Psychiatrists in 37745

Photo of Crystal Lane, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Crystal Lane
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Serves Area
Has your teenager become someone you no longer know? Are you a college student feeling overwhelmed and hopeless by the increased demands placed on you? Maybe, you are a first responder or nursing professional feeling burnt out, anxious, and unable to find happiness. Do others look at you and think you have it all together while you secretly struggle with getting out of bed, feeling paralyzed with worry, racing thoughts, and no longer feel adequate? I can help.
Has your teenager become someone you no longer know? Are you a college student feeling overwhelmed and hopeless by the increased demands placed on you? Maybe, you are a first responder or nursing professional feeling burnt out, anxious, and unable to find happiness. Do others look at you and think you have it all together while you secretly struggle with getting out of bed, feeling paralyzed with worry, racing thoughts, and no longer feel adequate? I can help.
(423) 589-1749 View (423) 589-1749

More Psychiatrists Nearby

Photo of Joshua Freedman - healthPiper, Psychiatrist
healthPiper
Psychiatrist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mount Carmel, TN 37645
healthPiper was created by top clinicians to be treatment that we would trust with our families. There is no treatment that compares: we average 4.98 on reviews.io. We guarantee appointments that are within 2 days, and often it is faster. Every clinician is hand-picked for top-training, kindness, and expertise, and responds to clients 365 days a year. People describe us better than anything they imagined existed, and they tell their family and friends. Most of our clients come by word of mouth. If you use insurance, it will automatically be applied for your medications, which you can buy from any pharmacy you choose.
healthPiper was created by top clinicians to be treatment that we would trust with our families. There is no treatment that compares: we average 4.98 on reviews.io. We guarantee appointments that are within 2 days, and often it is faster. Every clinician is hand-picked for top-training, kindness, and expertise, and responds to clients 365 days a year. People describe us better than anything they imagined existed, and they tell their family and friends. Most of our clients come by word of mouth. If you use insurance, it will automatically be applied for your medications, which you can buy from any pharmacy you choose.
(423) 568-5730 View (423) 568-5730
Photo of Edyth (Edy) Patricia Cerone - Edy Cerone, PMHNP, LLC, PMHNP, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Edy Cerone, PMHNP, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, APRN
Verified Verified
Serves Area
I am very passionate about providing care to those suffering from symptoms of anxiety, panic attacks, PTSD, depression, ADHD, insomnia, OCD, and other mental disorders. It is important for me to listen to my patient and include their concerns and needs in the plan of care. I started my own business in order to be able to spend time getting to know my patients. My goal is to assist my patients in ways to improve their mental wellbeing and have a more fulfilling life through medication management and counseling.
I am very passionate about providing care to those suffering from symptoms of anxiety, panic attacks, PTSD, depression, ADHD, insomnia, OCD, and other mental disorders. It is important for me to listen to my patient and include their concerns and needs in the plan of care. I started my own business in order to be able to spend time getting to know my patients. My goal is to assist my patients in ways to improve their mental wellbeing and have a more fulfilling life through medication management and counseling.
(865) 213-7363 View (865) 213-7363
Photo of Stefani Ellis, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Stefani Ellis
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Kingsport, TN 37664
I am deeply passionate about working with children and adults who are facing psychiatric disorders. My primary focus is medication management, as I believe the right pharmaceutical intervention can play a crucial role in improving overall well-being. Witnessing the positive impact that medication can have on individuals' lives is truly fulfilling for me. I am committed to staying updated with the latest research and advancements in the field, ensuring that I can provide the best possible care to my patients. My ultimate goal is to empower individuals to live fulfilling and meaningful lives.
I am deeply passionate about working with children and adults who are facing psychiatric disorders. My primary focus is medication management, as I believe the right pharmaceutical intervention can play a crucial role in improving overall well-being. Witnessing the positive impact that medication can have on individuals' lives is truly fulfilling for me. I am committed to staying updated with the latest research and advancements in the field, ensuring that I can provide the best possible care to my patients. My ultimate goal is to empower individuals to live fulfilling and meaningful lives.
(423) 250-1533 View (423) 250-1533
Photo of Angel M Smith, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Angel M Smith
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kingsport, TN 37660
Hello, my name is Angel Smith and I own Dedicated Psychiatric Services in Kingsport TN. I am a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. I graduated from the University of Tennessee Knoxville in 2018. I have been a registered nurse since 2008. My mental health career first began in 2009, and I now have over 15 years of experience working with Psychiatric patients. I treat a wide range of psychiatric illnesses and age ranges from 6 years old and up. I am passionate about all mental health and treatment but I do enjoy specifically treating ADHD, perinatal mood disorders, and bipolar disorder.
Hello, my name is Angel Smith and I own Dedicated Psychiatric Services in Kingsport TN. I am a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. I graduated from the University of Tennessee Knoxville in 2018. I have been a registered nurse since 2008. My mental health career first began in 2009, and I now have over 15 years of experience working with Psychiatric patients. I treat a wide range of psychiatric illnesses and age ranges from 6 years old and up. I am passionate about all mental health and treatment but I do enjoy specifically treating ADHD, perinatal mood disorders, and bipolar disorder.
(423) 358-4644 View (423) 358-4644
Photo of Phillip Connors - Renewed Psychiatry, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Renewed Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
When your mental health is suffering hope is often elusive. I take great joy in assisting children and adults find renewal through the challenges they face and directing you towards the appropriate medication to bring about this change. Based upon self-report measures my patients dealing with depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress experience 50-60 percent improvement in symptoms within 3 months while people suffering from ADHD experience 60-80 percent improvement in symptoms within 3 months. When the right medication is combined with therapy patients report even higher rates of response.
When your mental health is suffering hope is often elusive. I take great joy in assisting children and adults find renewal through the challenges they face and directing you towards the appropriate medication to bring about this change. Based upon self-report measures my patients dealing with depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress experience 50-60 percent improvement in symptoms within 3 months while people suffering from ADHD experience 60-80 percent improvement in symptoms within 3 months. When the right medication is combined with therapy patients report even higher rates of response.
(931) 391-3852 View (931) 391-3852
Photo of Tabatha Jones - Daya Mental Health and Wellness, PLLC, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Daya Mental Health and Wellness, PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Accepting New Clients! Please fill out our new patient forms on our website at www.dayamentlahealth.com to become a client. Our practice contains Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants and Therapists who provide comprehensive treatment plans for individuals age 18+ for a wide range of mental health needs. Our specialties include substance use, depression, anxiety, bipolar, self esteem concerns, obsessive compulsive disorders, eating disorders and post traumatic stress. We are providers of MAT: Suboxone, Sublocade and Vivitrol and we also provide ketamine assisted psychotherapy.
Accepting New Clients! Please fill out our new patient forms on our website at www.dayamentlahealth.com to become a client. Our practice contains Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants and Therapists who provide comprehensive treatment plans for individuals age 18+ for a wide range of mental health needs. Our specialties include substance use, depression, anxiety, bipolar, self esteem concerns, obsessive compulsive disorders, eating disorders and post traumatic stress. We are providers of MAT: Suboxone, Sublocade and Vivitrol and we also provide ketamine assisted psychotherapy.
(828) 412-3330 View (828) 412-3330
Photo of Shannon Leah Hutchison, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Shannon Leah Hutchison
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Online Only
I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 22 years of nursing experience. I am accepting new patients ages 18 and older and have experience treating anxiety, insomnia, PTSD, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders.
I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 22 years of nursing experience. I am accepting new patients ages 18 and older and have experience treating anxiety, insomnia, PTSD, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders.
(865) 290-7471 View (865) 290-7471
Photo of Joshua Freedman - healthPiper, MD, Psychiatrist
healthPiper
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
healthPiper was created by top clinicians to be treatment that we would trust with our families. There is no treatment that compares: we average 4.98 on reviews.io. We guarantee appointments that are within 2 days, and often it is faster. Every clinician is hand-picked for top-training, kindness, and expertise, and responds to clients 365 days a year. People describe us better than anything they imagined existed, and they tell their family and friends. Most of our clients come by word of mouth. If you use insurance, it will automatically be applied for your medications, which you can buy from any pharmacy you choose.
healthPiper was created by top clinicians to be treatment that we would trust with our families. There is no treatment that compares: we average 4.98 on reviews.io. We guarantee appointments that are within 2 days, and often it is faster. Every clinician is hand-picked for top-training, kindness, and expertise, and responds to clients 365 days a year. People describe us better than anything they imagined existed, and they tell their family and friends. Most of our clients come by word of mouth. If you use insurance, it will automatically be applied for your medications, which you can buy from any pharmacy you choose.
(423) 481-9343 View (423) 481-9343
Photo of Lillie Grace Elliott, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Lillie Grace Elliott
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kingsport, TN 37663
Lillie Grace is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who works with all psychiatric diagnoses for ages 18 and up. She is passionate about whole body wellness and committed to providing holistic mental health care to those in need, regardless of background. Lillie Grace believes each person is unique and deserves a personalized treatment plan. Her goal is to work with you to optimize your emotional and physical well being. Appointments can be requested by phone (423) 530-3703. I look forward to being a small part of your healing journey :)
Lillie Grace is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who works with all psychiatric diagnoses for ages 18 and up. She is passionate about whole body wellness and committed to providing holistic mental health care to those in need, regardless of background. Lillie Grace believes each person is unique and deserves a personalized treatment plan. Her goal is to work with you to optimize your emotional and physical well being. Appointments can be requested by phone (423) 530-3703. I look forward to being a small part of your healing journey :)
(423) 830-4638 View (423) 830-4638
Photo of Whitley Wright, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Whitley Wright
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Not accepting new clients
Whitley is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who works with all psychiatric diagnoses and age groups, but has a special interest in trauma-informed care. She is passionate about whole body wellness and committed to providing holistic mental health care to those in need, regardless of background.
Whitley is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who works with all psychiatric diagnoses and age groups, but has a special interest in trauma-informed care. She is passionate about whole body wellness and committed to providing holistic mental health care to those in need, regardless of background.
(423) 205-0806 View (423) 205-0806
Photo of Sara Bienstock, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse
Sara Bienstock
Psychiatric Nurse, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Newport, TN 37821
When you’re struggling with low motivation, self-doubt, hopelessness, or executive dysfunction, finding the right mental health care can feel overwhelming. Barriers like long waitlists, inconvenient clinic hours, confusing bills, or not feeling heard can make you question whether seeking treatment is even worth the frustration.
When you’re struggling with low motivation, self-doubt, hopelessness, or executive dysfunction, finding the right mental health care can feel overwhelming. Barriers like long waitlists, inconvenient clinic hours, confusing bills, or not feeling heard can make you question whether seeking treatment is even worth the frustration.
(931) 281-2816 View (931) 281-2816
Photo of Sara Bienstock, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Sara Bienstock
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Greeneville, TN 37743
When you’re struggling with low motivation, self-doubt, hopelessness, or executive dysfunction, finding the right mental health care can feel overwhelming. Barriers like long waitlists, inconvenient clinic hours, confusing bills, or not feeling heard can make you question whether seeking treatment is even worth the frustration.
When you’re struggling with low motivation, self-doubt, hopelessness, or executive dysfunction, finding the right mental health care can feel overwhelming. Barriers like long waitlists, inconvenient clinic hours, confusing bills, or not feeling heard can make you question whether seeking treatment is even worth the frustration.
(423) 872-2994 View (423) 872-2994
Photo of Sara Bienstock, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Sara Bienstock
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Greeneville, TN 37743
When you’re struggling with low motivation, self-doubt, hopelessness, or executive dysfunction, finding the right mental health care can feel overwhelming. Barriers like long waitlists, inconvenient clinic hours, confusing bills, or not feeling heard can make you question whether seeking treatment is even worth the frustration.
When you’re struggling with low motivation, self-doubt, hopelessness, or executive dysfunction, finding the right mental health care can feel overwhelming. Barriers like long waitlists, inconvenient clinic hours, confusing bills, or not feeling heard can make you question whether seeking treatment is even worth the frustration.
(423) 456-2917 View (423) 456-2917
Photo of Rozalyn Oliver - LifeStance Health, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
LifeStance Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN
Verified Verified
Johnson City, TN 37601
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.
(423) 719-5992 View (423) 719-5992
Photo of Sheri Leonard McRae, DNP, APRN, CPHQ, BCC, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Sheri Leonard McRae
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, CPHQ, BCC, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kingsport, TN 37663
I welcome those who want to improve their mental health. At some point in life, most every one can use the support of a mental healthcare provider.
I welcome those who want to improve their mental health. At some point in life, most every one can use the support of a mental healthcare provider.
(423) 436-8815 View (423) 436-8815
Photo of Rozalyn Oliver, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Rozalyn Oliver
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN
Verified Verified
Johnson City, TN 37601
Rozalyn Oliver is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with nearly 20 years of bedside nursing experience. She began her nursing career in her teens, working as a nursing assistant. In 2006, she graduated from Walters State Community College with an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, enabling her to work and grow as a registered nurse for many years. In 2021, she graduated from Frontier Nursing University with a Master of Science in Nursing. Her experience, which includes 11 years of travel nursing, has enabled her to work with a variety of populations with varying backgrounds and cultures.
Rozalyn Oliver is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with nearly 20 years of bedside nursing experience. She began her nursing career in her teens, working as a nursing assistant. In 2006, she graduated from Walters State Community College with an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, enabling her to work and grow as a registered nurse for many years. In 2021, she graduated from Frontier Nursing University with a Master of Science in Nursing. Her experience, which includes 11 years of travel nursing, has enabled her to work with a variety of populations with varying backgrounds and cultures.
(423) 379-2659 View (423) 379-2659
Photo of Dr. Chenhang Zou, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Chenhang Zou
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Online Only
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.
View
Photo of Sara Bienstock, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Sara Bienstock
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Morristown, TN 37814
When you’re struggling with low motivation, self-doubt, hopelessness, or executive dysfunction, finding the right mental health care can feel overwhelming. Barriers like long waitlists, inconvenient clinic hours, confusing bills, or not feeling heard can make you question whether seeking treatment is even worth the frustration.
When you’re struggling with low motivation, self-doubt, hopelessness, or executive dysfunction, finding the right mental health care can feel overwhelming. Barriers like long waitlists, inconvenient clinic hours, confusing bills, or not feeling heard can make you question whether seeking treatment is even worth the frustration.
(865) 426-1054 View (865) 426-1054
Photo of Joshua Freedman - healthPiper, Psychiatrist
healthPiper
Psychiatrist
Verified Verified
Chuckey, TN 37641
healthPiper was created by top clinicians to be treatment that we would trust with our families. There is no treatment that compares: we average 4.98 on reviews.io. We guarantee appointments that are within 2 days, and often it is faster. Every clinician is hand-picked for top-training, kindness, and expertise, and responds to clients 365 days a year. People describe us better than anything they imagined existed, and they tell their family and friends. Most of our clients come by word of mouth. If you use insurance, it will automatically be applied for your medications, which you can buy from any pharmacy you choose.
healthPiper was created by top clinicians to be treatment that we would trust with our families. There is no treatment that compares: we average 4.98 on reviews.io. We guarantee appointments that are within 2 days, and often it is faster. Every clinician is hand-picked for top-training, kindness, and expertise, and responds to clients 365 days a year. People describe us better than anything they imagined existed, and they tell their family and friends. Most of our clients come by word of mouth. If you use insurance, it will automatically be applied for your medications, which you can buy from any pharmacy you choose.
(865) 800-8405 View (865) 800-8405

See more therapy options for 37745

How does your Psychiatrist compare?

Number of Psychiatrists in 37745

< 10

Psychiatrists in 37745 who prioritize treating:

100% Depression
100% Anxiety
100% Grief
100% Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
100% Trauma and PTSD
100% Bipolar Disorder
100% Sleep or Insomnia

Average years in practice

7 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

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

How Psychiatrists in 37745 see their clients

100% In Person and Online

Gender breakdown

100% Female
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses

How can I find a psychiatrist in 37745?

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.