Psychiatrists in 19901
Dr. Nicole Bell-Rogers
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, EdD, FNP-C, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Dover, DE 19901 (Online Only)
Are you seeking a mental health care provider who values a personalized, compassionate, and collaborative approach to your well-being? My ideal client includes those who struggle with conditions like anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD, grief, or other psychiatric conditions that require thoughtful medication management. They desire holistic care with a patient-centered approach that considers physical, emotional, spiritual, and social aspects of well-being. I believe my clients appreciate that the care that I provide is grounded in the latest research while ensuring that they receive the most effective and best possible care.
Are you seeking a mental health care provider who values a personalized, compassionate, and collaborative approach to your well-being? My ideal client includes those who struggle with conditions like anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD, grief, or other psychiatric conditions that require thoughtful medication management. They desire holistic care with a patient-centered approach that considers physical, emotional, spiritual, and social aspects of well-being. I believe my clients appreciate that the care that I provide is grounded in the latest research while ensuring that they receive the most effective and best possible care.
Genesis Integrative Mental Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
Dover, DE 19901 (Online Only)
Have you been dealing with looming feelings of sadness, anxiety, irritability, mood lability, overwhelming fear, or guilt ? Are you tired of living this way and want a solution? Have you been to multiple providers and you've left after your visit feeling unheard? Then look no further!
Have you been dealing with looming feelings of sadness, anxiety, irritability, mood lability, overwhelming fear, or guilt ? Are you tired of living this way and want a solution? Have you been to multiple providers and you've left after your visit feeling unheard? Then look no further!
At Nurturing Roots Mental Health Center, our mission is to provide comprehensive and compassionate mental health care to the Delaware community. Owned by a dedicated husband-and-wife team—a mental health therapist and a psychiatric nurse practitioner—we bring a unique blend of expertise and care to our practice. We strive to create a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where individuals can achieve personal growth, resilience, and overall well-being. Through a holistic and collaborative approach, we are committed to empowering our clients to lead fulfilling lives and reach their full potential.
At Nurturing Roots Mental Health Center, our mission is to provide comprehensive and compassionate mental health care to the Delaware community. Owned by a dedicated husband-and-wife team—a mental health therapist and a psychiatric nurse practitioner—we bring a unique blend of expertise and care to our practice. We strive to create a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where individuals can achieve personal growth, resilience, and overall well-being. Through a holistic and collaborative approach, we are committed to empowering our clients to lead fulfilling lives and reach their full potential.
Maksam Health & Wellness Center
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, CRNP, PMH-BC
Verified Verified
Dover, DE 19901
Our ideal client at Maksam Health & Wellness Center faces challenges accessing quality mental health care in underserved communities. They manage depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and may have co-occurring substance abuse or stressors. Frustrated with impersonal care, they seek holistic support for social, emotional, and medical needs. Motivated for improvement, they desire compassionate, judgment-free care for stability and symptom management, aiming to enhance their quality of life. They value trust, respect, and collaborative therapeutic relationships, preferring evidence-based treatments to achieve mental health goals
Our ideal client at Maksam Health & Wellness Center faces challenges accessing quality mental health care in underserved communities. They manage depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and may have co-occurring substance abuse or stressors. Frustrated with impersonal care, they seek holistic support for social, emotional, and medical needs. Motivated for improvement, they desire compassionate, judgment-free care for stability and symptom management, aiming to enhance their quality of life. They value trust, respect, and collaborative therapeutic relationships, preferring evidence-based treatments to achieve mental health goals
Candice Reynolds
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, FNP-C, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
Dover, DE 19901 (Online Only)
We are built on community; by positioning individuals and strengthening families for success and accountability through psychotherapy and the redirection of negative behaviors, perspectives and attitudes.
We are built on community; by positioning individuals and strengthening families for success and accountability through psychotherapy and the redirection of negative behaviors, perspectives and attitudes.
Kristen Hunt
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Dover, DE 19901 (Online Only)
My ideal client is an individual who seeks a holistic and integrative approach to mental health care. This person understands that mental health is influenced by a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors, and is open to exploring various aspects of their life to achieve optimal well-being. The are open to exploring how their diet, lifestyle, environment, and physiological factors impact their mental health. They appreciate the interconnectedness of physical physical and mental health and are willing to consider non-traditional approaches to treatment alongside conventional methods.
My ideal client is an individual who seeks a holistic and integrative approach to mental health care. This person understands that mental health is influenced by a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors, and is open to exploring various aspects of their life to achieve optimal well-being. The are open to exploring how their diet, lifestyle, environment, and physiological factors impact their mental health. They appreciate the interconnectedness of physical physical and mental health and are willing to consider non-traditional approaches to treatment alongside conventional methods.
Giovanni Pascal Pierre
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Dover, DE 19901 (Online Only)
Hey there! I am Giovanni Pierre, but you can call me Gio. First, thank you for taking this vital step towards better mental well-being. I get it—life is like a roller coaster, and sometimes, it’s the scary one you never wanted to get on. I own a practice called Safe Haven Health. Safe Haven Health is a virtual mental health clinic aiming to increase access to effective and efficient mental healthcare from the comfort of your home. Safe Haven Health specializes in mental health medication management, at-home ketamine treatment for depression and anxiety, ADHD testing and treatment, and more.
Hey there! I am Giovanni Pierre, but you can call me Gio. First, thank you for taking this vital step towards better mental well-being. I get it—life is like a roller coaster, and sometimes, it’s the scary one you never wanted to get on. I own a practice called Safe Haven Health. Safe Haven Health is a virtual mental health clinic aiming to increase access to effective and efficient mental healthcare from the comfort of your home. Safe Haven Health specializes in mental health medication management, at-home ketamine treatment for depression and anxiety, ADHD testing and treatment, and more.
Chloe Griffith
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dover, DE 19901 (Online Only)
Chloe Griffith is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She received her undergraduate degree from Birmingham Southern College and later completed her Master's program at Vanderbilt University in 2017. Chloe aims to support her patients using personalized goals and education, brief cognitive behavioral techniques, and medications. She hopes to create an environment where clients feel empowered, connected, and valued.
Chloe Griffith is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She received her undergraduate degree from Birmingham Southern College and later completed her Master's program at Vanderbilt University in 2017. Chloe aims to support her patients using personalized goals and education, brief cognitive behavioral techniques, and medications. She hopes to create an environment where clients feel empowered, connected, and valued.
VirtualPsychiatricCare.com
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Dover, DE 19901 (Online Only)
Accepting new patients for telehealth visits in Delaware state for psychiatric evaluations and medication management. We treat anyone suffering with depression, anxiety, or any mental health issue adversely affecting optimal functioning at work, deterring their best social self, or preventing being fully present for loved ones. Our clients are looking to be properly diagnosed and treated using the safest prescribing principles. Make your appointment on our website. Evening and weekend hours are available. Affordable out of pocket rates-. Also accepting some insurances.
Accepting new patients for telehealth visits in Delaware state for psychiatric evaluations and medication management. We treat anyone suffering with depression, anxiety, or any mental health issue adversely affecting optimal functioning at work, deterring their best social self, or preventing being fully present for loved ones. Our clients are looking to be properly diagnosed and treated using the safest prescribing principles. Make your appointment on our website. Evening and weekend hours are available. Affordable out of pocket rates-. Also accepting some insurances.
Jennifer Sims
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dover, DE 19901 (Online Only)
Ms. Jennifer Sims is a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who has over 25 years of experience in psychiatry and in a variety of settings including inpatient, academics, and outpatient. Ms. Sims received her Master’s in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing from Indiana University. She is also a Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist and has an MBA. Her clinical passion is Patient-Centered Care and working in collaboration with Clients to assist them with their mental health well-being. She treats a variety of psychiatric disorders to include, depression, anxiety, and mood disorders.
Ms. Jennifer Sims is a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who has over 25 years of experience in psychiatry and in a variety of settings including inpatient, academics, and outpatient. Ms. Sims received her Master’s in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing from Indiana University. She is also a Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist and has an MBA. Her clinical passion is Patient-Centered Care and working in collaboration with Clients to assist them with their mental health well-being. She treats a variety of psychiatric disorders to include, depression, anxiety, and mood disorders.
Wanda Hedian
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Dover, DE 19901
I have devoted my time caring for patients as a dual certified Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner to create an impact in the health and mental well being of individuals in diverse communities. By providing unconditional acceptance of their symptoms in a stigma free-environment and encouraging self-advocacy, I have been able to encourage physical, emotional, and mental health recovery. Through encouragement, acceptance, and advocacy my patients have found recovery that is meaningful and attainable, thereby influencing their personal desire for health promotion and self care.
I have devoted my time caring for patients as a dual certified Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner to create an impact in the health and mental well being of individuals in diverse communities. By providing unconditional acceptance of their symptoms in a stigma free-environment and encouraging self-advocacy, I have been able to encourage physical, emotional, and mental health recovery. Through encouragement, acceptance, and advocacy my patients have found recovery that is meaningful and attainable, thereby influencing their personal desire for health promotion and self care.
15 Second Videos
Maksam Health & Wellness Center
Brightside Health
Circle of Hope Services LLC
Alert Mind Mental Health Services LLC
Chloe Griffith
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dover, DE 19901 (Online Only)
Chloe Griffith is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She received her undergraduate degree from Birmingham Southern College and later completed her Master's program at Vanderbilt University in 2017. Chloe aims to support her patients using personalized goals and education, brief cognitive behavioral techniques, and medications. She hopes to create an environment where clients feel empowered, connected, and valued.
Chloe Griffith is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She received her undergraduate degree from Birmingham Southern College and later completed her Master's program at Vanderbilt University in 2017. Chloe aims to support her patients using personalized goals and education, brief cognitive behavioral techniques, and medications. She hopes to create an environment where clients feel empowered, connected, and valued.
Tonya Rezmer
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dover, DE 19901 (Online Only)
Tonya is a psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner, board-certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center in 2018. She received her bachelor’s degree and Doctorate in Nursing from the University of Michigan-Flint. Specialty areas include medication management for major depressive disorder, bipolar I and II disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, childhood behavioral disorders, psychotic disorders, Addiction, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Tonya is a psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner, board-certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center in 2018. She received her bachelor’s degree and Doctorate in Nursing from the University of Michigan-Flint. Specialty areas include medication management for major depressive disorder, bipolar I and II disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, childhood behavioral disorders, psychotic disorders, Addiction, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Chloe Griffith
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dover, DE 19901 (Online Only)
Chloe Griffith is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She received her undergraduate degree from Birmingham Southern College and later completed her Master's program at Vanderbilt University in 2017. Chloe aims to support her patients using personalized goals and education, brief cognitive behavioral techniques, and medications. She hopes to create an environment where clients feel empowered, connected, and valued.
Chloe Griffith is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She received her undergraduate degree from Birmingham Southern College and later completed her Master's program at Vanderbilt University in 2017. Chloe aims to support her patients using personalized goals and education, brief cognitive behavioral techniques, and medications. She hopes to create an environment where clients feel empowered, connected, and valued.
Brightside Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Dover, DE 19901 (Online Only)
It gets much better from here. No matter what you're going through, our expert providers are here to help with online mental health care tailored to you. Brightside Health offers personalized psychiatry, proven therapy, or both to help you feel better. Get started right from home, with appointments in as little as 2 days.
It gets much better from here. No matter what you're going through, our expert providers are here to help with online mental health care tailored to you. Brightside Health offers personalized psychiatry, proven therapy, or both to help you feel better. Get started right from home, with appointments in as little as 2 days.
Proficient Mind and Wellness Clinic
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, MSN, PMHNP-C, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dover, DE 19901
My name is Ola Gbadebo. I am board certified in family and psychiatric mental health. I have been practicing as a registered nurse and nurse practitioner for almost 25 years. Are you struggling with your mental health? I am here to help you.
My name is Ola Gbadebo. I am board certified in family and psychiatric mental health. I have been practicing as a registered nurse and nurse practitioner for almost 25 years. Are you struggling with your mental health? I am here to help you.
Sheila J Cannon
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, PMHNP, PMHCNS
Verified Verified
Dover, DE 19901 (Online Only)
Dr. Sheila Cannon’s experiences in psychiatry have spanned over 36 years. She has been an RN for 39 years and an educator for 29 years. She is a board-certified Clinical Nurse Specialist in psychiatric mental health (PMHCNS), a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), and an approved Buprenorphine provider. She has years of practice experience in inpatient psychiatric arenas and as a psychopharmacologist and psychotherapist in VA, MA, NC & DE. She is licensed to practice in NC and DE. She has expertise in trauma-informed CBT and specializes in PTSD, bipolar, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and many others.
Dr. Sheila Cannon’s experiences in psychiatry have spanned over 36 years. She has been an RN for 39 years and an educator for 29 years. She is a board-certified Clinical Nurse Specialist in psychiatric mental health (PMHCNS), a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), and an approved Buprenorphine provider. She has years of practice experience in inpatient psychiatric arenas and as a psychopharmacologist and psychotherapist in VA, MA, NC & DE. She is licensed to practice in NC and DE. She has expertise in trauma-informed CBT and specializes in PTSD, bipolar, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and many others.
Circle of Hope Services LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMH-NP
Verified Verified
Dover, DE 19901
Making the decision to seek help is always a difficult one due to the stigma associated wit with Mental health disorders. Circle of Hope Services understand this patient dilemma. We provide a holistic environment that treats both body and soul making our clients feel welcomed and accepted. We utilize best possible outcomes that are evidence-based and have proven to work well with most patients. Our professionals have many years of experience working with mental health co-occurring, and dual diagnosis clients. If you have been putting your treatment on hold, now is the time. Our patients are our priority and we are ready to help.
Making the decision to seek help is always a difficult one due to the stigma associated wit with Mental health disorders. Circle of Hope Services understand this patient dilemma. We provide a holistic environment that treats both body and soul making our clients feel welcomed and accepted. We utilize best possible outcomes that are evidence-based and have proven to work well with most patients. Our professionals have many years of experience working with mental health co-occurring, and dual diagnosis clients. If you have been putting your treatment on hold, now is the time. Our patients are our priority and we are ready to help.
Circle of Hope Services LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dover, DE 19901
Making the decision to seek help is always a difficult one due to the stigma associated wit with Mental health disorders. Circle of Hope Services understand this patient dilemma. We provide a holistic environment that treats both body and soul making our clients feel welcomed and accepted. We utilize best possible outcomes that are evidence-based and have proven to work well with most patients. Our professionals have many years of experience working with mental health co-occurring, and dual diagnosis clients. If you have been putting your treatment on hold, now is the time. Our patients are our priority and we are ready to help.
Making the decision to seek help is always a difficult one due to the stigma associated wit with Mental health disorders. Circle of Hope Services understand this patient dilemma. We provide a holistic environment that treats both body and soul making our clients feel welcomed and accepted. We utilize best possible outcomes that are evidence-based and have proven to work well with most patients. Our professionals have many years of experience working with mental health co-occurring, and dual diagnosis clients. If you have been putting your treatment on hold, now is the time. Our patients are our priority and we are ready to help.
Christina L Blake
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Dover, DE 19901
Accepting NEW patients with initial appointments typically within 72 hours. Christina is a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner serving clients ages 13 and older utilizing integrative principles. She empowers her clients to take an active role in their treatment plan within a patient-centered relationship. Many of her clients are seeking integrative traditional and complimentary treatments to minimize the amount of psychiatric medications they are taking. She offers mental health support in unhurried appointments in which her clients feel heard, respected, and empowered.
Accepting NEW patients with initial appointments typically within 72 hours. Christina is a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner serving clients ages 13 and older utilizing integrative principles. She empowers her clients to take an active role in their treatment plan within a patient-centered relationship. Many of her clients are seeking integrative traditional and complimentary treatments to minimize the amount of psychiatric medications they are taking. She offers mental health support in unhurried appointments in which her clients feel heard, respected, and empowered.
See more therapy options for 19901
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 19901
20+
Average cost per session
$175
Psychiatrists in 19901 who prioritize treating:
96% | Depression |
96% | Anxiety |
76% | Bipolar Disorder |
76% | Medication Management |
60% | ADHD |
60% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
56% | Addiction |
Average years in practice
8 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
96% | Aetna |
84% | Cigna and Evernorth |
76% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in 19901 see their clients
60% | Online Only | |
40% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
89% | Female | |
11% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 19901?
The Psychology Today Directory enables users to search specifically for psychiatrists by selecting the provider type from the drop-down menu, and filtering results by city, zip code, or the psychiatrist's name. The search results feature detailed profiles that outline each professional's treatment approach, areas of expertise, credentials, fees, payment options, and accepted insurance. Results include both psychiatrists (MDs) and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), who hold advanced practice nursing degrees. Users can refine their search for a specific type of psychiatric provider using the "Provider Type" filter.
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
Psychiatrists are medical specialists dedicated to understanding, diagnosing, and treating brain disorders and mental health conditions. As physicians, they are trained to identify the often subtle biological factors underlying mental disorders and to monitor how mental health treatments may impact other physical conditions, such as heart disease. Psychiatrists are licensed to prescribe medication and typically conduct shorter sessions that focus on medication management rather than intensive psychotherapy.
In contrast, psychologists are particularly attuned to the impact of early experiences on development, behavior, emotions, and cognitive processes. They often take a holistic approach to assessing and treating clients, considering aspects of personality and social functioning. Although psychologists cannot prescribe medication, they are frequently skilled in administering psychological tests—such as IQ tests, personality assessments, and behavioral evaluations—to assess an individual's functioning. Psychologists often engage in longer, more psychotherapy-focused sessions compared to psychiatrists.
In contrast, psychologists are particularly attuned to the impact of early experiences on development, behavior, emotions, and cognitive processes. They often take a holistic approach to assessing and treating clients, considering aspects of personality and social functioning. Although psychologists cannot prescribe medication, they are frequently skilled in administering psychological tests—such as IQ tests, personality assessments, and behavioral evaluations—to assess an individual's functioning. Psychologists often engage in longer, more psychotherapy-focused sessions compared to psychiatrists.
What is a psychiatric nurse practitioner and what is the difference with a psychiatrist?
A psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), also known as a mental health nurse practitioner or psychiatric nurse practitioner, is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who has completed advanced training in psychiatric care, earning at least a master’s degree in psychiatric nursing. To become Board-Certified (PMHNP-BC), psychiatric nurse practitioners must also pass a national exam that tests their clinical psychiatric knowledge.
Like psychiatrists, PMHNPs are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. However, PMHNPs and psychiatrists differ in their training experience. While PMHNPs can complete their credentialing requirements (full bachelor's and master's degree training) in as few as 6 years, psychiatrists often spend upwards of 12 years to complete their bachelor's, medical doctorate degree, and residency training requirements. Because of training differences, some states require PMHNPs to be supervised by or enter into a collaborative agreement with a physician in order to prescribe medication.
When deciding to work with a psychiatrist or PMHNP, clients should consider factors such therapeutic fit, cost, and availability. Psychiatrists may have more substantial training in treating more severe psychiatric conditions, as well as in providing more specialized treatment services, such as child psychiatry. However, psychiatrists may be inaccessible to some clients, as their cost and availability may be prohibitive. It can often be easier for clients to find a PMHNP with openings for new clients when compared to psychiatrists, and PMHNPs may also offer lower cost treatment options for clients looking to minimize out-of-pocket costs.
Like psychiatrists, PMHNPs are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. However, PMHNPs and psychiatrists differ in their training experience. While PMHNPs can complete their credentialing requirements (full bachelor's and master's degree training) in as few as 6 years, psychiatrists often spend upwards of 12 years to complete their bachelor's, medical doctorate degree, and residency training requirements. Because of training differences, some states require PMHNPs to be supervised by or enter into a collaborative agreement with a physician in order to prescribe medication.
When deciding to work with a psychiatrist or PMHNP, clients should consider factors such therapeutic fit, cost, and availability. Psychiatrists may have more substantial training in treating more severe psychiatric conditions, as well as in providing more specialized treatment services, such as child psychiatry. However, psychiatrists may be inaccessible to some clients, as their cost and availability may be prohibitive. It can often be easier for clients to find a PMHNP with openings for new clients when compared to psychiatrists, and PMHNPs may also offer lower cost treatment options for clients looking to minimize out-of-pocket costs.
Can a psychiatrist or a PMHNP prescribe medication?
The Psychology Today directory features two primary types of psychiatric professionals: psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs). Both are generally authorized to prescribe psychiatric medications. In 28 states, PMHNPs have full practice authority, allowing them to provide the complete spectrum of psychiatric care, including independent medication prescribing and management. In other states, however, PMHNPs are required to work under the supervision or in collaboration with a physician to prescribe medication. Both psychiatrists and PMHNPs may also offer additional services, such as psychotherapy, counseling, and care coordination, for clients seeking psychiatric care.
Do psychiatrists or PMHNPs offer therapy?
Both psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) are generally trained in a number of treatment modalities, including traditional psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), pharmacotherapy, and, occasionally, various somatic therapies. Typically, psychiatrists and PMHNPs make a diagnosis and determine a course of treatment based on chemical or biological factors, using lab tests, brain scans and physical and psychological evaluations.
While psychotherapy may be used in the first session to aid in diagnosis, it is not typically utilized in subsequent visits. In fact, after the introductory session, most psychiatry sessions may only be 15-20 minutes in length and are largely focused on medication management; this is frequently the case for both psychiatrists and PMHNPs. However, medication providers who do not offer psychotherapy usually work collaboratively with psychologists and other mental health clinicians who do offer these services, and they can refer clients seeking more traditional psychotherapy services to their care.
While psychotherapy may be used in the first session to aid in diagnosis, it is not typically utilized in subsequent visits. In fact, after the introductory session, most psychiatry sessions may only be 15-20 minutes in length and are largely focused on medication management; this is frequently the case for both psychiatrists and PMHNPs. However, medication providers who do not offer psychotherapy usually work collaboratively with psychologists and other mental health clinicians who do offer these services, and they can refer clients seeking more traditional psychotherapy services to their care.
How do I know if I need a psychiatrist, a PMHNP, or a therapist?
It is not always easy to know which type of mental health practitioner to choose. Many people are unaware of the root of their mental or behavioral problem and may be unaware of the differences in support provided by various mental health professionals. One way many people learn which type of care is best for them is by seeing their primary care provider (PCP) first. Depending on the nature and severity of the symptoms, the PCP may review their medical history and provide guidance or a referral to the appropriate type of provider.
A referral to a psychiatrist or PMHNP is most often made when a client is in need of psychiatric medication management or assessment. These professionals are specifically trained to prescribe psychiatric medications, when necessary, for a client; however, they generally do not provide supportive psychotherapy on an ongoing basis. A therapist or psychologist, in contrast, can provide supportive psychotherapy but is unable to prescribe medications. Because of their unique roles, some clients see both a medication prescriber (either a psychiatrist or PMHNP) and a therapist at the same time to address their psychiatric concerns holistically. Many psychiatrists and psychologists are very open to referring clients to other professionals if unable to meet the client's needs or if they think the client could use additional support from a different type of professional.
A referral to a psychiatrist or PMHNP is most often made when a client is in need of psychiatric medication management or assessment. These professionals are specifically trained to prescribe psychiatric medications, when necessary, for a client; however, they generally do not provide supportive psychotherapy on an ongoing basis. A therapist or psychologist, in contrast, can provide supportive psychotherapy but is unable to prescribe medications. Because of their unique roles, some clients see both a medication prescriber (either a psychiatrist or PMHNP) and a therapist at the same time to address their psychiatric concerns holistically. Many psychiatrists and psychologists are very open to referring clients to other professionals if unable to meet the client's needs or if they think the client could use additional support from a different type of professional.
Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist or a PMHNP?
A referral to a psychiatrist or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) is often not required. However, consulting your primary care physician (PCP) first can be beneficial and may streamline the process of getting the care you need. Your PCP can help determine whether psychiatric care is necessary or if another type of mental health support might be more appropriate. Additionally, some insurance plans require a PCP referral to cover part or all of the costs associated with seeing a specialist. Obtaining a referral can also expedite the appointment process, particularly in areas with provider shortages or for clients seeking specialists in fields like child psychiatry.
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed professional?
Yes, all professionals listed in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory are licensed to provide mental health services in the state(s) where they practice. The directory includes a variety of providers such as psychiatrists, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), physician assistants, psychologists, social workers, and counselors. Each provider must hold a valid license issued by their state regulatory body to be listed. In addition, Psychology Today offers a verification process for certain providers, signified by a 'Verified' symbol next to their profile. This badge indicates that the provider’s primary credential or license has been independently verified by Psychology Today.