Psychiatrists in 30033

Photo of Evelyn Booker, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Evelyn Booker
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Decatur, GA 30033
Evelyn Booker is a Board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 10 years of psychiatric-mental experience. Evelyn is accepting new patients all over Georgia via telehealth visits for comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and medication management. Evelyn treats anyone suffering with depression, anxiety, ADHD, or any other mental health issue that is adversely affecting optimal functioning at work, deterring their best social self, or preventing being fully present for loved ones.
Evelyn Booker is a Board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 10 years of psychiatric-mental experience. Evelyn is accepting new patients all over Georgia via telehealth visits for comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and medication management. Evelyn treats anyone suffering with depression, anxiety, ADHD, or any other mental health issue that is adversely affecting optimal functioning at work, deterring their best social self, or preventing being fully present for loved ones.
(470) 517-8356 View (470) 517-8356
Photo of Dr. Judith Ngulefac Dnp, DNP, APRN, PMHNPBC, FNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Dr. Judith Ngulefac Dnp
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNPBC, FNP-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Decatur, GA 30033
Dr. Judith Ngulefac, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C, DOT-CME is an experienced doctoral-prepared board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner and family nurse practitioner with over 14 years of experience in diverse health care settings providing high-quality care to clients. Dr. Ngulefac believes that your mental health is as important as your physical health and requires the same attention. She provides an initial psychiatric evaluation that will enable her to diagnose & develop an individualized treatment plan with routine follow-up visits to monitor symptoms and medication effectiveness.
Dr. Judith Ngulefac, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C, DOT-CME is an experienced doctoral-prepared board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner and family nurse practitioner with over 14 years of experience in diverse health care settings providing high-quality care to clients. Dr. Ngulefac believes that your mental health is as important as your physical health and requires the same attention. She provides an initial psychiatric evaluation that will enable her to diagnose & develop an individualized treatment plan with routine follow-up visits to monitor symptoms and medication effectiveness.
(470) 348-2404 View (470) 348-2404
Photo of Marva Sylvia Calder, MSN, PMHNP, -BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Marva Sylvia Calder
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
Decatur, GA 30033  (Online Only)
When it comes to treating mental health conditions, I offer telemedicine visits as a service. Marva is a psychiatric evaluation and medication management specialist who works with a variety of clients. She employs evidence-based practice regimens in her work, with a particular emphasis on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of psychological disorders. According to Marva, a nonjudgmental, collaborative relationship is at the heart of a truly therapeutic interaction and is the most important factor in bringing about lasting positive change. She works with clients to help them become more involved in their own care.
When it comes to treating mental health conditions, I offer telemedicine visits as a service. Marva is a psychiatric evaluation and medication management specialist who works with a variety of clients. She employs evidence-based practice regimens in her work, with a particular emphasis on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of psychological disorders. According to Marva, a nonjudgmental, collaborative relationship is at the heart of a truly therapeutic interaction and is the most important factor in bringing about lasting positive change. She works with clients to help them become more involved in their own care.
(404) 341-4320 View (404) 341-4320
Photo of Nafiha Islam, MD, Psychiatrist
Nafiha Islam
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Decatur, GA 30033
Nafiha Islam, MD Nafiha Islam is a Psychiatrist in Georgia who has been practicing since 2018. Nafiha strives to establish a partnership with her patients based on trust and dependability. She listens to their concerns and works together with them to find a solution. In her spare time, Nafiha enjoys learning about other cultures especially through traveling and trying various cuisines.
Nafiha Islam, MD Nafiha Islam is a Psychiatrist in Georgia who has been practicing since 2018. Nafiha strives to establish a partnership with her patients based on trust and dependability. She listens to their concerns and works together with them to find a solution. In her spare time, Nafiha enjoys learning about other cultures especially through traveling and trying various cuisines.
(877) 265-3058 View (877) 265-3058
Photo of Patrice Barnhill Adams, CPNP, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Patrice Barnhill Adams
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CPNP, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Decatur, GA 30033
Patrice Barnhill is a board-certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who joined the Georgia Behavioral Health Professionals group in April 2018, and is currently seeing patients at our Decatur and Stockbridge locations. Prior to starting with GBHP, Patrice worked in a pediatric primary care setting, where she cared for patients with acute and chronic health conditions, as well as provided preventative care, mental health and developmental screenings. She has always been the most passionate in her care of children, adolescents and young adults with mental health concerns.
Patrice Barnhill is a board-certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who joined the Georgia Behavioral Health Professionals group in April 2018, and is currently seeing patients at our Decatur and Stockbridge locations. Prior to starting with GBHP, Patrice worked in a pediatric primary care setting, where she cared for patients with acute and chronic health conditions, as well as provided preventative care, mental health and developmental screenings. She has always been the most passionate in her care of children, adolescents and young adults with mental health concerns.
(404) 471-3367 View (404) 471-3367
Photo of Whitney Poppell, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Whitney Poppell
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Decatur, GA 30033
Since beginning my nursing career in 2015, I have worked with patients of all ages and backgrounds. Throughout my experience as a nurse, I recognized a significant need for quality mental health care, which led me to transition into psychiatry. I became a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. My nursing background has equipped me with the skills to connect with patients and build therapeutic relationships.
Since beginning my nursing career in 2015, I have worked with patients of all ages and backgrounds. Throughout my experience as a nurse, I recognized a significant need for quality mental health care, which led me to transition into psychiatry. I became a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. My nursing background has equipped me with the skills to connect with patients and build therapeutic relationships.
(470) 613-7616 View (470) 613-7616
LifeStance Health
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Decatur, GA 30033
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 major 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 major insurance plans.
(888) 230-3466 View (888) 230-3466
Photo of Katherine Gill, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Katherine Gill
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Decatur, GA 30033
Katherine Gill is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 30+ years of registered nurse experience and an expansive nursing background in psychiatry, public and school health. Katherine has practiced in a wide variety of settings caring for pediatric, adult, and geriatric patients. She uses a patient centered health care model encouraging patients to take part in their plan of care. Katherine has extensive experience in caring for children and adolescents and uses a compassionate, and holistic approach in patient care to obtain optimal mental wellness.
Katherine Gill is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 30+ years of registered nurse experience and an expansive nursing background in psychiatry, public and school health. Katherine has practiced in a wide variety of settings caring for pediatric, adult, and geriatric patients. She uses a patient centered health care model encouraging patients to take part in their plan of care. Katherine has extensive experience in caring for children and adolescents and uses a compassionate, and holistic approach in patient care to obtain optimal mental wellness.
(470) 431-5960 View (470) 431-5960

More Psychiatrists Nearby

Photo of Dr. Chenhang Zou, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Chenhang Zou
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Decatur, GA 30030
Embark on your healing journey with Dr. Zou, a Board-certified psychiatrist who blends the precision of medicine with the art of psychotherapy. Trained at Emory and UAlabama, Dr. Zou is expert at integrating medication management and psychotherapy, including CBT. But her approach is not just about effective treatment; it's about empowering you with self-knowledge and tools for sustainable mental well-being. With Dr. Zou, you can explore a personalized, empathetic approach that resonates uniquely with you.
Embark on your healing journey with Dr. Zou, a Board-certified psychiatrist who blends the precision of medicine with the art of psychotherapy. Trained at Emory and UAlabama, Dr. Zou is expert at integrating medication management and psychotherapy, including CBT. But her approach is not just about effective treatment; it's about empowering you with self-knowledge and tools for sustainable mental well-being. With Dr. Zou, you can explore a personalized, empathetic approach that resonates uniquely with you.
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Photo of Chantal Lajeunesse, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Chantal Lajeunesse
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Decatur, GA 30030
Chantal is an incredibly skilled, doctorate-prepared Nurse Practitioner with more than a decade of valuable experience in the healthcare field. She is a versatile and compassionate practitioner, bringing a wealth of expertise in behavioral health and treating patients of all age groups - from children and adolescents to adults and the elderly.
Chantal is an incredibly skilled, doctorate-prepared Nurse Practitioner with more than a decade of valuable experience in the healthcare field. She is a versatile and compassionate practitioner, bringing a wealth of expertise in behavioral health and treating patients of all age groups - from children and adolescents to adults and the elderly.
(470) 865-5355 View (470) 865-5355
Photo of Daphne Wacasey, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Daphne Wacasey
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Decatur, GA 30030
I worked eight years as an Adult Nurse Practitioner in several settings before expanding my specialty to Psychiatry/Mental Health. It was the best career decision I could have made. I started practicing in Psychiatry seven years ago in a correctional setting treating adolescents and adults. It was there that I recognized the significance of early mental health promotion, screening and treatment. For the past four years I’ve worked in a private practice with a diverse patient population across the lifespan. My main role is assessing, diagnosing, education and medication management but I occasionally incorporate therapy.
I worked eight years as an Adult Nurse Practitioner in several settings before expanding my specialty to Psychiatry/Mental Health. It was the best career decision I could have made. I started practicing in Psychiatry seven years ago in a correctional setting treating adolescents and adults. It was there that I recognized the significance of early mental health promotion, screening and treatment. For the past four years I’ve worked in a private practice with a diverse patient population across the lifespan. My main role is assessing, diagnosing, education and medication management but I occasionally incorporate therapy.
(470) 740-6357 View (470) 740-6357
Photo of Corey Allen Beck, MD, Psychiatrist
Corey Allen Beck
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Decatur, GA 30030
I believe that a combination of skilled psychotherapy and proper medication management helps people recover faster. My goal is to get you back to living your life to its fullest as quickly as possible.
I believe that a combination of skilled psychotherapy and proper medication management helps people recover faster. My goal is to get you back to living your life to its fullest as quickly as possible.
(678) 712-2924 View (678) 712-2924
Photo of Tricia Rumble, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Tricia Rumble
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Scottdale, GA 30079
Understanding your struggles with Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, and Bipolar Disorder is crucial. These challenges can feel overwhelming due to various factors like stigma and limited resources. Depression can make daily life feel impossible, while anxiety can leave you constantly on edge. ADHD might hinder your focus and success, and Bipolar Disorder can cause unpredictable mood swings. But together, we'll navigate these hurdles with tailored support and understanding, empowering you to reclaim your joy and fulfillment
Understanding your struggles with Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, and Bipolar Disorder is crucial. These challenges can feel overwhelming due to various factors like stigma and limited resources. Depression can make daily life feel impossible, while anxiety can leave you constantly on edge. ADHD might hinder your focus and success, and Bipolar Disorder can cause unpredictable mood swings. But together, we'll navigate these hurdles with tailored support and understanding, empowering you to reclaim your joy and fulfillment
(678) 831-8397 View (678) 831-8397
Photo of Jessica Kettell, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Jessica Kettell
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Decatur, GA 30030
Whatever problems you are facing right now, let’s tackle them together. You are not alone. I am here to help you restore your mental health through individualized and integrative solutions and empower you to live your life to your fullest potential. You deserve to be happy and enjoy your life! My lifelong dream has been to make mental health care more accessible to individuals and to reduce the stigma associated with mental health treatment. Just as it is normal to seek treatment for diabetes, it should be natural to seek treatment for anxiety, low mood or poor focus. I specialize in treating depression and anxiety in all ages.
Whatever problems you are facing right now, let’s tackle them together. You are not alone. I am here to help you restore your mental health through individualized and integrative solutions and empower you to live your life to your fullest potential. You deserve to be happy and enjoy your life! My lifelong dream has been to make mental health care more accessible to individuals and to reduce the stigma associated with mental health treatment. Just as it is normal to seek treatment for diabetes, it should be natural to seek treatment for anxiety, low mood or poor focus. I specialize in treating depression and anxiety in all ages.
(888) 588-8995 View (888) 588-8995
Photo of Rebecca Pihera - Psych Care ATL, APRN-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Psych Care ATL
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN-BC
Verified Verified
Decatur, GA 30030  (Online Only)
Psych Care ATL is a small practice with a big heart. Woman-owned and founded in 2022 with a desire to offer holistic, customized mental health services where you feel seen and supported. Services are primarily offered via telehealth but Dr Laura Bowman also sees patients at our office in Decatur.
Psych Care ATL is a small practice with a big heart. Woman-owned and founded in 2022 with a desire to offer holistic, customized mental health services where you feel seen and supported. Services are primarily offered via telehealth but Dr Laura Bowman also sees patients at our office in Decatur.
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Photo of Dr. Christopher Mora, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Christopher Mora
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30329
I am an experienced psychiatrist committed to providing individualized care to each patient, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and shared decision making/informed consent. My goal in working with patients is to foster growth, strength and resiliency, while working together to manage underlying psychiatric and medical conditions impeding their progress. My treatment approach is integrative, often combining various modalities including medications, psychotherapy, medical/diagnostic labwork, nutrition, exercise, and other wellness focused approaches catered to each individual's values.
I am an experienced psychiatrist committed to providing individualized care to each patient, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and shared decision making/informed consent. My goal in working with patients is to foster growth, strength and resiliency, while working together to manage underlying psychiatric and medical conditions impeding their progress. My treatment approach is integrative, often combining various modalities including medications, psychotherapy, medical/diagnostic labwork, nutrition, exercise, and other wellness focused approaches catered to each individual's values.
(404) 494-0097 View (404) 494-0097
Photo of Dr. Tina Williams @ Vital Integrative Solutions, DNP, PMHNP, FNP-BC, CNM, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Dr. Tina Williams @ Vital Integrative Solutions
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP-BC, CNM
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Decatur, GA 30030  (Online Only)
Clients at Vital Integrative Solutions are 6 years+ and experience various mental health conditions, including mood disorders, depression, anxiety, insomnia, phobias, OCD, schizophrenia, trauma, and neurodevelopmental disorders like autism/ADHD. At Vital Integrative Solutions, we specialize in caring for women and minors, tailoring individualized treatment plans to meet their unique needs and help achieve stability safely and efficiently.
Clients at Vital Integrative Solutions are 6 years+ and experience various mental health conditions, including mood disorders, depression, anxiety, insomnia, phobias, OCD, schizophrenia, trauma, and neurodevelopmental disorders like autism/ADHD. At Vital Integrative Solutions, we specialize in caring for women and minors, tailoring individualized treatment plans to meet their unique needs and help achieve stability safely and efficiently.
(470) 693-9004 View (470) 693-9004
Photo of Amanda Green, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Amanda Green
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Decatur, GA 30030
As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, it’s my goal to advocate for patients who struggle to be heard or respected, and to manage their treatment with compassion, understanding, and attention to holistic care. Nursing is all about the relationship you establish with your patients, and understanding them from their perspective. I believe mental health care should be a collaborative effort between the individual and their provider, with the ultimate goal of achieving total body wellness.
As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, it’s my goal to advocate for patients who struggle to be heard or respected, and to manage their treatment with compassion, understanding, and attention to holistic care. Nursing is all about the relationship you establish with your patients, and understanding them from their perspective. I believe mental health care should be a collaborative effort between the individual and their provider, with the ultimate goal of achieving total body wellness.
(470) 943-4125 View (470) 943-4125
Photo of Scarlet Hurtnole, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Scarlet Hurtnole
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Decatur, GA 30030
SAME week appointments available! Scarlet Hurtnole PMHNP-BC, CARN-AP is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner providing care to patients at Atlanta Integrative Psychiatry. Scarlet has taken on many roles as a psychiatric NP. She has worked with patients across the lifespan in settings including, outpatient psychiatry and acute inpatient care. Working with adult patients in outpatient psychiatry has always been Scarlet's primary interest and specialty. She is well-versed in treating an array of diagnoses including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, ADHD, and trauma-related disorders.
SAME week appointments available! Scarlet Hurtnole PMHNP-BC, CARN-AP is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner providing care to patients at Atlanta Integrative Psychiatry. Scarlet has taken on many roles as a psychiatric NP. She has worked with patients across the lifespan in settings including, outpatient psychiatry and acute inpatient care. Working with adult patients in outpatient psychiatry has always been Scarlet's primary interest and specialty. She is well-versed in treating an array of diagnoses including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, ADHD, and trauma-related disorders.
(404) 737-8994 View (404) 737-8994
Photo of Jonathan Edward Guy, MD, Psychiatrist
Jonathan Edward Guy
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Decatur, GA 30030
I provide psychiatric mental health care treatment for adults, adolescents, and children, in both Spanish and English. I listen to my patients and try to understand who they are, what their problems are, and how they are suffering. I believe it is important to understand each patient's unique life including learning about their interpersonal relationships, work life, home life, and what their hopes and dreams are. Psychiatric treatment is a partnership between me and my patients. By working together we can decrease pain and suffering, and create happiness, peacefulness, and the ability to live and enjoy life.
I provide psychiatric mental health care treatment for adults, adolescents, and children, in both Spanish and English. I listen to my patients and try to understand who they are, what their problems are, and how they are suffering. I believe it is important to understand each patient's unique life including learning about their interpersonal relationships, work life, home life, and what their hopes and dreams are. Psychiatric treatment is a partnership between me and my patients. By working together we can decrease pain and suffering, and create happiness, peacefulness, and the ability to live and enjoy life.
(470) 215-1841 View (470) 215-1841

How does your Psychiatrist compare?

Number of Psychiatrists in 30033

< 10

Psychiatrists in 30033 who prioritize treating:

100% Depression
100% Anxiety
100% Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
88% ADHD
88% Trauma and PTSD
88% Medication Management
75% Bipolar Disorder

Top 3 insurances accepted

100% Aetna
100% BlueCross and BlueShield
100% Cigna and Evernorth

How Psychiatrists in 30033 see their clients

88% In Person and Online
12% Online Only

Gender breakdown

100% Female
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses

How can I find a psychiatrist in 30033?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.