74/100RP Score
Ranked #1 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 4.4★ from 14 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Best Psychiatrists in Birmingham, AL (2026)
51 psychiatrists ranked by RP ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →
The short answer
- 1
Best overall in Birmingham: Hurst Elton MD, RP Score 74/100; 4.4★ from 14 Google reviews.
- 37
Most-reviewed: Ross Bridge Medical Center, 1,041 Google reviews at 4.8★, the most of 51 ranked; ranked #37.
Rankings can't be bought. Psychologists can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank
51 Birmingham psychiatrists are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 8 open Saturdays and 5 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 3.9★ across 51 rated practices.
Top 10 psychiatrists in Birmingham at a glance
Ranked by the RP Score from public listing data, not by treatment outcomes; Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank.
| Rank | Business | RP Score | Google rating | Based in | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hurst Elton MD | 74 | 4.4★ (14) | Birmingham | Overall |
| 2 | Dr. Stephen F. Kowalski, MD | 73 | 5.0★ (4) | Birmingham | — |
| 3 | Lazenby Emily H MD | 73 | 3.9★ (10) | Birmingham | — |
| 4 | Rudolph Brandi MD | 73 | 3.9★ (7) | Birmingham | — |
| 5 | Paddock Cayce S MD | 73 | 5.0★ (3) | Birmingham | — |
| 6 | Dr. Eric Crowe, MD | 71 | 4.7★ (15) | Vestavia Hills, 7 mi away | — |
| 7 | Donald Cornelius | 71 | 3.0★ (4) | Homewood, 3 mi away | — |
| 8 | Thad F Ryals, M.D. | 71 | 5.0★ (5) | Vestavia Hills, 6 mi away | — |
| 9 | Birmingham Psychiatry and Behavioral Health | 69 | 4.8★ (20) | Birmingham | — |
| 10 | Dr. Karen E. Callahan, MD | 68 | 1.5★ (30) | Birmingham | — |
The 51 best psychiatrists in Birmingham, ranked
Ordered by RP Score, a 0–100 score from eight published factors. Paid placement never changes the order.
Ranked by the RP Score from public listing data, not by treatment outcomes; Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank.
Based in Birmingham
73/100RP ScoreRanked #2 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Child psychiatrist”, 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Birmingham
73/100RP ScoreRanked #3 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 3.9★ from 10 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Birmingham
73/100RP ScoreRanked #4 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Child psychiatrist”, 3.9★ from 7 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Birmingham
73/100RP ScoreRanked #5 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Vestavia Hills, 7 mi away
71/100RP ScoreRanked #6 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 4.7★ from 15 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Homewood, 3 mi away
71/100RP ScoreRanked #7 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 3.0★ from 4 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Vestavia Hills, 6 mi away
71/100RP ScoreRanked #8 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Birmingham
69/100RP ScoreRanked #9 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 4.8★ from 20 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Birmingham
68/100RP ScoreRanked #10 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Child psychiatrist”, 1.5★ from 30 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Birmingham
68/100RP ScoreRanked #11 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 4.5★ from 8 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Birmingham
67/100RP ScoreRanked #12 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Child psychiatrist”, 3.4★ from 22 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Pelham, 15 mi away
67/100RP ScoreRanked #13 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 4.1★ from 15 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Birmingham
67/100RP ScoreRanked #14 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 3.9★ from 7 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Bessemer, 15 mi away
67/100RP ScoreRanked #15 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 3.8★ from 13 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
#16 RBPsychiatry
Based in Birmingham
67/100RP ScoreRanked #16 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 3.4★ from 5 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
#17 Echols Kyle MD
Based in Mountain Brook, 3 mi away
66/100RP ScoreRanked #17 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 4.2★ from 12 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Birmingham
66/100RP ScoreRanked #18 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 3.3★ from 6 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Birmingham
66/100RP ScoreRanked #19 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 2.8★ from 21 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Trussville, 11 mi away
66/100RP ScoreRanked #20 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 4.9★ from 44 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
#21 Simon McClure
Based in Birmingham
66/100RP ScoreRanked #21 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 2.9★ from 43 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Mountain Brook, 3 mi away
65/100RP ScoreRanked #22 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 4.8★ from 5 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Birmingham
65/100RP ScoreRanked #23 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 2.6★ from 41 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Birmingham
65/100RP ScoreRanked #24 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.8★ from 127 Google reviews, based in Birmingham.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Birmingham
65/100RP ScoreRanked #25 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.8★ from 22 Google reviews, based in Birmingham.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Psychiatrists ranked #26 to #50
#1 to #25 are shown in full above. Here are #26 to #50, in RP Score order; each links to its profile. We publish the top 50 of 51 ranked psychiatrists here; the rest are on their profiles.
Also serving Birmingham
20 more psychiatrists within 40 mi that we can't rank yet: too few reviews, or a specialty we couldn't confirm. Listed A to Z.
| Business | Google rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Amanda Boyd, PMHNP-BC | 3.0★ (2) | In Birmingham |
| Ascend Psychiatry and Wellness Consulting Group | In Birmingham | |
| Ascherman, Lee I., MD | 1.0★ (1) | In Birmingham |
| Bowen & Kowalski LLP | In Birmingham | |
| Dr. Amber Abrams | 5.0★ (1) | In Birmingham |
| Dr. Cesar Munoz | 1.0★ (1) | In Birmingham |
| Dr. James E. Parker, MD | In Birmingham | |
| Dr. Laura Montgomery-Barefield, MD | In Birmingham | |
| Dr. Leesha Ellis-Cox | 5.0★ (1) | In Birmingham |
| Dr. Matthew Ehrlich | 5.0★ (2) | In Birmingham |
| Dr. Patrick C. Tapia | 5.0★ (1) | In Birmingham |
| Joseph G. Gregory, MD | 5.0★ (2) | In Birmingham |
| Laura Steele Psychiatry | In Birmingham | |
| LifeStance Therapists & Psychiatrists Birmingham | In Birmingham | |
| Medplex | In Birmingham | |
| Psychiatry Associates Pc: Naumescu Ioana M MD | In Birmingham | |
| Rachel Fargason, M.D. | In Birmingham | |
| Redwine Madison B MD | In Birmingham | |
| The Hawkins Group, Psychiatric Consultants | 1.0★ (1) | In Birmingham |
| UAB Department of Psychiatry, Community Justice Programs | 5.0★ (1) | In Birmingham |
How we ranked Birmingham psychiatrists
We scored 51 Birmingham psychiatrists on eight factors, weighted as shown. A practice is ranked when its specialty is confirmed and it has 3 or more Google reviews or a claimed profile. A practice with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency. Other unknown factors are left out, not counted as zero. Scores last refreshed November 9, 2026.
Paid placement never changes a rank or score. Sponsored businesses are paid, labelled, limited to 3 and shown above the ranking, outside it.
| Factor | Weight | Computed from | In Birmingham data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reputation | 25% | Google star rating, adjusted for how many reviews back it | Measured |
| Review volume | 5% | Number of Google reviews, compared with the most-reviewed practice on the list | Measured |
| Recency | 5% | Share of Google reviews from the last 12 months | Not yet collected |
| Availability | 10% | Weekly open hours, Saturday, Sunday, and round-the-clock or same-day availability | Measured |
| Specialty focus | 25% | How clearly the practice does this specialty (its Google category and name) | Measured |
| Proximity | 15% | Based in the city scores highest, less the farther away it is | Measured |
| Claimed profile | 10% | The practice has claimed its Ranked Psychologists profile (free or paid earn the same) | Measured |
| Partnered | 5% | The practice links to Ranked Psychologists from its own website with our badge, checked periodically | Measured |
How to choose a psychiatrist
- Check the license with the state or provincial board that issued it; most boards publish a free online lookup.
- Make sure psychiatry is a regular part of their work, and ask what approach they use and why.
- Ask whether the practice offers therapy as well as medication management, or medication visits only.
- Check whether you need a referral from your family doctor; in Canada a referral is usually required for publicly covered psychiatric care.
- Ask about fees, insurance and the cancellation policy before the first session. In the US, if you are uninsured or paying yourself, you can ask for a good faith estimate of expected charges.
- Check practical fit: in-person or online sessions, evening times, and how soon they have an opening.
- After a few sessions, ask yourself whether you feel heard. Changing to a different provider is common and fine.
Questions to ask a psychiatrist
- Are you accepting new clients, and how soon could I start?
- Which license do you hold, and in which state or province?
- How much of your work is psychiatry?
- Do you offer therapy sessions, or medication management only?
- How soon is the first appointment, and how long are follow-up visits?
- What do you charge per session, and do you take my insurance or provide a superbill?
- Do you offer online sessions?
- What is your cancellation policy?
- What do you keep confidential, and when would you have to share information?
Terms explained
- PhD / PsyD
- Doctoral degrees in psychology. A PhD usually has a stronger research focus, a PsyD a stronger clinical focus; both can lead to a psychologist license.
- Licensed psychologist
- A person licensed by a state or provincial psychology board to practice psychology. The title is protected by law.
- Psychological associate
- In some states and provinces, a master’s-level practitioner licensed or registered by the psychology board, often with supervision requirements.
- LPC / LMHC / LCPC
- US licenses for professional or mental health counselors (the name differs by state). They provide counseling and therapy.
- LCSW
- Licensed clinical social worker: a master’s-level social worker licensed to provide therapy.
- LMFT
- Licensed marriage and family therapist: licensed to treat individuals, couples and families with a focus on relationships.
- RP / RCC
- Registered psychotherapist (Ontario) and registered clinical counsellor (British Columbia): Canadian titles for licensed therapy providers.
- PSYPACT
- An interstate agreement that lets psychologists licensed in a member state provide telepsychology to clients in other member states once they hold the required authorization.
- Telehealth
- Sessions held by secure video or phone instead of in person. The provider generally needs to be licensed where the client is located.
- CBT
- Cognitive behavioral therapy: a structured talk therapy that works on the links between thoughts, feelings and behavior.
- DBT
- Dialectical behavior therapy: a form of CBT that teaches skills for managing intense emotions and relationships.
- ERP
- Exposure and response prevention: a form of CBT used for OCD.
Psychiatrists in Birmingham: frequently asked questions
Who is the best psychiatrist in Birmingham?
By RP Score, the highest-ranked psychiatrist in Birmingham, AL is Hurst Elton MD with an RP Score of 74/100. It has 4.4★ from 14 Google reviews. Dr. Stephen F. Kowalski, MD (#2) and Lazenby Emily H MD (#3) follow. We ranked 51 psychiatrists on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.
How many psychiatrists are there in Birmingham?
RankedPsychologists ranks 51 psychiatrists serving Birmingham, AL. 27 of them are based in Birmingham; the rest serve it from nearby towns. Another 20 within 40 mi are listed but not ranked yet. Counts are as of November 2026.
What should I do if I need help right now?
In crisis or thinking about suicide? Call or text 988 (US and Canada), any time. In an emergency, call 911. This site cannot help in an emergency.
Which psychiatrists in Birmingham work on weekends?
8 of 51 ranked psychiatrists post Saturday hours and 5 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Thriveworks Counseling & Therapy Birmingham (#24) and Longleaf Wellness Birmingham (#25). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.
What Google rating do Birmingham psychiatrists have?
The median Google rating among 51 rated psychiatrists in Birmingham is 3.9★, with a median of 14 reviews. Ross Bridge Medical Center has the most, 1,041 reviews, and ranks #37. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.
How does RankedPsychologists rank psychiatrists?
Each psychiatrist gets a 0–100 RP Score from eight published factors, led by reputation (25%), specialty focus (25%), proximity (15%) and availability (10%). A practice with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency; other factors we cannot measure are left out. Only practices with a confirmed specialty and 3 or more reviews, or a claimed profile, are ranked.
Do psychiatrists outside Birmingham count in this ranking?
Yes, if they are within 40 mi of the Birmingham city center, our service radius for psychiatrists. Each listing shows where the practice is based and how far away it is. Proximity is 15% of the RP Score, so a nearby practice gets a small edge.
Can psychiatrists pay to rank higher on RankedPsychologists?
No. The RP Score never reads payment status, and this ranking has 0 paid placements. Up to 3 Featured practices may appear above the list, labelled Sponsored and showing their honest rank.
How are psychiatrists in Birmingham ranked?
Each practice gets an RP Score from 0 to 100 from 8 published factors, including its Google rating, how clearly it focuses on psychiatry and how close it is. Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank. The score does not measure treatment outcomes.
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who completed a residency in psychiatry and can prescribe medication. A psychologist usually holds a doctorate in psychology (PhD or PsyD), provides therapy and psychological testing, and in most places does not prescribe. Many people see both: a psychiatrist for medication and a psychologist or therapist for talk therapy.
Can I see a psychiatrist online?
Often, yes. Licensing generally follows where you are during the session, so the provider needs to be licensed or authorized there. In the US, psychologists in PSYPACT member states can offer telepsychology to clients in other member states; counselors and social workers have their own rules. In Canada, ask whether the provider is registered in your province.
What if I need help right now?
Do not wait for a consultation. Call or text 988 (US and Canada) if you are in crisis or thinking about suicide, at any time. In an emergency, call 911.
Update log for Birmingham
- November 2026: RP Scores recalculated for 51 psychiatrists serving Birmingham.
More psychiatrists and Birmingham pages
Psychiatrists near Birmingham
- Psychiatrists in Mountain Brook, AL51 ranked
- Psychiatrists in Homewood, AL51 ranked
- Psychiatrists in Vestavia Hills, AL51 ranked
- Psychiatrists in Irondale, AL51 ranked
- Psychiatrists in Forestdale, AL50 ranked
- Psychiatrists in Fairfield, AL52 ranked
- Psychiatrists in Hoover, AL50 ranked
- Psychiatrists in Gardendale, AL55 ranked
- Psychiatrists in Pleasant Grove, AL57 ranked
- Psychiatrists in Center Point, AL55 ranked
Other specialties in Birmingham
- Psychologists in Birmingham59 ranked
- Therapists and counselors in Birmingham232 ranked
- Child and teen therapists in Birmingham20 ranked
- Couples therapists in Birmingham29 ranked
- Family therapists in Birmingham34 ranked
- Neuropsychologists in Birmingham6 ranked
- Trauma and PTSD therapists in Birmingham12 ranked
- Eating disorder therapists in Birmingham8 ranked
- Clinical social workers in Birmingham16 ranked
- Addiction counselors in Birmingham33 ranked
- ABA therapy providers in Birmingham6 ranked
- All psychologists in Birmingham