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Best Psychiatrists in Columbus, GA (2026)

27 psychiatrists ranked by RP ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →

The short answer

  1. 1

    Best overall in Columbus: Rivertown Psychiatry, RP Score 77/100; 4.6★ from 1,847 Google reviews; open Saturdays until 4 PM.

  2. 19

    Most-reviewed: Preferred Medical Group, Phenix City, 739 Google reviews at 4.3★, the most of 27 ranked after Rivertown Psychiatry; ranked #19.

Rankings can't be bought. Psychologists can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank

27 Columbus psychiatrists are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 5 open Saturdays and 1 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.5★ across 27 rated practices.

Top 10 psychiatrists in Columbus 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.

Top 10 psychiatrists in Columbus at a glance
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingBased inHoursBest for
1Rivertown Psychiatry774.6★ (1,847)ColumbusSatOverall
2Mary Katherine Carpenter755.0★ (6)Columbus——
3Mcpherson Kevin MD732.8★ (16)Columbus——
4Courtney Jones, PMHNP734.9★ (129)Columbus——
5Jayashree John, MD714.8★ (46)Columbus——
6Michael Ellis, DO714.9★ (32)Columbus——
7Beal Wellness - Columbus, GA715.0★ (51)Columbus——
8William Hudson, MD704.7★ (27)Columbus——
9Jacob Hanna, MD704.8★ (21)Columbus——
10Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Columbus704.7★ (96)ColumbusSat · Sun · Evenings—

The 27 best psychiatrists in Columbus, 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.

  1. Ranked #1 in Columbus

    #1 Rivertown Psychiatry

    Based in Columbus

    77/100RP Score

    Ranked #1 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 4.6★ from 1,847 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.6★ from 1,847 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat 9 AM–4 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    6003 Veterans Pkwy Ste 100, Columbus, GA 31909
    View profile for Rivertown Psychiatry(706) 223-1933

  3. #3 Mcpherson Kevin MD

    Based in Columbus

    73/100RP Score

    Ranked #3 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 2.8★ from 16 Google reviews.

    Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.

    • 2.8★ from 16 Google reviews
    Address
    2263 Brookstone Centre Pkwy A, Columbus, GA 31904
    View profile for Mcpherson Kevin MD(706) 341-4060

  4. #4 Courtney Jones, PMHNP

    Based in Columbus

    73/100RP Score

    Ranked #4 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 4.9★ from 129 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.9★ from 129 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    820 Brookstone Centre Pkwy, Columbus, GA 31904
    View profile for Courtney Jones, PMHNP(706) 653-2889

  5. #5 Jayashree John, MD

    Based in Columbus

    71/100RP Score

    Ranked #5 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 4.8★ from 46 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.8★ from 46 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 8:30 AM–4 PM · Fri 8:30 AM–12 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    2000 16th Ave, Columbus, GA 31901
    View profile for Jayashree John, MD(706) 320-3770

  6. #6 Michael Ellis, DO

    Based in Columbus

    71/100RP Score

    Ranked #6 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 4.9★ from 32 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.9★ from 32 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 8:30 AM–4 PM · Fri 8:30 AM–12 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    2000 16th Ave, Columbus, GA 31901
    View profile for Michael Ellis, DO(706) 320-3770

  8. #8 William Hudson, MD

    Based in Columbus

    70/100RP Score

    Ranked #8 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 4.7★ from 27 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.7★ from 27 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 8:30 AM–4 PM · Fri 8:30 AM–12 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    2000 16th Ave, Columbus, GA 31901
    View profile for William Hudson, MD(706) 320-3770

  9. #9 Jacob Hanna, MD

    Based in Columbus

    70/100RP Score

    Ranked #9 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 4.8★ from 21 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.8★ from 21 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 8:30 AM–4 PM · Fri 8:30 AM–12 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    2000 16th Ave, Columbus, GA 31901
    View profile for Jacob Hanna, MD(706) 320-3770

  11. #11 Columbus Behavioral Services: Mohammed K. Soomro, M.D.

    Based in Columbus

    67/100RP Score

    Ranked #11 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 3.0★ from 19 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 3.0★ from 19 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 9:30 AM–4:30 PM · Fri 9:30 AM–12 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    3001 Hamilton Rd, Columbus, GA 31904
    View profile for Columbus Behavioral Services: Mohammed K. Soomro, M.D.(706) 494-1460

  12. #12 Patel Arvind MD

    Based in Columbus

    66/100RP Score

    Ranked #12 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Child psychiatrist”, 2.4★ from 25 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 2.4★ from 25 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon closed · Tue–Fri 9 AM–6 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    820 Brookstone Centre Pkwy, Columbus, GA 31904
    View profile for Patel Arvind MD(706) 653-1152

  13. #13 LifeStance Therapists & Psychiatrists Columbus

    Based in Columbus

    65/100RP Score

    Ranked #13 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.7★ from 657 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.7★ from 657 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 8 AM–5 PM · Wed 9 AM–5 PM · Thu–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    1200 Brookstone Centre Pkwy Bldg 200, Suite 226, Columbus, GA 31904
    View profile for LifeStance Therapists & Psychiatrists Columbus(706) 653-2889

  15. #15 Jennifer Hadley

    Based in Opelika, 28 mi away

    63/100RP Score

    Ranked #15 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.

    • 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews
    Address
    2740 Village Professional Dr, Opelika, AL 36801
    View profile for Jennifer Hadley(334) 528-3871

  16. #16 Aaron Hawkins

    Based in Auburn, 29 mi away

    61/100RP Score

    Ranked #16 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 2.0★ from 5 Google reviews.

    Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.

    • 2.0★ from 5 Google reviews
    Address
    337 Airport Rd Ste F, Auburn, AL 36830
    View profile for Aaron Hawkins(334) 275-7440

  17. #17 Dr. Lawrence Rossi

    Based in Auburn, 30 mi away

    61/100RP Score

    Ranked #17 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 3.3★ from 4 Google reviews.

    Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.

    • 3.3★ from 4 Google reviews
    Address
    2436 E University Dr UNIT 2202, Auburn, AL 36830
    View profile for Dr. Lawrence Rossi(334) 239-2622

  18. #18 Psychiatric Professionals of Georgia, powered by Geode Health

    Based in Columbus

    61/100RP Score

    Ranked #18 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 3.7★ from 39 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 3.7★ from 39 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    700 Center St Suite 202, Columbus, GA 31901
    View profile for Psychiatric Professionals of Georgia, powered by Geode Health(706) 381-0282

  20. #20 Dr. Heather M. Rowe, MD

    Based in Opelika, 27 mi away

    57/100RP Score

    Ranked #20 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 4.1★ from 7 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.1★ from 7 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 PM–12 AM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    2506 Lambert Dr, Opelika, AL 36801
    View profile for Dr. Heather M. Rowe, MD(334) 742-2700

  21. #21 Sherita Tartt, Counselor

    Based in Columbus

    57/100RP Score

    Ranked #21 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.7★ from 17 Google reviews, based in Columbus.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.7★ from 17 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 8 AM–5 PM · Wed 9 AM–5 PM · Thu–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    1200 Brookstone Centre Pkwy Bldg 200, Suite 226, Columbus, GA 31904
    View profile for Sherita Tartt, Counselor(706) 653-2889

  23. #23 Dr. Jasmine Naheed, MD

    Based in LaGrange, 40 mi away

    51/100RP Score

    Ranked #23 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 2.6★ from 17 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 2.6★ from 17 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 9 AM–5 PM · Fri–Sun closed
    Address
    300 Medical Dr #705, LaGrange, GA 30240
    View profile for Dr. Jasmine Naheed, MD(706) 885-0111

  24. #24 Rivertown Psychiatry - Lagrange

    Based in LaGrange, 40 mi away

    51/100RP Score

    Ranked #24 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.5★ from 213 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.5★ from 213 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat 9 AM–3 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    1605 Vernon Rd #1500, LaGrange, GA 30240
    View profile for Rivertown Psychiatry - Lagrange(706) 884-1712

All 27 psychiatrists

#1 to #25 are shown in full above. Here are #26 to #27, in RP Score order; each links to its profile.

psychiatrists in Columbus, ranks 26 to 27
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingDistance
26The Hawkins Group, Psychiatric Consultants482.9★ (10)30 mi
27Preferred Medical Group - Auburn464.5★ (47)28 mi

Also serving Columbus

12 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.

Unranked psychiatrists serving Columbus
BusinessGoogle ratingDistance
Austin Luker, MD5.0★ (1)28 mi
Brightstone Therapy7 mi
Chrissie Wilkins, MD28 mi
Columbus Behavior Services5.0★ (1)In Columbus
Columbus Psycharity and Associates5.0★ (2)In Columbus
East Alabama Psychiatric Services on the AU Campus31 mi
Gardenia Cove Mental Health, P.C.5.0★ (1)28 mi
Jennifer Smith, MD3.0★ (2)28 mi
Karin Baker, MD1.0★ (1)3 mi
PMCS Helpline – Psychiatry & Mental Care Specialists40 mi
Psychiatric Services at Brookstone3.0★ (2)In Columbus
Wellstar Psychiatry5.0★ (1)40 mi

How we ranked Columbus psychiatrists

We scored 27 Columbus 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.

Read the full method: formula, sources and exclusions

RP Score factors and weights
FactorWeightComputed fromIn Columbus data
Reputation25%Google star rating, adjusted for how many reviews back itMeasured
Review volume5%Number of Google reviews, compared with the most-reviewed practice on the listMeasured
Recency5%Share of Google reviews from the last 12 monthsNot yet collected
Availability10%Weekly open hours, Saturday, Sunday, and round-the-clock or same-day availabilityMeasured
Specialty focus25%How clearly the practice does this specialty (its Google category and name)Measured
Proximity15%Based in the city scores highest, less the farther away it isMeasured
Claimed profile10%The practice has claimed its Ranked Psychologists profile (free or paid earn the same)Measured
Partnered5%The practice links to Ranked Psychologists from its own website with our badge, checked periodicallyMeasured

How to choose a psychiatrist

  1. Check the license with the state or provincial board that issued it; most boards publish a free online lookup.
  2. Make sure psychiatry is a regular part of their work, and ask what approach they use and why.
  3. Ask whether the practice offers therapy as well as medication management, or medication visits only.
  4. Check whether you need a referral from your family doctor; in Canada a referral is usually required for publicly covered psychiatric care.
  5. 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.
  6. Check practical fit: in-person or online sessions, evening times, and how soon they have an opening.
  7. 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 Columbus: frequently asked questions

Who is the best psychiatrist in Columbus?

By RP Score, the highest-ranked psychiatrist in Columbus, GA is Rivertown Psychiatry with an RP Score of 77/100. It has 4.6★ from 1,847 Google reviews. It is open Saturdays until 4 PM. Mary Katherine Carpenter (#2) and Mcpherson Kevin MD (#3) follow. We ranked 27 psychiatrists on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

How many psychiatrists are there in Columbus?

RankedPsychologists ranks 27 psychiatrists serving Columbus, GA. 15 of them are based in Columbus; the rest serve it from nearby towns. Another 12 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 Columbus work on weekends?

5 of 27 ranked psychiatrists post Saturday hours and 1 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Rivertown Psychiatry (#1), Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Columbus (#10) and Rivertown Psychiatry - Opelika / Auburn (#14). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.

What Google rating do Columbus psychiatrists have?

The median Google rating among 27 rated psychiatrists in Columbus is 4.5★, with a median of 27 reviews. Rivertown Psychiatry has the most, 1,847 reviews, and ranks #1. 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 Columbus count in this ranking?

Yes, if they are within 40 mi of the Columbus 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 Columbus 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 Columbus

  1. November 2026: RP Scores recalculated for 27 psychiatrists serving Columbus.

More psychiatrists and Columbus pages