Psychiatrists in 20016
![Photo of Michael Bogrov, MD, MA, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48f30141-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Michael Bogrov is a Johns Hopkins trained child psychiatrist with expertise in ADHD across the age spectrum. His leadership positions while a member of the faculty at Hopkins included leading the ADHD clinic, and serving as medical director of the Children’s Mental Health Center. Over his 18 year career at Sheppard and Enoch Pratt Hospital in Baltimore, one of the top ten rated psychiatric hospitals in the country, he served in a number of positions. He has been practicing in Washington, DC since 2015.
Dr. Michael Bogrov is a Johns Hopkins trained child psychiatrist with expertise in ADHD across the age spectrum. His leadership positions while a member of the faculty at Hopkins included leading the ADHD clinic, and serving as medical director of the Children’s Mental Health Center. Over his 18 year career at Sheppard and Enoch Pratt Hospital in Baltimore, one of the top ten rated psychiatric hospitals in the country, he served in a number of positions. He has been practicing in Washington, DC since 2015.
![Photo of Christopher Thomas Raczynski, MD, DFAPA, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/487c7f65-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Christopher Thomas Raczynski
Psychiatrist, MD, DFAPA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20016
Thanks for taking the time to learn about me and Washington Interventional Psychiatry (WIP), which my partner, Navin Reddy, MD and I co-founded in early 2018. I am fellowship trained in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. My primary interest/expertise is in treating condition that do not response adequately to oral psychotropic medication. Our fastest acting, safest, and most effective treatments include ketamine infusion therapy and accelerated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (aTMS). We have 9 prescribers in practice that manage oral medications for patients. None of us offer psychotherapy.
Thanks for taking the time to learn about me and Washington Interventional Psychiatry (WIP), which my partner, Navin Reddy, MD and I co-founded in early 2018. I am fellowship trained in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. My primary interest/expertise is in treating condition that do not response adequately to oral psychotropic medication. Our fastest acting, safest, and most effective treatments include ketamine infusion therapy and accelerated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (aTMS). We have 9 prescribers in practice that manage oral medications for patients. None of us offer psychotherapy.
![Photo of Carlos E Sluzki, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/467b857e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am a seasoned therapist for individuals, couples and families, with years of experience (and many presentations and publications --see my website www.sluzki.com). In therapy, I follow an empathic systemic/ narrative orientation, with occasional whiffs stemming from my prior psychoanalytic training. I am also a psychiatrist, with M.D. licenses in CA, DC and MA, and I offer medication management if needed. My multi-lingual, multi-cultural practice takes place in English, Spanish or Italian. Half of my current practice is by Skype/Zoom.
I am a seasoned therapist for individuals, couples and families, with years of experience (and many presentations and publications --see my website www.sluzki.com). In therapy, I follow an empathic systemic/ narrative orientation, with occasional whiffs stemming from my prior psychoanalytic training. I am also a psychiatrist, with M.D. licenses in CA, DC and MA, and I offer medication management if needed. My multi-lingual, multi-cultural practice takes place in English, Spanish or Italian. Half of my current practice is by Skype/Zoom.
![Photo of Marc Dalton, MD, MPH, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45ec881c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I look forward to helping you achieve optimal mental health. I strive to meet each patient where they are and explore where they would like to go. I look forward to hearing from you and helping you in your journey toward good mental health.
I look forward to helping you achieve optimal mental health. I strive to meet each patient where they are and explore where they would like to go. I look forward to hearing from you and helping you in your journey toward good mental health.
![Photo of Sasha Bergeron, MSN, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a1ae150f-9773-47d1-96d8-1311e1a0d5eb/3/320x400.jpeg)
Sasha Bergeron
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20016 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My expertise is in integrative, evidence-based medication management. I operate from a whole-person approach, practice collaboratively, and support you to achieve your mental health goals. In addition to medication management, I draw on theories of mindfulness, internal family systems (IFS), and cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). I specialize in depression (unipolar and bipolar), anxiety, ADHD, bipolar I and II, OCD, PTSD, and perinatal/postpartum mental health concerns. My clinic also offers ketamine infusion therapy & transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for those still suffering despite meds + therapy.
My expertise is in integrative, evidence-based medication management. I operate from a whole-person approach, practice collaboratively, and support you to achieve your mental health goals. In addition to medication management, I draw on theories of mindfulness, internal family systems (IFS), and cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). I specialize in depression (unipolar and bipolar), anxiety, ADHD, bipolar I and II, OCD, PTSD, and perinatal/postpartum mental health concerns. My clinic also offers ketamine infusion therapy & transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for those still suffering despite meds + therapy.
![Photo of Shannon Sabanosh, PMHNPBC, FNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ede64b98-3f19-4956-984e-d2016fe4a687/1/320x400.jpeg)
Shannon Sabanosh
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNPBC, FNP-C
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20016 (Online Only)
Accepting new clients in DC, MD, & VA (as of May 2024). As a dual board-certified family and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 12 years of experience working in emergency departments, Shannon is uniquely suited to treat psychiatric concerns while considering contributing medical issues. She believes that while medications may be needed to help with psychiatric conditions due to neurochemical imbalances, it is important to take a holistic approach and integrate as many non-pharmacological interventions into the management of care as well to achieve optimal results.
Accepting new clients in DC, MD, & VA (as of May 2024). As a dual board-certified family and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 12 years of experience working in emergency departments, Shannon is uniquely suited to treat psychiatric concerns while considering contributing medical issues. She believes that while medications may be needed to help with psychiatric conditions due to neurochemical imbalances, it is important to take a holistic approach and integrate as many non-pharmacological interventions into the management of care as well to achieve optimal results.
![Photo of Navin Reddy - Washington Interventional Psychiatry, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f6c5074-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Washington Interventional Psychiatry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20016
At Washington Interventional Psychiatry, we are dedicated to offering cutting-edge and evidence-based treatments that cater to a diverse range of mental health needs. Our practice is built on the foundation of providing effective, efficient, and safe interventions that truly make a difference in the lives of our patients. We take pride in being a leading psychiatric practice that embraces a comprehensive approach to mental health care. Our range of services includes medication management, interventional therapies, and even groundbreaking psychedelic treatments like ketamine and spravato.
At Washington Interventional Psychiatry, we are dedicated to offering cutting-edge and evidence-based treatments that cater to a diverse range of mental health needs. Our practice is built on the foundation of providing effective, efficient, and safe interventions that truly make a difference in the lives of our patients. We take pride in being a leading psychiatric practice that embraces a comprehensive approach to mental health care. Our range of services includes medication management, interventional therapies, and even groundbreaking psychedelic treatments like ketamine and spravato.
![Photo of Robin Berlin, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1ec4242f-ee65-4117-b0af-72a44ebee667/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Berlin started a private practice to provide a more personal and integrative approach to psychiatric care. She is a graduate of Georgetown University School of Medicine and did her psychiatry residency at George Washington University and a predoctoral fellowship at the National Institutes of Health researching the impact of hormonal changes on mood. She has lived in several countries and values a culturally sensitive approach to patient care. Please note that she provides medication management only, not psychotherapy.
Dr. Berlin started a private practice to provide a more personal and integrative approach to psychiatric care. She is a graduate of Georgetown University School of Medicine and did her psychiatry residency at George Washington University and a predoctoral fellowship at the National Institutes of Health researching the impact of hormonal changes on mood. She has lived in several countries and values a culturally sensitive approach to patient care. Please note that she provides medication management only, not psychotherapy.
![Photo of Jessica Janey, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d6858b04-1e7b-4eed-b48f-edb56f063dc8/2/320x400.png)
The patient always comes first. This means spending the time needed to get to the root of the problem, taking a holistic approach to look at the myriad factors that influence mental health, and providing a safe and comfortable environment where healing can occur. As a psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner, I can manage and treat a wide range of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and PTSD. I value providing special attention to individual needs, personal history, stressful or traumatic experiences, and concerns about medications.
The patient always comes first. This means spending the time needed to get to the root of the problem, taking a holistic approach to look at the myriad factors that influence mental health, and providing a safe and comfortable environment where healing can occur. As a psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner, I can manage and treat a wide range of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and PTSD. I value providing special attention to individual needs, personal history, stressful or traumatic experiences, and concerns about medications.
![Photo of Andres Barkil-Oteo, MD, MIPP, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a1cde6e0-eaf0-48dd-8597-a6f07db26947/1/320x400.jpeg)
My ideal client is someone who is experiencing a range of mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, burnout, or trauma and is seeking a comprehensive, holistic approach to their well-being. They are open-minded and motivated to explore both conventional and complementary therapies to achieve a deeper level of healing. This client recognizes the importance of addressing not just their symptoms but also the underlying causes and contributing factors, including lifestyle, nutrition, and emotional health. Their goal is to achieve a balanced and resilient state of mind, body, and spirit.
My ideal client is someone who is experiencing a range of mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, burnout, or trauma and is seeking a comprehensive, holistic approach to their well-being. They are open-minded and motivated to explore both conventional and complementary therapies to achieve a deeper level of healing. This client recognizes the importance of addressing not just their symptoms but also the underlying causes and contributing factors, including lifestyle, nutrition, and emotional health. Their goal is to achieve a balanced and resilient state of mind, body, and spirit.
![Photo of Matt Leshchiner, RN, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e495382a-f6f0-4d4b-8c4c-f12e1421fcac/1/320x400.jpeg)
Matt Leshchiner
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, RN, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20016
I diagnose and treat adults and adolescents with all psychiatric illnesses. However, I don’t get hung up on labels and diagnoses. My patients describe me as authentic because I treat each person as an individual with their own specific symptoms and needs. I am committed to providing a safe space for LGBTQIA+ patients. I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and have worked in psychiatry for over six years. I earned my BSN and MSN from The George Washington University. While I primarily do medication management, I am also trained in DBT and existential therapy.
I diagnose and treat adults and adolescents with all psychiatric illnesses. However, I don’t get hung up on labels and diagnoses. My patients describe me as authentic because I treat each person as an individual with their own specific symptoms and needs. I am committed to providing a safe space for LGBTQIA+ patients. I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and have worked in psychiatry for over six years. I earned my BSN and MSN from The George Washington University. While I primarily do medication management, I am also trained in DBT and existential therapy.
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![Photo of Agerie Ejigu, CRNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ddfa02c-4c85-469a-8d96-42d32527af1e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Agerie Ejigu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20016 (Online Only)
I meet patients where they are and provide individualized services to meet the individual's unique needs while working through any stigma or barriers to optimal wellbeing. I provide telehealth services exclusively and see individuals in DC, MD & Virginia for individuals 13 & up.
I meet patients where they are and provide individualized services to meet the individual's unique needs while working through any stigma or barriers to optimal wellbeing. I provide telehealth services exclusively and see individuals in DC, MD & Virginia for individuals 13 & up.
![Photo of Tuna Burgut, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/459171f0-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have trained at Cornell and Columbia and am Board Certified in both Psychiatry and Neurology. Having trained in both specialties, I believe that brain and mind are inseparable, therefore I frequently evaluate my patients with multiple modalities.I am interested in assessing each patient comprehensively using multiple perspectives, including cognition, behavior, life story and personality. My practice focuses on patients living with mood, cognitive and behavioral problems which are sometimes in the context of other neurological symptoms. I am dedicated to helping my patients with mood disorders, behavioral disorders, cognitive concerns, anxiety, ADHD and other disorders.
I have trained at Cornell and Columbia and am Board Certified in both Psychiatry and Neurology. Having trained in both specialties, I believe that brain and mind are inseparable, therefore I frequently evaluate my patients with multiple modalities.I am interested in assessing each patient comprehensively using multiple perspectives, including cognition, behavior, life story and personality. My practice focuses on patients living with mood, cognitive and behavioral problems which are sometimes in the context of other neurological symptoms. I am dedicated to helping my patients with mood disorders, behavioral disorders, cognitive concerns, anxiety, ADHD and other disorders.
![Photo of Pooja Lakshmin, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4f5f3192-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
**Please note: I am not accepting new patients at this time** I am a board certified perinatal psychiatrist specializing in women's mental health and perinatal psychiatry. I take a holistic and integrative approach to psychiatric treatment, and believe that no single modality can fix everything. In addition to prescribing medication when necessary, I provide psychotherapy as a means to navigate life transitions, interpersonal conflict, and identity shifts.
**Please note: I am not accepting new patients at this time** I am a board certified perinatal psychiatrist specializing in women's mental health and perinatal psychiatry. I take a holistic and integrative approach to psychiatric treatment, and believe that no single modality can fix everything. In addition to prescribing medication when necessary, I provide psychotherapy as a means to navigate life transitions, interpersonal conflict, and identity shifts.
![Photo of Margo Pumar, MD, MA, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1aa35383-08eb-463f-bbc4-0c0be2bf4313/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hi! I'm a board-certified adult-trained psychiatrist with a holistic approach to working with patients and collaboratively creating evidence-based treatment. I have worked in a board range of clinical settings across the US and abroad and have been on faculty at UPenn and UCSF. For the last few years I served as the Medical Director for Perinatal Psychiatry in the UCSF Birth Center. Licensed in DC, MD, VA, and CA, I provide evaluations, psychotherapy, medication management and also focus on coping tools, nutrition, social supports and self-care to help patients achieve their goals.
Hi! I'm a board-certified adult-trained psychiatrist with a holistic approach to working with patients and collaboratively creating evidence-based treatment. I have worked in a board range of clinical settings across the US and abroad and have been on faculty at UPenn and UCSF. For the last few years I served as the Medical Director for Perinatal Psychiatry in the UCSF Birth Center. Licensed in DC, MD, VA, and CA, I provide evaluations, psychotherapy, medication management and also focus on coping tools, nutrition, social supports and self-care to help patients achieve their goals.
![Photo of Emi Leiner, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/81569f6e-854b-457e-8efe-4fcc0aa808af/2/320x400.jpeg)
Emi Leiner
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20016 (Online Only)
My name is Emi Leiner and I am a board certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner based in Washington, DC. I earned my degree from Yale University, where I sub-specialized in child and adolescent psychiatry in addition to working with adults. I served as a preceptor for Columbia University’s Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Program and have an additional Master’s in Clinical Social Work.
My name is Emi Leiner and I am a board certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner based in Washington, DC. I earned my degree from Yale University, where I sub-specialized in child and adolescent psychiatry in addition to working with adults. I served as a preceptor for Columbia University’s Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Program and have an additional Master’s in Clinical Social Work.
![Photo of Jeffrey L Seal, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d5da3ed6-8a5f-411b-9c67-0a7b23828bc4/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a psychiatrist specializing in therapy and medication management for adults and late adolescents. My practice provides the time for an in-depth assessment of a patient's needs and the formulation of a detailed treatment plan. The initial assessment usually takes two meetings and forms the foundation for an ongoing therapeutic relationship. I primarily utilize psychodynamic approaches, within a holistic framework that considers diet, exercise, and work-life balance. I provide treatment in a warm, compassionate, and accepting environment.
I am a psychiatrist specializing in therapy and medication management for adults and late adolescents. My practice provides the time for an in-depth assessment of a patient's needs and the formulation of a detailed treatment plan. The initial assessment usually takes two meetings and forms the foundation for an ongoing therapeutic relationship. I primarily utilize psychodynamic approaches, within a holistic framework that considers diet, exercise, and work-life balance. I provide treatment in a warm, compassionate, and accepting environment.
![Photo of Nicole Perras, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4529af16-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Nicole Perras
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20016
Not accepting new clients
****Dr. Perras is not taking new patients at this time**** I am a board-certified adult psychiatrist with experience in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of psychiatric issues. I practice humanistic medicine with an emphasis on treatment of the whole person. My approach to care combines evidence-based medicine with patient-driven collaboration. All appointments will be done via telepsychiatry until further notice.
****Dr. Perras is not taking new patients at this time**** I am a board-certified adult psychiatrist with experience in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of psychiatric issues. I practice humanistic medicine with an emphasis on treatment of the whole person. My approach to care combines evidence-based medicine with patient-driven collaboration. All appointments will be done via telepsychiatry until further notice.
![Photo of Ike Nnawuchi - Horizon Integrative Psychiatry, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/94b05b08-5781-4846-90fb-27b8dcfdf12d/2/320x400.jpeg)
As an Integrative Psychiatrist, I offer a patient-centered model where I combine conventional medicine and evidence-based pharmaceutical treatments with complementary mind-body medicine, nutritional counseling, vitamins, micronutrients, psychotherapy, and preventative medicine to promote long-term wellbeing.
As an Integrative Psychiatrist, I offer a patient-centered model where I combine conventional medicine and evidence-based pharmaceutical treatments with complementary mind-body medicine, nutritional counseling, vitamins, micronutrients, psychotherapy, and preventative medicine to promote long-term wellbeing.
![Photo of Ruth Esmeralda Mena, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/32331276-1a3b-4692-a495-fd2c98b6aaba/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ruth Esmeralda Mena
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20016
Ruth Esmeralda Mena, PMHNP, is a board-certified bi-lingual (Spanish and English) who specializes in treating individuals across the lifespan with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, adjustment disorders, psychosis, and ADHD. With over eight years of diverse experience in community, outpatient, and acute care settings. She's compassionate and dedicated to improving mental health. I also offer ADHD remote testing.
Ruth Esmeralda Mena, PMHNP, is a board-certified bi-lingual (Spanish and English) who specializes in treating individuals across the lifespan with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, adjustment disorders, psychosis, and ADHD. With over eight years of diverse experience in community, outpatient, and acute care settings. She's compassionate and dedicated to improving mental health. I also offer ADHD remote testing.
See more therapy options for 20016
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 20016
40+
Average cost per session
$207
Psychiatrists in 20016 who prioritize treating:
90% | Anxiety |
88% | Depression |
83% | Medication Management |
78% | Trauma and PTSD |
75% | ADHD |
63% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
63% | Sleep or Insomnia |
Average years in practice
15 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
74% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
74% | Cigna and Evernorth |
68% | CareFirst |
How Psychiatrists in 20016 see their clients
63% | In Person and Online | |
37% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
64% | Female | |
36% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 20016?
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.