Psychiatrists in 21702

Ms. Jennifer Sims is a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who has over 25 years of experience in psychiatry and in a variety of settings including inpatient, academics, and outpatient. Ms. Sims received her Master’s in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing from Indiana University. She is also a Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist and has an MBA. Her clinical passion is Patient-Centered Care and working in collaboration with Clients to assist them with their mental health well-being. She treats a variety of psychiatric disorders to include, depression, anxiety, and mood disorders.
Ms. Jennifer Sims is a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who has over 25 years of experience in psychiatry and in a variety of settings including inpatient, academics, and outpatient. Ms. Sims received her Master’s in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing from Indiana University. She is also a Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist and has an MBA. Her clinical passion is Patient-Centered Care and working in collaboration with Clients to assist them with their mental health well-being. She treats a variety of psychiatric disorders to include, depression, anxiety, and mood disorders.

Frederick Mental Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC, FNP
Verified Verified
Frederick, MD 21702
Dana is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Nurse Practitioner with special interest in child and adolescent behavioral health. She has over 17 years of professional nursing experience in a variety of settings including Medicine and Psychiatry at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. She completed an internship at Johns Hopkins Children's Mental Health Center. In addition to her extensive clinical experience, Dana also has an outstanding academic background that includes two Bachelor's degrees (a BS in Psychology and a BSN in Nursing) and a Master of Science in Nursing.
Dana is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Nurse Practitioner with special interest in child and adolescent behavioral health. She has over 17 years of professional nursing experience in a variety of settings including Medicine and Psychiatry at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. She completed an internship at Johns Hopkins Children's Mental Health Center. In addition to her extensive clinical experience, Dana also has an outstanding academic background that includes two Bachelor's degrees (a BS in Psychology and a BSN in Nursing) and a Master of Science in Nursing.

Dr. Meseret Asfaw
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP-, BC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Dr. Meseret Asfaw is a board-certified psychiatric mental health practitioner with more than two decades of nursing expertise. She earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Sacred Heart Catholic University. She also has a master's and bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) from George Mason University and a post-master's degree in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner across the Lifespan (PMHNP-BC) from Wilkes University in Pennsylvania.
Dr. Meseret Asfaw is a board-certified psychiatric mental health practitioner with more than two decades of nursing expertise. She earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Sacred Heart Catholic University. She also has a master's and bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) from George Mason University and a post-master's degree in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner across the Lifespan (PMHNP-BC) from Wilkes University in Pennsylvania.

Edena Walden
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APN, MSN, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
Frederick, MD 21702
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.

Myndpathpsychiatry and Medical Associates
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP , FNP-C
Verified Verified
Frederick, MD 21702
My name is Mandi Rhone. I am a dual board certified Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Medicine Nurse Practitioner. I am eager to assist you in managing your mental healthcare needs and will play a key role in working with you to lower your stress and anxiety. It is my duty in Psychiatry to understand my patients mental health issues on a personal and emotional level. I bring a diverse range of experience as a clinician over the past 16 years approximately five of which has been in a more autonomous role as a Family Medicine Nurse Practitioner and more recently in Psychiatry.
My name is Mandi Rhone. I am a dual board certified Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Medicine Nurse Practitioner. I am eager to assist you in managing your mental healthcare needs and will play a key role in working with you to lower your stress and anxiety. It is my duty in Psychiatry to understand my patients mental health issues on a personal and emotional level. I bring a diverse range of experience as a clinician over the past 16 years approximately five of which has been in a more autonomous role as a Family Medicine Nurse Practitioner and more recently in Psychiatry.

Have you been feeling down lately? Have you been diagnosed with a behavioral health condition but stopped getting treatments? We are here to give you the support that you need. At IC Health Services, Inc., we take a holistic approach in our services by providing various forms of treatments to address a variety of mental and behavioral health problems and to meet the unique needs of each client. Want to learn more about our practice? Feel free to give us a call at 443-620-3616
Have you been feeling down lately? Have you been diagnosed with a behavioral health condition but stopped getting treatments? We are here to give you the support that you need. At IC Health Services, Inc., we take a holistic approach in our services by providing various forms of treatments to address a variety of mental and behavioral health problems and to meet the unique needs of each client. Want to learn more about our practice? Feel free to give us a call at 443-620-3616

As a board certified in psychiatric mental health and family practice. I have passionately dedicated my clinical career to take care of individuals across lifespan. My specialty including but not limited to anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, mood related disorders . I provide client-based psychiatric evaluation, psychosocial intervention, care coordination, referrals, and medication management for individuals from age 6 and older. In-person or telehealth appointments available. Call us for appointment within the week! Visit us at zenbeespsychiatry.com
As a board certified in psychiatric mental health and family practice. I have passionately dedicated my clinical career to take care of individuals across lifespan. My specialty including but not limited to anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, mood related disorders . I provide client-based psychiatric evaluation, psychosocial intervention, care coordination, referrals, and medication management for individuals from age 6 and older. In-person or telehealth appointments available. Call us for appointment within the week! Visit us at zenbeespsychiatry.com

Beata Gilbert
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Frederick, MD 21702
Beata Gilbert is passionate about helping individuals with mental health disorders, and about helping end the stigma related to psychiatric issues. She started her career in health care and continues to pursue her nursing degree. She has worked extensively in different areas of nursing and avidly helped individuals to achieve optimized progress in mental health. She finds delights in coaching, psychoeducation and medication management for teens and adults. She is an advocate for preventative interventions and shared decision making.
Beata Gilbert is passionate about helping individuals with mental health disorders, and about helping end the stigma related to psychiatric issues. She started her career in health care and continues to pursue her nursing degree. She has worked extensively in different areas of nursing and avidly helped individuals to achieve optimized progress in mental health. She finds delights in coaching, psychoeducation and medication management for teens and adults. She is an advocate for preventative interventions and shared decision making.

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.

Michelle McCarthy
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APN, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Frederick, MD 21702
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.

My name is Paul Ackah, a Board Certified and licensed Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, with over 16 years of Psychiatric Nursing. I provide care for individuals facing a wide range of mental health conditions, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma-related disorders, personality disorders, and substance use disorders. It is important to seek professional help when dealing with mental health issues to ensure that the appropriate treatment is received. I am now accepting clients for Telehealth and in person appointments . Looking forward to find solution to your problem.
My name is Paul Ackah, a Board Certified and licensed Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, with over 16 years of Psychiatric Nursing. I provide care for individuals facing a wide range of mental health conditions, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma-related disorders, personality disorders, and substance use disorders. It is important to seek professional help when dealing with mental health issues to ensure that the appropriate treatment is received. I am now accepting clients for Telehealth and in person appointments . Looking forward to find solution to your problem.
Meet Our Psychiatrists

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.

Enjoh Yokwan is a certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with extensive nursing experience spanning diverse healthcare settings. Specializing in telehealth services, Enjoh delivers exceptional care to patients in Maryland.
Enjoh Yokwan is a certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with extensive nursing experience spanning diverse healthcare settings. Specializing in telehealth services, Enjoh delivers exceptional care to patients in Maryland.

Dr Maria Mbeboh has extensive experience in nursing care. She is driven by her thirst for knowledge and dedication to delivering exceptional care. She is passionate about assisting others and has been actively involved in community service through non-profit organizations. She has taken part in medical missions abroad, delivering healthcare services to underserved populations with various medical/mental health problems. She believes in healthy therapeutic relationships between the provider and client to deliver higher quality care and make informed shared decisions. She is committed to examining psycho-social factors that affect the
Dr Maria Mbeboh has extensive experience in nursing care. She is driven by her thirst for knowledge and dedication to delivering exceptional care. She is passionate about assisting others and has been actively involved in community service through non-profit organizations. She has taken part in medical missions abroad, delivering healthcare services to underserved populations with various medical/mental health problems. She believes in healthy therapeutic relationships between the provider and client to deliver higher quality care and make informed shared decisions. She is committed to examining psycho-social factors that affect the

Genia is a dedicated and patient-focused Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. known for exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, the ability to manage competing priorities, and maintaining accurate and efficient documentation. She has a deep commitment to providing compassionate and comprehensive care to individuals struggling with mental health and substance use disorders. She believes that telehealth has the capacity to effectively reach a wider patient population, breaking down barriers and ensuring that quality care is accessible to all, regardless of geographical location or mobility constraints.
Genia is a dedicated and patient-focused Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. known for exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, the ability to manage competing priorities, and maintaining accurate and efficient documentation. She has a deep commitment to providing compassionate and comprehensive care to individuals struggling with mental health and substance use disorders. She believes that telehealth has the capacity to effectively reach a wider patient population, breaking down barriers and ensuring that quality care is accessible to all, regardless of geographical location or mobility constraints.

Have you been feeling down lately? Have you been diagnosed with a behavioral health condition but stopped getting treatments? We are here to give you the support that you need. At IC Health Services, Inc., we take a holistic approach in our services by providing various forms of treatments to address a variety of mental and behavioral health problems and to meet the unique needs of each client. Want to learn more about our practice? Feel free to give us a call at 443-837-7511
Have you been feeling down lately? Have you been diagnosed with a behavioral health condition but stopped getting treatments? We are here to give you the support that you need. At IC Health Services, Inc., we take a holistic approach in our services by providing various forms of treatments to address a variety of mental and behavioral health problems and to meet the unique needs of each client. Want to learn more about our practice? Feel free to give us a call at 443-837-7511

My ideal client seeks support for challenges like anxiety, depression, PTSD, or major life transitions. They may feel overwhelmed by emotions, stress, or past trauma and want a compassionate, non-judgmental space to understand and manage these experiences. Their goals include building resilience, improving self-confidence, and developing practical coping strategies to navigate daily life. They seek a tailored approach that empowers them to make meaningful progress toward a balanced, fulfilling life, where they feel understood and supported in reaching their personal mental health goals.
My ideal client seeks support for challenges like anxiety, depression, PTSD, or major life transitions. They may feel overwhelmed by emotions, stress, or past trauma and want a compassionate, non-judgmental space to understand and manage these experiences. Their goals include building resilience, improving self-confidence, and developing practical coping strategies to navigate daily life. They seek a tailored approach that empowers them to make meaningful progress toward a balanced, fulfilling life, where they feel understood and supported in reaching their personal mental health goals.

Are you tired of old feelings and patterns getting in the way and preventing you from achieving your goals? Are you ready to work hard and make changes, but you’re not sure where to start? I can help guide you. I work with adolescents and adults who want to take risks and live meaningful lives and are open to looking at past patterns that just aren’t working anymore. I will help you figure out where you want to get to, what is holding you back and how to get there.
Are you tired of old feelings and patterns getting in the way and preventing you from achieving your goals? Are you ready to work hard and make changes, but you’re not sure where to start? I can help guide you. I work with adolescents and adults who want to take risks and live meaningful lives and are open to looking at past patterns that just aren’t working anymore. I will help you figure out where you want to get to, what is holding you back and how to get there.

Sarah-Catherine Martins
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Sarah is a dedicated Nurse Practitioner committed to meticulously providing holistic care to individuals across the lifespan. Her approach is deeply rooted in her core belief that the mind, body, and spirit are all interconnected. As such, she values the role of faith in the healing process and engages in open, respectful discussions with her patients about their spiritual needs. This comprehensive perspective ensures that her patients receive care that addresses all aspects of their well-being.
Sarah is a dedicated Nurse Practitioner committed to meticulously providing holistic care to individuals across the lifespan. Her approach is deeply rooted in her core belief that the mind, body, and spirit are all interconnected. As such, she values the role of faith in the healing process and engages in open, respectful discussions with her patients about their spiritual needs. This comprehensive perspective ensures that her patients receive care that addresses all aspects of their well-being.

We bring extensive experience in treating Mood Disorders-Depression/Bipolar/Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder/ Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder, Anxiety disorders, PTSD, Schizophrenia, Delusions/Paranoia, Oppositional Defiant Disorder/Conduct Disorder, ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Our expertise spans the full spectrum of mental health care, ensuring that each patient receives precisely the support they need.
We bring extensive experience in treating Mood Disorders-Depression/Bipolar/Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder/ Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder, Anxiety disorders, PTSD, Schizophrenia, Delusions/Paranoia, Oppositional Defiant Disorder/Conduct Disorder, ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Our expertise spans the full spectrum of mental health care, ensuring that each patient receives precisely the support they need.
See more therapy options for 21702
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 21702
30+
Average cost per session
$175
Psychiatrists in 21702 who prioritize treating:
97% | Anxiety |
88% | Depression |
88% | Trauma and PTSD |
85% | Bipolar Disorder |
82% | ADHD |
79% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
76% | Medication Management |
Average years in practice
9 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
97% | Cigna and Evernorth |
76% | Aetna |
74% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
How Psychiatrists in 21702 see their clients
65% | In Person and Online | |
35% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
82% | Female | |
18% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 21702?
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.