Psychiatrists in 32207

Dr. Kristina Schnitzer is board-certified in Psychiatry and obtained her MPH from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. She has been practicing for over 7 years. Dr. Schnitzer's practice focuses on medication management. Typically, she offers this in conjunction with supportive or emotionally focused therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. However, occasionally Dr. Schnitzer may believe that additional therapy is also needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome.
Dr. Kristina Schnitzer is board-certified in Psychiatry and obtained her MPH from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. She has been practicing for over 7 years. Dr. Schnitzer's practice focuses on medication management. Typically, she offers this in conjunction with supportive or emotionally focused therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. However, occasionally Dr. Schnitzer may believe that additional therapy is also needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome.

Dr. Meena Shah is a board-eligible psychiatrist and has been practicing for over 16 years. She specializes in child and adolescent psychiatry. Dr. Shah's practice focuses on medication management in conjunction with supportive and emotionally focused therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. Dr. Shah believes in the importance of building a therapeutic relationship with her patients and families to help them achieve emotional their goals. Dr. Shah has extensive experience with the child and adolescent population and worked with foster care programs as well as juvenile residential facility programs.
Dr. Meena Shah is a board-eligible psychiatrist and has been practicing for over 16 years. She specializes in child and adolescent psychiatry. Dr. Shah's practice focuses on medication management in conjunction with supportive and emotionally focused therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. Dr. Shah believes in the importance of building a therapeutic relationship with her patients and families to help them achieve emotional their goals. Dr. Shah has extensive experience with the child and adolescent population and worked with foster care programs as well as juvenile residential facility programs.

Lopa Rana, MD, is a board-certified Psychiatrist, practicing for over 29 years. Dr. Rana completed her medical school at B.J Medical College, Ahmedabad, India. Her Psychiatry training was at State University of New York at Buffalo. She has practiced in varied settings like being a faculty at SUNY Buffalo, Private practice in a suburban town of Detroit, Michigan for 4 years.
Lopa Rana, MD, is a board-certified Psychiatrist, practicing for over 29 years. Dr. Rana completed her medical school at B.J Medical College, Ahmedabad, India. Her Psychiatry training was at State University of New York at Buffalo. She has practiced in varied settings like being a faculty at SUNY Buffalo, Private practice in a suburban town of Detroit, Michigan for 4 years.

Dr. Diane Edgar completed her psychiatry residency at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in Piscataway, NJ. She received her bachelor's degree in Chemistry at Florida International University in Miami, FL and stayed to complete medical school at their Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine. As a South Florida native, she is fluent in English and Spanish and has experience in treating individuals from a variety of cultural backgrounds.
Dr. Diane Edgar completed her psychiatry residency at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in Piscataway, NJ. She received her bachelor's degree in Chemistry at Florida International University in Miami, FL and stayed to complete medical school at their Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine. As a South Florida native, she is fluent in English and Spanish and has experience in treating individuals from a variety of cultural backgrounds.

Dr. Iris Guerrero Urena is double board-certified in psychiatry and consultation-liaison psychiatry. She received her medical degree from Universidad Iberoamericana in Dominican Republic and went on to complete psychiatric residency at Lincoln Hospital in New York City. Dr. Guerrero then completed a consultation liaison fellowship at Morningside and West Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, further acquiring proficiency in caring for patients with complex medical and psychiatric comorbidities.
Dr. Iris Guerrero Urena is double board-certified in psychiatry and consultation-liaison psychiatry. She received her medical degree from Universidad Iberoamericana in Dominican Republic and went on to complete psychiatric residency at Lincoln Hospital in New York City. Dr. Guerrero then completed a consultation liaison fellowship at Morningside and West Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, further acquiring proficiency in caring for patients with complex medical and psychiatric comorbidities.

Dr. Patricia Klaine is an attending physician working at Talkiatry. She is board certified in adult psychiatry. After completing her training in adult psychiatry, she continued her education by completing a fellowship in consultation-liaison psychiatry which enables her to confidently treat patients with a variety of medical comorbidities. Dr. Klaine focuses on medication management. She offers this in addition to supportive psychotherapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. For some patients, it may be important to bring in additional psychotherapy for well-rounded care.
Dr. Patricia Klaine is an attending physician working at Talkiatry. She is board certified in adult psychiatry. After completing her training in adult psychiatry, she continued her education by completing a fellowship in consultation-liaison psychiatry which enables her to confidently treat patients with a variety of medical comorbidities. Dr. Klaine focuses on medication management. She offers this in addition to supportive psychotherapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. For some patients, it may be important to bring in additional psychotherapy for well-rounded care.

Dr. Balta is board-certified in psychiatry and addiction medicine. He is also psychoanalyst certified by the Manhattan's William Alanson White Institute. Throughout the years he has worked in different settings including inpatient psychiatry, addiction rehabilitation, administration and grants development. He believes that there must be an initial phase of proactive psycho-pharmaco-therapy trials to find the best individualized medications. There are always psychological roots to a person's sufferings-symptoms and the goal is to learn the connection of the past to present symptoms, and work to have a balanced functional life.
Dr. Balta is board-certified in psychiatry and addiction medicine. He is also psychoanalyst certified by the Manhattan's William Alanson White Institute. Throughout the years he has worked in different settings including inpatient psychiatry, addiction rehabilitation, administration and grants development. He believes that there must be an initial phase of proactive psycho-pharmaco-therapy trials to find the best individualized medications. There are always psychological roots to a person's sufferings-symptoms and the goal is to learn the connection of the past to present symptoms, and work to have a balanced functional life.

Bethanie Simmons-Becil
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Jacksonville, FL 32207
I am a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and graduate educator with over 14 years of experience providing evidence-based, holistically focused mental health care to multiple patient populations. I am passionate about integrating novel psychopharmacology and science-backed holistic interventions in psychiatric care. I enjoy working with people from all walks of life, regardless of circumstance, and helping them with their depression, anxiety, and mood so that they may find joy in their life again.
I am a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and graduate educator with over 14 years of experience providing evidence-based, holistically focused mental health care to multiple patient populations. I am passionate about integrating novel psychopharmacology and science-backed holistic interventions in psychiatric care. I enjoy working with people from all walks of life, regardless of circumstance, and helping them with their depression, anxiety, and mood so that they may find joy in their life again.

Doctor Ruiz is a board-certified psychiatrist physician who specializes in psychiatric diagnosis and treatment in anxiety disorders, mood disorders, trauma and stressor related disorders, ADHD, and pregnancy related psychiatric conditions. Dr. Ruiz received her bachelor’s degree in chemistry, graduating from the Honors College with Magna Cum Laude. She later completed four-years of medical school at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, and an additional four-years of psychiatric residency training.
Doctor Ruiz is a board-certified psychiatrist physician who specializes in psychiatric diagnosis and treatment in anxiety disorders, mood disorders, trauma and stressor related disorders, ADHD, and pregnancy related psychiatric conditions. Dr. Ruiz received her bachelor’s degree in chemistry, graduating from the Honors College with Magna Cum Laude. She later completed four-years of medical school at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, and an additional four-years of psychiatric residency training.

Dr. Chad Terry is trained in adult psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry. He has experience treating a wide variety of conditions including depression, anxiety, and ADHD. He provides medication management in conjunction with supportive therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits.
Dr. Chad Terry is trained in adult psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry. He has experience treating a wide variety of conditions including depression, anxiety, and ADHD. He provides medication management in conjunction with supportive therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits.

Dr. Blanca Osorio-Candelaria is a board-certified adult psychiatrist and has been practicing for over 16 years. Her practice focuses on medication management, which she typically combines with supportive therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. If Dr. Osorio-Candelaria feels you would benefit from working with a therapist in conjunction to medication management, she welcomes collaboration with your therapist to make for the best outcome.
Dr. Blanca Osorio-Candelaria is a board-certified adult psychiatrist and has been practicing for over 16 years. Her practice focuses on medication management, which she typically combines with supportive therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. If Dr. Osorio-Candelaria feels you would benefit from working with a therapist in conjunction to medication management, she welcomes collaboration with your therapist to make for the best outcome.

Dr. Banks implements an integrative approach to his practice that primarily utilizes medication management and various psychotherapy disciplines such as cognitive-behavioral, supportive, and psychodynamic techniques. While Dr. Banks is trained in a variety of therapeutic fields, he works collaboratively with therapists and may recommend their inclusion as part of your treatment team to provide you with the level of care you deserve. The duration of follow-up appointments with Dr. Banks is typically 20-30 minutes.
Dr. Banks implements an integrative approach to his practice that primarily utilizes medication management and various psychotherapy disciplines such as cognitive-behavioral, supportive, and psychodynamic techniques. While Dr. Banks is trained in a variety of therapeutic fields, he works collaboratively with therapists and may recommend their inclusion as part of your treatment team to provide you with the level of care you deserve. The duration of follow-up appointments with Dr. Banks is typically 20-30 minutes.

Dr. Alejandra Cattan is a bilingual Psychiatrist that delivers care in English and Spanish. She went to medical school in Buenos Aires, Argentina and completed her psychiatry residency at Bronx Care Health system. She then completed additional training in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy at NY Medical College Psychoanalytic Institute. After completing residency, she worked as an attending psychiatrist in New York and later transitioned to dedicated outpatient work.
Dr. Alejandra Cattan is a bilingual Psychiatrist that delivers care in English and Spanish. She went to medical school in Buenos Aires, Argentina and completed her psychiatry residency at Bronx Care Health system. She then completed additional training in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy at NY Medical College Psychoanalytic Institute. After completing residency, she worked as an attending psychiatrist in New York and later transitioned to dedicated outpatient work.

Dr. Morales is a board-certified psychiatrist dedicated to the bio-psycho-sociocultural model. This has been reflected in Dr. Morales’ pursuit of treating patients suffering from diverse medical and psychiatric conditions, respective psychological mindedness, and varied socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. As an individual, Dr. Morales is fascinated by the human mind, its mechanisms to pursue goals, and the cyclical patterns seen in maladaptation and suffering. He believes in understanding patients’ experiences and developing comprehensive treatment plans towards reconciliation.
Dr. Morales is a board-certified psychiatrist dedicated to the bio-psycho-sociocultural model. This has been reflected in Dr. Morales’ pursuit of treating patients suffering from diverse medical and psychiatric conditions, respective psychological mindedness, and varied socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. As an individual, Dr. Morales is fascinated by the human mind, its mechanisms to pursue goals, and the cyclical patterns seen in maladaptation and suffering. He believes in understanding patients’ experiences and developing comprehensive treatment plans towards reconciliation.

Dr. Gulati is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who has been in practice for over 10 years. She has worked in inpatient units, private practice, and community mental health, as well as served as Chief Medical Officer of a large psychiatric hospital. In 2018 she was awarded the Charleston Choice Award for Best Psychiatrist in Charleston, South Carolina. She currently resides in South Florida. Dr. Gulati's practice centers around treating the whole patient: mind, body, and spirit. She believes the judicious use of psychiatric medications, coupled with psychotherapy and alternative treatments such as meditation and yoga, can bring a
Dr. Gulati is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who has been in practice for over 10 years. She has worked in inpatient units, private practice, and community mental health, as well as served as Chief Medical Officer of a large psychiatric hospital. In 2018 she was awarded the Charleston Choice Award for Best Psychiatrist in Charleston, South Carolina. She currently resides in South Florida. Dr. Gulati's practice centers around treating the whole patient: mind, body, and spirit. She believes the judicious use of psychiatric medications, coupled with psychotherapy and alternative treatments such as meditation and yoga, can bring a

Dr. Lisa Oliveri is a double board-certified psychiatrist in Psychiatry and Forensic Psychiatry. She completed her undergraduate training at the University of Florida, followed by medical school at the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University. She completed both her residency in Psychiatry and fellowship in Forensic Psychiatry at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital.
Dr. Lisa Oliveri is a double board-certified psychiatrist in Psychiatry and Forensic Psychiatry. She completed her undergraduate training at the University of Florida, followed by medical school at the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University. She completed both her residency in Psychiatry and fellowship in Forensic Psychiatry at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital.

Dr. Komarczyk is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. She takes a special interest in developing the therapeutic alliance with each patient by providing an informative, encouraging, and holistic approach to mental health. At the heart of her practice is creating a warm, empathetic, and non-judgmental space that allows her to work collaboratively with her patients to help them achieve their goals. Her treatment plans include evidence-based medication management as well as cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy.
Dr. Komarczyk is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. She takes a special interest in developing the therapeutic alliance with each patient by providing an informative, encouraging, and holistic approach to mental health. At the heart of her practice is creating a warm, empathetic, and non-judgmental space that allows her to work collaboratively with her patients to help them achieve their goals. Her treatment plans include evidence-based medication management as well as cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy.

Dr. Stefan has vast experience in multiple psychiatric care settings including outpatient care, inpatient care, and assertive community treatment and has served as medical director for large institutions, serving a wide range of complex mental illnesses. Her main focus is patient-centered care, adapting her role to the individual needs of her patients.
Dr. Stefan has vast experience in multiple psychiatric care settings including outpatient care, inpatient care, and assertive community treatment and has served as medical director for large institutions, serving a wide range of complex mental illnesses. Her main focus is patient-centered care, adapting her role to the individual needs of her patients.

Charles Maddix
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Jacksonville, FL 32207
Meet Charles – a board-certified Family Psychiatric NP and a devoted former Navy Corpsman. With 20+ years of medical experience, Charles is an alumnus of Saint Louis University holding a Master’s in Nursing. He has championed different branches of medical sciences, including Oncology, ICU, and community mental health. Charles has marked his expertise in treating individuals across all ages, from 5 to older adults. Applying a holistic approach, he addresses a diversity of mental health issues, including mood disorders, anxiety, ADHD, eating disorders, trauma, and more.
Meet Charles – a board-certified Family Psychiatric NP and a devoted former Navy Corpsman. With 20+ years of medical experience, Charles is an alumnus of Saint Louis University holding a Master’s in Nursing. He has championed different branches of medical sciences, including Oncology, ICU, and community mental health. Charles has marked his expertise in treating individuals across all ages, from 5 to older adults. Applying a holistic approach, he addresses a diversity of mental health issues, including mood disorders, anxiety, ADHD, eating disorders, trauma, and more.

Dr. Kotadia is a board-certified psychiatrist who completed his psychiatry residency training program at Nassau University Medical Center in Long Island, NY. After completing training, he has been practicing outpatient psychiatry and specializes in the evaluation and management of major psychiatric disorders including depression, and anxiety. Typically, he offers this in conjunction with supportive or emotionally focused therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. However, occasionally Dr. Kotadia may believe that additional therapy is also needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome.
Dr. Kotadia is a board-certified psychiatrist who completed his psychiatry residency training program at Nassau University Medical Center in Long Island, NY. After completing training, he has been practicing outpatient psychiatry and specializes in the evaluation and management of major psychiatric disorders including depression, and anxiety. Typically, he offers this in conjunction with supportive or emotionally focused therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. However, occasionally Dr. Kotadia may believe that additional therapy is also needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome.
See more therapy options for 32207
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 32207
100+
Average cost per session
$245
Psychiatrists in 32207 who prioritize treating:
100% | Anxiety |
99% | Depression |
94% | Bipolar Disorder |
89% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
89% | Trauma and PTSD |
82% | Medication Management |
70% | ADHD |
Average years in practice
8 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
97% | Aetna |
97% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in 32207 see their clients
94% | Online Only | |
6% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
52% | Male | |
48% | Female |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 32207?
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.