Psychiatrists in 21771

Hey there! I’m a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner passionate about helping people work through life’s challenges and improve their mental health. I know that life can throw curveballs, and I’m here to help you navigate whatever you’re going through—whether it’s anxiety, depression, stress, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia among others, or "just feeling stuck." My goal is to make mental health care feel approachable and empowering, and to work with you to find the right treatment plan that fits your life.
Hey there! I’m a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner passionate about helping people work through life’s challenges and improve their mental health. I know that life can throw curveballs, and I’m here to help you navigate whatever you’re going through—whether it’s anxiety, depression, stress, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia among others, or "just feeling stuck." My goal is to make mental health care feel approachable and empowering, and to work with you to find the right treatment plan that fits your life.

Compassionate, kind and a good listener are some of my strong traits. Doctorally trained psychiatric nurse practitioner who has been in practice since 2009, with good standing. Ready to help meet your needs as well as your family and friends. Available appointments within a week.
Compassionate, kind and a good listener are some of my strong traits. Doctorally trained psychiatric nurse practitioner who has been in practice since 2009, with good standing. Ready to help meet your needs as well as your family and friends. Available appointments within a week.

Mental health is an important part of our well-being. It is one of the most vital parts of life that impacts our thoughts, behaviors, and emotions at every stage of life. I believe in working together to determine the best treatment plan for you. I provide a warm and supportive environment that allows you to express your concerns without the fear of being judged.
Mental health is an important part of our well-being. It is one of the most vital parts of life that impacts our thoughts, behaviors, and emotions at every stage of life. I believe in working together to determine the best treatment plan for you. I provide a warm and supportive environment that allows you to express your concerns without the fear of being judged.

Chibuzor Susie Igolo
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, CRNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
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.

I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with prescriptive privileges. I believe in creating an atmosphere that is focussed on helping clients feel safe protected and heard. I believe in a solution-focused approach in managing my clients who happen to be my absolute priority. I will work with you without bias or judgement. Be rest assured that during therapy/treatment, I will provide evidence based methods to help you achieve balance through collaborative efforts. I have discovered personalized solutions that work. Let's do it!
I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with prescriptive privileges. I believe in creating an atmosphere that is focussed on helping clients feel safe protected and heard. I believe in a solution-focused approach in managing my clients who happen to be my absolute priority. I will work with you without bias or judgement. Be rest assured that during therapy/treatment, I will provide evidence based methods to help you achieve balance through collaborative efforts. I have discovered personalized solutions that work. Let's do it!

Mary Ann Dameron
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, FNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
We are dedicated to enhancing mental health care access in Frederick County and surrouning areas. We promote mental wellness, providing integrated care and support for all age groups. Your journey to well-being begins here.
We are dedicated to enhancing mental health care access in Frederick County and surrouning areas. We promote mental wellness, providing integrated care and support for all age groups. Your journey to well-being begins here.
Kemrem Behavioral Healthcare Services.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Are you someone struggling with a mental health challenge that you are unable to resolve? We at Kemrem Behavioral Healthcare Services will offer a personalized plan that may include therapy, counseling and medication management to suit your needs. We also provide prescription medical marijuana, suboxone for Substance abuse.
Are you someone struggling with a mental health challenge that you are unable to resolve? We at Kemrem Behavioral Healthcare Services will offer a personalized plan that may include therapy, counseling and medication management to suit your needs. We also provide prescription medical marijuana, suboxone for Substance abuse.

Are you tired of not being able to live your best life? Your mental health matters to me. Call me today for issues related to inattention, lack of focus and motivation, fatigue, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, grief, OCD, etc... Listen to my podcast on 10/9/2023 at Open For Business: Unscripted - Listen Frederick so you can get a feel for my style. Read my blog posts. Visit my website www.lakelinganorepsychiatry.com and make appointments directly from there.
Are you tired of not being able to live your best life? Your mental health matters to me. Call me today for issues related to inattention, lack of focus and motivation, fatigue, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, grief, OCD, etc... Listen to my podcast on 10/9/2023 at Open For Business: Unscripted - Listen Frederick so you can get a feel for my style. Read my blog posts. Visit my website www.lakelinganorepsychiatry.com and make appointments directly from there.

Dr. Julaine Newell
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, CRNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I offer therapy for Generalized Anxiety, PTSD, Stress, Depression, and Communication Skills, focusing on symptoms like insomnia, fatigue, low motivation, and panic disorder, with a personalized approach. I aim to provide empathetic and effective interventions to help manage mental health symptoms and impairments. Together, we work to identify how, and which medications can support the effectiveness of your current talk therapy treatments.
I offer therapy for Generalized Anxiety, PTSD, Stress, Depression, and Communication Skills, focusing on symptoms like insomnia, fatigue, low motivation, and panic disorder, with a personalized approach. I aim to provide empathetic and effective interventions to help manage mental health symptoms and impairments. Together, we work to identify how, and which medications can support the effectiveness of your current talk therapy treatments.
More Psychiatrists Nearby

Brilliance Psychiatry and Wellness, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Online Only
Welcome to Psychiatry's dream team. We have created a breathtaking backdrop for your mental wellbeing. Enjoy access to progressive stylish venues, lounges, and delicious surrounding cuisine. Culture and environment are key to creating relationship, balance and establishing goals and dreams for one's lifetime. We offer you creative life design from the inside out. We extend an invitation for you to join the Brilliance Psychiatry community as your authentic self. We specialize in helping you create balance, bliss, and self efficacy. As mental health experts, we help you to self-actualize and earnestly believe in yourself.
Welcome to Psychiatry's dream team. We have created a breathtaking backdrop for your mental wellbeing. Enjoy access to progressive stylish venues, lounges, and delicious surrounding cuisine. Culture and environment are key to creating relationship, balance and establishing goals and dreams for one's lifetime. We offer you creative life design from the inside out. We extend an invitation for you to join the Brilliance Psychiatry community as your authentic self. We specialize in helping you create balance, bliss, and self efficacy. As mental health experts, we help you to self-actualize and earnestly believe in yourself.

Charlotte Nwogwugwu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DrPH, MPH MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Serves Area
As a seasoned mental health professional, I am dedicated to providing exceptional care to clients grappling with burnout, anxiety, performance anxiety, and depression. My practice is grounded in the belief that true healing and wellness encompass both the mind and the body. Therefore, I offer a unique, integrative approach that blends advanced holistic strategies with traditional psychiatric methods. I employ a treatment models that includes functional nutrition, laboratory testing, ensuring a deep understanding of your unique physiological makeup, mind-body practices and the cultivation of healthy lifestyle habits.
As a seasoned mental health professional, I am dedicated to providing exceptional care to clients grappling with burnout, anxiety, performance anxiety, and depression. My practice is grounded in the belief that true healing and wellness encompass both the mind and the body. Therefore, I offer a unique, integrative approach that blends advanced holistic strategies with traditional psychiatric methods. I employ a treatment models that includes functional nutrition, laboratory testing, ensuring a deep understanding of your unique physiological makeup, mind-body practices and the cultivation of healthy lifestyle habits.

Healing Hands Behavioral Health Services, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, RN-BSN, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Laurel, MD 20707
Not accepting new clients
Currently accepting new patients: Based in Laurel, MD, Mr. Eric Amene is a caring and compassionate Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Mr. Amene is skilled at addressing a wide range of mental health concerns, including Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective disorder, Bipolar disorder, substance use disorder, PTSD, personality disorders, and more...
Currently accepting new patients: Based in Laurel, MD, Mr. Eric Amene is a caring and compassionate Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Mr. Amene is skilled at addressing a wide range of mental health concerns, including Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective disorder, Bipolar disorder, substance use disorder, PTSD, personality disorders, and more...

Sometimes life does not go as smoothly as we would hope. Sometimes we need a little help negotiating life's challenges, particularly when we experience feelings of sadness, isolation, anxiety, or discontent. As a practitioner of psychiatry in the Washington-Baltimore area for over ten years, I have learned to look at individuals as a whole and help them draw on their strengths to negotiate life's obstacles. Doing so allows me to determine their needs and provide the compassionate, quality treatment that people deserve. I offer psychotherapy and medication management services to adults.
Sometimes life does not go as smoothly as we would hope. Sometimes we need a little help negotiating life's challenges, particularly when we experience feelings of sadness, isolation, anxiety, or discontent. As a practitioner of psychiatry in the Washington-Baltimore area for over ten years, I have learned to look at individuals as a whole and help them draw on their strengths to negotiate life's obstacles. Doing so allows me to determine their needs and provide the compassionate, quality treatment that people deserve. I offer psychotherapy and medication management services to adults.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry is my speciality, though I see individuals of all ages. Treating Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disability is something I am nationally recognized for. I have recently entered private practice in Pikesville, MD.
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry is my speciality, though I see individuals of all ages. Treating Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disability is something I am nationally recognized for. I have recently entered private practice in Pikesville, MD.

Cynthia Glover-Singleton
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMH, MSN, RN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Embrace a journey to wellness that transcends the ordinary with Cynthia “Cindy,” your Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. With over two decades of expertise in emergency care and mental health nursing, Cindy brings a wealth of knowledge and a Master of Nursing Degree from Walden University to your care. Her approach is not just about treating symptoms—it’s a comprehensive, integrative experience that nurtures the body, mind, and spirit. Cindy’s philosophy is simple yet profound: “No More Stigma.” She meets you exactly where you are, forging a powerful alliance in your path to mental wellness.
Embrace a journey to wellness that transcends the ordinary with Cynthia “Cindy,” your Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. With over two decades of expertise in emergency care and mental health nursing, Cindy brings a wealth of knowledge and a Master of Nursing Degree from Walden University to your care. Her approach is not just about treating symptoms—it’s a comprehensive, integrative experience that nurtures the body, mind, and spirit. Cindy’s philosophy is simple yet profound: “No More Stigma.” She meets you exactly where you are, forging a powerful alliance in your path to mental wellness.

Greene Mental Wellness, PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Have you been struggling with loneliness, sadness, crying spells, overwhelming thoughts of regret or uncertainty, nervousness, irritability, mood changes, sleep issues, inattention, questionable ADHD? Well, welcome to a safe place. I’m here to help you explore your feeling and how your body responds to them. These responses may be related to complex life changes, traumatic events, chemical imbalances, or thought processes. I then incorporate the client's experience with my expertise to provide an individualized plan of care. I also offer full ADHD testing.
Have you been struggling with loneliness, sadness, crying spells, overwhelming thoughts of regret or uncertainty, nervousness, irritability, mood changes, sleep issues, inattention, questionable ADHD? Well, welcome to a safe place. I’m here to help you explore your feeling and how your body responds to them. These responses may be related to complex life changes, traumatic events, chemical imbalances, or thought processes. I then incorporate the client's experience with my expertise to provide an individualized plan of care. I also offer full ADHD testing.

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.

Hello, My name is Linda! I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I earned my Master of Science in Nursing at Walden University. Furthermore, I have about 7 years of experience in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric mental health care.
Hello, My name is Linda! I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I earned my Master of Science in Nursing at Walden University. Furthermore, I have about 7 years of experience in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric mental health care.

Gift of Dreams Wellness and Consulting, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, MDiv, MPH, MSN
Verified Verified
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
At The Gift of Dreams, you will have your specific needs met in a way that is collaborative, comfortable, and conscientious. Dr. Mekeshia Bates will work with you and for you to ensure that you are meeting your individual therapeutic goals and becoming the person you have always been capable of being. In unison, you and Dr. Bates will work to remove negative behavioral and thought patterns that give rise to problems in your life, helping you to become a happier, more fulfilled person. She will always help you to make your dreams your reality!
At The Gift of Dreams, you will have your specific needs met in a way that is collaborative, comfortable, and conscientious. Dr. Mekeshia Bates will work with you and for you to ensure that you are meeting your individual therapeutic goals and becoming the person you have always been capable of being. In unison, you and Dr. Bates will work to remove negative behavioral and thought patterns that give rise to problems in your life, helping you to become a happier, more fulfilled person. She will always help you to make your dreams your reality!

SOMATIC EXPERIENCING, INTERNAL FAMILY SYSTEMS, EMDR, MINDFULNESS: "What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." [Ralph Waldo Emerson]. All that you seek lies within you. It is my great pleasure to assist you in opening up to your wholeness. Whether you struggle with stress, anxiety, trauma, depression, grief, relationship issues, chronic illness, pain, feeling stuck, existential/spiritual issues or simply seeking what you have been missing or what calls you, I am here to help you find the freedom, peace, love, joy and clarity you desire. I DO NOT PRESCRIBE OR MANAGE MEDICATIONS.
SOMATIC EXPERIENCING, INTERNAL FAMILY SYSTEMS, EMDR, MINDFULNESS: "What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." [Ralph Waldo Emerson]. All that you seek lies within you. It is my great pleasure to assist you in opening up to your wholeness. Whether you struggle with stress, anxiety, trauma, depression, grief, relationship issues, chronic illness, pain, feeling stuck, existential/spiritual issues or simply seeking what you have been missing or what calls you, I am here to help you find the freedom, peace, love, joy and clarity you desire. I DO NOT PRESCRIBE OR MANAGE MEDICATIONS.
See more therapy options for 21771
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 21771
< 10
Psychiatrists in 21771 who prioritize treating:
100% | Medication Management |
89% | Anxiety |
78% | Depression |
78% | ADHD |
78% | Trauma and PTSD |
78% | Bipolar Disorder |
67% | Sleep or Insomnia |
Average years in practice
8 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
89% | Aetna |
78% | Cigna and Evernorth |
78% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in 21771 see their clients
78% | In Person and Online | |
22% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
100% | Female |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 21771?
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.