Spotlight practices rotate daily among the most complete profiles — nobody pays for a spotlight. Featured practices pay for their placement; it is always labeled “Featured” and shown here, separately from the directory listings and nearby practices. Neither is a recommendation or a ranking, and neither changes directory order or the facts on any profile. Nearby practices are shown by their relative location, and directory lists put the most complete profiles first — see our standards.
Spotlight · ArizonaStock photo · not the practice's
Arizona is home to 148 verified psychiatrists across 15 cities, with plans like Aetna, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare widely accepted. Every listing is checked against the federal NPI registry. No paid ranking — paid placements are always labeled Featured.
Psychiatry practices handle medical management of mental health conditions — depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, and more. Psychiatrists are MDs or DOs who can prescribe medication. Many practices coordinate with therapists for combined medication + therapy care plans.
Psychiatry in Arizona — frequently asked questions
Real questions Arizona patients ask — from finding the right practice and understanding insurance to costs, visits, and when to seek care.
City Select lists 148 verified psychiatrists across 15 Arizona cities. Every listing is matched against the federal National Provider Identifier (NPI) registry, so you're seeing real, registered practices — not paid placements.
55 psychiatrists in the directory list Medicare. Use the insurance filter to narrow by Medicare, AHCCCS (Arizona Medicaid), Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and more — counts update for the city you choose.
Pick your city from the search bar or filter rail to see psychiatrists in that area — the directory covers Scottsdale (43), Phoenix (34), Mesa (16), Tempe (12), Gilbert (11). You can also search by practice name, doctor name, insurance, or service to build a shortlist in seconds.
Yes. Every profile is sourced from the federal NPI registry maintained by CMS, and we never sell ranking. Listing order is determined by how complete a practice's verified profile is (services, providers, insurance, hours) — never by payment. Featured and sponsored placements are always clearly labelled as such and never change the directory order, a practice's verification status, or any fact on its profile. A practice can improve its position by claiming its listing and adding information — for free.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe and manage medication; a therapist provides talk therapy but can't prescribe. Many people see both — a psychiatrist for medication and a therapist for ongoing counseling.
Consider a psychiatrist when symptoms are severe or disrupting your work, sleep, or daily life; when therapy alone hasn't been enough after several months; or for conditions often managed with medication, like bipolar disorder, severe depression or anxiety, OCD, or psychosis. If you ever have thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988 right away.
If you're paying out of pocket or have a PPO plan, you can usually self-refer to an in-network psychiatrist. HMO plans typically require a referral from your primary care doctor first, so check your plan.
Both happen, but many psychiatrists today focus on diagnosis and medication management, often working alongside a therapist who provides the talk therapy. Some psychiatrists do offer therapy themselves — ask what a provider offers when you book.
The initial evaluation is longer than a regular visit — often 45 to 90 minutes — and covers your symptoms, history, past treatments, and goals so the psychiatrist can make a diagnosis and discuss a plan. Bringing a list of symptoms, past medications, and questions helps.
Without insurance, an initial evaluation commonly runs about $200–$500, with shorter follow-ups often $100–$200. With insurance, you typically pay a copay or coinsurance — confirm your behavioral-health benefit and whether the psychiatrist is in network.
Yes — mental health is a covered benefit on most plans, and Medicare and Medicaid (AHCCCS in Arizona) cover psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and outpatient care. Your share depends on your specific plan and network.
Research shows telepsychiatry works about as well as in-person care for many conditions, and it widens access to providers. Psychiatrists can prescribe most medications via telehealth, including certain controlled medications under current federal rules, though some situations still call for an in-person visit.
Sometimes, but not always — the first appointment is mainly a thorough evaluation, and your psychiatrist may start medication that day or want more information or labs first. They'll explain the options, benefits, and side effects before you decide together.
It depends on the medication and condition. Some effects appear within days, but antidepressants and similar medications often take several weeks to reach full effect. Your psychiatrist will schedule follow-ups to monitor progress and adjust the dose as needed.
Yes — that's a common and effective combination. The psychiatrist manages medication and the therapist provides talk therapy, and they may coordinate so your care is consistent. Seeing a psychiatrist doesn't mean replacing your therapist.
Psychiatrists diagnose and treat depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, schizophrenia, eating disorders, and substance use disorders, among others — especially when medication is part of the plan.
Not necessarily. Some people take medication short-term during a difficult period, while others with chronic conditions benefit from long-term treatment. Your psychiatrist reviews this with you over time and never recommends stopping abruptly without guidance.
Write down your symptoms and when they started, list current and past medications and what worked or didn't, note your medical and family history, and bring any questions. The more detail you share, the better your psychiatrist can tailor treatment.
A psychiatrist is a physician who prescribes and manages medication; a psychologist (PhD/PsyD) provides therapy and psychological testing but generally can't prescribe; a psychiatric nurse practitioner is an advanced-practice nurse who can also evaluate, diagnose, and prescribe, often as part of a psychiatry team.
Yes — many practices offer self-pay rates, telepsychiatry can be more affordable, and Arizona's AHCCCS program plus community behavioral-health centers provide low-cost psychiatric care for those who qualify. If you're in crisis, call or text 988 anytime.
Psychiatry by city in Arizona
Jump straight to the verified psychiatrists in each city.
Spotlight · ArizonaStock photo · not the practice's
Spotlight · ScottsdaleStock photo
Spotlight · PhoenixStock photo
Spotlight · MesaStock photo