Psychiatrists in 20006
Mental Wealth By Dr. Azad
Psychiatrist, DO, MSc
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20006 (Online Only)
Mental Wealth provides premier psychiatric care for children, adolescents, and adults in DC, MD, and VA. We believe that seeing a mental health professional is a powerful tool to help you reach your maximum potential. While we aren’t about labeling or focusing on weaknesses, we are about identifying what you want out of life and working together to create a path that will enable you to start getting closer to reaching personal and professional goals. We help you understand the nature of your difficulties and make lasting progress towards achieving the life you have always wanted.
Mental Wealth provides premier psychiatric care for children, adolescents, and adults in DC, MD, and VA. We believe that seeing a mental health professional is a powerful tool to help you reach your maximum potential. While we aren’t about labeling or focusing on weaknesses, we are about identifying what you want out of life and working together to create a path that will enable you to start getting closer to reaching personal and professional goals. We help you understand the nature of your difficulties and make lasting progress towards achieving the life you have always wanted.
Welcome to Noble Practice, a healing space that offers compassionate, pragmatic, and thoughtful care. As a board certified adult psychiatrist with fellowship training in consultation liaison psychiatry, I aim to provide you with a clear understanding of your diagnoses and optimal treatment options. Working collaboratively to ensure my recommendations align with your goals and values, I uphold standards of safety and efficacy backed by rigorous clinical evidence. I enjoy treating adults with depression, anxiety, and OCD and am comfortable with patients with coexisting complex medical conditions.
Welcome to Noble Practice, a healing space that offers compassionate, pragmatic, and thoughtful care. As a board certified adult psychiatrist with fellowship training in consultation liaison psychiatry, I aim to provide you with a clear understanding of your diagnoses and optimal treatment options. Working collaboratively to ensure my recommendations align with your goals and values, I uphold standards of safety and efficacy backed by rigorous clinical evidence. I enjoy treating adults with depression, anxiety, and OCD and am comfortable with patients with coexisting complex medical conditions.
My typical patients come to me having difficulty managing their mood, intrusive thoughts, anxiety, or dread. Specific contexts might include interpersonal difficulties, work-related problems, or challenges in relationships. In terms of treatments, ideal patients motivated to attend treatment sessions and work collaboratively. I treat people interested in medications, psychotherapy, or both.
My typical patients come to me having difficulty managing their mood, intrusive thoughts, anxiety, or dread. Specific contexts might include interpersonal difficulties, work-related problems, or challenges in relationships. In terms of treatments, ideal patients motivated to attend treatment sessions and work collaboratively. I treat people interested in medications, psychotherapy, or both.
Caring Health LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP , BC, CRNP- C
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20006
Hi dear, I am Patricia, I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and a Family Nurse Practitioner and I can manage broad areas of psychiatry and medical health needs. Whether you're dealing with personality or Mood Disorders I'm here to help. Seeking treatment to help manage your mental health issue can feel scary but you're making the right choice. In our sessions together, I'll meet you with compassion, evidence-based Practice medication management, counselling and therapy to better manage your mental health During our sessions together we will build trust, support and a welcoming and open environment
Hi dear, I am Patricia, I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and a Family Nurse Practitioner and I can manage broad areas of psychiatry and medical health needs. Whether you're dealing with personality or Mood Disorders I'm here to help. Seeking treatment to help manage your mental health issue can feel scary but you're making the right choice. In our sessions together, I'll meet you with compassion, evidence-based Practice medication management, counselling and therapy to better manage your mental health During our sessions together we will build trust, support and a welcoming and open environment
Depression, Anxiety, Trauma.... I am here to help you feel better! Initially we have a 2 hour intake I can get a good understanding of who you are and help identify symptoms that can then be the target of treatment. Treatment is cooperative- I educate patients as to what is going on in their brain, how treatments will affect their brain, body, and symptoms. I encourage patients to ask questions. Together as a team we work towards alleviating symptoms so you can feel better! PLEASE reach out with questions via EMAIL: AndeweltMD gmail.com
Depression, Anxiety, Trauma.... I am here to help you feel better! Initially we have a 2 hour intake I can get a good understanding of who you are and help identify symptoms that can then be the target of treatment. Treatment is cooperative- I educate patients as to what is going on in their brain, how treatments will affect their brain, body, and symptoms. I encourage patients to ask questions. Together as a team we work towards alleviating symptoms so you can feel better! PLEASE reach out with questions via EMAIL: AndeweltMD gmail.com
Dr. Aileen Kim approaches medication management with an emphasis on shared decision making within safe, effective options, thorough counseling about what to expect in treatment, and giving attention to concurrent use of non medication modalities of treatment alongside optimizing medication. She is accustomed to working with people who have more than one diagnosis. She is skilled and experienced in de-prescribing (methodically streamlining the number of medications being taken) when needed.
Dr. Aileen Kim approaches medication management with an emphasis on shared decision making within safe, effective options, thorough counseling about what to expect in treatment, and giving attention to concurrent use of non medication modalities of treatment alongside optimizing medication. She is accustomed to working with people who have more than one diagnosis. She is skilled and experienced in de-prescribing (methodically streamlining the number of medications being taken) when needed.
Dr. Santos is a highly experienced, Board-Certified Adult Psychiatrist with over 10 years of clinical experience in English and Spanish. His practice focuses on medication management in conjunction with supportive therapy, and he conducts follow-up visits in 30-minute increments. He believes that the most successful treatments integrate physical health, therapy, mindfulness, and medication, when necessary, to provide the most effective solutions for his patients. He graduated from the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara School of Medicine and completed his residency training in NYC at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center.
Dr. Santos is a highly experienced, Board-Certified Adult Psychiatrist with over 10 years of clinical experience in English and Spanish. His practice focuses on medication management in conjunction with supportive therapy, and he conducts follow-up visits in 30-minute increments. He believes that the most successful treatments integrate physical health, therapy, mindfulness, and medication, when necessary, to provide the most effective solutions for his patients. He graduated from the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara School of Medicine and completed his residency training in NYC at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center.
Ryan Sheridan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20006
Hey There! I'm Ryan... My mindset: you can and will improve. Collaboration means you + me. My process is body, mind, & spirt. Success means empowering you. Take control of your wellness, improve your relationships, and optimize your life... I help individuals enhance their mental health. My approach is based on the premise that nutrition, physical activity, and how we recover are foundational to our well-being. We will optimize your life with thoughtful prescriptions, psychotherapy, nutritional and supplement counseling, and routine development.
Hey There! I'm Ryan... My mindset: you can and will improve. Collaboration means you + me. My process is body, mind, & spirt. Success means empowering you. Take control of your wellness, improve your relationships, and optimize your life... I help individuals enhance their mental health. My approach is based on the premise that nutrition, physical activity, and how we recover are foundational to our well-being. We will optimize your life with thoughtful prescriptions, psychotherapy, nutritional and supplement counseling, and routine development.
Dr. Mo Basith is a board-certified psychiatrist in the field of general adult psychiatry. He offers a mix of pharmacotherapy in conjunction with psychotherapy. Dr. Basith’s approach to clinical practice is rooted in fostering a safe atmosphere in which to explore biological and psychosocial factors that affect mental health. He views medication as a tool that patients can use while also engaging in psychotherapy and making lifestyle changes to optimize their mental health. Dr. Basith may occasionally believe additional therapy is needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome.
Dr. Mo Basith is a board-certified psychiatrist in the field of general adult psychiatry. He offers a mix of pharmacotherapy in conjunction with psychotherapy. Dr. Basith’s approach to clinical practice is rooted in fostering a safe atmosphere in which to explore biological and psychosocial factors that affect mental health. He views medication as a tool that patients can use while also engaging in psychotherapy and making lifestyle changes to optimize their mental health. Dr. Basith may occasionally believe additional therapy is needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome.
Dr. Renee Diane Parisi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
17 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20006 (Online Only)
The ideal client for me is someone who is seeking comprehensive and holistic mental health care to help them recover from past trauma, including disenfranchised grief (pet loss, perinatal loss, and others). This individual is open to exploring various treatment modalities beyond traditional Western medications and understands the importance of addressing all aspects of their well-being, including physical health, nutrition, sleep, and herbal supplements.
The ideal client for me is someone who is seeking comprehensive and holistic mental health care to help them recover from past trauma, including disenfranchised grief (pet loss, perinatal loss, and others). This individual is open to exploring various treatment modalities beyond traditional Western medications and understands the importance of addressing all aspects of their well-being, including physical health, nutrition, sleep, and herbal supplements.
I am ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS. I aim to understand each patient’s unique experience to make appropriate diagnoses and incorporate psychopharmacology into an integrative treatment plan. I work with people of all ages struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, thought disorders, autism spectrum disorder, and academic and social difficulties. We work to transform their challenges into opportunities for growth.
I am ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS. I aim to understand each patient’s unique experience to make appropriate diagnoses and incorporate psychopharmacology into an integrative treatment plan. I work with people of all ages struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, thought disorders, autism spectrum disorder, and academic and social difficulties. We work to transform their challenges into opportunities for growth.
15 Second Videos
Ryan Sheridan
Courage Behavioral Healthcare Services LLC
Emily Nyange Floode
Osenat Aremu
Atlas Behavioral Health Services
Courage Behavioral Healthcare Services LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20006
Are you or someone you love feeling overwhelmed? Are you feeling stressed at school or work? Is your child having a hard time fitting in school? Are they having issues with concentration and motivation? Do you feel depressed? Are you losing interest in everyday activities and pleasures? Are you having suicidal thoughts, thoughts of self harm or harming others? Do you have anxiety? Panic attacks? Or overall life disrupting PTSD? If this is you, please call us at Courage Behavioral Healthcare Services! Please call us, we will love to hear from you.
Are you or someone you love feeling overwhelmed? Are you feeling stressed at school or work? Is your child having a hard time fitting in school? Are they having issues with concentration and motivation? Do you feel depressed? Are you losing interest in everyday activities and pleasures? Are you having suicidal thoughts, thoughts of self harm or harming others? Do you have anxiety? Panic attacks? Or overall life disrupting PTSD? If this is you, please call us at Courage Behavioral Healthcare Services! Please call us, we will love to hear from you.
Maheen Patel
Psychiatrist, MD, FAPA
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20006
Not accepting new clients
Psychiatric care should be enlivening, enlightening and deeply healing: A secure, comfortable, collaborative place to negotiate your deepest concerns, navigate your darkest fears and overcome your staunchest impediments. My style is warm and compassionate, yet dynamic and evocative, readily engaging others in a manner that enhances their insight, as well as my own. Passionate in my purpose, I infuse the breadth of my knowledge, skill and experience with formidable intuition and deep empathy to help my patients achieve greater clarity, purpose, richness and joy in their lives.
Psychiatric care should be enlivening, enlightening and deeply healing: A secure, comfortable, collaborative place to negotiate your deepest concerns, navigate your darkest fears and overcome your staunchest impediments. My style is warm and compassionate, yet dynamic and evocative, readily engaging others in a manner that enhances their insight, as well as my own. Passionate in my purpose, I infuse the breadth of my knowledge, skill and experience with formidable intuition and deep empathy to help my patients achieve greater clarity, purpose, richness and joy in their lives.
Dr. Christopher Hoffman is an American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology certified psychiatrist with three years experience. Dr. Hoffman provides patient-centered treatment using medication management, supportive therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Typically, medication management appointments are 30 mins, and therapy appointments are 45 minutes. Psychotherapy slots with Dr. Hoffman are limited, so he often brings another therapist to the treatment team.
Dr. Christopher Hoffman is an American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology certified psychiatrist with three years experience. Dr. Hoffman provides patient-centered treatment using medication management, supportive therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Typically, medication management appointments are 30 mins, and therapy appointments are 45 minutes. Psychotherapy slots with Dr. Hoffman are limited, so he often brings another therapist to the treatment team.
I am a psychiatrist in private practice in Washington, DC and treat adults, young and older adolescents. As I was a pediatrician prior to becoming a psychiatrist, I am particularly interested in working with older adolescents and young adults who face a multitude of challenges as they progress into adulthood. Unlike many psychiatrists who prescribe medication only, I work with my clients through understanding and helping them in psychotherapy as well as providing expert treatment with the latest psychiatric medications.
I am a psychiatrist in private practice in Washington, DC and treat adults, young and older adolescents. As I was a pediatrician prior to becoming a psychiatrist, I am particularly interested in working with older adolescents and young adults who face a multitude of challenges as they progress into adulthood. Unlike many psychiatrists who prescribe medication only, I work with my clients through understanding and helping them in psychotherapy as well as providing expert treatment with the latest psychiatric medications.
Dr. Renee Diane Parisi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CNP, MSN, DNP
Verified Verified
18 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20006 (Online Only)
Specializing in Women's Mental Health, Pregnancy/Postpartum/Perimenopause, Sleep Disorders/Insomnia, Physical/Emotional/Sexual Trauma, OCD, Perfectionism, Chronic Pain, Relationships, Infertility, & Grief.
Specializing in Women's Mental Health, Pregnancy/Postpartum/Perimenopause, Sleep Disorders/Insomnia, Physical/Emotional/Sexual Trauma, OCD, Perfectionism, Chronic Pain, Relationships, Infertility, & Grief.
Emily Nyange Floode
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, CRNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20006
As a Doctoral psychiatric and family Nurse Practitioner, it is my objective to advocate for patients who fight to be heard or respected, as well as manage their treatment with understanding, empathy, and attention to holistic care. I am a very fortunate nurse practitioner to work in a growing age of healthcare and firmly believe that mental health and individuals living with chronic conditions needing care rely on a culture of acceptance and openness. I will work hard to foster a safe environment for all patients and plan to use my DNP care for patients with anxiety, ADHD, Depression, Bipolar, and chronic conditions.
As a Doctoral psychiatric and family Nurse Practitioner, it is my objective to advocate for patients who fight to be heard or respected, as well as manage their treatment with understanding, empathy, and attention to holistic care. I am a very fortunate nurse practitioner to work in a growing age of healthcare and firmly believe that mental health and individuals living with chronic conditions needing care rely on a culture of acceptance and openness. I will work hard to foster a safe environment for all patients and plan to use my DNP care for patients with anxiety, ADHD, Depression, Bipolar, and chronic conditions.
Edward (Ed) Stern
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, APRN
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20006
Are you looking for a psychiatric prescriber that will listen to your needs? Someone who takes the time to work with you and your goals? Someone who accepts you for who you are and where you want to be? Then we should talk. Ed and his entire team work with patients who are seeking help for depression, anxiety, ADHD, mood disorders, OCD, and much more. He integrates modern approaches to the science of mental health and wants you to meet your goals. Ed a member of the LGBTQ community and assures that all folx, no matter their gender, sexuality, or life status, is equally respected.
Are you looking for a psychiatric prescriber that will listen to your needs? Someone who takes the time to work with you and your goals? Someone who accepts you for who you are and where you want to be? Then we should talk. Ed and his entire team work with patients who are seeking help for depression, anxiety, ADHD, mood disorders, OCD, and much more. He integrates modern approaches to the science of mental health and wants you to meet your goals. Ed a member of the LGBTQ community and assures that all folx, no matter their gender, sexuality, or life status, is equally respected.
Rita Ngozi Chioma
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20006
Hi, my name is Dr. Rita Chioma! I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse and Acute Care Nurse (PHMNP-BC, ACNP-BC) in Maryland and the District of Columbia, with over 20 years of clinical experience. I am patient-oriented and committed to providing optimum care to psychiatric mental health patients via telehealth to meet their needs. As a mental health specialist, I believe it is of the utmost importance to be open-minded, listen attentively to my patients, and take pleasure in maintaining the well-being of my patients!
Hi, my name is Dr. Rita Chioma! I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse and Acute Care Nurse (PHMNP-BC, ACNP-BC) in Maryland and the District of Columbia, with over 20 years of clinical experience. I am patient-oriented and committed to providing optimum care to psychiatric mental health patients via telehealth to meet their needs. As a mental health specialist, I believe it is of the utmost importance to be open-minded, listen attentively to my patients, and take pleasure in maintaining the well-being of my patients!
My ideal client is someone struggling with emotional distress, such as anxiety, depression, or trauma, and seeking relief and understanding. They are looking to make a change in their lives but feeling stuck. They want to gain better emotional regulation, improve coping skills, and build healthier relationships. Ultimately, they desire long-term mental well-being, personal growth, and a deeper sense of meaning and fulfillment in their everyday experiences.
My ideal client is someone struggling with emotional distress, such as anxiety, depression, or trauma, and seeking relief and understanding. They are looking to make a change in their lives but feeling stuck. They want to gain better emotional regulation, improve coping skills, and build healthier relationships. Ultimately, they desire long-term mental well-being, personal growth, and a deeper sense of meaning and fulfillment in their everyday experiences.
See more therapy options for 20006
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 20006
40+
Average cost per session
$170
Psychiatrists in 20006 who prioritize treating:
93% | Anxiety |
91% | Depression |
82% | Medication Management |
77% | ADHD |
75% | Trauma and PTSD |
75% | Bipolar Disorder |
64% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
6 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
94% | Aetna |
89% | Cigna and Evernorth |
83% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
How Psychiatrists in 20006 see their clients
50% | In Person and Online | |
50% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
73% | Female | |
27% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 20006?
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.