Psychiatrists in 23148
Latricia Broaddus
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MSN
Verified Verified
Indian Neck, VA 23148
Latricia is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 20 years of healthcare experience. Latricia has been providing services to her community for many years and she is grateful and honored to be able to provide mental health services to her community. Latricia’s goal is to provide patient-centered mental health services to clients six and up with diverse backgrounds and mental health disorders. She aims to incorporate the whole person in treating her clients. Latricia’s mission is to help clients improve their quality of life by providing the tools needed to help increase their mental stability.
Latricia is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 20 years of healthcare experience. Latricia has been providing services to her community for many years and she is grateful and honored to be able to provide mental health services to her community. Latricia’s goal is to provide patient-centered mental health services to clients six and up with diverse backgrounds and mental health disorders. She aims to incorporate the whole person in treating her clients. Latricia’s mission is to help clients improve their quality of life by providing the tools needed to help increase their mental stability.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
Thank you for your interest in my practice. I am a residency trained psychiatrist, and I run a solo practice on the outskirts of Richmond, Virginia. I prefer to do psychotherapy as well as medication management (when one or both are appropriate for a patient), and I believe this makes me unique. You might perceive a psychiatrist as just being someone who orders medications, and leaves the "talk therapy" to someone else. As my patient, however, you have an "all-in-one" experience, and that will allow you to return to your normal self as quickly as possible.
Thank you for your interest in my practice. I am a residency trained psychiatrist, and I run a solo practice on the outskirts of Richmond, Virginia. I prefer to do psychotherapy as well as medication management (when one or both are appropriate for a patient), and I believe this makes me unique. You might perceive a psychiatrist as just being someone who orders medications, and leaves the "talk therapy" to someone else. As my patient, however, you have an "all-in-one" experience, and that will allow you to return to your normal self as quickly as possible.
Dr. Temitope Akinladenu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP, - BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mechanicsville, VA 23116
I believe the right for every individual is to receive quality mental health services. I am a doctoral prepared, nationally board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner trained to treat all ages. I have a decade of healthcare experience in inpatient, outpatient, PHP, and IOP settings. My passion is to provide comprehensive care that focuses on client needs and empower full participation in their own treatment. I incorporate supportive therapy, use of positive coping skills and medication management (if needed). I believe educating how medications work in the brain is important for clients to know and understand
I believe the right for every individual is to receive quality mental health services. I am a doctoral prepared, nationally board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner trained to treat all ages. I have a decade of healthcare experience in inpatient, outpatient, PHP, and IOP settings. My passion is to provide comprehensive care that focuses on client needs and empower full participation in their own treatment. I incorporate supportive therapy, use of positive coping skills and medication management (if needed). I believe educating how medications work in the brain is important for clients to know and understand
Omiah Behavioral Health & Wellness LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, CRNP, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Mechanicsville, VA 23111
Accepting New Clients in Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia. Whether online or in-person, we believe the right for every individual is to receive quality mental health services. Understanding each person’s experience is different, we consider all aspects of your life and treat the WHOLE person not just symptoms. Our clinicians are experienced providers who create partnership with each client, actively listen to your personal goals regarding treatment, uphold the dignity and integrity of each client, and are invested in your journey towards mental health wellness.
Accepting New Clients in Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia. Whether online or in-person, we believe the right for every individual is to receive quality mental health services. Understanding each person’s experience is different, we consider all aspects of your life and treat the WHOLE person not just symptoms. Our clinicians are experienced providers who create partnership with each client, actively listen to your personal goals regarding treatment, uphold the dignity and integrity of each client, and are invested in your journey towards mental health wellness.
Deborah Crutchfield
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN-BC, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Hanover, VA 23069 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Deborah is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience in the outpatient mental health sector. She works with individuals across the lifespan from pediatrics to geriatrics. She has over 14 years of experience in emergency medicine, psychiatry, and addiction. She specializes in treating patients with depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, addiction, and various other mental health issues.
Deborah is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience in the outpatient mental health sector. She works with individuals across the lifespan from pediatrics to geriatrics. She has over 14 years of experience in emergency medicine, psychiatry, and addiction. She specializes in treating patients with depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, addiction, and various other mental health issues.
Jacquetta “Jay” Garris
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
King George, VA 22485 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I work with children, adolescents, and adults with a variety of specific conditions and symptoms. I conduct psychiatric evaluations, provide medication management, and when appropriate provide psychotherapeutic interventions. My approach to mental health care is holistic and patient-centered in nature. *NOW OFFERING CBD/THC-A Oil evaluations*
I work with children, adolescents, and adults with a variety of specific conditions and symptoms. I conduct psychiatric evaluations, provide medication management, and when appropriate provide psychotherapeutic interventions. My approach to mental health care is holistic and patient-centered in nature. *NOW OFFERING CBD/THC-A Oil evaluations*
Melita Wilson-Primus
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN,, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Richmond, VA 23227 (Online Only)
I invite you to reach out and take that first step towards wellness. During our initial appointment, we will take the time to get to know each other, ensuring that your story and experiences are at the forefront of our work together. Your mental health and well-being are my top priorities, and I am committed to providing compassionate, culturally competent care. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. I am here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can explore therapeutic options, medication management, and other interventions to find what works best for you.
I invite you to reach out and take that first step towards wellness. During our initial appointment, we will take the time to get to know each other, ensuring that your story and experiences are at the forefront of our work together. Your mental health and well-being are my top priorities, and I am committed to providing compassionate, culturally competent care. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. I am here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can explore therapeutic options, medication management, and other interventions to find what works best for you.
Komal Singh, M.D. is a graduate of Avalon University School of Medicine and completed her residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital with additional fellowship training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Virginia Hospital. Dr. Singh provides psychiatric evaluations and treatment services to children and adolescents. Dr. Singh focuses on taking a personalized approach that takes into account all aspects of the mental health of each individual patient when determining the best method of treatment. Her treatment recommendations include medications, therapy, and lifestyle changes.
Komal Singh, M.D. is a graduate of Avalon University School of Medicine and completed her residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital with additional fellowship training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Virginia Hospital. Dr. Singh provides psychiatric evaluations and treatment services to children and adolescents. Dr. Singh focuses on taking a personalized approach that takes into account all aspects of the mental health of each individual patient when determining the best method of treatment. Her treatment recommendations include medications, therapy, and lifestyle changes.
Ruby Anumah
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP , FNP-BC
Verified Verified
Mechanicsville, VA 23111
As a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), my focus is on providing comprehensive and holistic care to individuals and families. My unique skill set allows me to address both physical and mental health concerns, providing a well-rounded approach to treatment. I am trained to perform physical exams, make diagnoses, and develop treatment plans for a wide range of conditions, including mental health disorders. I also have expertise in medication management, and can prescribe and monitor psychiatric medications as part of a treatment plan.
As a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), my focus is on providing comprehensive and holistic care to individuals and families. My unique skill set allows me to address both physical and mental health concerns, providing a well-rounded approach to treatment. I am trained to perform physical exams, make diagnoses, and develop treatment plans for a wide range of conditions, including mental health disorders. I also have expertise in medication management, and can prescribe and monitor psychiatric medications as part of a treatment plan.
Angela Carson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mechanicsville, VA 23111 (Online Only)
*ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS* *TELE-HEALTH ONLY* I am looking to serve you! I am looking for clients that have trouble sleeping, depression, mood changes, anxiety, hallucinations, paranoia, or have trouble concentrating, If this sounds like some things you have been struggling with I would love to have you as a client. Together, we can work together in hopes of finding balance so you can live YOUR BEST LIFE. I am here to assist. No one should have to go through these events alone or feel isolated from others.
*ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS* *TELE-HEALTH ONLY* I am looking to serve you! I am looking for clients that have trouble sleeping, depression, mood changes, anxiety, hallucinations, paranoia, or have trouble concentrating, If this sounds like some things you have been struggling with I would love to have you as a client. Together, we can work together in hopes of finding balance so you can live YOUR BEST LIFE. I am here to assist. No one should have to go through these events alone or feel isolated from others.
Wendy Michelle Hunter
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Mechanicsville, VA 23116
My major focus areas include anxiety, depression, trauma, suicide prevention, mood disorders, personality disorders, neurocognitive disorders, and neuro-developmental disorders. Additionally, I have worked closely with women and children across the lifespan inclusive of the prenatal, perinatal, postpartum, and menopausal stages of life.
My major focus areas include anxiety, depression, trauma, suicide prevention, mood disorders, personality disorders, neurocognitive disorders, and neuro-developmental disorders. Additionally, I have worked closely with women and children across the lifespan inclusive of the prenatal, perinatal, postpartum, and menopausal stages of life.
I'm Arlene, a board-certified Physician Assistant and Clinical Temperament Counselor. My expertise includes Behavioral Health Counseling and Primary/Acute Care. I hold a national Surgical Assistant Certification with specialized training in Neurosurgery, Plastics/Reconstruction, General Surgery, and Orthopedics. Additionally, I offer services in Medical Nutrition Therapy, Blood-Type Specific Nutrition Counseling, Diabetes Nutrition Counseling, Temperament Career Counseling, as well as addressing anxiety and depression. I'm passionate about my healthcare profession and have had the privilege serving patients for nearly two decades.
I'm Arlene, a board-certified Physician Assistant and Clinical Temperament Counselor. My expertise includes Behavioral Health Counseling and Primary/Acute Care. I hold a national Surgical Assistant Certification with specialized training in Neurosurgery, Plastics/Reconstruction, General Surgery, and Orthopedics. Additionally, I offer services in Medical Nutrition Therapy, Blood-Type Specific Nutrition Counseling, Diabetes Nutrition Counseling, Temperament Career Counseling, as well as addressing anxiety and depression. I'm passionate about my healthcare profession and have had the privilege serving patients for nearly two decades.
Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by most insurance plans.
Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by most insurance plans.
Greenbrook TMS Centers is the Mid-Atlantic's leading rTMS provider. We exclusively practice Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation therapy. Cleared in 2008, this revolutionary treatment is FDA indicated for major depressive disorder, and has potential to provide relief and even remission from depression in those who have not obtained benefit from medications, or prefer not to take medications for any reason.
Greenbrook TMS Centers is the Mid-Atlantic's leading rTMS provider. We exclusively practice Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation therapy. Cleared in 2008, this revolutionary treatment is FDA indicated for major depressive disorder, and has potential to provide relief and even remission from depression in those who have not obtained benefit from medications, or prefer not to take medications for any reason.
Jennifer Schrecengost is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Virginia who has been practicing since 2005. Jennifer offers culturally sensitive, family-centered, holistic care from a provider with almost 20 years of experience working with kids, teens, and their families. Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys READING, family time, and Harry Potter.
Jennifer Schrecengost is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Virginia who has been practicing since 2005. Jennifer offers culturally sensitive, family-centered, holistic care from a provider with almost 20 years of experience working with kids, teens, and their families. Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys READING, family time, and Harry Potter.
Dr. Yaple earned his medical degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in 2003. He then moved to Richmond, Virginia where he completed his internship and residency in General Psychiatry at the Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, and then went on to complete his fellowship training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in 2008 through VCU at the Virginia Treatment Center for Children.
Dr. Yaple earned his medical degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in 2003. He then moved to Richmond, Virginia where he completed his internship and residency in General Psychiatry at the Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, and then went on to complete his fellowship training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in 2008 through VCU at the Virginia Treatment Center for Children.
Book an appointment on Grow Therapy. Steph is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. As a medical provider, he is a firm believer in creating a principled safe place; his responsibility is to enhance each person’s experience by engaging in effective, respectful communication. From the moment Steph meets you he provides quality services through an unique individualized approach to enhance one’s understanding. If necessary, in a collaborative manner he is willing to work with each person’s support system.
Book an appointment on Grow Therapy. Steph is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. As a medical provider, he is a firm believer in creating a principled safe place; his responsibility is to enhance each person’s experience by engaging in effective, respectful communication. From the moment Steph meets you he provides quality services through an unique individualized approach to enhance one’s understanding. If necessary, in a collaborative manner he is willing to work with each person’s support system.
Mariah Eze
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Richmond, VA 23223 (Online Only)
Looking for a compassionate and emotionally intelligent psychiatric provider? Look no further. Mariah is a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner that is highly skilled in utilizing holistic psychopharmacological evidence based treatment approaches for patients with depression, anxiety, ADHD, substance abuse, stress related disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and various other psychiatric disorders. Mariah demonstrates empathy and active listening skills that allows patients to feel seen and heard. In addition, Mariah provides individualized treatment plans tailored specifically to the needs of each patient.
Looking for a compassionate and emotionally intelligent psychiatric provider? Look no further. Mariah is a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner that is highly skilled in utilizing holistic psychopharmacological evidence based treatment approaches for patients with depression, anxiety, ADHD, substance abuse, stress related disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and various other psychiatric disorders. Mariah demonstrates empathy and active listening skills that allows patients to feel seen and heard. In addition, Mariah provides individualized treatment plans tailored specifically to the needs of each patient.
Regardless of the issues you may be experiencing, there is help available. We can provide you with knowledge into your situation and help you through. We offer a personable and caring provider who will listen to you and work with you in an effort to get you where you want and deserve to be. I provide full psychiatric services, providing evaluation, assessments, diagnosis and implement treatment that may or may not include medication management. If therapy is needed, we also have a wonderful therapist, Adam Howell who is within our practice.
Regardless of the issues you may be experiencing, there is help available. We can provide you with knowledge into your situation and help you through. We offer a personable and caring provider who will listen to you and work with you in an effort to get you where you want and deserve to be. I provide full psychiatric services, providing evaluation, assessments, diagnosis and implement treatment that may or may not include medication management. If therapy is needed, we also have a wonderful therapist, Adam Howell who is within our practice.
Aslihan Sogutlu is a Psychiatrist in Virginia who has been practicing since 2018. She graduated from Eskisehir Osmangazi University Faculty of Medicine and completed her psychiatry residency training in Jamaica Hospital Medical Center in Queens, NY. She obtained her Child and Adolescent Psychiatry fellowship from Virginia Commonwealth University Medical School.
Aslihan Sogutlu is a Psychiatrist in Virginia who has been practicing since 2018. She graduated from Eskisehir Osmangazi University Faculty of Medicine and completed her psychiatry residency training in Jamaica Hospital Medical Center in Queens, NY. She obtained her Child and Adolescent Psychiatry fellowship from Virginia Commonwealth University Medical School.
See more therapy options for 23148
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 23148
< 10
Psychiatrists in 23148 who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | Child |
100% | ADHD |
100% | Geriatric and Seniors |
100% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
100% | Trauma and PTSD |
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
100% | Medicaid |
How Psychiatrists in 23148 see their clients
100% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
100% | Female |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 23148?
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.