What is the difference between a neurologist and a neuropsychiatrist?

A neurologist primarily diagnoses and treats conditions of the nervous system. A neuropsychiatrist has specialized training in both neurology and psychiatry, focusing on how brain disorders affect mental health, mood, and behavior.

Do I need a referral to see a neuropsychiatrist?

It depends on your insurance plan and the neuropsychiatrist's office policies. Some plans require a referral from your primary care doctor or another specialist, while others do not.

What kinds of tests might a neuropsychiatrist order?

They might order blood tests, brain imaging (like MRI or CT scans), EEG (electroencephalogram) to check brain activity, or refer you for neuropsychological testing to assess cognitive functions.

Can a neuropsychiatrist prescribe medication?

Yes, as medical doctors, neuropsychiatrists can prescribe medications to help manage both neurological and psychiatric symptoms, such as those for mood, memory, or brain conditions.

How long does treatment with a neuropsychiatrist usually last?

The length of treatment varies greatly depending on the condition being treated, its severity, and how you respond to interventions. Some conditions may require ongoing management, while others might involve a shorter period of care.

Is neuropsychiatry covered by mental health insurance benefits?

Generally, yes. Since neuropsychiatry addresses conditions that link brain health and mental well-being, their services are typically covered under medical and sometimes specific mental health benefits of your insurance plan.

Find a Neuropsychiatry Near You

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Are you looking for a doctor who understands both your brain and your mental well-being? Neuropsychiatry is a special area of medicine that focuses on how problems with your brain can affect your thoughts, feelings, and actions. It's like having a doctor who speaks two languages – the language of the brain and the language of the mind.

Many different conditions can impact both your physical brain health and your mental health, making life challenging. A neuropsychiatrist is trained to look at the whole picture, connecting the dots between your neurological symptoms and your emotional or behavioral changes. They can help diagnose complex issues and create a treatment plan that addresses all aspects of your health. Finding the right neuropsychiatrist can make a big difference in managing your symptoms and improving your quality of life. Use our directory to find a compassionate and experienced neuropsychiatrist near you.

Conditions treated

Dementia and memory disorders
Epilepsy-related mood changes
Traumatic brain injury
Stroke recovery concerns
Parkinson's disease psychiatric issues
Multiple sclerosis mood changes
Neurodegenerative disorders
Autoimmune encephalitis
Tourette's syndrome
Developmental disorders

Common procedures

Diagnostic evaluations
Medication management
Cognitive testing referral
Brain imaging interpretation
Behavioral therapy referral
Lifestyle modification guidance
Deep brain stimulation assessment
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)

When to see a neuropsychiatry

You notice significant changes in memory or thinking.
Your mood swings are severe and linked to a neurological condition.
You have behavioral problems after a head injury or stroke.
You experience hallucinations or delusions with a known brain disorder.
You have anxiety or depression that doesn't improve with standard treatment and a neurological link is suspected.
You or a loved one are experiencing seizures with behavioral changes.
You are dealing with personality changes affecting your daily life.

First visit

During your first visit, the neuropsychiatrist will talk with you extensively about your medical history, symptoms, and life experiences. They may perform a neurological exam and sometimes order tests like blood work or brain imaging to get a full picture of your health.

Typical cost

Out-of-pocket costs for a neuropsychiatry visit can range from $150 to $500, but with insurance, you typically only pay a co-pay or a portion after meeting your deductible.