Psychiatrists in 20817

«««Accepting new patients»»» Has your child not been themselves lately? Perhaps they struggle with stress, sadness, school, or family. Maybe you both feel like impossible expectations have been placed on you both. Your child’s journey to mental wholeness may feel overwhelming, but you do not have to navigate it alone. I am available to walk beside you and your child on the path to well-being. Your desire for mental clarity can be the beginning of understanding how to help your child feel well again. Let’s begin the healing process together.
«««Accepting new patients»»» Has your child not been themselves lately? Perhaps they struggle with stress, sadness, school, or family. Maybe you both feel like impossible expectations have been placed on you both. Your child’s journey to mental wholeness may feel overwhelming, but you do not have to navigate it alone. I am available to walk beside you and your child on the path to well-being. Your desire for mental clarity can be the beginning of understanding how to help your child feel well again. Let’s begin the healing process together.

Welcome, I'm Sara! Are you feeling overwhelmed by depression, anxiety, inattention, disruptive behavior, sleeping problems, or difficulty managing your emotions? I am dedicated to helping you find a healthier and more fulfilling lifestyle. I specialize in treating depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, disruptive, impulse, and conduct disorders, as well as executive function disorders such as ADHD. My passion lies in supporting individuals whose mental health challenges have become barriers to joy. Together, we can tackle these issues and help you balance work, school, and life.
Welcome, I'm Sara! Are you feeling overwhelmed by depression, anxiety, inattention, disruptive behavior, sleeping problems, or difficulty managing your emotions? I am dedicated to helping you find a healthier and more fulfilling lifestyle. I specialize in treating depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, disruptive, impulse, and conduct disorders, as well as executive function disorders such as ADHD. My passion lies in supporting individuals whose mental health challenges have become barriers to joy. Together, we can tackle these issues and help you balance work, school, and life.

I am Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and have been practicing since 2005. I completed my residency from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts and my Fellowship in Addictions from the Robert Johnson Wood Foundation. In 2014, I was featured in SJ Magazine as one of New Jersey’s top psychiatrists. I have experience working with adults as well as adolescents suffering from both psychiatric diagnosis and substance use disorders and have extensive experience working in both out-patient and in-patient settings.
I am Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and have been practicing since 2005. I completed my residency from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts and my Fellowship in Addictions from the Robert Johnson Wood Foundation. In 2014, I was featured in SJ Magazine as one of New Jersey’s top psychiatrists. I have experience working with adults as well as adolescents suffering from both psychiatric diagnosis and substance use disorders and have extensive experience working in both out-patient and in-patient settings.

Perhaps a relationship or a job or parenting isn’t going well, or you just feel bad (or angry, or frightened). I try to be of use to people who are in pain. How do I try to help? By having open and honest conversations, good talks. It’s not so easy to do that – we keep our guards up for compelling reasons, because of our experiences of being hurt and used and misunderstood in the past. Often it seems obvious what we need to do, and yet impossible to do it. In therapy we wrestle with the bind.
Perhaps a relationship or a job or parenting isn’t going well, or you just feel bad (or angry, or frightened). I try to be of use to people who are in pain. How do I try to help? By having open and honest conversations, good talks. It’s not so easy to do that – we keep our guards up for compelling reasons, because of our experiences of being hurt and used and misunderstood in the past. Often it seems obvious what we need to do, and yet impossible to do it. In therapy we wrestle with the bind.

I am double board-certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. I believe in using both medication when indicated as well as therapy. I was trained in CBT and was given the Excellence in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy during my residency program. I use supportive therapy with each client I see. During my residency I served as Chief Resident and was awarded the Overall Excellence in Psychiatry Award as well as the Clinical Excellence Award.
I am double board-certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. I believe in using both medication when indicated as well as therapy. I was trained in CBT and was given the Excellence in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy during my residency program. I use supportive therapy with each client I see. During my residency I served as Chief Resident and was awarded the Overall Excellence in Psychiatry Award as well as the Clinical Excellence Award.

As a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, and teacher of other mental health professionals, I have an abiding belief in the importance of a strong connection between patient and therapist in order to achieve growth and change. I have been successful in helping individuals struggling with painful feeling states, such as anxiety and depression, and problematic relationships to modulate intense feelings and to feel freer in their minds and in their lives.
As a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, and teacher of other mental health professionals, I have an abiding belief in the importance of a strong connection between patient and therapist in order to achieve growth and change. I have been successful in helping individuals struggling with painful feeling states, such as anxiety and depression, and problematic relationships to modulate intense feelings and to feel freer in their minds and in their lives.

Dr Joanne Psychiatry NP
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
New patients are always accepted! Dr. Patterson offers modern, quality mental health treatment using a secure telepsychiatry platform. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, she believes that the most important aspect of care is listening to the client's unique story. Although medication management is a large part of her role, medicine is only prescribed when absolutely necessary. Dr. Patterson will assess your genetics, reproductive hormonal events, as well as life events/stressors and responses to them. Dr. Patterson also specializes in child and adolescent mental health.
New patients are always accepted! Dr. Patterson offers modern, quality mental health treatment using a secure telepsychiatry platform. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, she believes that the most important aspect of care is listening to the client's unique story. Although medication management is a large part of her role, medicine is only prescribed when absolutely necessary. Dr. Patterson will assess your genetics, reproductive hormonal events, as well as life events/stressors and responses to them. Dr. Patterson also specializes in child and adolescent mental health.

Renew Psychiatric Group
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, CRNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Currently Accepting New Patients: Hello, I'm Dr. Meyers. I’m double-board-certified as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and as a family nurse practitioner, though I practice exclusively in psychiatry. My background and clinical experience in family practice and psychiatry gives me a well-rounded perspective of both physical and mental well-being. I treat patients ages 5-64. I enjoy working with patients with a variety of diagnoses across the spectrum of mental health disorders. I look forward to working with you to improve your mental health.
Currently Accepting New Patients: Hello, I'm Dr. Meyers. I’m double-board-certified as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and as a family nurse practitioner, though I practice exclusively in psychiatry. My background and clinical experience in family practice and psychiatry gives me a well-rounded perspective of both physical and mental well-being. I treat patients ages 5-64. I enjoy working with patients with a variety of diagnoses across the spectrum of mental health disorders. I look forward to working with you to improve your mental health.

I am seeing patients in my Rockville office located at 11119 Rockville Pike, Suite 200, and by videoconference (Zoom). I received my medical degree at the University of Pennsylvania. I provide psychiatric treatment for a wide range of challenges in adults, adolescents and pre-teens. My approach is to create a personalized treatment plan starting from scientific treatment guidelines and focusing on your individual needs and strengths. I have wide-ranging expertise including the treatment of anxiety, depression, addiction, ADD/ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, women's psychiatric needs, schizophrenia, and impulsivity.
I am seeing patients in my Rockville office located at 11119 Rockville Pike, Suite 200, and by videoconference (Zoom). I received my medical degree at the University of Pennsylvania. I provide psychiatric treatment for a wide range of challenges in adults, adolescents and pre-teens. My approach is to create a personalized treatment plan starting from scientific treatment guidelines and focusing on your individual needs and strengths. I have wide-ranging expertise including the treatment of anxiety, depression, addiction, ADD/ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, women's psychiatric needs, schizophrenia, and impulsivity.

Careme Yago is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with over 14 years of dedicated experience working in various healthcare settings. This foundation has uniquely enabled her to integrate physical health considerations into psychiatric treatment, ensuring comprehensive care for each individual. She serves the DMV area, and brings a nuanced perspective that considers both physical, and psychological well-being, enhancing treatment outcomes, and overall patient satisfaction.
Careme Yago is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with over 14 years of dedicated experience working in various healthcare settings. This foundation has uniquely enabled her to integrate physical health considerations into psychiatric treatment, ensuring comprehensive care for each individual. She serves the DMV area, and brings a nuanced perspective that considers both physical, and psychological well-being, enhancing treatment outcomes, and overall patient satisfaction.

Yolanda Williams
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
12 Endorsed
Online Only
A Beautiful Mind Mental Health Services (ABMMHS) is here to assist you with managing anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood disorders, and schizophrenia effectively. We will help identify uncomfortable feelings/issues, and together, find a resolution. It is our goal to advocate for you to be heard, and to manage your treatment with compassion, understanding, and personalized, tailored care for each client. Book here today!
A Beautiful Mind Mental Health Services (ABMMHS) is here to assist you with managing anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood disorders, and schizophrenia effectively. We will help identify uncomfortable feelings/issues, and together, find a resolution. It is our goal to advocate for you to be heard, and to manage your treatment with compassion, understanding, and personalized, tailored care for each client. Book here today!
Meet Our Psychiatrists

I am a certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner of 20 years licensed in Maryland. I have a strong belief in a good balance of a healthy mind and body. As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner I take a holistic approach addressing any physical, emotional, and social needs compassionately and comprehensively. I have a full license to diagnose and treat mental health disorders including prescribe medications. I provide unconditional support with empathy and patience to my clients. Together we will establish a treatment plan individual to you. Looking forward to meeting you!
I am a certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner of 20 years licensed in Maryland. I have a strong belief in a good balance of a healthy mind and body. As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner I take a holistic approach addressing any physical, emotional, and social needs compassionately and comprehensively. I have a full license to diagnose and treat mental health disorders including prescribe medications. I provide unconditional support with empathy and patience to my clients. Together we will establish a treatment plan individual to you. Looking forward to meeting you!

You may be feeling anxious, depressed, fearful, angry, uncomfortable in social situations, or experiencing other emotional difficulties. Perhaps someone you care about is having problems. Although psychological issues can cause upsetting thoughts and feelings, physiology (body and brain) may also play a role. An evaluation with a holistic-focused psychiatrist can help you make sense of things and find treatments that work. As a Board Certified psychiatrist for 25+ years, I have specialized training and experience in recognizing and treating emotional and medical issues. My therapeutic style is active, collaborative, and solution focused.
You may be feeling anxious, depressed, fearful, angry, uncomfortable in social situations, or experiencing other emotional difficulties. Perhaps someone you care about is having problems. Although psychological issues can cause upsetting thoughts and feelings, physiology (body and brain) may also play a role. An evaluation with a holistic-focused psychiatrist can help you make sense of things and find treatments that work. As a Board Certified psychiatrist for 25+ years, I have specialized training and experience in recognizing and treating emotional and medical issues. My therapeutic style is active, collaborative, and solution focused.

Washington Ctr for Women's & Children's Wellness
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20817
You don't have to suffer alone anymore. We specialize in taking excellent care of women and children. Our focus is on the overall wellness of the person, not merely the individual symptoms or diagnoses. We listen to you and work with you to reach the life you deserve.
You don't have to suffer alone anymore. We specialize in taking excellent care of women and children. Our focus is on the overall wellness of the person, not merely the individual symptoms or diagnoses. We listen to you and work with you to reach the life you deserve.

At Focus Wellness we believe every individual is unique, special and deserves kind compassionate and personalized care. Situations, moments, or sometimes just nothing could make us feel anxious, depressed, fearful, angry, uncomfortable with mixed emotions.
At Focus Wellness we believe every individual is unique, special and deserves kind compassionate and personalized care. Situations, moments, or sometimes just nothing could make us feel anxious, depressed, fearful, angry, uncomfortable with mixed emotions.

Let's connect and work together! Are you feeling exhausted, low energy, having trouble sleeping, feeling sad or down? Are you having excessive fears or worry or extreme feelings of guilt? Are you having difficulty coping with daily problems or stress? Do you feel withdrawn from friends and activities? Have you noticed drastic mood changes of highs and lows? There is a reason why you feel the way you do, and there is help. I am here to listen, empathize, and try to understand how these issues affect you and your loved ones. Remember, your mental health can affect your physical health.
Let's connect and work together! Are you feeling exhausted, low energy, having trouble sleeping, feeling sad or down? Are you having excessive fears or worry or extreme feelings of guilt? Are you having difficulty coping with daily problems or stress? Do you feel withdrawn from friends and activities? Have you noticed drastic mood changes of highs and lows? There is a reason why you feel the way you do, and there is help. I am here to listen, empathize, and try to understand how these issues affect you and your loved ones. Remember, your mental health can affect your physical health.

Germaine Kelley-Pope
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20817
Asking for help can be overwhelming, but it's an important first step toward prioritizing your mental health. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I'm here to support you on this journey. I offer both medication management and psychotherapy, providing a comprehensive approach to mental health care. With over 15 years of experience, I specialize in assessing, diagnosing, and treating a wide range of mental health conditions.
Asking for help can be overwhelming, but it's an important first step toward prioritizing your mental health. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I'm here to support you on this journey. I offer both medication management and psychotherapy, providing a comprehensive approach to mental health care. With over 15 years of experience, I specialize in assessing, diagnosing, and treating a wide range of mental health conditions.

Welcome! I am a highly skilled Nurse Practitioner with dual certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) and a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). I earned my Master's degree in Nursing as a Family nurse practitioner from Bowie State University and a postgraduate in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from Wilkes University. With a robust educational background and over a decade of extensive clinical experience, I excel in delivering comprehensive care across the lifespan, integrating physical health management with mental health expertise.
Welcome! I am a highly skilled Nurse Practitioner with dual certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) and a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). I earned my Master's degree in Nursing as a Family nurse practitioner from Bowie State University and a postgraduate in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from Wilkes University. With a robust educational background and over a decade of extensive clinical experience, I excel in delivering comprehensive care across the lifespan, integrating physical health management with mental health expertise.

Staci Butler
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, FNP-C, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
As a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, I believe in a holistic approach to care. I carry two board certifications: one in psychiatry and the other in primary care. This enables me to target the root cause with clients, connecting the mind and body. I prefer an integrative approach to help clients with the goal of achieving serenity and balance in their lives.
As a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, I believe in a holistic approach to care. I carry two board certifications: one in psychiatry and the other in primary care. This enables me to target the root cause with clients, connecting the mind and body. I prefer an integrative approach to help clients with the goal of achieving serenity and balance in their lives.

Bilingual (English, Russian) Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner: my telehealth practice is open to new clients(18+) residing in Maryland. My background is in inpatient/outpatient treatment of adults through the use of safe non-addictive psychotropic medications and individually tailored psychotherapeutic supportive approaches for clients experiencing psychological problems.
Bilingual (English, Russian) Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner: my telehealth practice is open to new clients(18+) residing in Maryland. My background is in inpatient/outpatient treatment of adults through the use of safe non-addictive psychotropic medications and individually tailored psychotherapeutic supportive approaches for clients experiencing psychological problems.
See more therapy options for 20817
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 20817
50+
Average cost per session
$197
Psychiatrists in 20817 who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
85% | ADHD |
80% | Bipolar Disorder |
61% | Medication Management |
59% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
59% | Trauma and PTSD |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
95% | Cigna and Evernorth |
85% | Aetna |
75% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
How Psychiatrists in 20817 see their clients
65% | In Person and Online | |
35% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
75% | Female | |
25% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 20817?
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.