Psychiatrists in Devon, PA
![Photo of Laura Orsatti Weissflog, MSN, CRNP, PMHNP-, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ecc7315c-fe02-4d3e-be9b-5360fbe5b3fb/1/320x400.jpeg)
Laura Orsatti Weissflog
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, CRNP, PMHNP-, BC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Devon, PA 19333
Are you looking for a new prescriber? I am accepting new clients at Inspire Behavioral Health, a group practice in Phoenixville, PA. If you are looking for a compassionate clinician to assist you in deciding whether you may benefit from adding medication to your current therapy to improve how you are feeling, I can help. If you are already taking medication and are looking for someone who listens, I will educate you about your medication and partner with you to make informed decision about next steps.
Are you looking for a new prescriber? I am accepting new clients at Inspire Behavioral Health, a group practice in Phoenixville, PA. If you are looking for a compassionate clinician to assist you in deciding whether you may benefit from adding medication to your current therapy to improve how you are feeling, I can help. If you are already taking medication and are looking for someone who listens, I will educate you about your medication and partner with you to make informed decision about next steps.
![Photo of Joseph Gagnon Jr., CRNP, PMHNP, MSN, BS, RN-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0b90d196-e00f-4c08-803d-358a013a2cbe/1/320x400.jpeg)
Joseph Gagnon Jr.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMHNP, MSN, BS, RN-BC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Devon, PA 19333 (Online Only)
Joe specializes in the treatment of ADHD (including adult-onset ADHD), Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Movement Disorders (specifically Tardive Dyskinesia), Psychotic Disorders (including early onset Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder), Bipolar Disorder, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. He has extensive experience in treating both children and adolescents. Additionally, he holds a waiver for utilizing Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT) in assisting individuals struggling with Substance Use Disorders.
Joe specializes in the treatment of ADHD (including adult-onset ADHD), Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Movement Disorders (specifically Tardive Dyskinesia), Psychotic Disorders (including early onset Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder), Bipolar Disorder, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. He has extensive experience in treating both children and adolescents. Additionally, he holds a waiver for utilizing Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT) in assisting individuals struggling with Substance Use Disorders.
![Photo of Christine Mulligan, CRNP, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f456352-b3cd-46ef-a307-2613047179a4/3/320x400.jpeg)
Christine Mulligan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Devon, PA 19333
Suffering with a condition such as anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem is no way to live. There are many treatment options available to provide relief. I am a Board Certified Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 25 years of experience helping individuals recover to remission. I assisted in developing the Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Program at UPenn and received awards for faculty of the year (2016) and preceptor of the year ( 2018). Let's work together to determine the best course of treatment for you.
Suffering with a condition such as anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem is no way to live. There are many treatment options available to provide relief. I am a Board Certified Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 25 years of experience helping individuals recover to remission. I assisted in developing the Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Program at UPenn and received awards for faculty of the year (2016) and preceptor of the year ( 2018). Let's work together to determine the best course of treatment for you.
![Photo of Heather Bisca, MSN, RN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4ff7209a-14d4-4554-809f-54a27c438bf2/1/320x400.jpeg)
Heather uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and emphasizes the importance of collaboration with other healthcare providers. She is known for her compassionate care, always advocating for and listening to her patients with respect and empathy. Her approach integrates her personal values of kindness, acceptance, and understanding.
Heather uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and emphasizes the importance of collaboration with other healthcare providers. She is known for her compassionate care, always advocating for and listening to her patients with respect and empathy. Her approach integrates her personal values of kindness, acceptance, and understanding.
![Photo of Dr. Mo Dattu - Mo Dattu, MD Psychiatrist, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/08bfade9-4ce4-4e43-acea-df637045efbf/2/320x400.jpeg)
My aim is to understand you, not just medicate you. My work is in depth, encompassing current and past treatments, relationship and professional history, family history and other important areas of your life. I see patients from age 18 to 60, primarily treat depression and anxiety. My sessions are very interactive utilizing strength based approaches, cognitive therapy, behavioral modification and other modalities. Goals are identified as are obstacles to achieving them. Validated rating scales are used to further explore areas of concern and genetic testing is used when considering best medications.
My aim is to understand you, not just medicate you. My work is in depth, encompassing current and past treatments, relationship and professional history, family history and other important areas of your life. I see patients from age 18 to 60, primarily treat depression and anxiety. My sessions are very interactive utilizing strength based approaches, cognitive therapy, behavioral modification and other modalities. Goals are identified as are obstacles to achieving them. Validated rating scales are used to further explore areas of concern and genetic testing is used when considering best medications.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
![Photo of Jeffrey Allen Naser - Jeffrey Naser MD, LLC, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f8e9b6a-693c-4e14-aaaf-c6a49ee8e426/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jeffrey Naser MD, LLC is a private, fee-for service psychiatric practice in Berwyn PA. Dr. Naser's team includes Ms. Maria Capriotti and Ms. Terri Leone, both Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners. We provide psychiatric assessment, second opinions and medication management for children, teens and adults. We have significant experience working with a range of psychiatric challenges including Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Autism, OCD, PTSD, and others. Our initial evalations are done in-person. We offer a choice for follow up visits, either remote or in-person. We work hard to provide a trusting and collaborative relationship.
Jeffrey Naser MD, LLC is a private, fee-for service psychiatric practice in Berwyn PA. Dr. Naser's team includes Ms. Maria Capriotti and Ms. Terri Leone, both Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners. We provide psychiatric assessment, second opinions and medication management for children, teens and adults. We have significant experience working with a range of psychiatric challenges including Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Autism, OCD, PTSD, and others. Our initial evalations are done in-person. We offer a choice for follow up visits, either remote or in-person. We work hard to provide a trusting and collaborative relationship.
![Photo of Dena Caplan, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8a120417-40e1-4126-ab9a-9d3a88e7754a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dena Caplan is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Pennsylvania who has been practicing since 2023. She earned a PMHNP from Wilkes University and a CPNP-PC from Thomas Jefferson University. Dena has been practicing as a Pediatric Nurse. Outside of work, Dena enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband and children.
Dena Caplan is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Pennsylvania who has been practicing since 2023. She earned a PMHNP from Wilkes University and a CPNP-PC from Thomas Jefferson University. Dena has been practicing as a Pediatric Nurse. Outside of work, Dena enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband and children.
![Photo of Carrie Malanga, RN, MEd, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50048c02-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Carrie Malanga
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, RN, MEd, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wayne, PA 19087
I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, working with individuals ranging from young adults through the lifespan. My clinical approach to Psychopharmacology is solution focused and evidence based. I allow for 30-minute follow up sessions, in order to best meet the needs of my clients and offer a personalized and integrated approach to Psychiatry. I incorporate the strengths of western medicine as well as eastern philosophies, including contemplative psychology. In order to provide the highest level of patient care, our work together will extend beyond medication, allowing for holistic and co-created treatment planning.
I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, working with individuals ranging from young adults through the lifespan. My clinical approach to Psychopharmacology is solution focused and evidence based. I allow for 30-minute follow up sessions, in order to best meet the needs of my clients and offer a personalized and integrated approach to Psychiatry. I incorporate the strengths of western medicine as well as eastern philosophies, including contemplative psychology. In order to provide the highest level of patient care, our work together will extend beyond medication, allowing for holistic and co-created treatment planning.
![Photo of Brian Rogers - North Star Psychiatry, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7df8e4b4-a8cd-469b-94c3-8d97d468f7bd/2/320x400.jpeg)
WE ARE ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! North Star Psychiatry offers medication management and psychotherapy to children, adolescents, and young adults. We accept new patients between ages 4 and 25 years. Patients outside of this age range may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. We offer a hybrid treatment model with in-person visits at our physical location in Malvern, PA and telepsychiatry visits anywhere in the state of Pennsylvania. We have extensive experience working with young people who are living with mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, ODD, PTSD, OCD, and eating disorders.
WE ARE ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! North Star Psychiatry offers medication management and psychotherapy to children, adolescents, and young adults. We accept new patients between ages 4 and 25 years. Patients outside of this age range may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. We offer a hybrid treatment model with in-person visits at our physical location in Malvern, PA and telepsychiatry visits anywhere in the state of Pennsylvania. We have extensive experience working with young people who are living with mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, ODD, PTSD, OCD, and eating disorders.
![Photo of Nick Speeney, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/77b6e137-01a3-4dbc-9dd0-8e2596140c8a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Speeney Psychiatric Services is dedicated to establishing a therapeutic alliance with all individuals who desire a positive change in their life. Achieving your idea of success and wellness is most important to me. We will work together to create a treatment plan that is right for you. I look forward to meeting you.
Speeney Psychiatric Services is dedicated to establishing a therapeutic alliance with all individuals who desire a positive change in their life. Achieving your idea of success and wellness is most important to me. We will work together to create a treatment plan that is right for you. I look forward to meeting you.
![Photo of Dr. Suparna Basu, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1d389f4f-0988-4f5e-86cd-d627a241be67/2/320x400.jpeg)
Suparna Basu is an experienced and compassionate board-certified psychiatrist with expertise in caring for those with a variety of mental health problems and emotional issues . Dr. Basu is a psychopharmacologist who focuses primarily on medication management. She prefers her patients have a separate therapist that she can collaborate with. Dr. Basu's approach can best be described as interpersonal/humanistic, one in which her working relationship is every bit as important as any medication you might decide to use. You can learn more about Dr.Basu on her website; http://basupsychiatry.com
Suparna Basu is an experienced and compassionate board-certified psychiatrist with expertise in caring for those with a variety of mental health problems and emotional issues . Dr. Basu is a psychopharmacologist who focuses primarily on medication management. She prefers her patients have a separate therapist that she can collaborate with. Dr. Basu's approach can best be described as interpersonal/humanistic, one in which her working relationship is every bit as important as any medication you might decide to use. You can learn more about Dr.Basu on her website; http://basupsychiatry.com
![Photo of Charles Chip Altman, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f3376153-3ecd-49e9-8d0a-bcbbee52c69e/1/320x400.png)
Casual, relaxed setting to address symptoms of anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress, unstable mood (bipolar), insomnia, and issues with focus/concentration. I specialize in working with older adolescents, college/graduate students, and young adults launching careers and building relationships. Of course I work with adults of all ages.
Casual, relaxed setting to address symptoms of anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress, unstable mood (bipolar), insomnia, and issues with focus/concentration. I specialize in working with older adolescents, college/graduate students, and young adults launching careers and building relationships. Of course I work with adults of all ages.
![Photo of David Danish, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4cb6351c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I enjoy working with clients of all ages and from all walks of life. Clients typically seek me out when they are looking for help with various psychiatric conditions. My training at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, work in area crisis centers and emergency rooms, years of inpatient work at the University of Pennsylvania followed by The Horsham Clinic, and starting ketamine infusion for treatment resistant depression, have all shaped me into the psychiatrist I am today.
I enjoy working with clients of all ages and from all walks of life. Clients typically seek me out when they are looking for help with various psychiatric conditions. My training at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, work in area crisis centers and emergency rooms, years of inpatient work at the University of Pennsylvania followed by The Horsham Clinic, and starting ketamine infusion for treatment resistant depression, have all shaped me into the psychiatrist I am today.
![Photo of Terri Geiger Leone, MSN, CRNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/397730c7-8f76-45af-b3b6-35f138ecec8a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Terri Geiger Leone
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, CRNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Berwyn, PA 19312
Terri Leone, CRNP, is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who is accepting new clients at the office of Jeffrey Naser, MD and Associates (voted one of Philadelphia Magazine's Top Doctors in 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021), a group practice in Berwyn, PA. Ms. Leone is trained in all areas of psychiatry, including Attention Deficit Disorders, Major Depressive Disorders, Bipolar Disorders, Anxiety Disorders and Trauma-Related Disorders.
Terri Leone, CRNP, is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who is accepting new clients at the office of Jeffrey Naser, MD and Associates (voted one of Philadelphia Magazine's Top Doctors in 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021), a group practice in Berwyn, PA. Ms. Leone is trained in all areas of psychiatry, including Attention Deficit Disorders, Major Depressive Disorders, Bipolar Disorders, Anxiety Disorders and Trauma-Related Disorders.
![Photo of Emily Bernstein, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a855d035-5573-48dd-9cd6-4a4576b6b31f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hello! My name is Dr. Emily Bernstein. I am a Board Certified Psychiatrist with almost 20 years of experience treating a wide variety of psychiatric illnesses including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, co-occurring substance use and mental health, ADHD and more. I provide both medication management and psychotherapy out of my office in Paoli, PA. I strive to build a trusting relationship with all of my patients and will work with you to build a treatment plan that you feel comfortable with. I am happy to offer both in person and virtual appointments to suit your needs.
Hello! My name is Dr. Emily Bernstein. I am a Board Certified Psychiatrist with almost 20 years of experience treating a wide variety of psychiatric illnesses including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, co-occurring substance use and mental health, ADHD and more. I provide both medication management and psychotherapy out of my office in Paoli, PA. I strive to build a trusting relationship with all of my patients and will work with you to build a treatment plan that you feel comfortable with. I am happy to offer both in person and virtual appointments to suit your needs.
![Photo of Dr. Daisy Lara, DNP, CRNP, FNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f43b6b12-0ef6-4117-b992-c94aba96f23b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Daisy Lara
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, CRNP, FNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Wayne, PA 19087
Life can be hard… Life can be full of adversity, especially in the stressful world that we live in today. The good news is we’re here to help, to listen, and to nurture your mental, emotional and psychological health. We are a resource to help you sort through the complex emotions and stressors in your life. Whether it’s a specific trauma or a condition that affects your day-to-day life. Our goal is to help you live your best life. We will do a thorough assessment and develop a treatment plan that is personalized for you.
Life can be hard… Life can be full of adversity, especially in the stressful world that we live in today. The good news is we’re here to help, to listen, and to nurture your mental, emotional and psychological health. We are a resource to help you sort through the complex emotions and stressors in your life. Whether it’s a specific trauma or a condition that affects your day-to-day life. Our goal is to help you live your best life. We will do a thorough assessment and develop a treatment plan that is personalized for you.
![Photo of Sherifat Forcey, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/35fd1da7-4f23-4e0a-a3f6-97fbd42a2540/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am currently accepting patients in need of mental health assistance via telehealth and in-person in Pennsylvania and Minnesota and I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. My specialty is in medication management, and I look forward to working with clients who are interested in a client-centered, caring approach to treatment.
I am currently accepting patients in need of mental health assistance via telehealth and in-person in Pennsylvania and Minnesota and I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. My specialty is in medication management, and I look forward to working with clients who are interested in a client-centered, caring approach to treatment.
![Photo of Fatima Sattar, MSN, CRNP, FNP-C, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5299db95-6afa-4433-acdb-9466d8f7638d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Fatima Sattar
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, CRNP, FNP-C, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Wayne, PA 19087
My philosophy is that YOU must be at the center of care. While I may guide you in identifying your strengths it is my hope that your goals be created by you rather than assigned. Whether you have endured trauma, struggle with depression, anxiety, other mood disorders, gender identity, ADHD, or another issue my goal is to help you be the best version of you so you may live your best life. Sometimes that means medication, sometimes therapy, sometimes both. We will work together to develop an evidence-based and comprehensive treatment plan. It is my honor to walk beside you in the next phase of your mental health wellness journey!
My philosophy is that YOU must be at the center of care. While I may guide you in identifying your strengths it is my hope that your goals be created by you rather than assigned. Whether you have endured trauma, struggle with depression, anxiety, other mood disorders, gender identity, ADHD, or another issue my goal is to help you be the best version of you so you may live your best life. Sometimes that means medication, sometimes therapy, sometimes both. We will work together to develop an evidence-based and comprehensive treatment plan. It is my honor to walk beside you in the next phase of your mental health wellness journey!
![Photo of Mutiat Ajibade - Essential Behavioral Health LLC , MSN, PMHNP, -BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8b502754-c779-4ff8-ac9d-60da2830d3bb/1/320x400.jpeg)
Essential Behavioral Health LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chesterbrook, PA 19087 (Online Only)
At Essential Behavioral Health LLC, your mental health is our top priority. We are committed to exercising the greatest standard of practice to meet the mental health of our clients’ needs. Empathetic psychiatric care in Pennsylvania from a private family owned psychiatric practice. Nurse Practitioner Mutiat. A has over a decade of experience and knowledge in mental health dealing with children, adolescent, adults and geriatric population.
At Essential Behavioral Health LLC, your mental health is our top priority. We are committed to exercising the greatest standard of practice to meet the mental health of our clients’ needs. Empathetic psychiatric care in Pennsylvania from a private family owned psychiatric practice. Nurse Practitioner Mutiat. A has over a decade of experience and knowledge in mental health dealing with children, adolescent, adults and geriatric population.
![Photo of Richard Yudell - Complete Mind Care of Pa , MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1d3dfd1b-e9cd-439b-9098-a5131a0e9a06/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Richard Yudell is a licensed psychiatrist with 41 years of experience. He received his medical degree from Universitat di Bologna Facolta di Medicina e Chirurgia in Bologna, Italy. After medical school, he completed his residency at Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and is currently affiliated with Friends Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Yudell association with Complete Mind Care of PA allows him to work with CMC of PA providers to help diagnose and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders.
Dr. Richard Yudell is a licensed psychiatrist with 41 years of experience. He received his medical degree from Universitat di Bologna Facolta di Medicina e Chirurgia in Bologna, Italy. After medical school, he completed his residency at Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and is currently affiliated with Friends Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Yudell association with Complete Mind Care of PA allows him to work with CMC of PA providers to help diagnose and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders.
See more therapy options for Devon
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Devon, PA
< 10
Psychiatrists in Devon, PA who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | ADHD |
100% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
100% | Bipolar Disorder |
80% | Trauma and PTSD |
80% | Psychosis |
Average years in practice
22 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
100% | ComPsych |
How Psychiatrists in Devon, PA see their clients
80% | In Person and Online | |
20% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
60% | Female | |
40% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Devon?
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.