photo of Innovative Mental Health Services, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Creve Coeur, MO
Innovative Mental Health Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP-C, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63141  (Online Only)
Brenda Bush is a dual Certified Nurse Practitioner in Family and Psychiatric Mental Health. Her focus is Psychiatric Mental Health and Primary Care Adult medicine. Brenda has been a nurse for 28 years and a Nurse Practitioner for 15 years. Her practitioner education is from Indiana Wesleyan University- Marion, Indiana and University of Missouri- St. Louis. She has a collaborative practice in St. Louis and surrounding cities in Mo. and is also licensed in Arizona, Kansas and Virgina. Her goal is to partner with you to create a treatment plan that improves your mental and physical health, enhancing your quality of life.
Brenda Bush is a dual Certified Nurse Practitioner in Family and Psychiatric Mental Health. Her focus is Psychiatric Mental Health and Primary Care Adult medicine. Brenda has been a nurse for 28 years and a Nurse Practitioner for 15 years. Her practitioner education is from Indiana Wesleyan University- Marion, Indiana and University of Missouri- St. Louis. She has a collaborative practice in St. Louis and surrounding cities in Mo. and is also licensed in Arizona, Kansas and Virgina. Her goal is to partner with you to create a treatment plan that improves your mental and physical health, enhancing your quality of life.
(314) 582-6420 View (314) 582-6420
Photo of Courtney Wall - Provident Behavioral Health, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Creve Coeur, MO
Courtney Wall - Provident Behavioral Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63103
The most gratifying thing about my work is being able to connect with great people who are going through challenging times and providing them with the assistance and individualized care they need to improve their overall quality of life. There is no better feeling than helping someone transition from a low point in their life to a newfound path of happiness. I’m a proud member of the Provident Behavioral Health team, an agency that offers not only psychiatric services but also counseling and crisis services. I currently offer telemental health appointments for Missouri residents, making services accessible and convenient for you.
The most gratifying thing about my work is being able to connect with great people who are going through challenging times and providing them with the assistance and individualized care they need to improve their overall quality of life. There is no better feeling than helping someone transition from a low point in their life to a newfound path of happiness. I’m a proud member of the Provident Behavioral Health team, an agency that offers not only psychiatric services but also counseling and crisis services. I currently offer telemental health appointments for Missouri residents, making services accessible and convenient for you.
(573) 955-0046 View (573) 955-0046
Photo of Vishal Adma, Psychiatrist in Creve Coeur, MO
Vishal Adma
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Maryland Heights, MO 63043
Are you struggling with Substance Use or Alcohol Use Disorders? Sana Lake Behavioral Wellness Center Medical Services is the place for you. Offering a full system of care without the long wait to see Licensed Providers who specialize in Psychiatry, Medication Management, Medication Assisted Treatments, and Therapeutic Interventions while under the care of our clinical team.
Are you struggling with Substance Use or Alcohol Use Disorders? Sana Lake Behavioral Wellness Center Medical Services is the place for you. Offering a full system of care without the long wait to see Licensed Providers who specialize in Psychiatry, Medication Management, Medication Assisted Treatments, and Therapeutic Interventions while under the care of our clinical team.
(314) 907-2545 View (314) 907-2545
Photo of Tamara Runge, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Creve Coeur, MO
Tamara Runge
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63122
Tamara Runge is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner whose passion is in providing care and treatment for adolescents and adults with a variety of mental health conditions. Her goal is to help her clients achieve a better quality of life using a combination of both medicinal and holistic treatment approaches, each dependent on her clients' unique and individual needs. Tamara practices with LifeStance Health in offices in Kirkwood and Clayton, Missouri. She also has the ability to see patients from home via telehealth services.
Tamara Runge is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner whose passion is in providing care and treatment for adolescents and adults with a variety of mental health conditions. Her goal is to help her clients achieve a better quality of life using a combination of both medicinal and holistic treatment approaches, each dependent on her clients' unique and individual needs. Tamara practices with LifeStance Health in offices in Kirkwood and Clayton, Missouri. She also has the ability to see patients from home via telehealth services.
(314) 626-8235 View (314) 626-8235
Photo of Kimberly Danielle, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Creve Coeur, MO
Kimberly Danielle
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP-C, PMHNP-C
Verified Verified
Chesterfield, MO 63005  (Online Only)
Welcome to Klarity Wellness! My name is Kimberly Danielle, PMHNP- BC, FNP-C. With integrative & functional medicine training, as well as being double board-certified in Psychiatry and Family Medicine, I bring a unique and comprehensive perspective to mental and physical health care. My expertise allows me to offer an integrated approach to a wide range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, bipolar & mood disorders, PTSD, ADHD, and more. With extensive experience in psychiatry and hospital based medicine, I have developed an expertise in addressing the relationship between mental and physical well-being.
Welcome to Klarity Wellness! My name is Kimberly Danielle, PMHNP- BC, FNP-C. With integrative & functional medicine training, as well as being double board-certified in Psychiatry and Family Medicine, I bring a unique and comprehensive perspective to mental and physical health care. My expertise allows me to offer an integrated approach to a wide range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, bipolar & mood disorders, PTSD, ADHD, and more. With extensive experience in psychiatry and hospital based medicine, I have developed an expertise in addressing the relationship between mental and physical well-being.
(314) 226-1120 View (314) 226-1120
Photo of Nicole Parker, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Creve Coeur, MO
Nicole Parker
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Richmond Heights, MO 63117
Nicole Parker graduated with her Master's Degree in Nursing from Maryville University in 2020 and became a board-certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Prior to graduation she spent time working as an RN in a fast-paced Emergency Department and in acute inpatient behavioral units. She also spent time teaching the specialized focus of mental health clinical rotation to future registered nurses. Nicole's primary focus has been working with inner city children, adolescents and adults experiencing a variety of mental health disorders.
Nicole Parker graduated with her Master's Degree in Nursing from Maryville University in 2020 and became a board-certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Prior to graduation she spent time working as an RN in a fast-paced Emergency Department and in acute inpatient behavioral units. She also spent time teaching the specialized focus of mental health clinical rotation to future registered nurses. Nicole's primary focus has been working with inner city children, adolescents and adults experiencing a variety of mental health disorders.
(314) 916-3616 View (314) 916-3616
Photo of Kelly M McKinney, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Creve Coeur, MO
Kelly M McKinney
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, FNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Saint Charles, MO 63303  (Online Only)
My name is Kelly McKinney, I am a Nurse Practitioner, dual certified in Family/Primary Care and Mental Health. I have eleven years of experience as a registered nurse in the areas of Pediatrics, Oncology, Medical-Surgical Nursing, Public Health, Primary Care and Mental Health. I have been practicing as a certified Nurse Practitioner for six of those years. I obtained my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Goldfarb School of Nursing in 2010. Later, I earned a Master of Science in Nursing and certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) from Walden University in 2015.
My name is Kelly McKinney, I am a Nurse Practitioner, dual certified in Family/Primary Care and Mental Health. I have eleven years of experience as a registered nurse in the areas of Pediatrics, Oncology, Medical-Surgical Nursing, Public Health, Primary Care and Mental Health. I have been practicing as a certified Nurse Practitioner for six of those years. I obtained my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Goldfarb School of Nursing in 2010. Later, I earned a Master of Science in Nursing and certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) from Walden University in 2015.
(636) 202-1772 View (636) 202-1772
Photo of Bonnie Lee Applewhite, Psychiatrist in Creve Coeur, MO
Bonnie Lee Applewhite
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63119
Dr. Bonnie Applewhite provides personalized Adult Psychiatry services in an outpatient setting. Dr. Applewhite has studied at premiere medical institutions and continually strives to remain at the forefront of neuroscience and mental health treatment. Dr. Applewhite collaborates with every patient to realize their innermost potential. Treatment plans are developed with the lifestyle and goals of each patient in mind, while still pursuing maximum therapeutic efficacy.
Dr. Bonnie Applewhite provides personalized Adult Psychiatry services in an outpatient setting. Dr. Applewhite has studied at premiere medical institutions and continually strives to remain at the forefront of neuroscience and mental health treatment. Dr. Applewhite collaborates with every patient to realize their innermost potential. Treatment plans are developed with the lifestyle and goals of each patient in mind, while still pursuing maximum therapeutic efficacy.
(314) 207-0606 View (314) 207-0606

See more therapy options for Creve Coeur

How does your Psychiatrist compare?

Number of Psychiatrists in Creve Coeur, MO

10+

Average cost per session

$167

Psychiatrists in Creve Coeur, MO who prioritize treating:

91% Depression
91% Anxiety
82% Bipolar Disorder
82% Medication Management
73% Trauma and PTSD
73% Psychosis
64% Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)

Average years in practice

9 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

86% Cigna and Evernorth
86% UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH
71% Aetna

How Psychiatrists in Creve Coeur, MO see their clients

100% In Person and Online

Gender breakdown

55% Male
45% Female
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses

How can I find a psychiatrist in Creve Coeur?

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.