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Best Psychiatrists in Fort Walton Beach, FL (2026)

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

The short answer

  1. 1

    Best overall in Fort Walton Beach: Emerald Coast Psychiatric Care, RP Score 73/100; 4.7★ from 6 Google reviews.

  2. 24

    Most-reviewed: Santa Rosa Counseling Center, 352 Google reviews at 4.7★, the most of 38 ranked; ranked #24.

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

38 Fort Walton Beach psychiatrists are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 2 open Saturdays and 1 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 3.7★ across 38 rated practices.

Top 10 psychiatrists in Fort Walton Beach 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 Fort Walton Beach at a glance
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingBased inBest for
1Emerald Coast Psychiatric Care734.7★ (6)Fort Walton BeachOverall
2Jerzy Grzebieluch MD, LLC694.5★ (32)Fort Walton Beach—
3Dr. George A. Michas, MD663.2★ (22)Fort Walton Beach—
4Marair International Inc: Fiorentino Mara MD634.1★ (38)Destin, 13 mi away—
5Dr. Kyle Runnels - Pensacola Office624.9★ (72)Pensacola, 36 mi away—
6Dr. Deborah R. Simkin, MD613.1★ (20)Destin, 12 mi away—
7Cruz Jacob a MD584.0★ (20)Pensacola, 35 mi away—
8True Joy Counseling & Psychiatric Care584.4★ (62)Niceville, 11 mi away—
9Psychiatric Associates582.9★ (10)Fort Walton Beach—
10Dr. Henry A. Doenlen, MD573.5★ (8)Pensacola, 36 mi away—

The 38 best psychiatrists in Fort Walton Beach, 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 Fort Walton Beach

    #1 Emerald Coast Psychiatric Care

    Based in Fort Walton Beach

    73/100RP Score

    Ranked #1 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 4.7★ from 6 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.7★ from 6 Google reviews
    Address
    403 Hollywood Blvd NW # 104A, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
    View profile for Emerald Coast Psychiatric Care(850) 244-0101

  2. #2 Jerzy Grzebieluch MD, LLC

    Based in Fort Walton Beach

    69/100RP Score

    Ranked #2 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 4.5★ from 32 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.5★ from 32 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    4 Second St SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
    View profile for Jerzy Grzebieluch MD, LLC(850) 864-2008

  3. #3 Dr. George A. Michas, MD

    Based in Fort Walton Beach

    66/100RP Score

    Ranked #3 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 3.2★ from 22 Google reviews.

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

    • 3.2★ from 22 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 9 AM–5 PM · Fri–Sun closed
    Address
    816 Pinedale Rd, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
    View profile for Dr. George A. Michas, MD(850) 862-3141

  6. #6 Dr. Deborah R. Simkin, MD

    Based in Destin, 12 mi away

    61/100RP Score

    Ranked #6 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Child psychiatrist”, 3.1★ from 20 Google reviews.

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

    • 3.1★ from 20 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon closed · Tue–Thu 9 AM–5 PM · Fri–Sun closed
    Address
    4641 Gulfstarr Dr, Destin, FL 32541
    View profile for Dr. Deborah R. Simkin, MD(850) 243-9788

  7. #7 Cruz Jacob a MD

    Based in Pensacola, 35 mi away

    58/100RP Score

    Ranked #7 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 4.0★ from 20 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.0★ from 20 Google reviews
    Address
    4400 Bayou Blvd Ste 51, Pensacola, FL 32503
    View profile for Cruz Jacob a MD(850) 484-7774

  9. #9 Psychiatric Associates

    Based in Fort Walton Beach

    58/100RP Score

    Ranked #9 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 2.9★ from 10 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychologist”.

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

    • 2.9★ from 10 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 9 AM–5 PM · Fri–Sun closed
    Address
    816 Pinedale Rd, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
    View profile for Psychiatric Associates(850) 862-3141

  10. #10 Dr. Henry A. Doenlen, MD

    Based in Pensacola, 36 mi away

    57/100RP Score

    Ranked #10 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 3.5★ from 8 Google reviews.

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

    • 3.5★ from 8 Google reviews
    Address
    1120 N Palafox St, Pensacola, FL 32501
    View profile for Dr. Henry A. Doenlen, MD(850) 434-5033

  11. #11 Still I Rise Counseling

    Based in Fort Walton Beach

    56/100RP Score

    Ranked #11 because of its Google rating and proximity: 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews, based in Fort Walton Beach.

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

    • 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat 8 AM–12 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    907 Marwalt Dr Ste 2021, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
    View profile for Still I Rise Counseling(850) 988-6255

  12. #12 Iserman Jordan C MD

    Based in Pensacola, 36 mi away

    56/100RP Score

    Ranked #12 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 3.0★ from 10 Google reviews.

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

    • 3.0★ from 10 Google reviews
    Address
    900 Garden Gate Cir, Pensacola, FL 32504
    View profile for Iserman Jordan C MD(850) 478-0008

  13. #13 Tanya Theriault

    Based in Pensacola, 37 mi away

    55/100RP Score

    Ranked #13 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 1.9★ from 9 Google reviews.

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

    • 1.9★ from 9 Google reviews
    Address
    1221 W Lakeview Ave, Pensacola, FL 32501
    View profile for Tanya Theriault(850) 432-1222

  15. #15 Cris Jagar

    Based in Pensacola, 36 mi away

    53/100RP Score

    Ranked #15 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 3.6★ from 22 Google reviews.

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

    • 3.6★ from 22 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–4:30 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    890 S Palafox St #300, Pensacola, FL 32502
    View profile for Cris Jagar(850) 433-1656

  17. #17 Dillon Vincence F MD

    Based in Pensacola, 36 mi away

    53/100RP Score

    Ranked #17 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 3.7★ from 7 Google reviews.

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

    • 3.7★ from 7 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–4:30 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    1120 N Palafox St, Pensacola, FL 32501
    View profile for Dillon Vincence F MD(850) 434-5033

  18. #18 Dr. Robert S. Benson, MD

    Based in Pensacola, 36 mi away

    52/100RP Score

    Ranked #18 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 3.0★ from 10 Google reviews.

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

    • 3.0★ from 10 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    5190 Bayou Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32503
    View profile for Dr. Robert S. Benson, MD(850) 476-0977

  20. #20 Conrad Michael P MD

    Based in Pensacola, 35 mi away

    52/100RP Score

    Ranked #20 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 3.8★ from 12 Google reviews.

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

    • 3.8★ from 12 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 8 AM–12 PM · Fri–Sun closed
    Address
    1221 E De Soto St, Pensacola, FL 32501
    View profile for Conrad Michael P MD(850) 437-9997

  21. #21 Georgia Ketchum, MD

    Based in Pensacola, 36 mi away

    52/100RP Score

    Ranked #21 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews.

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

    • 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 8 AM–5 PM · Fri 8 AM–12 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    2191 E Johnson Ave, Pensacola, FL 32514
    View profile for Georgia Ketchum, MD(850) 494-3917

  22. #22 Apex Psychiatric Services, LLC

    Based in Pensacola, 36 mi away

    51/100RP Score

    Ranked #22 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.8★ from 196 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”.

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

    • 4.8★ from 196 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon 7:30 AM–4 PM · Tue 7:30 AM–5 PM · Wed 7:30 AM–4 PM · Thu 7:30 AM–5 PM · Fri 7:30 AM–12 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    308 S Jefferson St, Pensacola, FL 32502
    View profile for Apex Psychiatric Services, LLC(850) 807-0138

  24. #24 Santa Rosa Counseling Center

    Based in East Milton, 32 mi away

    48/100RP Score

    Ranked #24 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.7★ from 352 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”.

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

    • 4.7★ from 352 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    5642 Jones St, Milton, FL 32570
    View profile for Santa Rosa Counseling Center(850) 626-7779

  25. #25 Kolbe Clinic Florida

    Based in Navarre, 14 mi away

    48/100RP Score

    Ranked #25 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 3.9★ from 9 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”.

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

    • 3.9★ from 9 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 9 AM–5 PM · Fri–Sun closed
    Address
    8734 Ortega Park Dr, Navarre, FL 32566
    View profile for Kolbe Clinic Florida(850) 904-2277

All 38 psychiatrists

#1 to #25 are shown in full above. Here are #26 to #38, in RP Score order; each links to its profile.

psychiatrists in Fort Walton Beach, ranks 26 to 38
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingDistance
26Dr. Alfonso Jimenez, MD463.7★ (3)39 mi
27Elite DNA Behavioral Health - Therapy and Psychiatry Clinic - Pensacola463.7★ (27)35 mi
28Meridian of Lakeview Center454.1★ (146)37 mi
29Bridgeway Center Inc.453.5★ (60)23 mi
30The Wisdom Tree Counseling Services, LLC434.1★ (19)30 mi
31Santa Rosa Counseling Center434.5★ (24)32 mi
32Innovative Direction- Counseling, Medication and Evaluation Services424.3★ (27)35 mi
33Lakeview Center - Adult Outpatient Psychiatry422.5★ (69)37 mi
34Avalon of Lakeview Center402.8★ (50)30 mi
35Gulf Coast NeuroSpa405.0★ (6)36 mi
36East Hill Clinic403.3★ (19)35 mi
37The Anchor Clinic, LLC - Pensacola393.1★ (144)36 mi
38Lakeview Center - Friary Pensacola Outpatient Counseling372.9★ (93)37 mi

Also serving Fort Walton Beach

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 Fort Walton Beach
BusinessGoogle ratingDistance
Calnaido Rajadorai MD5.0★ (2)37 mi
Center For Personal & Family: Sompalli Venkata MD34 mi
Dr. Krystin Baker37 mi
Emerald Coast Mental Wellness7 mi
Gretchen C. Tyler, PHD13 mi
Innovative Psychiatry5.0★ (2)9 mi
Janice T. Griffin, LCSW34 mi
Michael Traver, MDIn Fort Walton Beach
Mobile Mental Care37 mi
Perdido Psychiatric Services: Bobet Myrna MD36 mi
Rachael D. Croley, LCSW37 mi
Rhian Purdy, MDIn Fort Walton Beach

How we ranked Fort Walton Beach psychiatrists

We scored 38 Fort Walton Beach 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 Fort Walton Beach 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 Fort Walton Beach: frequently asked questions

Who is the best psychiatrist in Fort Walton Beach?

By RP Score, the highest-ranked psychiatrist in Fort Walton Beach, FL is Emerald Coast Psychiatric Care with an RP Score of 73/100. It has 4.7★ from 6 Google reviews. Jerzy Grzebieluch MD, LLC (#2) and Dr. George A. Michas, MD (#3) follow. We ranked 38 psychiatrists on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

How many psychiatrists are there in Fort Walton Beach?

RankedPsychologists ranks 38 psychiatrists serving Fort Walton Beach, FL. 5 of them are based in Fort Walton Beach; 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 Fort Walton Beach work on weekends?

2 of 38 ranked psychiatrists post Saturday hours and 1 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays is Still I Rise Counseling (#11). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.

What Google rating do Fort Walton Beach psychiatrists have?

The median Google rating among 38 rated psychiatrists in Fort Walton Beach is 3.7★, with a median of 20 reviews. Santa Rosa Counseling Center has the most, 352 reviews, and ranks #24. 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 Fort Walton Beach count in this ranking?

Yes, if they are within 40 mi of the Fort Walton Beach 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 Fort Walton Beach 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 Fort Walton Beach

  1. November 2026: RP Scores recalculated for 38 psychiatrists serving Fort Walton Beach.

More psychiatrists and Fort Walton Beach pages