Psychiatrists in 30034
Justina Nwakamma
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Decatur, GA 30034
A depressed patient coming to the office would like to feel a whole lot better after meeting with their mental health provider. That is why I'm here to provide those services. Patient concerns may include anxiety, depression, PTSD, stressors, insomnia, just to mention a few. Patient's needs and goals should be focused on creating resiliency, strong coping skills, in addition to medication management to reach their overall goal of mental health stability and live life to the fullest.
A depressed patient coming to the office would like to feel a whole lot better after meeting with their mental health provider. That is why I'm here to provide those services. Patient concerns may include anxiety, depression, PTSD, stressors, insomnia, just to mention a few. Patient's needs and goals should be focused on creating resiliency, strong coping skills, in addition to medication management to reach their overall goal of mental health stability and live life to the fullest.
Enjoy working with children, adolescents and adults. Highly skilled at working closely with parents to ensure that through proper diagnosis, treatment, and medication management that children and adolescents can live healthier and happier lives. I also enjoy working with adults to assist them with finding the proper medication treatment to assist them in managing better in their day to day with minimal disruptions due to mental illness. Very outgoing and personable.
Enjoy working with children, adolescents and adults. Highly skilled at working closely with parents to ensure that through proper diagnosis, treatment, and medication management that children and adolescents can live healthier and happier lives. I also enjoy working with adults to assist them with finding the proper medication treatment to assist them in managing better in their day to day with minimal disruptions due to mental illness. Very outgoing and personable.
Manifesting Minds, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, APRN, MSN, MBA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Decatur, GA 30034 (Online Only)
I am Lori Lewis, a dedicated Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. For years, I have been committed to making a difference in the lives of those struggling with mental health challenges. With a diverse background in healthcare, I bring a wealth of experience and expertise to my practice. My decision to specialize in mental health nursing came after a personal experience that transformed my life. As a survivor of sexual assault, I spent years running away from my own mental health struggles. As a mental health advocate, I strongly believe the significance of facing your fears while allowing yourself grace.
I am Lori Lewis, a dedicated Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. For years, I have been committed to making a difference in the lives of those struggling with mental health challenges. With a diverse background in healthcare, I bring a wealth of experience and expertise to my practice. My decision to specialize in mental health nursing came after a personal experience that transformed my life. As a survivor of sexual assault, I spent years running away from my own mental health struggles. As a mental health advocate, I strongly believe the significance of facing your fears while allowing yourself grace.
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Ornaldo Swift Healthcare
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, AGPCNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Decatur, GA 30035
I am a dedicated professional with more than two decades of clinical experience practicing across various cultures. I am board certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health and Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner. Our practice, Ornaldo Swift Healthcare, specializes in treating teenagers, adults, the elderly and the underserved population, providing evidenced based psychiatric evaluations, medication management and therapeutic counselling. We treat a wide range of psychiatric illnesses . We treat everyone with compassion and care is individualized
I am a dedicated professional with more than two decades of clinical experience practicing across various cultures. I am board certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health and Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner. Our practice, Ornaldo Swift Healthcare, specializes in treating teenagers, adults, the elderly and the underserved population, providing evidenced based psychiatric evaluations, medication management and therapeutic counselling. We treat a wide range of psychiatric illnesses . We treat everyone with compassion and care is individualized
Beatrice Okoye
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ellenwood, GA 30294
Beatrice Okoye, CFNP, is a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner working in the Stockbridge office of Georgia Behavioral Health Professionals. Beatrice displays kindness and compassion to all of her patients and is a patient advocate that strives to understand all their needs and concerns. She uses a therapeutic approach in providing treatment for adolescents and adults suffering from ADHD, bipolar, depression, anxiety and many more.
Beatrice Okoye, CFNP, is a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner working in the Stockbridge office of Georgia Behavioral Health Professionals. Beatrice displays kindness and compassion to all of her patients and is a patient advocate that strives to understand all their needs and concerns. She uses a therapeutic approach in providing treatment for adolescents and adults suffering from ADHD, bipolar, depression, anxiety and many more.
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.
Marcia Phillips is an MSN, PMHNP- BC (Psychiatry Mental Health Nurse Practitioner). Her background includes child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, and substance abuse. Ms. Phillips clinical career took her on a journey twenty plus years through the healthcare system mental health from inpatient crisis stabilization, outpatient settings, managing the care of everyone from toddlers with autism, adults, and older adults included dementia.
Marcia Phillips is an MSN, PMHNP- BC (Psychiatry Mental Health Nurse Practitioner). Her background includes child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, and substance abuse. Ms. Phillips clinical career took her on a journey twenty plus years through the healthcare system mental health from inpatient crisis stabilization, outpatient settings, managing the care of everyone from toddlers with autism, adults, and older adults included dementia.
Darin Williams is Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who has been practicing since 2019. He graduated from Georgia College & State University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Walden University with a Master of Science in Nursing with Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification. Darin believes in providing patient-centered, holistic care to his clients. Darin Williams has been a mental health nurse for over 21 years. He has been working with patients across the lifespan in multiple settings.
Darin Williams is Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who has been practicing since 2019. He graduated from Georgia College & State University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Walden University with a Master of Science in Nursing with Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification. Darin believes in providing patient-centered, holistic care to his clients. Darin Williams has been a mental health nurse for over 21 years. He has been working with patients across the lifespan in multiple settings.
Dr. Matthews holds a bachelor's degree with a major in political science from Tulane University, where he attended from 1989-1993. At Tulane University, Dr. Matthews maintained a full tuition Dean's Honors academic scholarship while volunteering his time tutoring at nearby schools and participating in the African-American Congress at Tulane. Dr. Matthews' Residency rotations included internal medicine, psychiatry - inpatient/outpatient/consults, ER, neurology, VA psychiatry, geriatrics, Child and Adolescent, ECT/TMS, addiction, and research.
Dr. Matthews holds a bachelor's degree with a major in political science from Tulane University, where he attended from 1989-1993. At Tulane University, Dr. Matthews maintained a full tuition Dean's Honors academic scholarship while volunteering his time tutoring at nearby schools and participating in the African-American Congress at Tulane. Dr. Matthews' Residency rotations included internal medicine, psychiatry - inpatient/outpatient/consults, ER, neurology, VA psychiatry, geriatrics, Child and Adolescent, ECT/TMS, addiction, and research.
The mind set of a man determines the outcome of his life and the quality of relationships he enjoys. Hence the need for us to guard and nurture our minds with the best of cutting edge science and faith tools. My philosophy is that whatever affects your thinking, affects your life, your relationships, your God-given potential and ultimately your contributions to the society at large, the world needs you and we can't afford to miss out on your contribution to life! I am of the strong belief that not every disorder requires medications. Hence only after a thorough objective medical work up, will I consider a variety of treatments.
The mind set of a man determines the outcome of his life and the quality of relationships he enjoys. Hence the need for us to guard and nurture our minds with the best of cutting edge science and faith tools. My philosophy is that whatever affects your thinking, affects your life, your relationships, your God-given potential and ultimately your contributions to the society at large, the world needs you and we can't afford to miss out on your contribution to life! I am of the strong belief that not every disorder requires medications. Hence only after a thorough objective medical work up, will I consider a variety of treatments.
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.
As a Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatrist, I treat patients of all ages, with a particular emphasis on individuals ages 5-60. I have extensive experience in treating patients from diverse cultural backgrounds and LGBTQ+ identifying individuals. I utilize psychotherapy in combination with medication to provide a holistic treatment to my patients. I have received training in a variety of psychotherapy modalities, including Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Family Therapy, and Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy. Visit us: www.faryalmallickmd.com
As a Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatrist, I treat patients of all ages, with a particular emphasis on individuals ages 5-60. I have extensive experience in treating patients from diverse cultural backgrounds and LGBTQ+ identifying individuals. I utilize psychotherapy in combination with medication to provide a holistic treatment to my patients. I have received training in a variety of psychotherapy modalities, including Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Family Therapy, and Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy. Visit us: www.faryalmallickmd.com
MindBodySoul Medical Weight Loss
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNPBC, FNP-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Decatur, GA 30032
Being overweight is without a doubt a big health issue. It influences you physically, mentally, and even socially. The excess weight makes you apply more effort in doing basic things like rising from your bed or bending down to pick up things. You find yourself out of breath when you go up the stairs to the second flooring of your house. You start to feel some pains and pains in your neck and back. Your excess weight can also influence your mental health. You know the negative health effects of being overweight and these thoughts often cross your mind and leave you nervous and uneasy.
Being overweight is without a doubt a big health issue. It influences you physically, mentally, and even socially. The excess weight makes you apply more effort in doing basic things like rising from your bed or bending down to pick up things. You find yourself out of breath when you go up the stairs to the second flooring of your house. You start to feel some pains and pains in your neck and back. Your excess weight can also influence your mental health. You know the negative health effects of being overweight and these thoughts often cross your mind and leave you nervous and uneasy.
The mind set of a man determines the outcome of his life and the quality of relationships he enjoys. Hence the need for us to guard and nurture our minds with the best of cutting edge science and faith tools. My philosophy is that whatever affects your thinking, affects your life, your relationships, your God-given potential and ultimately your contributions to the society at large, the world needs you and we can't afford to miss out on your contribution to life! I am of the strong belief that not every disorder requires medications. Hence only after a thorough objective medical work up, will I consider a variety of treatments.
The mind set of a man determines the outcome of his life and the quality of relationships he enjoys. Hence the need for us to guard and nurture our minds with the best of cutting edge science and faith tools. My philosophy is that whatever affects your thinking, affects your life, your relationships, your God-given potential and ultimately your contributions to the society at large, the world needs you and we can't afford to miss out on your contribution to life! I am of the strong belief that not every disorder requires medications. Hence only after a thorough objective medical work up, will I consider a variety of treatments.
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.
Patrice Barnhill Adams
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CPNP, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Decatur, GA 30032
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.
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.
Dr Padder is a Triple boarded Psychiatrist - Diplomat of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Diplomat American Board of Addiction Medicine and added Certification in Clinical Psycho-Pharmacology. He is a preeminent expert in psychopharmacology and has been awarded a Master Psycho-pharmacologist certification. He has received numerous awards, including America's Top Psychiatrists, Patient choice award, Health grades honor roll, Top doctor award, Maryland, and many more. We also offer Ketamine therapy at the comfort of your home. For appointment for ketamine therapy, visit ketamineonline.us
Dr Padder is a Triple boarded Psychiatrist - Diplomat of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Diplomat American Board of Addiction Medicine and added Certification in Clinical Psycho-Pharmacology. He is a preeminent expert in psychopharmacology and has been awarded a Master Psycho-pharmacologist certification. He has received numerous awards, including America's Top Psychiatrists, Patient choice award, Health grades honor roll, Top doctor award, Maryland, and many more. We also offer Ketamine therapy at the comfort of your home. For appointment for ketamine therapy, visit ketamineonline.us
Ifeoma Adazi is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Georgia who has been practicing since 2020. She has a BSN from University of West GA, an MSN from Walden University, and an ANCC-PMHNP. Ifeoma provides counseling, a therapeutic approach, medication management, and psychiatric assessment. In her free time, Ifeoma enjoys traveling, shopping, politics, and sports, especially tennis.
Ifeoma Adazi is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Georgia who has been practicing since 2020. She has a BSN from University of West GA, an MSN from Walden University, and an ANCC-PMHNP. Ifeoma provides counseling, a therapeutic approach, medication management, and psychiatric assessment. In her free time, Ifeoma enjoys traveling, shopping, politics, and sports, especially tennis.
Are you struggling with symptoms of anxiety and depression? Feeling overwhelmed on most days, with lack of motivation to accomplish your daily routine? Has fear of judgment kept you from seeking mental health treatment? Here at Unashamed Minds, LLC we are committed to helping guide you out of that dark place and releasing the shame that comes with coping with mental health issues. We strive to create an environment where individuals feel heard, supported, and understood. We will assist you understanding the root cause of your symptoms. Whether it is trauma related, low self esteem, depression or anxiety, we can help you to Overcome!
Are you struggling with symptoms of anxiety and depression? Feeling overwhelmed on most days, with lack of motivation to accomplish your daily routine? Has fear of judgment kept you from seeking mental health treatment? Here at Unashamed Minds, LLC we are committed to helping guide you out of that dark place and releasing the shame that comes with coping with mental health issues. We strive to create an environment where individuals feel heard, supported, and understood. We will assist you understanding the root cause of your symptoms. Whether it is trauma related, low self esteem, depression or anxiety, we can help you to Overcome!
See more therapy options for 30034
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 30034
< 10
Psychiatrists in 30034 who prioritize treating:
67% | Depression |
67% | Anxiety |
67% | Child |
67% | Trauma and PTSD |
67% | Bipolar Disorder |
67% | Medication Management |
33% | Addiction |
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
67% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
67% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in 30034 see their clients
67% | In Person and Online | |
33% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
67% | Female | |
33% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 30034?
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.