Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MD/DO) who complete a minimum of 8 years of post-graduate medical training, including a minimum of 16,000-20,000 hours of physician supervised post-graduate training.

Nurse practitioners are advanced degree nurses (MSN/DNP) who complete a minimum of 2-3 years of post-graduate nursing training, including a minimum of 500-700 hours of supervised training by a mix of physicians and nurse practitioners.

Psychiatrists are Physicians fully licensed to practice medicine and independently prescribe medications. Nurse practitioners are licensed advance practice nurses who may prescribe medication under the supervision of a collaborating physician.

Psychologists typically hold a PhD/PsyD degree and focus on therapy.

Our office does not require a referral. However, some insurance plans may require referral from a primary care physician, but many allow self-referral.

Initial visits are longer (approximately 1 hour). After the initial visit, follow-ups for medication management may be monthly (while adjusting medications or as required for management of controlled substances) or quarterly (once established and symptoms are stable). In rare cases visits may be more frequent if necessary.

Yes, with legal exceptions. Medical professionals are required to report imminent danger to self or others as well as child and elder abuse.

Many conditions can be treated with therapy alone, medication alone, or a combination — the right approach depends on diagnosis, severity, and personal preference.

It varies widely — some people take medication short-term, others long-term. This is always re-evaluated over time.

This is a common misperception. Psychiatric medications treat symptoms without altering core personality.

Most are not (antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers). Some (like benzodiazepines or stimulants) carry dependency risk and are monitored carefully.

Antidepressants, which are the primary treatment modality for symptoms of depression, anxiety, OCD, and PTSD, typically take 4–6 weeks to have a noticeable effect; other medications vary.