Psychiatrists in 21202
Adonai Healthcare Solutions
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, CRNP-BC, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21202
Here is good news. You are never alone. I will be here for you. My name is Dr. Patience Ekeocha, an Adult Nurse Practitioner, and a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I graduated from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, and have been in Primary Care practice for over 22 years.
Here is good news. You are never alone. I will be here for you. My name is Dr. Patience Ekeocha, an Adult Nurse Practitioner, and a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I graduated from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, and have been in Primary Care practice for over 22 years.
I create a safe, supportive, and non‑judgmental environment for every client and understand the importance of empathy, trust, and kindness. My sympathetic, kindhearted, and caring approaches to each individual patients make me capable of reaching the core of each of my patients issues. I empower them to enhance their awareness of their potentials in dealing with treatment. Tele-Health Virtual Visits Available, Same day and Next day appointments available! Call us 5619098555 for psychiatric evaluations, medication management, prescriptions, addiction, anxiety, depression, and medication management.
I create a safe, supportive, and non‑judgmental environment for every client and understand the importance of empathy, trust, and kindness. My sympathetic, kindhearted, and caring approaches to each individual patients make me capable of reaching the core of each of my patients issues. I empower them to enhance their awareness of their potentials in dealing with treatment. Tele-Health Virtual Visits Available, Same day and Next day appointments available! Call us 5619098555 for psychiatric evaluations, medication management, prescriptions, addiction, anxiety, depression, and medication management.
Are you suffering with substance abuse? Do you sometimes feel depressed or anxious? Do you need a reliable psychiatrist with over 15 years of experience? Are you in Columbia, MD or the surrounding areas? Dr. Irfan Saeed is now available and accepting insurance*. Conveniently located next to Columbia Mall with free on-site parking. We offer evening and weekend hours. Give us a call to schedule your appointment today. We can lead you to the road of recovery, happiness, and inner peace. Now we also offer TMS treatment for depression and other conditions.
Are you suffering with substance abuse? Do you sometimes feel depressed or anxious? Do you need a reliable psychiatrist with over 15 years of experience? Are you in Columbia, MD or the surrounding areas? Dr. Irfan Saeed is now available and accepting insurance*. Conveniently located next to Columbia Mall with free on-site parking. We offer evening and weekend hours. Give us a call to schedule your appointment today. We can lead you to the road of recovery, happiness, and inner peace. Now we also offer TMS treatment for depression and other conditions.
Amoah Asante
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21202
My ideal client is an adult who is struggling with adult ADHD & depression. You may feel overwhelmed and struggle to complete tasks and you may experience a lack of motivation and energy that makes it challenging to engage in these tasks or daily activities. You might find it difficult to get out of bed or take care of basic tasks due to depressive symptoms.
My ideal client is an adult who is struggling with adult ADHD & depression. You may feel overwhelmed and struggle to complete tasks and you may experience a lack of motivation and energy that makes it challenging to engage in these tasks or daily activities. You might find it difficult to get out of bed or take care of basic tasks due to depressive symptoms.
VirtualPsychiatricCare.com
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, CRNP-PM
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21202 (Online Only)
We are board-certified in treating Children and Adults. Accepting new Maryland patients via telehealth visits for psychiatric evaluations and medication management. Our clients are looking to be properly diagnosed and treated using the safest prescribing principles. Make your appointment on our website today. Evening and weekend hours are available. We offer affordable rates-Initial Psychiatric Eval $199, Follow-ups are $99. Taking some insurances.
We are board-certified in treating Children and Adults. Accepting new Maryland patients via telehealth visits for psychiatric evaluations and medication management. Our clients are looking to be properly diagnosed and treated using the safest prescribing principles. Make your appointment on our website today. Evening and weekend hours are available. We offer affordable rates-Initial Psychiatric Eval $199, Follow-ups are $99. Taking some insurances.
Transformation Healthcare INC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMH
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21202
Hello, I am Bola Osunkiyesi a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I am culturally diverse and competent in providing mental health services across the health wellness-illness continuum and lifespan: adolescent, adult, and the geriatric population in the community. I love to read my bible, pray, and encouraging others. During my free time, I love to stay indoors with my family, and prepare traditional meals
Hello, I am Bola Osunkiyesi a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I am culturally diverse and competent in providing mental health services across the health wellness-illness continuum and lifespan: adolescent, adult, and the geriatric population in the community. I love to read my bible, pray, and encouraging others. During my free time, I love to stay indoors with my family, and prepare traditional meals
BISAK Healthcare Systems, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21202
Are you struggling with mental health concerns with ongoing signs and symptoms that cause frequent stress and affect your ability to function? Are you experiencing extreme mood changes, agitation, not being yourself, lack of sleep, lack of motivation, feeling sad, detachment from reality, excessive anger, lack of concentration, or suicidal thoughts? Are you finding it hard to hold a job or live the kind of life you envisage for yourself? Are you noticing life is difficult to live as others around you? If your answers are yes, then I can help you.
Are you struggling with mental health concerns with ongoing signs and symptoms that cause frequent stress and affect your ability to function? Are you experiencing extreme mood changes, agitation, not being yourself, lack of sleep, lack of motivation, feeling sad, detachment from reality, excessive anger, lack of concentration, or suicidal thoughts? Are you finding it hard to hold a job or live the kind of life you envisage for yourself? Are you noticing life is difficult to live as others around you? If your answers are yes, then I can help you.
Marlaine F. Registe
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21202 (Online Only)
Have you been feeling anxious lately? Maybe you are Depressed? Tired and can’t concentrate? Or maybe you’re on a bunch of medications that aren’t working? Does this sound familiar? If so, I can help. My name is Marlaine Registe, and I am a Psychiatric and Family Nurse Practitioner with 30 years of combined nursing experience, with 12 years in advanced practice. I work with patients ages 10-100+ with psychiatric mental health disorders in the Washington DC metro area, seeing patients all across DC, Virginia, and Maryland.
Have you been feeling anxious lately? Maybe you are Depressed? Tired and can’t concentrate? Or maybe you’re on a bunch of medications that aren’t working? Does this sound familiar? If so, I can help. My name is Marlaine Registe, and I am a Psychiatric and Family Nurse Practitioner with 30 years of combined nursing experience, with 12 years in advanced practice. I work with patients ages 10-100+ with psychiatric mental health disorders in the Washington DC metro area, seeing patients all across DC, Virginia, and Maryland.
Titilayo Akinsola
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21202
I work with clients between the ages of 10 and older who are struggling with mental health issues. My clients often come to me feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, bipolar disorder, or depression and trauma. Their struggles often cause them to feel lost and isolated on a daily basis. For my clients' healing journey to be successful, I recognize that they have specific needs. Personalized treatment plans that resonate with their experiences require comprehensive assessments to ensure accurate diagnoses. To achieve this, I create a safe, compassionate space where they can express their feelings.
I work with clients between the ages of 10 and older who are struggling with mental health issues. My clients often come to me feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, bipolar disorder, or depression and trauma. Their struggles often cause them to feel lost and isolated on a daily basis. For my clients' healing journey to be successful, I recognize that they have specific needs. Personalized treatment plans that resonate with their experiences require comprehensive assessments to ensure accurate diagnoses. To achieve this, I create a safe, compassionate space where they can express their feelings.
Meredith Barrett
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Baltimore, MD 21202 (Online Only)
Do you find yourself struggling to get by each day? Do you feel like you keep hitting a wall? Or that no matter what you do, you cannot climb your way out of the hole? To struggle is to be human, but it is possible to find balance. It is possible to find contentment and joy. It is possible to discover release, to experience freedom from mental anguish. Unrelieved mental and emotional hurdles make our worlds small, and tend to propel us further and further into isolation. I am here to listen, and to help you achieve mental wellness by giving you the tools you need to regain control of your life.
Do you find yourself struggling to get by each day? Do you feel like you keep hitting a wall? Or that no matter what you do, you cannot climb your way out of the hole? To struggle is to be human, but it is possible to find balance. It is possible to find contentment and joy. It is possible to discover release, to experience freedom from mental anguish. Unrelieved mental and emotional hurdles make our worlds small, and tend to propel us further and further into isolation. I am here to listen, and to help you achieve mental wellness by giving you the tools you need to regain control of your life.
C. Susan Igolo
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, CRNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Baltimore, MD 21202
Seeking medication support targets symptoms affecting daily life, such as depression, anxiety, or worsened past trauma. The goal is to regain control, enhance well-being, and discover a path to recovery. If you feel overwhelmed by your symptoms and find it challenging to maintain relationships, sustain employment, or simply navigate daily life, know that you’re not alone. I’m here to help you reclaim your life and find a path to healing and recovery.
Seeking medication support targets symptoms affecting daily life, such as depression, anxiety, or worsened past trauma. The goal is to regain control, enhance well-being, and discover a path to recovery. If you feel overwhelmed by your symptoms and find it challenging to maintain relationships, sustain employment, or simply navigate daily life, know that you’re not alone. I’m here to help you reclaim your life and find a path to healing and recovery.
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Shannon Bucciarelli
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, B-C
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21202
My ideal client would understand that the journey to wellness and recovery requires time, effort, and patience. They would be receptive to treatment suggestions which may include psychotherapy, behavioral interventions, and medication options. My patients would take an active role in their care, and engage in open and honest communication with their provider.
My ideal client would understand that the journey to wellness and recovery requires time, effort, and patience. They would be receptive to treatment suggestions which may include psychotherapy, behavioral interventions, and medication options. My patients would take an active role in their care, and engage in open and honest communication with their provider.
Michelle McCarthy
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APN , MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21202
Michelle is passionate about delivering care to individuals suffering from anxiety, substance use, and depression. Client motivation and dedication are key to utilizing the tools provided during our sessions including medication management, implementing lifestyle interventions, and therapy to help develop and implement a successful treatment plan. Relief of the client's suffering in dealing with their mental health issues and striving for an improvement in their quality of life is key to treatment.
Michelle is passionate about delivering care to individuals suffering from anxiety, substance use, and depression. Client motivation and dedication are key to utilizing the tools provided during our sessions including medication management, implementing lifestyle interventions, and therapy to help develop and implement a successful treatment plan. Relief of the client's suffering in dealing with their mental health issues and striving for an improvement in their quality of life is key to treatment.
Edena Walden
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP-B, APN
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21202
Ideally my patient is as invested in their care as I am. They could have a variety of diagnoses but the thing they have in common is they are willing to give the process time, are open to new ideas, and know there is no magic pill to fix all their problems. My patients want to get to the best version of themselves and are willing to try therapy as well as medications to help them reach that goal. My patient wants an empathetic, listening provider who can guide their care based on the evidence, but tailored to their individual needs.
Ideally my patient is as invested in their care as I am. They could have a variety of diagnoses but the thing they have in common is they are willing to give the process time, are open to new ideas, and know there is no magic pill to fix all their problems. My patients want to get to the best version of themselves and are willing to try therapy as well as medications to help them reach that goal. My patient wants an empathetic, listening provider who can guide their care based on the evidence, but tailored to their individual needs.
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.
Chelsia Burkes-Brown
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Baltimore, MD 21202
Chelsia Burkes-Brown is a Board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who sees clients in Oregon, Maryland, Washington, Maryland and Florida. She has over eleven years of nursing experience in a variety of settings, including inpatient psychiatric care across the lifespan. She is committed to providing both competent and compassionate care to her clients. She places high value on a client’s full participation in the development of each treatment plan to encourage compliance and believes everyone deserves to have access to high-quality mental health care. She specializes in children, teenagers, and young adults.
Chelsia Burkes-Brown is a Board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who sees clients in Oregon, Maryland, Washington, Maryland and Florida. She has over eleven years of nursing experience in a variety of settings, including inpatient psychiatric care across the lifespan. She is committed to providing both competent and compassionate care to her clients. She places high value on a client’s full participation in the development of each treatment plan to encourage compliance and believes everyone deserves to have access to high-quality mental health care. She specializes in children, teenagers, and young adults.
Dr. Tai Ajani
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Baltimore, MD 21202
Dr. Tai Ajani, DNP, PMHNP-BC is doctoral-prepared, dual board-certified in psychiatric mental health and adult gerontology nurse practitioner. She has more than 20 years of experience as a healthcare provider and has delivered high-quality health care to multicultural patients in outpatient and inpatient settings. At MindBodyPinnacle Health in Maryland, she offers holistic psychiatric care to individuals over the age 10 years.
Dr. Tai Ajani, DNP, PMHNP-BC is doctoral-prepared, dual board-certified in psychiatric mental health and adult gerontology nurse practitioner. She has more than 20 years of experience as a healthcare provider and has delivered high-quality health care to multicultural patients in outpatient and inpatient settings. At MindBodyPinnacle Health in Maryland, she offers holistic psychiatric care to individuals over the age 10 years.
Blue Spring Wellness Center (Mental Health Clinic)
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMH
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Baltimore, MD 21202
My goal to advocate for patients who struggle to be heard or respected, and to manage their treatment with compassion, understanding, and attention to holistic care.
My goal to advocate for patients who struggle to be heard or respected, and to manage their treatment with compassion, understanding, and attention to holistic care.
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.
APIC Health Systems
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, CRNP
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21202
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS : Do you feel overwhelmed, depressed, and anxious due to life stressors? I offer a full range of services starting with a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and development of collaborative treatment recommendations tailored to your specific needs. I work patiently with my patients to establish rapport, trust and develop the best medication treatment plan using the least amount of medications to best treat their symptoms. I specialize in helping children, teens and adults navigate through life challenges like ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Grief, Dementia, Bipolar Disorder.
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS : Do you feel overwhelmed, depressed, and anxious due to life stressors? I offer a full range of services starting with a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and development of collaborative treatment recommendations tailored to your specific needs. I work patiently with my patients to establish rapport, trust and develop the best medication treatment plan using the least amount of medications to best treat their symptoms. I specialize in helping children, teens and adults navigate through life challenges like ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Grief, Dementia, Bipolar Disorder.
See more therapy options for 21202
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 21202
40+
Average cost per session
$225
Psychiatrists in 21202 who prioritize treating:
93% | Depression |
93% | Anxiety |
86% | ADHD |
86% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
84% | Bipolar Disorder |
77% | Trauma and PTSD |
73% | Medication Management |
Average years in practice
8 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
88% | Aetna |
88% | Cigna and Evernorth |
83% | Optum |
How Psychiatrists in 21202 see their clients
66% | In Person and Online | |
34% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
79% | Female | |
21% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 21202?
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.